Author Programs
Shetal speaks with audiences from kindergarten through high school. Below are some examples of programs she can provide, but she is able to customize a program that is best suited to your students and your curriculum. Use the form at the bottom of this page to request a visit and receive details about her honorarium.
Culture of India
In this interactive presentation and workshop, students will take a journey to India and experience its culture through the women featured in Shakti Girls. Students will learn about India’s geography, location, music, art, and clothing. Reading of excerpts from the book, Shakti Girls, is included. An optional craft activity is also available.
Format: Interactive presentation and craft activity
Suggested audience size: Up to 50 students with craft activity
Length: 30 minutes (add 30 minutes for craft activity)
Recommended Grades: K-5
Location: In-person
Inspiring Women from India
In this presentation, we will take a deep dive into the lives of some of the most inspiring women from “Shakti Girls”. Author Shetal Shah will share her personal journey and the inspiration behind her book, while students learn about the meaning of Shakti, the inner power that drives creativity, strength, and courage. Students will learn the stories of 2-3 remarkable women from India and their incredible accomplishments, each representing a different facet of shakti. Students will discover how their strength and resilience enabled them to overcome adversity, break barriers, and make a lasting impact on society. Reading of excerpts from the book, Shakti Girls, is included.
Format: Interactive presentation
Suggested audience size: Any
Length: 40 minutes (can be shortened to 30 minutes)
Recommended Grades: K-8
Location: In-person or virtual
Discover Your Shakti
In this workshop, students will take a journey to India and be introduced to the concept of shakti. Author Shetal Shah will guide them through the meaning and significance of shakti, the inner power that embodies strength, energy, and creativity. They will have the opportunity to read excerpts from the book, Shakti Girls, and explore how the women in the book represent different facets of Shakti. Students will also learn to say an affirmation statement in Hindi, a language commonly spoken in India, to provide a more culturally immerse and empowering experience. Also includes an optional reflection activity to help students connect the meaning of shakti to their personal life. The exercise will leave students empowered and inspired, with a newfound understanding of the potential that lies within them.
Format: Interactive presentation, reflection activity and discussion
Suggested audience size: Up to 30 students (up to 50 students without reflection activity)
Length: 45 minutes (30 minutes without the activity)
Recommended Grades: K-5
Location: In-person or virtual (reflection activity is in-person, only)
Capturing Lives in Verse: Workshop on Writing Biographical Poetry
This workshop will guide students through the process of writing biographical poetry. Author and former history teacher Shetal Shah will provide an introduction and overview of the unique genre of biographical poetry, including examples from Shakti Girls and other works. The workshop will be broken into three sessions, focusing on research, planning and outlining, and finally writing the poetry itself. Students will learn how to conduct research, create an effective outline, and craft poetry that captures the essence of their subject’s life and accomplishments. By the end of the workshop, students will gain valuable skills to help create powerful biographical poetry that honors the lives of those that inspire them.
Format: Interactive presentation and workshop
Suggested audience size: Up to 30 students
Length: Three 45-minute sessions
Recommended Grades: 5-9
Location: In-person
Kasturba Gandhi: A Heroine of India's Independence Movement
Students will take a fascinating historical deep dive into the life and accomplishments of Kasturba Gandhi, the woman who stood beside Mahatma Gandhi and played a crucial role in India's independence movement. This workshop is the perfect extension lesson for any unit on India's Independence Movement, offering insights into the lesser-known but equally important contributions of women during this pivotal time in history.
In addition to learning about Kasturba's life and work, students will also have the opportunity to participate in a fun and engaging crafts activity. They'll create a beautiful Rangoli of India’s flag and learn about the significance of its colors and symbols. This activity is a great way to connect with Indian culture and deepen their understanding of the rich history and traditions that have shaped this vibrant nation. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, create, and celebrate the incredible women who have made a lasting impact on India and the world.
Format: Interactive presentation and craft activity
Suggested audience size: Up to 30 students
Length: 45-minute sessions
Recommended Grades: K-6
Location: In-person
Book Marketing for Children’s Books
Description: In this workshop, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the children's book industry and the art of book marketing and promotions. Author, former marketing professional and teacher, Shetal Shah will guide students through the various strategies and tactics used to promote and sell children's books, from social media advertising to book reviews and author events. Students will learn about identifying a target audience, creating effective marketing plans, and measuring the success of your campaigns.
Add-on option: An extension activity can be added to this interactive presentation. Students will be guided through a workshop where they will apply the lessons from the workshop into devising their own ad-hoc marketing proposal for a new release children’s book.
Format: Interactive presentation (and workshop)
Suggested audience size: Up to 30 students (any size without the add-on)
Length: 45 minute sessions + 45 minute workshop
Recommended Grades: 9-11
Location: In-person or virtual (add-on option is in-person, only)
Question & Answers
This interactive workshop puts the students in the driver's seat by allowing them to ask all their questions for 30 minutes. Prior to the Q&A, Author Shetal Shah will provide brief introduction of the book, Shakti Girls, and will read several excerpts from the book to provide context and set the stage for the discussion. To participate, students must have read the book in advance and come prepared with questions approved by their teachers. This workshop is an excellent opportunity for students to engage with the author and gain a deeper understanding of the book's themes and topics. Get ready to ask your burning questions and join in on an exciting discussion!
Format: Discussion
Suggested audience size: Up to 30 students
Length: 30 minutes
Recommended Grades: Elementary
Location: In-person or virtual