“To say Elly Swartz’s school visit was energizing and engaging would be an understatement.” —Jimmy Sapia, 6th Grade Individuals and Societies Teacher
ELLY SWARTZ is the award-winning author of seven middle grade novels about friendship, family, and growing up. Written with heart, her books reflect a commitment to raising awareness about mental health, neurodiversity, and acceptance. Her stories—Same Page, Hidden Truths, Dear Student, Finding Perfect, Smart Cookie, Give and Take, and Almost True (2027)—invite young readers to see themselves and others in a new light.
Same Page was named a Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable and recommended by The New York Times, while Finding Perfect was recognized by the Child Mind Institute as one of the best children’s books about mental health. Dear Student won the Pennsylvania State Award for Middle Grade, and Hidden Truths earned starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal, was named a Kirkus Best Book of 2023, and has been nominated for three state awards.
Elly lives in Massachusetts. She is married with two grown sons, a grandson, and two pups. She loves connecting with readers online at ellyswartz.com, on Instagram, Bluesky, or Threads @ellyswartzbooks.
Bookshelf
About the Visit
Elly loves connecting with kids, and that is never more evident than when she is spending time with them in their school. Her energizing presentations and writing & revising workshops for grades 3 up focus on bravery, identity, empathy, and individuality. Below is a sampling of her offerings, which she is happy to customize based on schools’ needs:
Bravery – Finding Your Inner Superhero: An assembly-style presentation on dreaming big, persevering, and what it truly means to be brave.
Finding Your Voice: An assembly-style presentation on how to find our voice and navigate our anxieties.
Who Are You?: A workshop on identity and empathy.
Plot Twist ~ Dancing and Other Ways to Make Revision Fun!: A workshop on revising with purpose.
Let’s Get Real: A writing workshop on finding, creating, and embracing voice.
Elly is also available for Author-in-Residence programs, educator conferences, professional development meetings, and other events.
Testimonials
“During her visit, you could feel her enthusiasm and appreciation. The authentic connections she made with my scholars, not only taking questions about our read aloud, Finding Perfect, but by sitting as a community on our carpet and reading a chapter from the book was appreciated by all students.”—Jimmy Sapia, 6th Grade Individuals and Societies Teacher, Rippowam Middle School, Stamford, CT
“You can tell that Elly loves what she does. You would think my students knew her forever! She was on their level and she truly related to them in person, on Skype, and through her books! We could sit and listen to her for hours! Honestly, one of the best author visits ever!”—Rhonda Jenkins, Library Media Center Director, Kendall Elementary School, Naperville, IL
“Elly Swartz’s message was so on-point for our young children who are experiencing more and more mental health challenges. We so appreciated her speaking openly and honestly about struggles that our kids face. Her messages were genuine, engaging and validating for many of our students and staff.”—Katie See, Principal, Wylie Elementary, Dexter, MI
“Elly’s energy and joy were contagious. She provided a perfect blend of interaction, advice, and stories. Our virtual interactive writing sessions are transforming the way we teach and learn. In our sessions every student was able to interact with Elly and lessons learned will surely stick with our students long after the year is over.”—Patricia Murphy, 5th Grade Teacher, Washington School, Millburn, NJ
“Elly Swartz’s infectious enthusiasm for literacy radiated throughout her presentations. My students were thrilled to hear her stories about books, writing, and life. It truly was an experience they will never forget!”—Nicole Mancini, New Jersey Literacy Association President and 5th Grade Teacher, Bedminster Township School, Bedminster, NJ
“Elly Swartz provides a very engaging presentation for students. Not only can they connect to the characters in her book, they can also connect to her. Her presentation is one that holds the attention of the students and excites them about reading and writing. She does not focus on the promotion of her or her books; she promotes students finding what they are passionate about, not letting anyone dim their brightness, and knowing their worth. It is the perfect presentation to combine reading, writing, and social-emotional learning.”—Brette Blette, Grade 4 Teacher, Kingston Intermediate School, Kingston, MA