Fred Bowen Website - Conferences /Speaking Engagements

"Fred Bowen's enthusiasm for reading and writing comes across whenever he
speaks to teachers and students. He inspires us to inspire our students. He
uses the lessons that are learned from sports to develop readers' and
writers' interests. I became a sports fan and a cheerleader for reluctant
readers and writers while I was listening to Fred Bowen speak to teachers."

Annette Conley,
President,
Virginia Beach Reading Council

"Fred Bowen's breezy, anecdotal style of presentation is both entertaining and informative. Our audience of writers, teachers and librarians found him spontaneous and funny, and have given him high marks for his knowledge of sports, children, writing and history."

Kathie Meizner
Conference Co-Chair
Celebration of Children's Literature

"As a speaker Fred Bowen is not only entertaining in his presentation, but shares so much with his audience about his writing and thoughts on children. This is an author you won't want to miss!!"

D'nis Lynch
Library Curriculum K-12 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Moderator, PSLA conference

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When I speak at conferences around the country, I try to get people to think in new ways about sports. Kids explore so many sophisticated issues through sports — fairness, flawed role models, failure and success, and more. Sports also introduce kids to history (the Jackie Robinson story), politics (Olympics boycotts), colorful language, and intriguing math. The breadth and depth of sports is extraordinary. That's why I am so enthusiastic about writing sports books and columns for young readers.

I bring a lot of energy to my presentations and always include lots of funny stories about the crazy, wonderful pull sports has on kids (and grownups). I want to get people thinking, but I also like to get them laughing.

For fee and availability, contact:
Peggy Jackson, peggyjack@aol.com

TURNING SPORTS-CRAZY KIDS
INTO LIFELONG READERS
(Luncheon or Dinner speech)

So many kids are passionate about sports. They're dressed in uniform two hours before a game and their rooms are plastered with pennants and posters. I talk about using that passion to show kids how much fun reading can be. I talk about the great dramas, personalities, and life lessons found in sports. And the magical way that good sports writing puts all that within easy reach of kids.

FOR THE LOVE OF SPORTS;
WRITING FOR TODAY'S KIDS
(Luncheon/Dinner Speech or Breakout Session)

I had a very happy childhood and sports were a big part of it. I coach kids now and see how important sports are to them. I talk about how I have turned my experience as a kid and as a coach into stories that young ball players read and reread. I also talk about how I weave in sports history and introduce kids to the rich culture of the games they love.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF
AN AUTHOR VISIT TO YOUR SCHOOL
(Breakout Session)

I have visited more than 100 schools across the country. My presentation covers practical and creative tips on everything from finding authors, minimizing the headaches of book sales, getting kids excited before the visit, and lots more. My presentation includes informative and funny stories from the field and a detailed seven-page handout.

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The only one who can tell you 'you can't' is you. And you don't have to listen - Nike