Motivating reluctant readers?
Trying to inspire your writers?
Looking to engage the boys, but not lose the girls?
I can help. Not only can I connect with young readers, but I can help inspire them to become better writers. Through presentations that explore what it takes to develop an idea into a published book, I help students understand that you don’t have to be a writer to write. Being creative isn’t something that only artists do, it’s something that everyone can do. If they try. During visits I also explain how I overcame rejection and false starts to finally create a successful book series, The Ballpark Mysteries!
NOTE: I am offering both virtual and in-person author visits for the 2026 – 2027 school year.
Click Here to Inquire About an Author Visit
Request information/sign up for an author visit. Simply fill out your contact info and let me know what dates you are thinking about and I’ll get back to you to coordinate a visit.
Kudos for David A. Kelly’s virtual author visits
“To kick off our school’s book fair, David did a Zoom presentation to our entire elementary school about his Ballpark Mysteries series. We had an incredible response with more than 300 households tuning in, and the students and teachers were very excited to get a behind-the-scenes look at how an author researches and writes a book. Our students then had the opportunity to ask David questions. It was a real grand-slam event!”–Chris Klein, chairperson High Plain Elementary Book Fair, Andover, Massachusetts
Presentation
I’m happy to customize my presentation for your specific requirements, but my standard presentation for elementary school visits covers a range of topics, including: how children can become writers, specific techniques I use to write the Ballpark Mysteries (setting, character, plot, suspense, etc.), the writing and editing process (with examples of what my editor at Random House does to my stories!), and what it takes to be a successful author. Generally we leave time for plenty of Q&A.
Grades
My presentations are best for grades 1-5, but I can also talk about being a writer, the publishing process, and writing and editing to older grades as well.
Fees & Expenses
Author visit fees (virtual or in-person) are determined by the number of presentations and schools/students involved. Please contact me for more details and prices for your event!
Click Here to Inquire About an Author Visit
Book Sales
I am happy to bring books to sell or to help you make arrangements with Random House or local bookstores for book sales. Children who are not able to purchase a signed book, are given a signed bookmark.
Kudos for School Visits
- “Kids left the visit eager to read more.”
- “I now have 24 future mystery writers in my classroom!”
- “I would HIGHLY recommend this opportunity.”
- “David nailed the mystery writing process for our third graders. He provided mystery ideas, an outline and noted the need for clues and red herrings. A parent whose child is learning remotely emailed my principal praising David’s performance.”
- read more kudos about David A. Kelly Author Visits
Selected Past School Visits
- Hebron Elementary, Hebron, Connecticut
- American Heritage and American Academy, Plantation, Florida
- Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, Palo Alto, California
- Plummer-Motz Elementary, Falmouth, Maine
- Colt Andrews Elementary School, Bristol, Rhode Island
- St. Davids, New York, New York
- Franklin Elementary, Newton, Massachusetts
Selected Past Library Visits
- New Hartford Public Library, New Hartford, New York
- Utica Public Library, Utica, New York
- Henry Carter Hull Library, Clinton, Connecticut
- Westwood Public Library, Westwood, Massachusetts
- Newton Public Library, Newton, Massachusetts
Kudos for Library Visits
“Just wanted to thank you again for the outstanding visit to our library last week. You are a terrific presenter! You gave the audience a simple yet complete understanding of the writing process and I know at least one of the attendees has been inspired to try creating a story. I hope we can have you back another time.” – Nancy Denman, Head of Children’s Services, Duxbury Free Library, Duxbury, MA
“David Kelly’s visit was a hit. He really connected with the audience and kept everyone engaged. Many of the kids in the audience were interested in writing their own stories and felt encouraged by hearing of David’s perseverance through many rejections. It was a terrific afternoon for everyone!” – Newton Free Library Children’s Department, Newton, Massachusetts
“David Kelly’s participation brought a new dimension to our “Read Your Way to Fenway” program. His presentation was inspirational and well received. It provided a rare opportunity for our children to interact with a real author.” – Community Outreach Librarian, Boston Public Library
Booking
David A. Kelly
Phone: 617-969-6886
Contact David A. Kelly