School Visits Header

Ordinary people can make extraordinary contributions. –husband of teacher/astronaut Christa MacAuliffe speaking about his wife.

This is where it happens! School author visits are my fav! Anyone who knows me isn’t surprised by that. I loved school as a kid, taught for many years in everything from kindergarten to graduate school, and keep coming back for more as a guest teacher and author presenter. My passion is promoting literacy by sharing my own unexpected author journey, tips about writing, and my joy of reading and creating through a fun and interactive presentation that is tailored to the age group I am with. My goal is to inspire young people to reach for their dreams and, of course, to have some fun together! I am waiting to hear from you!

Author Visit Packet

Download the whole packet here!

Packet Includes:

  • Author Photo
  • Author Bio
  • Cover images for all my books!
  • School Visit Details
  • Sample School Schedule
  • School Presentation Description
  • Checklist for School Visit

For more resources download my media kit here!

General tips on getting the most from hosting an author

School Staff Comments

Kari Franz, 2nd Gr Teacher North Trail Elementary Farmington MN

Mary, it was an absolute joy to have you back at NTES. Thank you for reaching out and presenting to K-3.
It was so fun to witness the interaction and participation of the kids with you during each of your sessions. You have added to and inspired our teacher toolkits. Having the kids along for the (same) ride provided an invaluable reference point moving forward with reading, writing, and simply connecting with kids and colleagues.
We will continue to refer back to our special time with you not only this year but for years to come.

Kim Prodahl, Library Specialist, Holy Name of Jesus School, Wayzata, MN

“It was a joy to have Mary Bleckwehl visit Holy Name of Jesus School! We are a Pre-K through 6th grade school and all grades benefited from her visit. She is a dynamic speaker and is clearly a “teacher at heart”. Her book, Henry! Your Late Again is delightful and we would highly recommend her presentation to all schools.”

Anne Jones, Media Specialist Chanhassen Elementary

“Mary, your presentation was a winner! You really have your finger on the pulse of the lower primary age child.  Our students loved your presentation, and all your books that I had purchased for our collection were checked out the day after your visit.  You are a hit with our elementary crowd. I know our kids will be talking about you for a long time.  I’d love to have you back when we have a new crop of youngsters to introduce to you.”

Ken Essay, Principal, Harriet Bishop Elementary, Savage MN

I loved the presentation and our staff and students were thrilled. Thank you again for your time, your energy, and your passion!

Linda Vaplon, Reading Teacher, Wabasha, MN

I’m so happy you enjoyed lunch with the student council members. I know they thought it was very special to dine with a “real” author! Your presentations certainly gave them hope that they can pursue their dreams and make them come true. What an inspiration!

Kelly Goodnature, Title I Coordinator Salem Hills Elementary

The buzz around school after Mary’s presentations in a packed gym was full of excitement and awe! She tailored her delivery perfectly for each group of learners she entertained! Mary was fantastic and the kids love her books!

Sharyn Miller, 4th Gr Teacher, JWP Elementary

I want to thank you so much for the wonderful presentation you gave for our students today. It was truly one of the best presentations I have ever attended! We are currently working on personal narratives, and I loved the creative ways you inspired them to find ideas for writing. You engaged each of the students and helped them think about writing in new and exciting ways. Thank you so much for the time you took to provide such valuable information to our students. You truly were inspiring!

See What Kids Are Saying!