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💫 YOU Are a STAR… Keep Shining!

Inspiring Programs with NYT Bestselling Author Laura Duksta

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🌟 ABOUT THE PROGRAM

“YOU Are a STAR… Keep Shining!” complements your school’s character education and literacy goals, while offering an unforgettable author visit experience. Laura shares her journey from inspired idea to over one million books sold in eight languages, inviting students to see how courage, kindness, and creativity can shape their lives.

While Laura writes picture books, her presentations resonate with all ages. She typically speaks to the entire school, as older students connect deeply with her authentic sharing about going - and growing - through life’s challenges, as well as her adventures as an author.

Laura reminds students (and adults!) that you’re never too old for a good picture book -and never too young to realize that you are magnificent, just as you are!

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💛 PROGRAM THEMES

Author & Writing Experience
Laura offers an inside look at the creative process - writing, editing, revising, and discovering that our best work is rarely “one and done.” Students learn what inspired her writing, how I Love You More came to life, and that persistence and purpose go hand in hand.

Being Yourself / The Alopecia Story
Laura lost her hair at age 11 due to Alopecia Areata. She shares her journey from being bullied and self-conscious to finding the power, freedom, and fun that come from being yourself. Her story helps students build empathy and courage while celebrating what makes them unique.

Discovering Your Genius
We each have a spark of brilliance within us. Laura helps students recognize their own innate gifts, talents, and potential, encouraging them to see that even challenges can become stepping stones to greatness.

Reading is Awesome!
Reading expands imagination, vocabulary, and possibility! Laura shares her love for books and how reading aloud - at home and in the classroom - can bring families and communities closer together.

Enthusiasm & Kindness
Laura’s signature cheers - “Keep Shining!” and “I AM a Genius!” - get everyone smiling and remind us that words have power. How we speak to ourselves and one another matters!

Q & A
Laura loves answering student questions. For upper grades, she often requests 60–75 minutes to allow for deeper discussions and reflections.

Bonus Opportunity: “Lunch with Laura”
Invite a select group of students - such as essay winners, student council members, or students who could use an extra boost - to join Laura for a fun, encouraging lunchtime chat about creativity, courage, and following your dreams.

Signed Books
A flyer can be sent home before the visit for families to order personalized, signed copies of Laura’s books. Each child receives a handwritten message from Laura.

Add-Ons
Laura also offers smaller workshops by grade level or special sessions such as Family Reading Nights to engage parents, teachers, and the wider community.

 

Email Laura Here for Booking Inquiry

Please include name of school or organization, location, how many students approximately, your budget and possible dates. Laura or a team member will get back to you ASAP. 

Testimonials and a list of schools visited below....

 

  

Testimonials

"YOU ARE AMAZING!"

First grade student, American Heritage, Palm Beach Campus

On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff of Virginia S. Young Montessori Magnet, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for coming out to our school. Your performances demonstrated your passion for positive thinking. Your message that everyone is a genius and anyone can achieve their dreams resonated with our students and staff. Afterwards, I overheard students sharing with others the impact of your presentation on how they view themselves and others.

When we scheduled your visit, we had no idea how dynamic and powerful your program would be. It is my pleasure to recommend you as an outstanding author/presenter to other schools in our district and beyond. You are now a celebrity of our students and your performances demonstrated the importance of reading, believing in yourself, and pursuing your dreams. Any school would be blessed to have you as a presenter. You truly touched the lives of our students and we thank you. We now believe in the beauty of our dreams and to always keep shining!

Jennifer Narkier, Media Specialist, Virginia S. Young Montessori Magnet

I was planning a community event, and wow did I hit the jackpot bringing in New York Times Bestselling author, Laura Duksta!!! She spoke to our book club after school and then came back for a sensational evening event. Both presentations exceeded my expectations. Laura inspired future authors to never give up, and realize that sometimes it takes a little failure to find success. Laura also inspired others to feel good about themselves with her fun cheers! She had students, parents, and community members on their feet, and feeling great!

Many of you think that during these difficult financial times, it’s not possible to afford such an event. That’s not true. Thanks to the tremendous support from a school partner, I was also able to secure Laura’s fee with ease. I would highly recommend Laura and her program to students, parents, and teachers! What an enthusiastic author! Don’t miss out!!!

Amy, Third Grade Teacher, Weston, FL

Thank you so much for your presentation at St. Mark's. I can truly say that we were all overwhelmed by your positive message! I was so impressed with your ability to communicate effectively with all age groups. Each of the groups you spoke to from the 1 year old class to the 8th grade enjoyed your book and talk. I have seen kids doing the I Shine cheer all week and our 7/8th grade Math teacher tells me she uses the genius cheer every day at the start of class! I hope you will come back and talk to us about your next book--we are looking forward to it!

Heidi Burnett, Director, School Media Center, St. Mark's Episcopal School

Laura Duksta and Karen Keesler are great! They have a presentation that truly supports the work of educators, parents and children. Their message of love includes both affective and academic elements. Social and emotional issues discussed include dealing with personal challenges, differences in yourself and others, appreciating yourself and others, using the imagination and self-affirmation, setting goals, accepting constructive criticism, and using your talents to help others. Academic issues include keeping a positive attitude in school, exploring the creative process, drafting and revising work of any kind (including written and artistic work) and persevering to complete a project. Laura and Karen know how to tailor their program to audiences of various ages. They helped my school find the genius inside each one of us!

