SKATEBOARD MOM

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I have performed more than 100 shows for schools, libraries and community events. I'm based in Laguna Beach, California, but I travel around the U.S. to entertain and inspire school children. I perform as "Skateboard Mom" as well as "Skateboard Cow." Both are characters from my books. Of course, I can also perform as "Barb Odanaka," if that's your preference! Although I may look silly, I take my school appearances very seriously. I know that my performance might actually inspire a child to become a real-life author like myself someday! I also know children need inspiring role models, so I emphasize the importance of hard work, diligence and patience--as well as the wonderful feeling one experiences at a job well done!

My presentation can be customized for any age or audience but typically starts with a lively reading of one of my books. I follow that with a brief talk combining my passion for reading and writing with my love of skateboarding. I tell the students that learning to read and write well is like learning to skateboard. There will always be setbacks, some more painful than others! But if you stick it out, and work through the tough stuff, the rewards will be great. And great fun! I use a slide show to illustrate how a book comes to be--from the first "a-ha!" moment to the finished treasure. I talk about the importance of revision and how working with an editor is like working with a teacher--they are there to help you do your best work! I also share a few writing samples from my youngest days, including my very first book report, which, after mistakenly copying my selected book word for word, taught me one of life's greatest lessons: Listen to your teacher!Depending on the age and stage of audience members, I might include a few words on my former life as a Los Angeles Times sports reporter, or the year I spent writing travel stories while backpacking around the world. As a middle-aged woman who rides a skateboard, I enjoy demonstrating how stereotypes are not to be believed! Of course, I finish every show with a few skateboard tricks--indoors or out.