Stories That Help Girls Navigate Middle School—and Help Grown-Ups Start the Conversations That Matter✦♡Stories That Help Girls Navigate Middle School—and Help Grown-Ups Start the Conversations That Matter✦♡Stories That Help Girls Navigate Middle School—and Help Grown-Ups Start the Conversations That Matter✦♡Stories That Help Girls Navigate Middle School—and Help Grown-Ups Start the Conversations That Matter✦♡Stories That Help Girls Navigate Middle School—and Help Grown-Ups Start the Conversations That Matter✦♡Stories That Help Girls Navigate Middle School—and Help Grown-Ups Start the Conversations That Matter✦♡Stories That Help Girls Navigate Middle School—and Help Grown-Ups Start the Conversations That Matter✦♡Stories That Help Girls Navigate Middle School—and Help Grown-Ups Start the Conversations That Matter✦♡
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For Schools, Libraries and Community Organizations

Author Visits

D.M. Whitaker and D.M. Johnson bring Jade and Grace to life for schools, libraries, and community groups, in person or virtually, with talks, workshops, and book signings.

Jade, Grace, and friends illustration
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Visits in Action

See D.M. Whitaker in the Classroom

Students at a D.M. Whitaker author visit assembly D.M. Whitaker reading to students D.M. Whitaker signing a book for a student Students raising hands at a library visit D.M. Whitaker with students and books Students holding books after an author visit D.M. Whitaker reading with a dinosaur puppet D.M. Whitaker with students holding books D.M. Whitaker reading to young children D.M. Whitaker with dinosaur and skunk cutouts D.M. Whitaker presenting to a classroom D.M. Whitaker leading a writing workshop D.M. Whitaker reading to students on a rug D.M. Whitaker with a family and a student D.M. Whitaker with a group of excited students D.M. Whitaker with a student and dinosaur toy D.M. Whitaker presenting the illustrator slide D.M. Whitaker leading a Brave or Bolt activity D.M. Whitaker with her book display table

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In-Person Visits

A full day of age-appropriate presentations, book signings, and free bookmarks for every student. Pricing is based on driving distance from Omaha, NE.

Up to 50 miles$1,200
60–180 miles$1,400
180–240 miles$1,700
Over 240 milesCall
Daycares/Small Groups:$350–$500

Virtual Visits

Everything from an in-person visit, delivered online via Zoom, Google Meet, or MS Teams. Great for including remote learners.

One classroom$425
Whole school$950

Reservation fee is non-refundable and secures your date.

Signature Event

Pajama Period Parties

Our signature party experience for girls ages 9–13, featuring Book Two. Full details, photos, and pricing on its own page.

See Pajama Period Parties Details
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Making It Work

Ideas for Funding a School Visit

  1. Share travel costs with other schools, libraries, or daycares in your district/area and book multiple events in the same day for discounted daily rates.
  2. Ask the Parent/Teacher Association or other special interest club/fund for assistance.
  3. Apply for a community or educational grant from local organizations (Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.).
  4. Raise funds through book sales – schools may get a discounted rate when ordering a large number of books.
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Jade and Grace illustration

Speaking Topics

🌟 Friendship Takes Practice

Building Healthy Friendships, Solving Conflict & Showing Kindness

Through stories from Jade & Grace and Scary Dinosaur & Stinky Skunk, students explore what it means to be a good friend. Topics include making friends, accepting differences, handling conflict, apologizing, forgiveness, bullying prevention, and becoming an upstander.

Ideal for: Grades K–8 | SEL | Friendship & Anti-Bullying Programs

💜 Brave Enough to Grow

Confidence, Change & Becoming Who You're Meant to Be

Growing up brings new experiences, fears, friendships, and changes. This engaging presentation helps students build confidence, face challenges, advocate for themselves, ask for help, and understand that being brave doesn't mean having all the answers.

Ideal for: Grades K–8 | SEL | Confidence & Wellness Programs | Girls Groups

🌱 There's More to the Story

Empathy, Forgiveness & Looking Beyond Someone's Behavior

Students discover how empathy can change the way we respond to others. Through relatable characters and situations, D.M. Whitaker explores bullying, differences, difficult circumstances, forgiveness, healthy boundaries, and the importance of considering what someone else may be experiencing.

Ideal for: Grades 3–8 | SEL | Character Education | Anti-Bullying & Empathy Programs

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What Teachers Are Saying

"The students were so excited to meet a real author. They were very engaged during the read-aloud, and their engagement proved itself in the jeopardy game."

Kaitlin Malone, 1st Grade Teacher, Lothrop Magnet

"I completely enjoyed the readings, as well as the students who participated. It was awesome, fun, and authentic."

Kathy Williams, Kindergarten Teacher, Phoenix Academy

"The students in both classes absolutely loved your book and the message behind it. My students loved the PowerPoint and the game that you included afterward."

Brianna Hayward, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher, Canada

Request a Visit

Have questions? Check our FAQ