A Selection of Elle's Books
Videos:
May 2021 Update
Happy World Book Day
Lockdown Writing Class Session
Elle McNicoll
Type of Artist:
Workshops, readings, question and answer sessions, talks
Hello! I’m Elle McNicoll. I offer bespoke school visits that are fun, fresh and invite lots of interaction. In my visits, I will talk about A Kind of Spark (both the novel and the television series), as well as my other children’s books. I can offer visits for my Young Adult novels as well.
I am flexible with my events, as every school has different needs but the main focus is usually an assembly style talk about being an autistic author and the books I’ve written, followed by a Q&A and signing. My primary school events often involve children being asked to stand up and take part. My secondary school visits are also very interactive. I never talk down to the students, and always encourage them to ask any and all questions that they would like at the end of the visit. Visits are usually 45 minutes but again, every school has a different timetable.
I find that the most beneficial events for nurturing a love of reading always include a bookseller so please invite along your local bookshop! There is no point in telling children about the benefits of reading for pleasure, and then treating books like unnecessary items. They are essential and access to them should be enabled an encouraged whenever possible.
My books are fun, sharp and full of heart and they star children who are too often left behind. I want to hear from the students during the talk, so it’s very informal, and having done many events now, I know that the children leave feeling inspired and excited to read and create stories for themselves!
Details
Preferred age range:Preferred age range for Middle Grade titles: Y5, 6, 7
Preferred age range for Young Adult titles: Y7, 8, 9
No of sessions per day:
I usually do a 30 minute talk, followed by a Q&A and book signing. This can, of course, change depending on what the specific school needs.
Session Length:
60 minutes for a talk plus, Q+A, 45 minutes for question and answer/discussion, 90 minutes for workshop
Areas prepared to travel to:
Anywhere in UK if expenses are met.
Transport:
Train, plane, taxi
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
No
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
No
Website:
Twitter:
@booksandchokers
Titles include:
A Kind of Spark (8+)
Winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize Younger Readers Prize 2021
Winner of the Blue Peter Prize for Best Story 2021
Also a CBBC series!
Keedie (8+ )
Show Us Who You Are (8+ Science Fiction)
Like a Charm and Like a Curse (8+ Fantasy Duology)
Some Like It Cold (12+ Young Adult)
Wish You Were Her (Young Adult 12+)
Testimonials:
As the World Book Day 2021 theme at our College was See Yourself in a Book (focusing on the importance of diversity and representation in literature), my thinking went straight to approaching Elle to be involved. I was a huge fan of her first book and knew that my students would appreciate listening to her so much (despite not being her usual target audience).
We recorded our "interview" over Zoom and Elle was such an absolute joy to talk to. She was so understanding of the different circumstances and need for a virtual event; was so welcoming and supportive during set up on the day and has been so wonderful ever since in helping me promote her talk to our students.
I said it to Elle on the day, but I will say it again - Elle's writing is truly life-changing when it is given to young people (regardless of age) and that is something she should be respected for. There are not enough superlatives to explain why a visit from Elle McNicoll would be so beneficial for both your staff and students - just trust me on this and book her now!
Olivia Edmonds, Joseph Chamberlain College