I had teachers coming up to me all day thanking me for inviting you. They said it was one of the best, most engaging presentations they had seen. Our English teachers were happy that you talked about the value of constructive criticism. The boys said they really liked your presentation, especially how you got them involved in the performance. –Librarian Ann Liu, Landon School for Boys (MD).

The kids are still talking about Mary Amato’s visit. It seems that everyone is reading her books! Another wonderful thing….she inspired them to write in their own little mini books. It’s really been very special.  Kids are saying that hers was the best author visit we’ve ever had.  They loved her humor, openness, the fun games, and that she really taught them something about writing. –Regina Ziffer, Friends’ Central Lower School, PA

My students have the first and last words on Mary Amato’s visit to our school:

‘Mary Amato was like no other author.’
‘She got the audience very involved.’
‘Her talk was action-packed, yet educational – graded, it would be an A+.’
‘I never dreamed of being a writer until I heard her speech.’
‘Ms Amato gave us good writing tips and made me believe if you want to write, you can do it!’

Sarah LoPresti
Librarian, Holton-Arms Lower School
Bethesda, Maryland

“Mary is engaging, articulate, and inspiring. Her enthusiasm for writing is infectious and motivating. She customizes her programs to ensure that she resonates with the particular groups to whom she is speaking – based on their ages, interests, and geography. Most significantly, she is warm, funny, and accessible to the students, facilitating presentations that are more like chat sessions than speeches. Our kids left her program excited to read her books and write their own works. We highly recommend Mary!”

Nancy Shaw
PTA, West School
Glencoe, Illinois

Thanks to Mary Amato for a terrific program.  Parents AND children were wowed and amazed. Mary’s story-inventing technique was fun and allowed kids of diverse ages (preschoolers up to middle school) to enjoy themselves.  The program resonated long afterwards and the “tricks” Mary showed us will be called upon in moments requiring creativity and imagination.

Jane Folger

Youth Services Coordinator
Maplewood Memorial Library

And from the pens and pencils of kids…

When Mary Amato walked in the door I could hardly belief my eyes. I was going to meat a life auther! It was so awesome!

—Alexis (3rd grader, Silver Spring, MD)

Thank you for coming I had a whale of a time. But, I must admit I was very surprised you use webs voluntarily!

–Ian (4^th grader, Silver Spring, MD)

You made me realize that the long process of editing is not only to torture us kids, it’s necessary for every one.

—Ross (6^th grader, Phoenix, AZ)

I learned that if you’re going to be a writer it takes a lot of drafts and rejection. I really liked it when you said I could be a real writer. That lit up my day that I was good at some thing.

—Chidi (4^th grader, Silver Spring, MD)