Monika Schröder grew up in Germany and has worked as elementary school teacher and librarian at American international schools in Egypt, Chile, Oman and India. She is the author of four novels for young readers. Her book SARASWATI’S WAY (Farrar, 2010) is set in India and won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award 2011. Her novel THE DOG IN THE WOOD (Boyds Mills, 2009) takes place in East Germany and is based on her father’s experiences at the end of World War II. Her latest novel, BE LIGHT LIKE A BIRD (Capstone, 2017) was published in September 2017 and was named a Best Children’s Book by the American Booksellers Association, 2016. Monika lives in Mars Hill, NC with her husband and their dog Frank. She frequently visit schools to talk to students about her books and writing. She also conducts writing workshops in schools. She enjoys sharing her tips for revision and helping students improve their writing with hands-on activities. Visit her at www.monikaschroeder.com
Artist Work Samples
Sample Programs Offered
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
In this presentation I will share the backstory of several of my books, and, supported by an engaging slide show, explain my writing process for my novels.
Beginning with my two historical fiction novels and enhanced by visuals, my presentation explains how family memoirs as well as primary and secondary sources, have influenced my creation of fictional characters. I also discuss the importance of historical accuracy. (This part of the presentation can be expanded for middle school history and language arts classes that use historical fiction or memoirs in their studies.)
Next, I will describe the research for Saraswati’s Way, a novel about a 12-year old boy in contemporary India, where I lived for eight years. Akash, the book’s protagonist who has a gift for math, ends up as a street child in the New Delhi train station. The presentation, supported by photos from the setting, shows students the conditions of street children in India and discusses child labor, education and poverty in India. I will also address the challenge of writing about a culture that is not one’s own.
The presentation continues with a description of my writing process, emphasizing the importance of revision. The session includes time for students to ask questions about writing, living in different countries, being a published author, and other related topics.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Curriculum
Program Description:
After the messy first-draft is done, the fun begins. Making the story better through revision! I will give students hands-on strategies to make their writing stronger. This is a writing workshop in addition to a presentation. I will share my own process and demonstrate how I focus on different elements of a manuscript each time I go through a revision. We will then focus on revising for sentence fluency and word choice.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Curriculum
Program Description:
After the messy first-draft is done, the fun begins. Making the story better through revision! All writers have heard the phrase, “show, don’t tell.” But what does it actually mean? I will show examples and illustrate how to improve a draft by slowing down a scene, adding detail and deepening characterization. This is a writing workshop in addition to a presentation. Students should bring a draft and be prepared to write and revise.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
