For Teachers:

Frequently Asked Questions

Kathleen Ernst

Do your books fit into my curriculum?

All of my historical novels were written with school use in mind.  I strive to write engaging stories that students enjoy, carefully anchored by historical accuracy.  I have an M.A. in History Education and Writing, worked as an educator for the State Historical Society of Wisconsin for twelve years, and spent 10 years creating curriculum materials for the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.  I am familiar with scope and sequence, and academic standards.

What age readers are appropriate for your books?

That’s always hard to answer, because I’m constantly surprised by how young—and old—some of my readers are!  But in general:
* The American Girl mysteries are suitable for 2nd through 4th grade
* History Mysteries from Pleasant Company are enjoyed by 3rd through 5th grade
*  The Civil War novels from White Mane Publishing by 5th and up.
*  Highland Fling is aimed at teens.
* Hearts of Stone would work well for 5th grade and up.

What types of programs can you provide?

1.  Historical Fiction Writing Workshop

These workshops turn readers into writers by walking them through the basic steps of moving from fact to fiction.  I bring historical photographs and prints, and the students examine their images, use their imaginations to bring them to life, and begin to develop character and plot ideas.  (If you wish, students can finish their stories after my visit.)  I save time at the end for general questions.  This is my most popular program.

2.  “Behind the Scenes” Slide Program

I developed this fast-paced program for large groups.  It illustrates a variety of adventures I’ve had while working on various books, reinforces the research and revision processes, and lets students learn more about writing careers.  This also works well in combination with workshops/classroom visits.

3.  Author Visit

 During general author visits, I provide an overview of the research and writing process, read excerpts from one or more books, and take questions from the students.  If there is a topic you’d like me to include to reinforce what you’re working on (such as the importance of pre-writing or revision, Six Traits, writing-related careers, etc.), let me know in advance.

4.  Book Discussion

If your class has read or is reading one of my books, we use that as the basis of a more specific discussion about both the writing process and the story’s themes.  These programs also reinforce the writing process and allow plenty of time for students’ questions.

What size groups do you work with?

Writing workshops can only be conducted with individual classes.  The slide program is a good choice for assemblies.  I strive for interaction in any setting.

How long are your programs?

Author Visits, Book Discussions, and slide programs with Q&A can fill 40-60 minutes.  Writing workshops work best with a full hour, especially for elementary students.

What do you charge?

My general fee is $500 for up to four programs in a single day.  Additional programs can be negotiated.  Two neighboring schools can split the fee (for example, if I visit two classrooms in the morning at School A, and two classrooms in the afternoon at School B, the fee is shared between the two schools.)

If you live in the Madison, Wisconsin area and want a single program, I can offer that for a discount.

If you don’t live in Wisconsin, let me know if you’d be interested in a program the next time I travel to your area.

Any additional expenses?

Outside of the Madison, Wisconsin area, add 40 cents/mile.  If an overnight stay is required, I will need a hotel room and modest reimbursement for meals.  The need for a hotel is based on both distance and start time.

What about lunch?

Let me know if you will provide lunch for me on the day of my visit, or if I should bring my own.

Can we include a book-signing?

Sure!  You have several options:

1.      Order books directly from my publishers.  American Girl (Danger at the Zoo, Secrets in the Hills, Midnight in Lonesome Hollow, The Runaway Friend) and White Mane Publishing (The Night Riders of Harpers Ferry, The Bravest Girl in Sharpsburg , Retreat from Gettysburg , Ghosts of Vicksburg ) both offer discounts to schools ordering books in conjunction with an author visit.  For specific information, contact American Girl/Book Publications Customer Service at 1-800-350-6555; and White Mane Publishing at 1-888-948-6263.  (White Mane Books and Highland Fling (Cricket Books) and Hearts of Stone (Dutton) can also be ordered from Baker & Taylor and Ingram).

2.      Let parents/guardians know that if they wish to purchase a book and send it to school on the day of my visit, I will sign it for the child.  All of my titles can be purchased at or ordered through any community bookstore, and are available through online bookstores.

3.      Ask a local bookseller if they will handle book sales.  They may ask for advance orders, or they may be willing to bring a supply to school the day of the programs.

4.      If needed, I can also bring books the day of my visit.  I’m always happy to bring what I have on hand.  If you want to guarantee numbers of certain titles, I need orders three weeks in advance.  At this time, Trouble at Fort La Pointe and Betrayal at Cross Creek are only available from me.

In any case, you will need to send a letter home several weeks in advance, discussing my visit and providing a list of titles.  I can help with that, if needed.  Parents will also need instructions on payment.  Depending on which option you choose, books will either be paid for in advance or on the day of my visit.

Signing must also be considered in the logistical plan for the day.  Some teachers have asked me to sign books at the end of the day; the books are then distributed to the students the following day.  Others want to give students the chance to meet me individually, and so have me sign books for them at the end of a classroom visit; or, after an assembly-style program, those students who have books stay for the signing.

The process will be greatly expedited if the student’s name (or whomever the book is to be inscribed to) is printed on a slip of paper in advance.

How should we prepare for your visit?

A visit isn't very meaningful if students haven't read (or at least started to read) one of my books.  Encourage students to write down questions they have about the story, or about writing.  I want visits to be as relevant as possible!

What about autographs?

With tight schedules and large groups, it’s not possible for me to provide autographs for every student.  If you wish, I can write my name on a template that you can duplicate to make bookmarks for students.

I will also bring bookmarks for each student so everyone has a souvenir of my visit.

Will you need any equipment or special materials for your presentations?

For slide programs, we'll need to confer about equipment needs.  If you request an Historical Fiction Writing Workshop, I will provide two handouts in advance, and ask that you have copies (one each per student) waiting when I arrive.  Students in these workshops will also need pencils.

What’s the best way to contact you?

Usually, the easiest way to communicate is via email:  k.ernst@kathleenernst.com.  If that isn’t possible, phone me at 608-836-9218, central time zone.  Once we agree on a visit schedule, I will provide a written letter of confirmation for you to sign and return.