Not just a reading. A real, live story-building experience.
Elementary Grades TK-5 (Scroll down for Middle School)
The assembly
Kids build the story
We use props, we vote on choices, we make decisions together. Character? You choose. Problem? Your idea. Genre? Vote on it. Kids are making real creative decisions, not just watching.
Then I read the story they created back to the whole crowd. They hear their ideas come to life.
But what's in the box? Throughout the assembly, garbage goes into a giant gift-wrapped box. Kids desperately want to know what's inside. At the end, I search for my story buddy (a stuffed dog), open the box, and pull out balloons, toys, bones, and finally the dog. Surprise. Joy. And a short book reading.
The workshop
Go deeper into story
Now we zoom in. Character creation. Brainstorming. What happens when the protagonist is also a villain? How to outline. Why you should never throw out your ideas - even if you aren't working on them right now, they belong in an idea notebook.
Through discussion and exploration, every student understands: I'm a storyteller. I just proved it.
Everyone goes home with
A souvenir and a spark
Fun worksheet activity tailored to what they learned. A sticker that says "I am a Storyteller." A reminder that the day wasn't about watching - it was about creating.
Full bell-to-bell day. Assemblies by grade band (TK-1, 2-3, 4-5). Lunch with students. Workshops work best for grades 4+. Your school decides how to use the time. I adapt.
Trusted by schools
What teachers and librarians say
"She was organized and prepared and kept the students engaged from the moment she started until the very end!"
Rancho Elementary
Novato
"Our visit with J.B. Cantwell was great! The students enjoyed their time writing a story with her."
Alamo Elementary
Vacaville
Common questions
What's the difference between an assembly and a classroom visit?
Assemblies are more for a fun introduction to story-building, while classroom visits guide the students through the actual steps of writing a book. Both venues result in students actively participating in story creation.
How long is each visit?
Each individual grade session runs approximately 30-40 minutes and is designed to keep students fully engaged from start to finish.
Can you present to multiple classes or grade levels?
Yes! Visits can be scheduled as individual classroom sessions, grade-level groups, or full assemblies.
How many students can attend an assembly?
Assemblies can accommodate 100-350 students, depending on your space. Please provide a large screen and sound system with microphone.
Do you offer multiple sessions in one day?
Yes. Full-day, bell-to-bell availability means you can use my presentations in whatever way you wish. Don't forget about student lunches and autograph sessions! I just ask for a twenty-minute bathroom/snack/breather from time to time.
What do students actually do during the visit?
Students actively participate in building a story, contributing ideas, and learning how stories are created.
Do you read from your books?
Yes, a very brief, age-appropriate reading is included, but the focus is on interactive storytelling and student engagement.
Is this aligned with classroom learning?
Yes - presentations reinforce key literacy skills such as story structure, character development, and creative thinking.
Do students receive anything to take with them?
Yes - students participate in guided activities and leave with ideas and tools they can use to create their own stories. Everyone gets a fun worksheet activity and a sticker that says "I am a Storyteller."
Can we customize the visit for our school?
Absolutely. I'm happy to adjust formats or combine groups to best fit your schedule and goals.
How far in advance should we book?
Dates fill quickly, especially during spring and fall - early booking is recommended.
How to book
Simple steps to bring a day of story-building to your school.
Think about what you need
Do you want an all-school assembly? Grade-level sessions? Full-day workshops? A mix? Think about your schedule and what fits best.
Sample day - Elementary
Sample day - Middle School
Story Lab sessions suggested for older grades or AP English classes.
Questions before you book? Email jen@GoWriteABook.com. I'm here to help.
Simple pricing
Full-day visit. Same experience. Pricing based on distance.
Elementary Rates
Local
$950
Up to 50 miles from Sonoma
Full bell-to-bell day
Assemblies and workshops
All materials and stickers
Regional
$1,250
Up to 100 miles from Sonoma
Full bell-to-bell day
Assemblies and workshops
All materials and stickers
Extended
$1,500
Up to 150 miles from Sonoma
Full bell-to-bell day
Assemblies and workshops
All materials and stickers
Book together, save together
When your school brings in another school from your county, both schools get 20% off. Great news travels fast - and we reward you for spreading the word. Win-win.
More than 150 miles away? I have limited availability in Orange County, Portland, and Seattle during the fall. Contact me for custom rates and dates.
Middle School Rates
Write Your Own Novella
Includes a personal outline booklet for every student.
Local
$1,300
Up to 50 miles from Sonoma
Full bell-to-bell day
Assemblies and workshops
All materials and workbooks
Regional
$1,550
Up to 100 miles from Sonoma
Full bell-to-bell day
Assemblies and workshops
All materials and workbooks
Extended
$1,700
Up to 150 miles from Sonoma
Full bell-to-bell day
Assemblies and workshops
All materials and workbooks
More than 1,300 students, or more than 150 miles away? Contact me for a custom quote.
Keep exploring
More to discover before your visit.
Programs
Detailed breakdowns of each assembly and workshop, by grade level.
See the programs →The Books
From picture books to epic fantasy - the stories your students will meet.
See the books →Fun Stuff
Hilarious student questions, free downloadable writing templates, and more.
Get the goodies →About Jen
14 books for children, 13 years of writing, and a mission to make every student a storyteller.
Meet the author →Ready to bring this to your school?
Email me below. No obligation. Just a chance to see if we're a fit.
Email Jen to get started