Karen welcomes the opportunity to talk about the writing process and to share her passion for researching and writing in presentations tailored to each of her books:
I CAN, TOO! / PLAYDATE SURPRISE: Disabilities, Inclusion, and Friendship for Grades K-3 based on picture books I CAN, TOO! and PLAYDATE SURPRISE
MAKING SEAKER: Writing and STEAM for Grades 3–6 based on middle-grade contemporary novel MAKING SEAKER
Kah-Lan: Sea Otters and a Thriving Ocean for grades 2–5 based on chapter books KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER and KAH-LAN AND THE STINK-INK
Growing Up in Wild Horse Canyon: Exploring Centuries of History for Grades 3–6 based on narrative non-fiction picture book GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON
Bringing Canadian History Alive for grades 4–6 based on middle-grade historical novels SECOND WATCH, SAARA’S PASSAGE, and SABOTAGE
Karen is available for in-person and virtual author visits and readings for grades Kindergarten and up. See individual presentation details below.
You otter be reading!
Paintings © Loraine Kemp
KAH-LAN Student Activity Guide:  Colour   B&W is available.
Teacher's Guide for GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON
Using GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON in the Classroom: A Teacher's Experience
Teachers' Guide for SECOND WATCH is available. Teacher Guide Second Watch
A Teachers' Guide for SAARA'S PASSAGE is available. Teacher Guide Saara's Passage
SABOTAGE Student Activity Guide is available.
Ruth Rocklin, Teacher/librarian, Pacific Christian School, Victoria, B.C.
"I liked the inspiration from history ... several students have asked to research the Empress of Ireland.”St. Clement School, Grande Prairie, AB
"You
inspired me by the way you brought
your first draft. I learned that you can't write a good book like
Second
Watch
without doing research."
Jessi, Grade 5
“I was extremely impressed with all aspects of Karen’s visit. She was organized and I appreciated her e-mails with reminders about what she would need, and details like time and location of her presentation. All of my grade five students had read Karen’s book “Second Watch” (2005) and were enraptured by it to say the least. The grade five teachers at my school were very impressed by the quality of writing in Karen’s story. “Second Watch” is an extremely powerful book with many curricular “ins”, including the theme of immigration. Ms. Autio’s second book, “Saara’s Passage,” is being highly anticipated at Rutland Elementary as the students anxiously await the fall publishing.
Karen was a very effective presenter. It was obvious that speaking to children is a passion of hers. She interacted with the students, talking about how she wrote her story, why reading was important and sharing some interesting facts about the curriculum along the way. Ms. Autio brought enlarged photographs of artifacts, pictures and copies of drafts and stories she had done in the past. She enraptured the students with her personal stories and experiences. The students were interested and engaged throughout her presentation.”
Sarah Parmar, Teacher-Librarian, Rutland Elementary School
"I love the history and how much detail you put into your book. It'll help me for
when I write my own book and add the detail, history, and fiction like you had
in your book!"
Sierra, Grade 6
"I
learned that
it's good to ask others about your writing when you're writing a book
or story."
Allison, Grade 6
“I recently had the pleasure of hosting Mrs. Karen Autio at our school to speak to our Grade 5 students. Mrs. Autio spoke to the children about her book, Second Watch , which focuses on immigration in Canada and the sinking of the Canadian Pacific ship, the Empress of Ireland. Mrs. Autio also shared her journey as a writer and the process she follows as she creates a story. Her presentation kept the students enthralled and prompted many interesting and thoughtful questions.
The children and teachers were equally fascinated with her story and with her presentation. Mrs. Autio interacted well with the students, was well-prepared and conveys her passion for the topic.
I would not hesitate to invite Mrs. Autio back to our school for another visit in the future. We cannot keep Second Watch on the library shelf and the students are eagerly awaiting the release of the sequel!”
Janet Brucker, Teacher-Librarian, Glenrosa Elementary School
"Thank you for coming!! I loved it when you
got us going with reading some of the story!! THANK YOU!!"
Shyan, Grade 5
On April 2,
the intermediate students and staff of Ellison Elementary attended an
hour long presentation by local author, Karen Autio. Ms. Autio wrote
Second
Watch,
an
historical fiction novel about the tragic 1914 sinking of the Empress of Ireland. During the
presentation she spoke about what it takes to become a published author,
how Second Watch came to be, researching
historical settings and events
and the process of book cover design.
Students were captivated by the selection she chose to read from
her novel and were left with the strong desire not only to get their
hands on a copy of Second Watch, but also to do
their own
research about this largely forgotten event."
Ellison
Elementary School
May 2007 Newsletter: Library News – Author
Visit
"I liked
that she
actually gave up her own time to come and see us. She did an awesome
job. I
hope she comes again."
J.T., Grade 6
More
comments from students and
teachers
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