Author Visits

To inquire about a speaking engagement or author visit, please send a note to Carmen Oliver of The Booking BizDownload a Promo Kit about Mitali and her work, including author visits and other appearances. Scroll down to read my policy and mission statement regarding appearances and affiliations.

"Our school was abuzz from Mitali's visit ...
this was the BEST author visit we've ever had."
various librarians and teachers

From an 8th Grader in Brookline, MA

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

HOME IS IN BETWEEN: Code Switching as a Superpower
Venue: Classrooms, Libraries, or Assemblies

In this engaging presentation for participants of any age, Mitali describes how her own experience of growing up between cultures empowered her for the rest of her life. Tailoring content for elementary, middle, high school, or adult audiences, she talks about how stories help us feel at home in the space "in between."  Mitali reads Home is in Between aloud and responds to questions.

BETWEEN US AND ABUELA: Grandmothers, Festivals, Neighbors 
Venue: K-2 Classrooms, Libraries, or Assemblies

In this 30-minute presentation geared for younger students, Mitali describes her own experience of growing up far away from her grandmothers. In an engaging, age-appropriate way, she describes the festival of Las Posadas, how and why Friendship Park along the border was set up, and how the neighborly relationship between Mexico and the United States has changed. Using slides, Mitali reads Between Us and Abuela aloud and then takes questions from children.

BOOKS AS WINDOWS AND MIRRORS: Rickshaw Girl and Tiger Boy 
Venue: Grades 3-5 Classrooms or Libraries

How are books both windows and mirrors to our lives? Students learn about growing up in a Bengali village as featured in the novels Rickshaw Girl and Tiger BoyDifferences and similarities between cultures are explored with laughter and stories.

BANGLADESH 101: Rickshaw Girl and Alpana Art Lesson 
Venue: Grades 2-5 Classrooms or Libraries

During this one-hour session, students learn about the author's Bengali heritage as featured in the novel Rickshaw Girl, and how the lives of girls in Bangladesh are changing for the better. They participate in an alpana art in lesson prepared by the author's mother, Madhusree Bose, a California Teacher of the Year and expert alpana painter. Teachers may prepare for the visit by using this dicussion/study guide.

STORIES ON THE FIRE ESCAPE 
Venue: Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School Classrooms, Libraries, or Assemblies

Using a personal, humorous slide show, Mitali shares candidly about her experience of growing up and writing "between cultures," and the power of stories to keep us balanced. Students are encouraged to participate and the author's conversational style sparks lively responses. Read some wonderful letters from kids responding to "Stories on the Fire Escape."

A WHOLE NEW WORLD: Weaving the Magic Carpet of Place 
Venue: Writing workshop for Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School

Writing well about place intensifies plot and brings characters to life. In this workshop, students consider how good writing engages all five senses, underlines a literary theme, and takes readers on journeys to other places. A directed exercise allows participants to apply and demonstrate what they've gained from the workshop. Read samples of great writing produced by eighth-graders during the workshop, and enthusiastic student responses to the presentation.

VIRTUAL AUTHOR VISIT: Ask Mitali Anything! 
Venue: anywhere, via my computer and yours

Classrooms or groups can chat with Mitali virtually about writing in general, any of her books, life between cultures, or any other topic under the sun. She sits in front of her web cam with a cup of tea, you're gathered in your venue, and the discussion flows from there. See a brief sample here:


TRAVELING COMPANIONS: Exploring the Powerful Relationship Between Mothers and Daughters 
Venue: Mother-Daughter Book Clubs

In an informal, intimate setting, participants explore "traveler's tips" for mothers and daughters who want to journey together through the years. If the group chooses to read one of Mitali's books before the event, discussion and sharing circles around the novel.

FOR ADULTS

JUST FICTION: Race, Culture, and Power in Books for Young Readers 
Venue: Keynote

In a challenging, inspiring, practical talk for librarians, booksellers, parents, and/or educators, Mitali explores how and why stories empower kids to cross borders, widen hearts and imaginations, and build bridges between cultures. She presents ten questions that help us take a closer look at issues of race, culture, and power in fiction.

UNDER THE WATERLINE: Tips on Writing about Race, Culture, and Power 
Venue: Keynote or Workshop

How do we as creators of fiction avoid those dreaded flaws about race, culture, and power that might harm young readers? Mitali shares questions she asks herself as she crafts a story that will help other writers to deepen their narratives.

HOW TO WRITE A MEMORY ... Without Losing Your Mind 
Venue: Workshop or Seminar

Using modern-day examples of a hero's journey as well as a memory from her own life, Mitali uses slides, stories, and revision examples to inspire students to dig deep, tap into all five senses, and craft a scene from a childhood memory for a personal narrative. Participants will write in class and get feedback on the spot from the instructor in a guided, positive discussion.

DIALOGUE: Crafting Conversation in Fiction for Young Readers 
Venue: Workshop or Seminar

Writing excellent dialogue is crucial when your audience is young readers, who are finely attuned to the way both adults and their peers converse with each other. In this hands-on, interactive workshop, participants practice writing lively conversation and learn to avoid seven common dialogue busters.

A WHOLE NEW WORLDWeaving the Magic Carpet of Place 
Venue: Workshop

In this interactive, hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to weave together the three strands of plot/emotion, place, and character into a single, gripping scene. They will be equipped to engage the five senses in creating a sense of place to transport readers directly into the scene. Participants will write in class and get feedback on the spot from the instructor in a guided, positive discussion.

CALLED TO WRITE: Career + Vocation 
Venue: Keynote, Writers' Gathering

Mitali offers writers and illustrators an inspirational, honest keynote about how to keep a firm grip on the practical aspects of sustaining a career as a professional and stay true to your vocational mission as a creative serving children.