Author Visits (IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL)

Award-winning poet and children’s book author, Darren Sardelli, is an exciting, enthusiastic speaker who makes poetry fun and meaningful to young people. His relatable topics, empowering words, and light-hearted poems keep students engaged and entertained. Interaction and audience participation is a big part of his show. During a lower grade assembly, students solve poetry riddles, become characters in Darren’s poems, and are taught how to express themselves in positive ways. During an upper grade assembly, students learn the importance of words, find out how to make their writing stand out, and discover how powerful their imaginations can truly be. Participants will be motivated to read and write poetry, start an idea book, and think in a creative direction.

* Perfect for PARP, National Poetry Month, Reading Celebrations, & more!

Duration: K-2nd (40 minutes) / 3rd-5th (50 minutes)

Size: 100+ Students

International poet, author, and speaker, Darren Sardelli, empowers middle school and high school students with words. His assemblies are designed to motivate, educate, and demonstrate the incredible things that can be accomplished through hard work and perseverance. Darren's real-life stories connect with and captivate young adults. Through self-belief, determination, and dedication to his craft, Darren transformed himself from an unlikely writer into a professional poet. He shares his passion with students and shows them how words can heal, inspire, and impact lives.  

Duration: 45 minutes 

Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Size: 100+ Students

Are you looking for something that builds confidence, enhances creativity, and teaches a valuable skill? Darren Sardelli’s BUILD-A-POEM WORKSHOP does all this and more! Students learn how to paint pictures with words, make writing more descriptive, and write poetry that stands out. Darren combines everyone's ideas and writes a fun poem with his audience. After their poem is complete, lower grade students illustrate the poem and upper grade students write poems of their own. This workshop shows students how to put ideas in motion and gives them the tools they need to feel good about writing poetry. 

Duration: 45 minutes 

Grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Size: 2 -3 Classes

* Residencies are available (2-5 days)

ADVENTURES IN RHYME is an interactive and engaging poetry show that teaches PRE-K, Kindergarteners, and First Graders about rhythm, rhyme, and poetry. During this action-packed presentation, each poem requires some type of participation or activity. Students act out poems with Darren, figure out poetry riddles, dance to the rhythm of his rhymes, become characters in his poems, and use their imaginations in unique ways. It’s a wonderful way to introduce poetry to young people. 

Duration: 40 minutes 

Grades: Pre-K, K, 1, 2

Size: 100+ Students

Award-winning poet and children’s book author, Darren Sardelli, brings poetry to life with his enthusiasm, excitement, and passion for writing. His relatable poems, light-hearted humor, and inspiring messages not only generate positivity, but also help his audience get in touch with their feelings and emotions. Throughout his show, Darren entertains people with his amusing and uplifting rhymes, showcases his poetry riddles, and brings families together with his empowering words. 

For: Schools/ Libraries / Camps / Events 

Duration: 45 minutes (followed by a book signing) 

International poet, children’s book author, and dynamic speaker, Darren Sardelli, empowers students with interactive poetry, inspiring messages, and pure fun. Students will solve poetry riddles, learn how to empower themselves with words, snap, clap, and tap the rhythm of Darren’s poems, use their imaginations in unique ways, and discover easy ways to put ideas in motion. Students will leave this assembly with a new appreciation for poetry and literacy.

Duration: K-2nd (40 minutes) / 3rd-5th (45 minutes) / 6th-12th (45 minutes)