Visit Testimonials

Pioneer Park Elementary
“Writing and reading truly came alive during Liesl's visit to our school! The excitement was palpable before, during, and long after her time with us, with students still buzzing about the opportunity to meet a 'real-life author' in person. The impact of this experience has left a lasting impression, and we can't wait to continue building on this enthusiasm for writing in the future!”
— Shelly Courtney, Pioneer Park Elementary
UMS-Wright Preparatory School
“We loved every bit of each of her presentations! Each one was perfect for the students attending and the writing workshop was great too. Her being willing to eat lunch and talk to the students in a small setting made a larger impact than she will ever know. I have had parents reach out to me and say their son said "it was the coolest day", and another said, "wow that was the best day of middle school so far". I am forever grateful for all she did to make yesterday a special event for our students and staff.”
— Janna Corley, Library Media Specialist, UMS-Wright Preparatory School
Jerling Junior
"Liesl Shurtliff may be smaller than half our seventh graders but she masterfully won them over and kept their attention through the entire presentation. She was able to pique their imaginations, engage them with questions, and still bring them back to topic and make her points about the writing process and the power of fairytales. The book and the author were definitely worth a visit to our middle school!"
— Jerling Junior High, Orland Park, IL
Sarah Walz
“Terrific presentation! The students were engaged and participated during the entire program. The kids loved being involved!”
— Sarah Walz/Librarian, Kuentz Elementary, San Antonio, TX
Daniel Boone
“Liesl was wonderful with the children. She spoke TO them, not AT them, which is key to getting them to listen and be engaged. The students are loving the book as a read-aloud. I am looking forward to more books from Liesl and will definitely welcome her back to our school!”
— Daniel Boone Elementary, Chicago, IL
Cathy Askeland
"Our students loved RUMP, both the book and the character, and when they met Liesl the writer — WOW! — she was a force of encouragement and adventure to them as readers and writers!"
— Cathy Askeland, Timber Ridge Middle School, Plainfield, IL
Deanna O'Marah
“Liesl Shurtliff's presentation on the book Rump was a hit! Students left the presentation energized about writing and even had the ideas to start a draft. We are looking forward to her next book and having her back for another author visit.”
— Deanna O'Marah, Aue Elementary School, San Antonio, Texas