School events

I currently have some limited availability for in-person school events. Please contact me if you're interested in booking a session.

I'm also pleased to be able to offer virtual events for schools. Contact me for further information, or to make a booking.

Check out my resources for KS2/KS3 and resources for KS1 for lots of free classroom resources - including lesson plans, activity sheets and videos.

Year 5, Year 6, Year 7 & Year 8

Mystery, History, Spies & Sleuths

Find out more about my bestselling historical mystery series The Sinclair’s Mysteries and Taylor & Rose Secret Agents. Pupils will have the chance to find out about some of the books that inspired the series, as well as some of the historical background.

Includes a 20-minute pre-recorded film; a live 15-minute Q&A session; a writing activity; and other supporting resources.

Cost: £150

Year 2, Year 3 & Year 4

Inspiring People

Find out more about my books Sophie Takes to the Sky and Rose's Dress of Dreams which are both inspired by incredible people from the past. Pupils will learn about the real historical figures behind the stories, and be inspired to research an inspiring person from history for themselves.

Includes a 15-minute pre-recorded film; a live 15-minute Q&A session; a writing activity; and other supporting resources.

Cost: £150

Primary or secondary

Bespoke virtual event

Looking for something different?

I'm always happy to explore other options - just get in touch to discuss.

Cost: tbc dependent on requirements

What does the event include?

Each event includes a short (15/20 minute) pre-recorded film, which you can show to your class or group at a time of your choice. The film includes a suggested follow-on activity, which has been designed to be flexible and open-ended, so you can adapt it to suit the needs of your group as you prefer.

This will be followed by a live 15-minute Q&A via Zoom (or similar platform) where children can ask me questions. (If preferred, this element can be pre-recorded with questions sent through by email).

What about purchasing books?

I will supply a booklist and information on how you can purchase books for children in your group or class. As part of the event package, if you provide me with a list of names, I will send a pack of signed and personalised bookplates for children who have bought a book.

What are the accompanying resources?

In addition, I’ll provide you with a selection of resources to download and print, including an activity sheet, a poster to display, and a list of recommended books.

Why book an author visit?

Research from the Society of Authors shows that 99.4% of all schools who host an author visit considered it an invaluable experience that encouraged reading for pleasure, wider reading and creative writing. As this report from the National Literacy Trust shows, author visits have a positive impact on children and young people’s reading skills, and their enjoyment and confidence in reading and writing.

How do the events support the curriculm?

In addition to helping to encourage reading for pleasure and creative writing, Inspiring People will particularly support the Year 2 History curriculum, where pupils look at the lives of significant historical figures. Mystery, history, spies and sleuths supports the the English curriculum where pupils are expected to develop character, setting and atmosphere in narrative.

I’d like to book an event but organising the live Q&A session will be difficult because of technical issues/timetable pressures

No problem – the Q&A can be prerecorded if you prefer! Simply email through a list of children’s questions and I’ll record a 15-minute film with my replies and send this to you, which you can play as and when you prefer.

I’d like to book an event – but my school doesn’t have a budget for events at the moment!

I’m planning to do a giveaway for a free session in the coming months: sign up to my author e-newsletter or follow me on Twitter to make sure you don’t miss it. In the meantime, you can find lots of free resources for schools including videos, lesson plans and activities here.

Can I book both events for my school or setting?

Yes – I’m offering schools and groups the opportunity to book both events for £275.

Can I invite you to visit my school, library or other setting in person?

I’m not booking in-person school or library events for this academic year, but you’re very welcome to contact me if you’re interested in booking an event for 2021/22 or beyond.