Amanda A. Maynard

Children's Book Author
About
Amanda A. Maynard is a Colorado native, originally from Denver. Born in 1982, she derives much of her old-school style from her treasured childhood days. Growing up, she was fascinated by all genres of music. Singing in multiple choirs since she was little, Amanda had music as a major force in her life. A true bookworm, she has a great passion for reading. From her earliest memories, writing has been a constant form of expression for Amanda. A love of different cultures and travel has taken her on many adventures along the way. She earned her BA in foreign languages and literatures and cultures, with a concentration in French and minoring in anthropology from Colorado State University in 2005. Amanda spent a transformative year studying abroad in Dijon, France, and travelling across Europe. She currently resides in Fort Collins, Colorado with her son, dog, and cat. Her son's wiggly exuberance offers boundless ideas for her children’s stories. As an ardent animal lover, Amanda has enjoyed over ten years working in the veterinary field.
Books
Meet Norman! He’s a spunky young squirrel from the 1980s in search of his happy place. Join him on an unforgettable mission to explore his musical passion of jazz, and ultimately, his heart. Ready for action in his red moon boots, he turns to a library, a classroom, and a musical instrument for guidance. Norman the Squirrel: Adventures in Happiness is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, friendship, and determination. Will Norman find his happy place?
Norman's at it again! Join Norman on his an unforgettable family vacation to the South. He must leave the comfort of the big city, along with his beloved red moon boots, to explore life in the country. With the encouragement of his critter friends Tommy, Willy, and Bridgette back home, Norman braves the unknown and prepares for all new experiences. In Norman the Squirrel: Adventures in Wonderment Book 2, family, food, and chirping crickets are just part of the fun. Norman has no idea what jazzy surprises await him!
School Visits
Available for both in-person and virtual school visits, workshops, and conferences, Amanda is currently accepting bookings for the 2024-25 school year!
  • Author Talks & Presentations
Music, Books, and Squirrels?
50 minutes- Large Group/School Assembly (K-5)
When you love what you do, it shows! Amanda demonstrates how finding your happy place can take many twists and turns, but you can always take your interests with you wherever you go. She will show students how cultivating her passions for music, animals, and language arts has led her to different careers. This presentation will help empower students to include more of their interests in their writing, while offering a better understanding of how they can follow their dreams in creative ways.
My Road to Norman the Squirrel
50 minutes (Grades 6-8)
Can your past create your future? Amanda thinks so! She will share how delving into her past experiences continues to shape the writer she is today. By relating her school days as a child, family, and friends to her writing, Amanda will show how she developed her characters in her Norman the Squirrel children’s book series. Students will learn how an author’s experiences, past or present, can jumpstart the brainstorming process, build connections with characters created, and guide the writing process.
Interactive Writing Workshops
Let’s Meet Norman: A Read-Aloud
45 minutes (Grades K–1)
In a read-aloud of her first book Norman the Squirrel: Adventures in Happiness, Amanda takes young readers on a journey about music, determination, friendship, and following your heart. Then the floor will open to a Q & A with Amanda about books, writing, or being an author. The visit concludes with a craft activity where students can make their own squirrel.
Finding Your Happy Place
50 minutes (Grades 2-3)
Do you have a happy place? What steps would you take to follow your heart? Amanda starts with a read-aloud of highlighted sections of her book Norman the Squirrel: Adventures in Happiness, followed by a few discussion questions. Amanda will then help students brainstorm ideas for writing a story based on their own interests and happy adventures.
A City Squirrel Goes to the Country
50 minutes (Grades 2-3)
Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things can be scary but can also make for a great adventure story. Amanda starts with a read-aloud of highlighted sections of her book Norman the Squirrel: Adventures in Wonderment Book 2, followed by a few discussion questions. Amanda will then help students brainstorm ideas for writing a story based on their own experiences in being brave and trying new things.
What’s in a Name?
1 hour (Grades 3-5)
What makes Norman a Norman? This writing workshop is ALL about character development. Amanda will show students how using all 5 senses, visualization, and descriptive words can create unique, dynamic characters in a story. Personality traits, family and home background, and relationships with others also contribute to developing a character. Using Norman as a case study, Amanda will highlight how she brought Norman to life by only using words. With guidance, students will create their own main characters that will spur the creation of their own stories and possibly illustrations.
Discovering Your Inner Author
1 hour (Grades 3-5)
If you were an author, what kind of books would you write? What will keep your readers turning the pages? Your answers may surprise you! Amanda will start with a presentation on how she used brainstorming, self-writing challenges, and humorous storytelling to create the storylines in her book series Norman the Squirrel. She will then lead an interactive writing workshop where students use brainstorming and different writing techniques to develop their own intriguing stories. By encouraging students to think outside the box, they can discover new ways to enhance their stories and generate even more ideas.
Virtual Only
Informal Author Q & A
30 minutes (K-5)
This fun Q & A hands the mic to students to ask Amanda questions about her writing the Norman the Squirrel book series, her adventures as an author, or her love of music and animals!
Customize Your Visit
Looking for something specific to add to your curriculum? Amanda is happy to customize an author talk or writing workshop to meet your school’s needs. Both virtual and in-person options available, along with conferences!

Events

  • Saturday, August 17th 10am-4pm
    Barnes & Noble Bookstore
    Boulder, CO
  • Saturday, Sepetmber 14th 11:30am - 1:30pm
    Sudden Fiction Books
    Castle Rock, CO
  • 2024
    To Be Determined
    Book Signing
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Contact

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