A Selection of Justin's Books
Videos:
Bluebird Reviews
Get Kids Into Books
The World is Their Classroom
My Shelves are Full
Justin Somper
Type of Artist:
AuthorTalk, writing workshop, readings, informal Q&A with School book group, Chatterbooks group etc.
Justin offers a combination of talks, workshops and informal Q&A sessions as part of a well-rounded day in school. His stand-up talks are highly interactive. Typically, these will focus on introducing students to the VAMPIRATES books – starting with how the idea came to him, key questions arising during the creation of the sequence, research, an introduction to key characters, a reading and – always – a strong Q&A section, where he will cover how he writes and writing/ creativity tips for the audience.
If desired, Justin can deliver all the above in the form of a VAMPIRATES TRAINING CAMP event, whether in person or virtually. At the end of the event, each attendee will be given a certificate to demonstrate that they have graduated from VAMPIRATES TRAINING CAMP!
The key protagonists of VAMPIRATES are twins Connor and Grace Tempest. The sequence has strong cross gender appeal.
Details
Preferred age range:For VAMPIRATES, Justin most often works with Years 6 and 7. He is also happy to work with Year 5 or Year 8.
For ALLIES AND ASSASSINS, Justin typically works with Years 7 and 8.
Maximum number in any one session:
For workshops delivered in person - maximum of 30. For online workshops - up for discussion! For a talk, no maximum. Justin is comfortable with a large audience but requests a microphone for numbers over 100.
No of sessions per day:
Max of 3 “formal” sessions generally – i.e. 1 talk + 2 workshops or 2 talks + 1 workshop. Preferably 2 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon. Always happy to add in an informal Q&A, tea in the library within the mix too. And I’ve often chatted to kids over lunch too.
Session Length:
Around 50 minutes for the talk. Approx 60 minutes for workshops. But Justin can adapt to fit a school’s timetable
Areas prepared to travel to:
Anywhere if travel expenses are covered.
Transport:
Usually train. Occasionally car.
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
Yes
Website:
Twitter:
@JustinSomper
Titles include:
VAMPIRATES:
1. Demons of the Ocean
2. Tide of Terror
3. Blood Captain
4. Black Heart
5. Empire of Night
6. Immortal War
ALLIES & ASSASSINS:
1. Allies & Assassins
2. A Conspiracy of Princes
Testimonials:
“In my 18+ years of school libraries this was my best school author visit ever!"
Guusje Moore, Housman Elementary School, Houston, Texas“Thank you so much for the wonderful event that you provided for us yesterday - children, teachers and library staff all thoroughly enjoyed it. It was the perfect way to celebrate World Book Day and the start of our Children's Book Festival."
Carol Hales, Senior Team Officer, Children and Young People, Chertsey LibraryOther information:
Typically, I am pretty low tech. I prefer lots of strong interaction with the audience than relying on PowerPoint etc. Often my key request is a music stand for my notes, so that I don’t have a big podium blocking me.
Sometimes schools have really gone to town and got the kids – and teachers – dressed up as pirates and/or vampires. This makes for a real event!
FREE downloadable teaching resources created by CLPE are available for the first title in the Vampirates series, Demons of the Ocean. Visit vampirates.co.uk/resources
There are also some excellent Vampirates resources on authorfy.com – including classroom resources and a video masterclass with Justin.
Instagram Profile:
