Andrew speaks regularly at K-12 schools, colleges and universities, civic clubs, book festivals, book clubs, libraries and bookstores, and professional conferences.
Many schools have selected Andrew’s books for “schoolwide reads,” including middle schools, high schools and universities. He regularly visits schools all over the country to discuss his books and his writing process with students, and is comfortable speaking to entire gymnasiums full of hundreds of students or giving smaller talks to classrooms and school clubs.
Testimonials
“Our assembly was one of the very best we have hosted at Maret in my 25 years at the school.”
-Lynn Levinson, Assistant Head of Upper School, Maret School, Washington, D.C.
“I have observed middle school students in sessions with a pro athlete and well-known song- writers, and I have never seen them as engaged as they were when Andrew spoke to them.”
-Molly Dunn, Guidance Counselor, Ensworth (Lower/Middle) School, Nashville, TN
I will never forget watching the faces of my 120 4th graders as they listened to Andrew tell the story of Perry Wallace. They were captivated -hanging on every word and studying each photograph with an intensity and curiosity that I had never seen from this group of students. Andrew understands students and, using his natural storytelling abilities, is able to engage students in a way that makes the stories of the past accessible, relevant, and fascinating.”
-Emmie Stuart, Librarian, Percy Priest Elementary, Nashville, TN
Andrew’s presentations evoked powerful learning and timely reflection on important social justice and civil rights issues in a way that was meaningful and relevant to our students. In addition, he met with our school’s writing club and our language arts teachers to share more about his writing process and explain how a joy and passion for writing can do more and be more than simply telling a story.”
-Candice Sayre, Literacy Coach, Ft. Atkinson, Middle School, Ft. Atkinson, WI
“The kids had the best time and my co-teachers kept saying “That guy was so impressive. He knew exactly how much to share with kids and talked to them exactly at their level. My principal came to find me first thing to tell me how much he enjoyed Andrew’s visit and he hopes we will do more to incorporate the book next year.”
-Katie Reen, Sixth Grade English Teacher, University School, Nashville, TN
“Since Andrew’s visit, I’ve had plenty of students approach me about reading the book, which is super cool because I have a classroom library and students rarely sign out books or ask if they can read something. Only two or three of the kids in class said they’ve read a book this long before. Most haven’t read anything even a quarter of the size. They’ve been enjoying it and we’ve been having some really great conversations around it. Very cool to see students engaged in reading, building reading stamina through continuous reading, and contributing to meaningful conversations.”
-Christian Wrabley, Current Events Teacher, Johnstown HS, Johnstown, PA
“I have hosted many school author visits, but what stands out about Andrew is his wonderful rapport with students. His presentation was engaging and filled with character lessons that students can apply to their daily life. Andrew’s presentation stands out as one that will be remembered by students and staff for years to come.”
-Vickie Blankenship, Media Coordinator, East McDowell Middle School, Marion, NC