Two ways I like to work with schools
Read on to discover what I can offer your school 😊
I love to come to do a school visit. But I can also send you a signed, dedicated copy of one of my books. See below or find out more here.
My school events are always about a love of reading
“Today’s virtual English session with the inspiring Nicki Thornton allowed our children to see the reality of becoming a successful author. Nicki was patient and enthusiastic about answering the child’s questions about her life, career and motivations.”
- Janine Nettey, Assistant Head of Joseph Cash Primary (TES Education Award winners for ‘English Team of the Year’
I love inspiring young people to read
My talks are always about sharing my enthusiasm for stories and how books stoke our imagination. And how becoming a writer grows out of being a reader.
I always allow plenty of time to answer questions.
“Nicki has a way of commanding the room with a relaxed and relatable approach that gets the children's attention from the outset. Her assemblies are well-crafted to sustain active engagement in her audience, and the children remember her visits. Her deep knowledge of children's literature and frank descriptions of her author journey make writing and reading more accessible to children, raising their aspirations and modelling their dreams.”
Isobel Kent, children's book editor and former school librarian
A magical mystery adventure with the Queen of Magical Crime
Whether I'm challenging students to try to imagine how they might go about being a magical detective, or answering questions about my life as an author, I try to make my talks as interactive as possible.
"Nicki Thornton has entertained and engaged our Year 7s, along with invited local Year 6s, with her tales of magical, mystery murders. Students regularly remind me fondly of her author talks - a real testament to her impact and success. Nicki’s talks are interactive. She has also provided writing workshops; sharing advice and guidance to all, with individual student feedback; enabling students to discover their own writing talents!
Nicki is attentive to her audience; utilising her vast knowledge and love of children's literature. Which comes in handy during her open and always interesting Q&A sessions!
Nicki has and always will be a favourite in Larkmead’s School Library.”
- L Stone, LRC Manager, Larkmead Secondary School
Have you got what it takes to be a magical detective?
Could you spot a crime committed by a sorcerer? How good would you be at concealing your own magic?
Find out in this interactive session.
“The pupils thoroughly enjoyed your visit. With the very interactive way you transmitted your passion, the children learned so much and were very engaged - almost too much at times you might say! I was amazed to see some of the pupils (the ones who usually reject anything about books) asking such pertinent questions. The pupils who have read your book (some in just one night) would like the sequel very quickly!”
- Beatrice Mallett, Secondary School Librarian, Europa School UK
Three writing superpowers
I also run a creative workshop with the aim of getting everyone writing, giving professional insider tips and helping every student to get creative and how to grow an idea.
I was a bookseller for more than ten years, so I try to appeal to all students, whether they are passionate about books or more reluctant readers.
I love talking to children about what they are reading – and particularly about mystery stories, and how I go about inventing the mystery and magic in my novels.
I love enthusing children about the joys of reading and making writing seem easier.
My events aim to be fun and to get students thinking about why reading and writing are fun and rewarding and how being imaginative, having ideas can lead to amazing things.
I have also enjoyed events at bookshops, libraries and at festivals.
As well as visiting schools, I have been running virtual events and shall continue to offer those to places where I cannot easily travel.
“Meeting Nicki Thornton was exciting because it’s the first time I’ve talked to an author.”
“I liked when she was telling us about the books and that she was going to make another book. I think the next book could be about an island!”
“Nicki Thornton was very interesting because we got to say our reviews to the author over Zoom. I liked doing that instead of just blogging it.”
“She was really nice.”
“I liked meeting Nicki Thornton because we got to ask her questions and she told us what she was going to do with her upcoming book. It was exciting!”
“At first, I was very nervous about putting my hand up but then I found it fun and exciting when we were asking questions.”
- Pupils at Joseph Cash Primary
Would you like me to visit your school?
You can book me for a school visit through Authors Aloud, who are a network of authors and educators passionate about enabling children to experience the magic of books, meeting their favourite writers or discovering new ones. Visit my home page and complete the form - they do the rest!
And if you would like a signed, dedicated copy of one of my books plus a personalised message to a class, you can find out more here.
Get a special gift for your class, school or library
Would you like a signed, dedicated copy of one of my books (or even a set?) together with a inspirational letter about reading?
It’s easy!
All you need to do is let me know (by clicking on the link below). You can tell me who it's for. I'll send you details of exactly what to do next.
Or why not send a gift as a ‘Thank you’ to a special teacher?
Gift A (£12) - a special gift to your class or library from Nicki Thornton!
your choice of one of my books (e.g. The Last Chance Hotel)
I can sign and dedicate it to a whole school, class, library or reading group
I'll send a letter encouraging reading for pleasure
includes postage and packing
Gift B (£50) - a special set of my books for a class or schools library
a set of all five of my books
each book signed and dedicated as above
an author letter (as above)
and an extra hand-written postcard
includes postage and packing
Gift C (£75) - a special set of my books as above
PLUS a recorded message to play in class!
What could be more exciting?!
To order simply send me an email with:
the gift you would like, and (if Gift A) the book you would like
the dedication you would like me to write in the book (or books)
address of the school and contact details
any additional information I will need!
I will then respond with payment details - and then I will get your special gift to the school ASAP!