Author Visits

Ismée would love to visit your school, library or organization!

I am a multicultural award-winning author, storyteller, and speaker with over 20 years of experience engaging audiences. I am also a pediatrician and an educator, and I love teaching people of all ages. I offer interactive presentations for both children and adults about storytelling, my books, and being/becoming a writer.

Visits may be in-person or virtual and all include time for Q&A! My presentations cover topics for grades PreK – College and beyond.

 Presentation themes of Ismee’s books:

(See possible presentation formats below.)

Abuelo, the Sea, and Me
Following a storytime read aloud, Ismée talks about her inspiration for Abuelo, the Sea, and Me and leads the class in an exploration of intergenerational connections and the importance of loved ones and what we can learn from them. This may include writing a letter or drawing a picture about or for a special person in the student’s life.

Additional themes of Abuelo, the Sea, and Me that may be requested include:

• Exploration of the seasons and weather,

• Exploration of the ocean and the creatures that live within it,

• Exploration of growing up with more than one culture and the beauty and power that comes with this.

BOUNDLESS: Twenty Voices Celebrating Multicultural and Multiracial Identities

Using selected short stories from the anthology, Ismee will lead the class in a discussion of what it means to co-exist in different cultural spaces and embrace different identities, and the challenges and the power that come with doing so.

Author Visits for PreK-5th Grade

• Storytime, Q&A, and Crafts: Interactive read-aloud, Q&A, and an art activity, such as drawing items you see, hear, smell, and taste at the beach (PreK-2)

• Storytime, Q&A, and Play Acting: Interactive read-aloud, Q&A, and students act out story scenes both from the book and their own experiences at the beach (PreK-5)

• Storytime, Q&A, and Creative Writing: Interactive read-aloud, Q&A, and a writing activity, such as composing a postcard to a loved one about a day spent at the beach or creating an additional page of the story (K-5)

• Storytime, Q&A, and Storytelling: Interactive read-aloud, Q&A, followed by a guided lesson on how to find inspiration and practice storytelling using students’ own words (K-5)

• Storytime, Q&A, and Empathy Building: Interactive read-aloud, Q&A, followed by a guided lesson on how to tell the story from another’s point of view, such as the Abuelo in the story, or the dolphin! (PreK-5)

Writing Workshops and Author Visits for 5th Grade thru college and beyond

• Picture Book Creation Workshop - Ismee will lead students in an interactive read-aloud, and then discuss the elements of picture books, followed by a Q&A session. Students will brainstorm their own picture book ideas and share these with the group. In an optional second session, students will draft their own picture books (using words and/or drawings) and share them with the class. (*3-12 grades) This workshop can be a stand-alone or can take place over two 45-min sessions.

• Novel Writing Workshop: Presentation about how to plot a novel to keep the pages turning and develop characters that readers will root for all while using the truths and inspiration of your own lived experiences. This workshop takes place over two 45-min sessions. Alternatively, Ismee can present on the following topics during a single 45-min session:

• How to PLOT a novel to keep the pages turning

• How to create CHARACTERS that readers will root for

• REVISION: How to make your story shine

• Short Story Writing Workshop: Using stories from BOUNDLESS: Twenty Voices Celebrating Multicultural and Multiracial Identities, Ismée will lead the class in a discovery of what makes a great short story. Students will brainstorm and plot their own ideas and start a draft, some of which will be shared with the group. Ideally, this workshop takes place over two 45-min sessions.

• Author Workshop and Q&A: Presentation about Ismée’s journey from doctor to author and lessons she learned along the way. Q&A about writing and drawing inspiration from all aspects of your life. Ismée will answer questions such as: Where do you get your ideas? How do you write and then publish a book? What is the difference between writing a picture book and a young adult novel?

Interested in inviting Ismée for an author visit? Download this easy two-pager with all the info you need:

Testimonials…

Ismee, read Abuelo, the Sea, and Me to my students. Her storytelling was engaging and captured everyone’s attention. Even from thousands of miles away (via Zoom), the connection felt personal, as my students found that the story resonated with them. It was a truly inspiring session that brought this beautiful picture book to life. Thank you Ismee, you are a truly gifted writer!! 

