Every opportunity I have to speak to a group of young people, I jump at it. It is a privilege and an

honor to travel the country and share my stories and experiences as an author. I never would have

dreamed in a million years that something I've created would be sold all over the world, and that

people would want "me" to put my pitiful, chicken scratch of an autograph in their book. The thought of

that is just crazy!

I set out to inspire children with my characters and books, but I am the one that

continues to be inspired by the energy, positive words, kindness, and creativity of every single person

I've met while on this journey. I look forward to traveling wherever I am called, or wherever God

leads me, and making connections that will last a lifetime.

I will periodically post the names and contact information of references from schools that I have presented for
 

through the year. So feel free to contact anyone posted below to get a feel of my presentation style:

"Mr. Barnes brings real characters to life that our students of today can not only identify with, but look up to. His books are fast becoming some of our most popular. Ruby and her brothers of the 'Ruby and the Booker Boys' series are a favorite in our library. I can't keep them on the shelves! Derrick provides an entertaining book signing that every student in the school wants to attend and bring home a coveted signed Derrick Barnes book. We can't wait to have him back next year to introduce his new books."


Diedre Stratton
Library Media Specialist
Banneker Community School
Kansas City, MO School District
dstratto@kcmsd.net
816.418.1850



"We were blessed with your presence!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The teachers and students were out done on Monday morning when they arrived at school and saw the autographed posters in their class!   Mrs. Quinn couldn't believe it!  She and Mrs. Miller have been talking about the book talk so much that the other teachers are jealous!!!!!! "

Antonia L. Hill "We loved Derrick!  He gave a presentation for all of our grades K-5 and related to each group with his enthusiasm for books, writing and people.  The children really identified with him and his Booker Family characters.  His rhyming books for the younger children connected them with important issues through colorful illustrations and rhythm.  We are looking forward to his future books and children keep asking about him!"

April Armstrong
Chapel Hill Elementary School
Gladstone, MO
816-413-6606

"Derrick Barnes' lively and enthusiastic presentation has sparked a love for the Ruby and the Booker Boys series, throughout my entire school.  We think that Ruby Rocks! " 

Amy Dirks
Title-I Reading Teacher
Holland Elementary School
Virginia Beach, VA

        Before the School Visit

• Request for Ruby Booker posters in the school with a mention of the forthcoming author visit
• Display of Ruby Booker books in the school's hallway and library.
     
          Presentation consist of:

• Brief, funny, and engaging introduction about author background and the Ruby series. Plus, a discussion on my writing process and how important editing is.
• Powerpoint presentation (projector and or smartboard/whiteboard needed)
  
• Reading from chapter chosen by students.
• Q & A
• Prize giveaway (posters, bookmark,etc.)
  
• Book signing, pictures taken
  

 

        Audience:

        Depending on the book (s) being featured for the visit, I will present to students between grade levels

          of K-12.  The size of the audience can vary between 30-200, but what’s most important is the venue. 

        Teleconference:

          Twenty five minute teleconference for book clubs or schools include Q&A session and posters

                     mailed to participating organization; honorarium fee: $180.

        Honorarium:

          The honorarium per presentation is only $475 (minimum of at least two presentations if outside of


          the Kansas City, MO area). Maximum of three presentations. Fees are always negotiable.

          Travel fees (if travel is necessary outside of the Kansas City, MO area) are not included in honorarium


          fees.


           To set up a school/library visit, please


          contact: derrick@derrickbarnes.com