Public Speaking.
It's one of those things that has chosen me… starting when my peers selected me to give a message at our high school graduation. Over the past 30-plus years, I have spoken hundreds of times to audiences ranging in size from twenty to 20,000, and consistently receive feedback that I have a natural style and engaging presence that inspires.
As an author, I have presented at dozens of events and schools, including in cities that have used my books for all-district reads and summer literacy programs. I’m pretty sure I’m the one who walks away the most inspired. I love meeting with kids, hearing their honest questions (Best Ever: “What do you think is the meaning of life?”), and doing all I can to offer something genuine and true that will stay with them and foster an exploration of their own purpose, their own story, and the stories of others.
When I come to speak with your kids, my goals will be:
To communicate to each child that she/he is valuable and has a gift to share with the world. A seed of a purpose has been planted within that may even now be showing itself in the form of a desire, as mine did when I declared at nine years old, “I want to write a book and get it published!” I want kids to discover the explorer, scientist, creative, or entrepreneur inside. I want children to feel seen and valued for who they are.
To talk about what a story is and where it can come from, to show kids that each of us has a story (which we express in different ways), and to impart that stories connect us and help us to understand each other, even our enemies. I want children to see the importance of story.
To share with them where my stories come from (my mixed-race family and background)—to validate that experience for kids who share it, expose those who don’t share it to the experience, and open us all to the reality that racial categories can at times blind us to our common bond as humans. I want children to see themselves in my story and in the stories of others.
My visits typically include two to three larger presentations (e.g. whole grades) or two larger and one more intimate (e.g. Q&A lunch with a smaller group of selected students; one school had the kids fill out an application!).
“Sundee was SO personable, interesting, and transparent! She made visits to schools to talk with students and also visited with students, families, and staff members at our outdoor culminating event at the Clinton Presidential Center. Students LOVED being able to talk with her about her books and ask questions.
I have continued to stay in touch with Sundee and she remains KIND and REAL. I would highly recommend having her visit your school or district event!”
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Pam Dial, Principal
McDermott Elementary School
Little Rock, AR
Interviews & Blog Appearances
Today Show - Al Roker’s Book Club for Kids
Talk of the Nation
Led by mixed race celebrities like Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) and Tiger Woods, race, culture and identity are changing in America. Is being multi-racial an identity all its own, or a delicate balance of old divides?
Cynsations
Guest post on starting and persevering. (Q: What is hard about writing? A: Everything! But what other choice do we have if we want to light people’s hearts on fire?)
Cynsations
Author interview on Brendan Buckley’s Sixth-Grade Experiment (Topics: writing a sequel, setting a story in middle school, a prayer for writers, advice to writers of color).
Seattle Wrote. Featuring Seattle’s authors and writers.
Seattle Author Sundee Frazier: Books for Kids and Anyone Else With an Open Heart.