Author Visits
One of my passions is connecting children to their past, their communities, and nature. I encourage children to seek their own histories, ask questions, and discover stories waiting to be told.
I look forward to visiting with your students!
– Alda
School Visit Topics
*** Presentations offered in English or Spanish ***
Barefoot Dreams: My Family Story and the Mexican Revolution
Grades: 3 – 6
In this 30-minute PowerPoint presentation, I show old photographs that depict my family’s story and discuss the inspiration and research behind my historical novel, Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna. A Q&A session and book signing follow the presentation. (50 - 60 minutes)
The Other Side: A Refugee Experience and the American Dream
Grades: 3 – 6
In this 30-minute PowerPoint presentation, I discuss my family's refugee experience in America in 1913 and how it inspired The Other Side of the River. I show students the importance of immigrant stories and how experiences across cultures and generations often parallel one another. A Q&A session and book signing follow the presentation. (50 - 60 minutes)
The Giving Flower: Making Connections!
Grades: Pre-K – 5
In this 30-minute PowerPoint presentation, students take a journey through history, culture, and science as we explore the fascinating story of the Poinsettia. We dive into the flower’s ancient origins and discover how it became a global holiday icon. We learn the Poinsettia’s different names and how this flower comes in different shapes and colors. We’ll also discuss the translation process behind this picture book. A Q&A session and book signing follow the presentation. (50 – 60 minutes)
Follow Your Passion!
Grades 3 – 12
English, my second language, took me years to learn. I grew up fearful of the language, and as a tween, my fear morphed into defiance. I was a reluctant reader but always had a fascination with family stories. I pursued careers in physics and engineering until one day, I decided to follow my heart and write. In this presentation, I encourage students to discover their own passions and pursue their dreams despite their fears and insecurities. (50 – 60 minutes)
Author Visit Fees
One Session (in-person)
Honorarium $ 750
Travel Fee (to be determined)
Optional book signing included and lunch with small group of students (10 - 12)
Two Sessions (in-person)
Honorarium $ 1,250
Travel Fee (to be determined)
Optional book signing included and lunch with small group of students (10 - 12)
Three Sessions (in-person)
Honorarium $ 1,800
Travel Fee (to be determined)
Optional book signing included and lunch with small group of students (10 - 12)
FOURTH session is available for $500
Virtual Session
Honorarium $ 350
Signed bookplates available upon request
Price is negotiable for schools with low funding or when purchasing books in bulk
Travel fee is based on hotel rate, airfare or ground transportation.
“Alda has an immediate and positive rapport with kids while showing them how she mined historical accounts to weave nonstop action and family story on paper."
– Anne P. Neidingen's
Children's librarian
Stewart-West Branch Library
“Our author visit by Alda Dobbs engaged and thrilled my middle-school students at every turn. The presentation was interactive and provided the participants an opportunity to ask questions, learn about writing and research, pay homage to the past, and marvel at the story of Petra. It was definitely the highlight of the year!
– Doug Keel
Librarian
Marrs Middle School