Speaking
I speak to groups of all ages about my books, the writing and research process, critical thinking, the need for persistence and resilience, and the importance of believing in yourself and your unique voice…all while seeking to inspire wonder and curiosity about the natural world.
My presentations can be customized for adult or school audiences. Please contact me for pricing as fees vary depending on customization, number of presentations, and/or travel required.
Fees start at $100 for a virtual Q+A. But I also offer a small number of free virtual visits annually.
World Read Aloud Day and Read Across America virtual visits are FREE.
Lower/Uppler Elementary/Middle School Virtual Q+A only
For those who’ve read one or more of my books, Ages 6 and up
Audience: Classroom (20-30 minutes)
Upper Elementary/Middle School
HeartLand
I describe my inspiration for HeartLand, and why I developed a story with two timelines, one written in prose and one in poetry. Presentations can be tailored to discuss:
- the differences between writing in verse and prose, including writing mask poems (voices of Time, Weather, The Farm).
- the importance of the natural world and environmental aspects of the story.
- my experiences with neurodiversity and how I take advantage of my strengths and work with my weaknesses.
- the research, writing, and revision processes.
Audience: Assembly or classroom-size group, Ages 9 and up,
45-60 minutes, virtual or in person, includes Q+A
Lower Elementary/Upper Elementary School
A River of Dust
I describe how my childhood and NASA’s satellite research inspired A River of Dust. I also explain how dust connects ecosystems (including people) around the world and extend it as a metaphor for how humans stay connected with each other, even though we may be separated by thousands of miles. Presentation includes reading the book and Q+A. For 3rd-5th grades, I also talk in more detail about the writing and revision process.
Audience: Assembly to classroom-size group,1st-2nd or 3rd-5th grades
30-45 minutes, virtual or in person
The Ocean’s Heart
I describe how an accidental NASA discovery became the inspiration for The Ocean’s Heart. I also talk about Monterey Bay and its protected inhabitants, the importance of the ocean’s food web, how individuals act as a group to improve their chances for survival, and how I worked with a marine biologist from Monterey Bay Research Institute while preparing the book for publication. Presentation includes reading the book and Q+A. For 3rd-5th grades, I also talk in more detail about the writing and revision process.
Audience size: Assembly to classroom-size group
30-45 minutes, K-2nd, 3rd-5th, virtual or in person
“Jilanne! What a wonderful event! Thank you, thank you, thank you from me and my students for such a thoughtful and engaging presentation! It was truly a highlight of the year.”
St. Paul’s Episcopal School (Earth Day presentation), Oakland, CA
“…everyone enjoyed it! Your presentation was a hit, Jilanne!”
Kidquake, San Francisco, CA
“The kids and I loved getting the ultimate sneak peek at A River of Dust…Thank you for taking the time to answer all their questions!”
Punahou School, Honolulu, HI
“Who knew a book about dust could hold first graders spellbound? Jilanne Hoffmann’s lively presentation had students leaning forward, laughing, and learning—all at once. A fun, engaging experience I’d welcome back faster than dust can dance in sunlight.”
Sunrise Elementary, Anoka, MN
“…my heartfelt gratitude to you for participating in World Read Aloud Day…we really appreciated your time and our students loved the interaction!”
Horizon Japan International School, Yokohama, Japan
Bio
Jilanne Hoffmann has a BS in Industrial Engineering and an MFA in Creative Writing. She was a freelance science writer and editor covering health, fitness, and other topics for adults for twenty years, before deciding to write for the toughest audience of all— kids. They’re her favorite age group because they’re infinitely curious and ask the best questions. Jilanne now spends her days researching fascinating nonfiction topics or dreaming up plots that will make kids wonder What happens next?
Her debut picture book, A River of Dust: The Life-Giving Link Between North Africa and the Amazon received a Publishers Weekly starred review, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, a Crystal Kite, and the Louis J. Battan Author Award (K-12) from the American Meteorological Society. It was also named an ALA Notable, Bank Street Best for 2024, and a Garden State Children’s Book Award List nonfiction title. Her second nonfiction picture book, The Ocean’s Heart: The Tiny Creatures Essential to Life, received a starred review from Kirkus and is forthcoming from Lerner/Millbrook in March 2026. Jilanne’s historical fiction chapter book, San Francisco: The City Built on Shifting Sand and Dreams of Gold will be released as an ebook in January 2026 from Core Knowledge. HeartLand, her middle grade historical-contemporary novel, is forthcoming from Little Brown in July 2026. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, son, and hyperactive herding dog named Wrigley.