James McGhee II, Headmaster, Alexander School, Miami, FL

I feel it’s been a privilege to have crossed paths with these lovely ladies because of their message of love and their dedicated, compassionate method of delivering that message not only through their book and their web site, but also through their personalities. Every chance I’ve had to interact with Laura and Karen tells me that they have a strong message that needs to be heard not only in South Florida, but around the world.

Julia E. Spann, Youth Services Librarian Pembroke Pines/Walter C. Young Res. Center

“I find Laura to be an amazing person and feel that her positive outlook on building relationships is in keeping with our Character Education Program.”

Susan Messing, Proud Principal, Chancellor Charter School

“I thought Laura’s presentation was great. The students and I talked about it after the show. The students focused on what it must be like and feel like to look different and how important it is to treat everyone with kindness. We discussed how we all have two eyes, two ears, etc. yet how we all have special qualities that make us different.”

Debbie Geller, Teacher Imagine Schools

 

When the guidance counselor who booked Laura at American Heritage (Broward campus), asked her 6th grade son what he thought of the program, she was expecting one of his typical responses of “Boring” or “Ok,” she was  surprised by his heartfelt answer, “The only problem was that it should’ve been longer!” The program was an hour!

Media specialists frequently comment on Laura's ability to engage, and effectively communicate, with younger and older students. While she typically visit elementary schools, she has talks designed for all ages from preschool to high school, personal development days, educator seminars, mommy and me groups, as well as senior living homes...the message of LOVE resonates with and makes a difference for people of all ages! 

It is Laura's ability to be PRESENT with the students that is the true GIFT!

   

Schools Visited

Arizona:

Mesa: Zaharis Elementary

Tempe: Changing Hands w School for the Deaf

 

California:

La Jolla: The Children's School

Lake Tahoe: Environmental Science Magnet,

Los Angeles: St James Episcopal

Murrieta: Murrieta Elementary

  

Colorado:

Aspen: Aspen Elementary, Wildwood and others

Denver: Mile High Center for Spiritual Living Youth Program

Longmont: St John the Baptist Catholic School

 

Florida:

Amelia Island: Amelia Island Montessori

Atlantic Beach: Atlantic Beach Elementary

Boca Raton: Saint Andrew's Primary School

Bryceville: Bryceville Elementary

Celebration: Celebration Elementary

Coral Springs: Riverside, Country Hills, Cambridge Schools

Davie: David Posnack Temple School, Hawkes Bluff

Delray: American Heritage (two visits)

Fort Lauderdale: Virginia S Young, Lloyd Estates, Floranada, St Mark's, Pinecrest, St Anthony's, Delmar academy, Bayview, Little Flower Montessori, Church by the Sea School

Fort Pierce: Fort Pierce Magnet School for the Arts

Hallandale: David Posnack/ Hochberg East Campus 

Hollywood: Beach Montessori

Lady Lake: The Villages of Lady Lake Elementary

Land O' Lakes: Sanders 

Leesburg: Leesburg Elementary

Lutz: Kidstuff

Miami: Alexander School, Miami Country Day, St Francis, St Thomas

Mount Dora: Round Lake Charter

Pembroke Pines: Cambridge Schools

Pinecrest: Pinecrest Elementary

Plantation: American Heritage (four visits)

Pompano: Lighthouse Point Christian

New Port Richey: Fox Hollow Elementary

Tamarac: Liberty Elementary

Tangerine: Tangerine School House

Weston: Everglades Elementary, Imagine Charter, Cambridge Schools

West Palm Beach: Meyer's Academy, Academy of the Palm Beaches

Windermere: Keene's Crossing Elementary

 

Illinois:

Glenview: Willowbrook

Shorewood: Walnut Trails

Streamwood: Ridge Circle

Wheaton: St Michael's Elementary

 

Kentucky:

Alexandria: St Joseph Cold Spring

Bowling Green: Briarwood Elementary

Maryland:

Annapolis: Preschool for the Arts

College Park: University of Maryland

 Massachusetts:

Halifax: Halifax Elementary, The Magical Years

Hingham: Notre Dame Academy, St Paul's Catholic School

Kingston: Kingston Elementary, Sacred Heart, The Magical Years

Marshfield: Governor Winslow, Daniel Webster, Martinson, Eames Way, Steeple School

Milton: Collicot

Pembroke: The Magic Years

Plymouth: Federal Furnace Elementary

Quincy: South Shore STARS Preschool

Randolph: South Shore STARS preschool

Scituate: Hatherly, Jenkins, Lil' Munchkins Childcare & Preschool, Owl's Crossing Preschool

Weymouth: South Shore STARS Preschool 

Missouri:

Overland: Marion Elementary

St Louis: Immacolata, New City School

 

New Jersey:

Caldwell: Grandview, Trinity Academy

Orange: Forest Street

West Orange: Gregory Elementary

 

New York:

Frost Valley YMCA for CAP 

Port Washington: Parent Resource Center

 

Ohio:

Cincinnati: Guardian Angels, Sands Montessori, Mercer, Welch, Colerain

Kings Mills: Kings Mills

 

South Carolina

Aynor: Aynor Elementary

Conway: Kingston Elementary

 

Tennessee:

Brentwood: Kenrose

Franklin: Walnut Grove, Clovercroft

Nashville: Mama Lere School for the Deaf, Vanderbilt

Mt Juliet: Rutland Elementary

Spring Hill: Allendale

Watertown: Watertown Elementary

Texas:

Austin: Blazier Elementary

 

Want to add your school to the list, CONTACT US today!