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Libby,
Thank you for coming to our class. I think your writing is wonderful because you have the immense gift of being able to make it full and exciting without having it go on and 
on. It was fun to have you over 
too because....(Click here to see more letters from students)

Visiting schools is one of the best things about being an author. Libby loves talking about books and writing with children! She’s volunteered with children since she was a teenager herself in every community she’s ever lived in. She does three kinds of visits: writing workshops for all ages; short readings and related activities with pre-school children; and for grades 3-5, a combination of interactive presentation, discussion, and activities based on her books.

"You have a wonderful gift of writing and creating a rapport with children and making them feel special and important." -- Tricia Perry, Children's Librarian, Millis Public Library

"The class is still very excited about your visit and hoping you will come back. The other day I said, 'Guess who's coming to visit?' and they all shouted, 'LIBBY?' " -- Christine Size, fifth grade teacher. You can read the letters her class wrote here.

Blow Out the Moon was based on Libby's childhood and includes stories and letters she wrote then, mistakes and all. When Libby visits grades 3-5, she shows early drafts, and laminated pages from the orignal ms. with the editors' comments and cuts -- surprisingly similar to the comments the students receive on their own papers! Libby also talks about the difference between writing creatively, as she does when writing fiction, and more factually, as she did in the True Books she wrote for Scholastic. She uses examples from her own childhood to illustrate both.

Above, a childhood story of Libby's; below, a poem a boy wrote during a workshop.

She also demonstrates all the stages a ms. goes through on its way to becoming a published book with many examples, including alternate cover designs and galley proofs.

Librarians and teachers from schools Libby has visited are happy to talk to you about how Libby connected with and inspired their students as readers and writers. Email Libby.Koponen@gmail.com for details.

"The thing I liked about Libby coming was that she got to read us the missing chapter. It was so funny we all burst out laughing. We told her why we liked it so she could show those editors..." 
--A fifth-grade boy's comment (Click here to see more letters from students)

Scheduling Please email or text Libby to schedule a visit.

617 901 7516

Libby.koponen@gmail.com

This fall Libby has visits scheduled with the Calvary School, COMO, and library in Stonington, and Head Start in Groton.