Elaine Russell presents an engaging slide show and discussion for grades third through seventh, adapting the program to the age group.  She shares her life as a writer and explains how she developed the story for Martin McMillan and the Lost Inca City.  The program is perfect for third grade classes studying Native American tribes and sixth and seventh grade classes studying ancient civilizations.

The presentation emphasizes the importance of developing writing skills through reading, attention to craft and practice, practice, practice!   She discusses her use of library books, magazines, web sites and a friend’s travel journal to research the story, making it possible to travel to another land without ever leaving home!  In a 35 minute slide show, Elaine introduces students to work at archaeological sites and the history of the Incas in Peru related to the mystery that unfolds in Martin McMillan and the Lost Inca City.

Elaine researched the history of Peru and the Incas to give her novel a solid background.  She majored in history at the University of California Davis, and has a Masters in economics from California State University Sacramento.  As a former resource economist and environmental consultant Elaine has extensive experience in public speaking.  She served as art docent for her son’s kindergarten through sixth grade classes at Crocker Riverside Elementary School, where she taught children art history and supervised art projects.  Member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

To schedule a visit contact Elaine at:  Elaine@elainerussell.info
Classroom visits gratis: Suggested Assembly honorarium:  $100 to $300

What teachers and kids say:

“Thank you so much for coming to visit my class!  Your presentation was great.  The children enjoyed meeting you and hearing about your book.”
Ellen Russell, Dyer-Kelly Elementary School

“Thank you so much for coming to share you book with our classes.  We all enjoyed your presentation very much. Here are some of the things we liked:  ‘I liked the topic about a mysterious lost city that nobody knows about.’  ‘I like how you based a whole fiction book on something that really happened in history.’”
Mrs. Pope, Mrs. White and the Third Graders at Starr King Elementary