Jackie Ayala

Grade 2 DLI Teacher 

Gresham, Oregon

It was a pleasure to have Ismée visit us at the Bronx Children's Museum. Ismée is so warm and friendly and is easily one of the easiest guests we've hosted. Ismée was especially patient with a group of little ones at our second read aloud and was very in-tune with their needs in order to make it an enjoyable experience for all.

Jessica Jackson

Director of Programs & Education

Bronx Children’s Museum

Dr. Williams held the children's rapt attention while reading from her picture book Abuelo, The Sea and Me. She shared personal stories and asked the kids about their own experiences. The sea creature stuffies she brought engaged her audience. The children were delighted to make the dolphin dive and to say hello to the sea turtle resting on Ismée's shoulder.I watched the children ask questions and laugh; all the while being gently encouraged by the warm and welcoming author. 

Ismée even provided activities for after storytime in the form of her colorful educator guide. The kids took great pride in showing her their illustrations of their favorite memories and outfits they might wear in different seasons. On their way out, each child got to have their own moment with Dr. Williams as she signed a copy of her book for each one. It was heart warming to see these little fans chatting comfortably with their new friend.

Ismée made the process of hosting an author easy, fun, and joy-filled. The children of New Haven and I can't wait to have her back again.

Sarah Quigley

Children's Librarian

Mitchell Branch NHFPL

I had the pleasure of "meeting" Ismee online during the pandemic. Though virtual, I was immediately taken in by her captivating presence and authentic communication style. At my previous school, she generously connected with an 8th and 9th grade book club that read This Train is Being Held. She received rave reviews from participants. 

More recently, I attended an in-person author visit for Abuela, The Sea, and Me at a public library in New Haven. Ismee drew in children through adults in the room with her engaging, vibrant, joyful, playful, and warm presentation style. The children eagerly answered questions and took part in the interactive activities both during and after the read aloud. Her words invited all into her culture to consider the similarities and differences among us. Children left the event beyond excited having met the author and received a signed copy of Abuela, The Sea, and Me!

Val DiLorenzo

Vice President, CT Association of School Librarians

Library Media Specialist, Naugatuck High School

Inquire about an Author Visit!

If you purchase a classroom set of books (30), contact me for a FREE virtual visit!

Why Author Visits Matter 

Author visits enhance literacy and a passion for reading and writing.

• Students are inspired to embrace books and stories and become better readers and writers themselves.

• Students who participate in author visits are 2x as likely to read above age level (National Literacy Trust, 2019).

• Reluctant readers may have their interest sparked.

• Student interest in reading, writing and revision are enhanced.

Author visits spark creativity and show children that creativity is important, even for adults.

• Authors show how ideas take shape on the pages of their books.

• Authors show students the value of creativity and how one may make a career while living a creative life.

• Students learn the magic of storytelling from someone whose job it is to tell stories.

Author visits promote cultural awareness, encourage empathy, make students feel seen while building community.

• Author visits celebrate the richness of diverse backgrounds and experiences while demonstrating that we all share similar dreams and fears.

• Authors and their stories may reflect perspectives that are new for some students and thus will promote understanding and tolerance. For students who share the traditions or experiences depicted by the author’s stories, the visit will be validating.

Author visits support classroom learning, build critical thinking and self-esteem.

• Authors model the importance of setting goals, working towards those goals, and not giving up. Students recognize that authors use the same skills they’re learning in class, including the importance of revision.

• Students are encouraged to deconstruct the story and think about plot, characters, and themes.

• Meeting with published authors builds students’ confidence. Students learn that their ideas and thoughts matter and that they can become storytellers, too. 

Author visits make school fun!

• An author visit is a special occasion that provides an exciting break from the classroom.

• Author visits create an opportunity for a student to be seen differently by their peers and teachers.