Professional Development Presentations

John Schu’s Review of Books for You and Your Readers, Too! (Breakout session for Grades K-6)

Join in a conversation with John Schu as he presents some of the best new books. In typical John fashion, he will share book trailers, websites, activities, and interviews you can easily incorporate into book talks and programs to get everyone in your library hurrying to your bookshelves to find the perfect book.

The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life (Keynote or breakout session)

When we share our hearts through story, we inspire others to think more deeply about their own hearts and how stories connect us all. In this presentation of the heart, teacher, librarian, children's author, book lover, and story ambassador John Schu invites readers to consider literacy beyond its academic benefits, highlighting the ways story speaks to our hearts and brings us together. Presented through a study of five affective elements of story --- healer, inspiration, clarifier, compassion, and connector --- participants will explore how the universal truths found in stories can change us, inspire us, connect us to others, answer our deepest questions, and help us heal.

School Visits for Grades 2-7

I love visiting schools! I’ve interacted with more than 100,000 students. During school visit presentations, I booktalk must-read titles, learn about the books your students are excited about, and talk about myself as a reader and a writer. We discuss the power of reading, the importance of school libraries, and ways to connect through story.

Explore the About John section to view clips from school visits.