“James brings his own unique sensibility, brilliant wit, and engaging humor to his presentations for students. When visiting our school, he had the students immediately captivated, even on a Friday afternoon when many of them might be eager to flee the building. James loves creating characters and playing with the language, and he inspired our students to think creatively. In a world where many people talk down to young people, James challenges them and drags them willingly into his elaborate world. They have been carrying around his books ever since!” —Lori Kloehn, English Teacher at the Latin School of Chicago

“James Kennedy is an enthusiastic and energetic speaker who has a talent for engaging middle-grade students with his fast-paced, unique presentation that makes books and writing seem cool and hilarious. The 90-Second Newbery film festival is a great opportunity for students to explore complex elements of literature and share their learning through filmmaking.”
-Kara Thorstenson, Library and Digital Media Manager, Chicago Public Schools

“James’ programs are as unique as they are engaging. The teens at my library continuously ask me when he is coming again! I have rarely seen such creative dramatic energy in a teen program. Even my shyest teens were hurling creative sallies in the Dome of Doom. James is a professional and an utter pleasure to work with, as he has such respect for both libraries and teens.”—Amy Alessio, Teen Coordinator, Schaumburg Library, IL

“I have never seen my students as engaged as they were during James Kennedy’s visit to my classroom. He is an incredible speaker—my students were on the edge of their seats. Not only was his reading fascinating, my students also enjoyed his explanation of how he became a writer. His story proved to them to them that everyday people can become published authors.”—C.L. Underwood, High School Teacher, Chicago

“James Kennedy, as well as being a talented author, is a natural entertainer. The audience hardly had a chance to stop laughing during his readings and Q & A session. Most importantly, he was an inspiration to the teens—taking time to talk to them personally and encouraging them in their creative endeavors.” —Kricket Hoekstra, Teen Librarian, Rochester Hills Public Library

“James Kennedy is one of the most talked about authors we have had! Teens who had the chance to meet him at TBF have been overheard telling others about him and what they missed. His presentation style is engaging, interactive, and hysterical. And his sense of humor is infectious! Find a way to get James to your library or school . . . you won’t be disappointed!”
—Stephanie Squicciarini, librarian and organizer of the Greater Rochester Teen Book Festival

“James is an amazing author. As an educator, I can turn to almost any page in The Order of Odd Fish to show my students how he crafts his words and phrases to make the story come alive. His imagination is boundless. James brings enthusiasm and energy to his presentations which immediately ‘hook’ the students. His animated and playful manner encourages the students to enter his world and become engaged in it. The fifth grade students in our school were all captivated from the very beginning. All eyes (and I mean all eyes) were on him as he reeled them into his world. Our students loved when he read parts from his book. They laughed out loud and were quick to say ‘NO…’ when he ended the passage. I have seen many authors do presentations with children but I have never seen a group of students unanimously and spontaneously stand and give anyone a standing ovation . . . Our students could not stop talking about his stories and they hope to see him again. He certainly ignited the desire to read in many reluctant readers.”
-Antoinette Tomasino, Librarian & Associate Instructor,
CREC Academy of Aerospace and Engineering Elementary, Rocky Hill, CT