I love doing school visits!
School visits are my specialty. I've done them all over the country. Each one was a splendid success. I make the event lots of fun and highly entertaining while inspiring children to take an interest in the environment. If you decide to invite me to your school, it promises to be a very special event, something your students will never forget. If you're interested please contact me at Jmihaley@yahoo.com. Or call 323-620-0832.
Below I have included letters of recommendation:
John Muir Elementary was very lucky to have James Mihaley visit our school and deliver a wonderful presentation. He is an energetic, engaging presenter, involving the kids in his performance throughout. He had a poet's flair as he read from his book which made the students pay rapt attention. I bought four copies of the book and they were immediately checked out, with others begging to be next in line. He came back to sign his books during our book fair--the kids were so excited to see him and he sold a bundle of books!
Elementary Library Coordinator
John Muir Elementary
Santa Monica, CA
310-399-7721, ext. 64-201
The students at Topanga Elementary School thoroughly enjoyed a visit from James Mihaley. We invited James to our school as part of our Earth Day celebration. His book You Can't Have My Planet, But Take My Brother Please sends an extremely important message and really gets children thinking about their part in protecting our environment. James drew the students in to his book through a fun-filled and interactive presentation. He read excepts from it, but left them wanting more. The message that he sends is one that is meaningful for all students, regardless of age. He ended his presentation by signing books and bookmarks for the students. We appreciate James taking the time to help spread the word that we can all take part in protecting our precious Earth.
Nicole Sheard, Principal
Topanga Elementary Charter School
The author James Mihaley completely entranced our third, fourth, and fifth graders with his presentation of the book, "You Can't Have My Planet, but take my Brother, Please". His storytelling skills are well suited to his audience. He told just enough about the story to tempt many to not only read his book, but to buy his book. Our students are already asking about a sequel. James was so easy to work with and made additional trips to the school to deliver books and sign autographs. We were so pleased to host him and would do it again in a heartbeat.
THE STAFF AT WONDERLAND ELEMENTARY
LOS ANGELES
To Whom It May Concern:
James Mihaley was the featured author at Ventura Unified School District's annual Battle of the Books held on March 8, 2013. At this event James entertained and enlightened eighty student participants, school librarians, and other district staff with an interactive presentation of his book You Can’t Have My Planet, But Take My Brother, Please. Students were engaged and enthusiastically participated in his interactive hour with them. The students were then divided into two smaller groups where James again enthralled them with a more intimate and personal talk about overcoming obstacles and giving of oneself to benefit others. These breakout sessions concluded with James signing autographs on illustrations of the book’s upcoming promotional video.
Instead of leaving after his presentations, James wanted to stay for the students' competition, demonstrating his strong commitment to their achievements. Finally, James signed copies of his book for those students who bought or earned a copy through their reading accomplishments. He added a unique touch by writing the child’s name at an important moment in the book. Many of my students have since told me where and when James incorporated them into his story.
I feel especially fortunate to have developed a friendship with James Mihaley while working with him to plan this year's district-wide Battle of the Books. He is a fine author, entertaining speaker, an inspiration to students, and someone determined to make an impact.
Sincerely,
Michael Tzipori
Teacher Librarian
Cabrillo Middle School
1426 E. Santa Clara Ave.
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 641-5155 ext. 2025
We had the pleasure of welcoming James Mihaley to St. Paul the Apostle School in West LA, in November 2012 for an author visit. Mr. Mihaley addressed an audience of approximately 180 students in Grades 4th through 6th and kept them well entertained for just under an hour. He read excerpts from his book and requested a few children from the audience to assist him with his presentation. The room was filled with laughter and cheering... and minimal fidgeting - not bad for 180 children. The following week, our school hosted a Book Fair through Mrs. Nelson's and Mr. Mihaley was on hand to sign copies of his book for the children. For most it was the first time they had met an author. Judging by the line out the door and the sellout of You Can't Have My Planet .., I would say they were very excited indeed. Since the presentation and the book fair, I have received many comments praising Mr. Mihaley and his work. We would be delighted to welcome Mr. Mihaley back to our school anytime.
Gillian Stanley
Vice President
Parent's Working for Children
St. Paul the Apostle School
Dear Fellow Principals,
I have the pleasure of having a Koreh L.A. Volunteer reader at my school who was a former principal for LAUSD. She recently introduced me to her friend, an author, James Mihaley, who has written his first book for students. We invited Mr. Mihaley to one of our Meet the Author Assemblies. She nor I had a chance to read the book, You Can't Have My Planet, But Take My Brother Please, so I sat in for the assembly. Mr. Mihaley gave a wonderful presentation to the students. He was very engaging, asked questions, read just enough to capture our attention and we were all sad to see him go. If you're interested in Going Green this year and want a great assembly to kick off your recycling program, I would certainly suggest you invite James Mihaley to your school! There are many surprises in his book, your students won't be disappointed.
Thank You,
Freida Smith, Principal
Nora Sterry Elementary School
Phone (310) 473-2172
James, on behalf of the El Marino Language School, I would like to thank you for your entertaining presentation during our annual Literary Night. The reading of your book was engaging and we all enjoyed the audience participation! The students who attended this event still come up to me, months later, to tell me how much they enjoyed it and to ask me when you’re going to come back with a new book and presentation! Thank you again for spending an evening with us at El Marino. We wish you nothing but success!
Rosanne Giza,
El Marino Language School,
Culver City, CA
To whom it may concern:
We were delighted to host author James Mihaley recently for a special "Meet-the-Author" program here at the Stratford Library in Connecticut. His new novel, " You Can't Have My Planet But Take My Brother, Please", is a big hit here with our young readers. James was an excellent speaker and presented a nicely balanced, interactive program. In a very approachable manner he kept his audience- young and old alike- totally engaged. Audience participation was immediate and James was highly successful in making the youngsters in the audience feel like they were part of the book and his program. It was a thoroughly entertaining afternoon. We would welcome a return visit from James any time.
Barbara Blosveren
Director, Stratford Library Association
Stratford, Ct 06615
bblosveren@stratfordlibrary.org