Links for the recordings for each author visit and direct links for the recorded read alouds and previous virtual author visits are available (link coming soon!) . Note this is limited to CCSD staff and students.

Join Superintendent Huggins for our Kick Off on March 3rd!

We can't wait to have our favorite reader, Superintendent Huggins, kick off our Read Across America Week festivities this year. Watch the kick-off event LIVE at 8:45 AM on Monday, March 3rd, 2025. RECORDING HERE

MONDAY, March 3

Breanna Carzoo

PreK-2 9:00-9:30 AM

LOU: Behind the Scenes and Storytime with Author-Illustrator Breanna Carzoo

Peek behind the scenes of making the picture book LOU, including how the art is made and spotting hidden details in the illustrations. Includes read-aloud and brief Q&A.

Register HERE

Claire Swinarski

Grades 5-8 10:00-10:30 AM

The 6 R's of Writing

Claire Swinarski, author of the award-winning What Happened to Rachel Riley, introduces students to the "6 R's" of writing--her bedrock formula for creating great books. She emphasizes how each element is crucial in crafting a compelling story, from the initial inspiration through multiple drafts. Claire shares insights from her own writing process, showing students how to break down complex writing tasks and approach storytelling with confidence. With practical tips and relatable examples, her session encourages young writers to refine their craft, embrace the editing process, and develop their unique voice.

Register HERE

Ginjer Clarke

Grades K-2 11:10-11:40 AM

How Does a Book Get Made

Nonfiction science author Ginjer Clarke explains the steps of creating a nonfiction book using examples from her own books, as well as detailing the roles of the various team members (author, illustrator, editor, etc.) involved in creating a book.

Register HERE

Kenn Nesbitt's Poetry 4 Kids

Grades PK-4 1:10-1:40 PM

Legends of Poetry: Dr. Seuss

On the birthday of the most well-known American children’s author, you’ll learn all about who Dr. Seuss was and how he changed children’s books forever.

Register HERE

TUESDAY, March 4

Laura Gehl

Grades 1-5 9:00-9:30 AM

It's perfect! Now Fix It: How Authors and Illustrators Revise Their Work

Laura will read a few of her picture books and show students how the stories (and art) changed from the first draft to the final published book. At the end of the presentation, Laura will answer questions from students about what it is like to be an author and how books are made.

Register HERE

Lindsey Moore

Grades 2-4 10:00-10:30 AM

Yoshi and the Ocean

Celebrate reading, the ocean and Yoshi the sea turtle! Join author and illustrator Lindsay Moore for a read-aloud of Yoshi and the Ocean, a true story about an amazing journey. Learn interesting facts about sea turtles and their ocean home. Lindsay will also talk a little bit about her background and her process for making picture books.

Register HERE

WEDNESDAY, March 5

Christyne Morrell

Grades 4-6 9:00-9:30 AM

The Five P's: Advice for Writing (and Life)

One of the questions I'm asked most often is: "What advice do you have for aspiring writers?" In this presentation, I'll share the wisdom I've gained on my journey to becoming a published author - which doesn't just apply to writers!

Register HERE

Deborah Freedman

Grades K-3 10:00-10:30 AM

Did You Know that Birds are Dinosaurs?

Where do the ideas for her books come from, and how does author and illustrator Deborah Freedman turn an initial spark into a book? What does she learn along the way? Deborah will share her picture book writing and artmaking process and read her “beautiful… combination of story and science,” Tiny Dino.

Register HERE

THURSDAY, March 6

Evan Griffith

Grades 4-8 9:00-9:30 AM

Discover Manatee Summer

Author Evan Griffith reads an excerpt from his middle-grade novel MANATEE SUMMER (a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and a nominee for the Vermont Golden Dome Book Award, the William Allen White Children's Book Award, the Sunshine State Young Readers Award, and the South Carolina Children's Book Award). Then he takes readers behind-the-scenes by sharing his inspiration and writing process.

Register HERE

Sue Fliess

Grades 2-6 10:00-10:40 AM

Kid Scientist: Archaeologists on a Dig

Join popular children's book author Sue Fliess and a group of Kid Scientists as they head to the country of Cambodia to find artifacts! Sue will talk about her writing process and how she researched the temple of Angkor Wat, archaeological tools and instruments and the excavating process, for her book KID SCIENTISTS: ARCHAEOLOGISTS ON A DIG. She’ll read excerpts from the story and discuss the scientific method used in the book and answer questions.

Register HERE

FRIDAY, March 7

Tammi Sauer

Grades PreK-1 10:00-10:30 AM

Books Take People on Adventures

This fun-filled, interactive, and educational presentation celebrates how every book starts with one tiny thing--an idea!--and how each book can take people on a new adventure.

Register HERE

Gillian McDunn

Grades 3-7 11:00-11:30 AM

Interactive Session with Author of Honestly Elliott

Have you ever wanted a behind the scenes look at being an author? Join Gillian McDunn, author of the Schneider Honor-winning SC Children’s Book Award nominee Honestly Elliott, to hear about the inspiration behind her books, get writing tips and tricks, and learn three surefire ways to beat writers’ block. This session is open to student questions submitted in advance or during the session via the chat window.

Register HERE

2024 Recorded Virtual Author Visits

Teachers will need to use code CCSD20 to access the recordings.

ELEMENTARY

MIDDLE

HIGH

2024 Recorded Read Alouds

Teachers will need to use code CCSD20 to access the recordings.