ELKTON, Ky. (November 8, 2019) – North and South Todd Elementary Schools will host author Kristin O’Donnell Tubb on Tuesday, November 12. The visit is part of Kentucky Humanities’ statewide KBF School Days program, a student outreach program of the Kentucky Book Festival. The 2019 KBF School Days program features eight children’s and young adult authors visiting 23 elementary and middle schools throughout the Commonwealth, reaching more than 2,400 students.
Kristin O’Donnell Tubb is the author of many books for middle grade readers including A Dog Like Daisy, Selling Hope, and The 13th Sign. Tubb will present a program entitled “Everyone's a Writer.”
“This session discusses a wide variety of storytelling techniques and shows how students are already using techniques and tactics that professional writers use (texting is writing dialogue, making to-do lists is writing a first draft, etc.),” said Tubb. “We discuss the myth that writing is a talent, and the discussion emphasizes craft over construction, encouraging every person to share his/her unique voice.”
Tubb added, “I’m a firm believer that having an author visit a school impacts kids’ lives. In fact, I’m living proof of that: in 6th grade, I got to interview my favorite author, Madeleine L’Engle, by telephone. When I told her I wanted to be a writer, she said, ‘Good for you. Keep writing and you can do it!’ I try my hardest to pay that sentiment forward at each school I visit.”
More than 100 North and South Todd Elementary students will participate in the program. Thanks to generous grants from the Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation and the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, along with support from the Kosair Charities Face It® Movement, each student will receive a copy of A Dog Like Daisy and will have their book signed by Tubb.
“KBF School Days is one of my favorite programs that Kentucky Humanities sponsors,” said Bill Goodman, Kentucky Humanities executive director. “Giving Kentucky students the opportunity to interact with an author and to share in the love of reading and writing is something we feel passionate about. Being able to gift each child with a book of their own has positive impacts lasting far beyond that one day. We are thankful to the Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, and Kosair Charities for joining us in this memorable endeavor.”
“The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is honored to be able to assist the KBF School Days program, through a grant program supported by Kentucky Colonels,” said Sherry Crose, Executive Director of the Honorable Order. “Providing a child a book and introducing them to that books’ author, can provide an unique experience that further enhances the joy of reading.”
KBF School Days is a student outreach program of the Kentucky Book Festival, taking place November 10-16 in Lexington. The Kentucky Book Festival would not be possible without sponsors, donors, and community partners. More information on the Festival, including a full list of sponsors, events, and authors can be found at https://www.kyhumanities.org/programs/kentucky-book-festival.
Kentucky Humanities is a non-profit Kentucky corporation affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities. For information about Kentucky Humanities’ programs and services, visit kyhumanities.org.