I offer author visits year-round to educators and students throughout the world. I am a first-generation college graduate, and I love sharing with students how reading and writing literally changed my life – allowing me to earn scholarships to attend college and grad school. You can find out more about author visits HERE. To schedule a school visit or community event, please contact me or use the form below. If your dates are flexible, please indicate that, and we can work together to find a time that works for us both.
Please follow this link to my school visit flyer.
Jo Hackl was an absolute treat to have visit our school. As evidenced by her realistic portrayal of Cricket in Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe, Jo completely gets the natural curiosity of our elementary students– her audience was enthralled with her storytelling, props, and relevant insights on the writing and editing process. Students connected with Jo, not just because they love her book, but because they were respected as fellow writers, readers, and nature-lovers. –Mollee Holloman, Manteo Elementary
I offer a variety of presentations and workshops and am happy to collaborate to tailor a whole school read, book fair, community visit, or cross curricular program to your learning goals. You can find out more about collaborations I have done through this link. Click HERE to see sample presentation topics.
Fee: In lieu of an honorarium, I ask that you buy copies of Smack Dab for children that you select, and I am happy to personally inscribe each one with a note of encouragement.
The whole-school read was a game-changer — every hallway buzzed with excitement and Jo ignited a passion for reading and learning among our students.
–Kara Emery, Joe P. Eblen Intermediate School
Ms. Hackl’s author’s visit was fantastic. The students were engaged the entire time. She sparked their interest and made them think about the writing process in a whole new way. They have since made powerful connections from her presentation to their own work. Her book now has a long waiting list in our library!
–Wendy Neisler, Highland Mill Montessori School
Jo has a delightful, engaging virtual presence. Her presentation style definitely engages students. Students were shocked at how long it took to write Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe. When Jo explained her writing process, they began to understand why. She readily shares both writing and life lessons. She is super receptive to readers’ questions, and her answers reveal even more about what an incredible person she is.
–Valerie DiLorenzo, Rumsey Hall School
We are incredibly grateful to Jo Hackl for creating and implementing a nature session at the Resnick Aspen Action Youth Forum! At the conclusion of the session, our young leaders made personal action pledges on at least one way they intend to make nature more a part of their day, and Jo personally inscribed her book Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe to further inspire our participants. We appreciated Jo’s extraordinary talent and passion in cultivating such a meaningful experience, and we would highly recommend this program to other forums!
– Christian Devers, Co-Director of the Resnick Aspen Action Youth Forum
Jo captivated students with her inspiring journey as a writer, motivating them to dive into her book. She ignited students’ passion for writing. This was an invaluable learning experience for the students.
–Cynthia Srijayanta, Buncombe County Schools
We enjoyed every second of author Jo Hackl’s visit with us. It was a great time of interaction that fostered a love for writing. We loved having the chance to talk about moments from the book and how she was able to create such authentic characters and scenery. She was able to share how she used her love for nature in her writing and tell us some of her favorite childhood experiences in Electric Mills, MS. The students’ excitement of meeting the creator of such a special story was so contagious and they bubbled over with questions and connections as the presentation rolled on. I felt like this was a tremendous opportunity for students to also learn about the writing process and many tips for becoming a writer. Jo was a wonderful encouragement to them to pursue their own writing, calling them her “fellow writers.”
–Elizabeth Sistrunk, Brandon Elementary School
Our students were inspired talking with Jo about writing and were captivated by her reading from Smack Dab.
—Regina Joseph, League Academy
The collaboration that my 6th grade English class participated in with Jo Hackl was nothing short of amazing! The students enjoyed Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe on its own, but to have the author come to them, explore the book, and explore themselves through the Grit Kit added so much depth to the experience. Through studying the main character, Cricket, her adventures, trials, problem solving, and resilience, the students embarked on their own journey of self-discovery. By the end of the unit, they knew themselves and their strengths on a deeper level. They left more confident in themselves and knowing they had the full support of the classmates they went on this journey with.
–Sarah Hinds, Christ Church Episcopal School
Jo Hackl is a great inspiration to our GCS students! She shared a virtual look into Cricket’s world, encouraging our readers to engage with nature, science, and art opportunities around them as they build a greater comprehension of the character’s world and our own. Jo brings books to life!
–Natlie Strange, Guilford County, NC Schools
For all school visit requirements and details, please download Rider A HERE.
Book Jo
If you’re interested in having Jo visit your school (in-person or virtually) or attend your school event, please fill out the following form:
