2026 Children’s Book International Award Winner – Historical Fiction

History Detective Club — Bringing the American Revolution to Life

Hi! I’m Wendy M. Neugent, author of the History Detective Club, a middle grade series with high-action historical adventures that help students experience the past as something real, urgent, and unforgettable.

“Perfect for introducing young readers to the events leading to the American Revolution.”
— Angel, librarian and former history teacher

School Visits & Author Events

I offer in-person and virtual author visits.

Who These Visits Are For

My programs are a great fit for:

Elementary and middle schools (Grades 3–8)
One Book One School, school-wide reading programs. and reading celebration events
District-wide literacy and history initiatives

What Students Will Experience

My presentations and workshops are interactive, student-friendly, and designed to build excitement around both reading, writing, and Virginia and United States history.

Depending on the program, students will:

Explore how the American Revolution unfolded in real time
Learn how historians use evidence to decide what most likely happened
Compare sources and practice critical thinking
Understand how perspective and bias affect historical accounts
See how authors build stories around actual events
Enjoy time for student Q&A and book signings.

Programs are typically 45 minutes, and can be adapted for:

Grades 3–5 (simpler framing and more guided discussion)
Grades 6–8 (deeper analysis and more independent thinking)

“A beautifully written story that makes 1774 come alive. Rose time travels between present-day and colonial Williamsburg through a magical pearl necklace. The history is authentic and woven with care. Perfect for classrooms or homeschool use.”

Programs are tailored to grade level and connect directly to American Revolution curriculum standards.

2026-2027 School Year Rates
In-Person School Visits

Recommended in-person options

Half-Day Author Visit — $1,000
Up to two presentations

Full-Day Author Visit — $1,500
Up to three presentations

Full-Day History Detective Residency — starting at $2,000
Assembly, workshops, student interaction, and signing opportunities throughout the school day

🚗 Travel

Travel Fees

Within 60 miles of Powhatan, VA 23139→ Included
Beyond 60 miles → $0.72/mile (round trip)
Overnight required → Hotel + meals added
Air travel → Flight + hotel + ground transportation

Sessions are about 45 minutes each but can be customized to suit your school schedule.

For visits requiring air travel or overnight stays, a custom quote will be provided.

Virtual Author Visits

Single virtual presentation (about 40–45 minutes + Q&A): $400
Additional same‑day virtual presentations: $200 each

Most in‑person programs can be adapted for virtual visits.

If these rates are a challenge for your school, please reach out.
Sometimes we can adjust the format (fewer sessions, virtual instead of
in‑person, or shared visits with a nearby school) to make a visit
possible.

Ready to Schedule a Visit?

To request availability, please send a message with:

School name + location
Grade levels participating
Estimated student count
Preferred dates/time window
In-person or virtual preference
Any special scheduling needs

📩 Contact me here: Wendy@WendyNeugent.com

I can’t wait to welcome your students into the History Detective Club—where history doesn’t feel like homework.

Visit History Eduction Resources for free companion educational resources including unit studies, a History Detective Club Case File, and reading comprehension and discussion guides.

FULL-DAY HISTORY DETECTIVE RESIDENCY

An immersive, customizable school-day experience that combines an inspiring author presentation with smaller-group workshops, student conversation, and opportunities to explore how historians and historical fiction authors investigate the past.

A typical residency may include:

• One large-group author assembly
• Three interactive classroom workshops
• Lunch with a student book club or selected readers
• Student Q&A and book-signing time
• Teacher and librarian planning materials
• Customization for your school’s grade levels and curriculum focus

Workshop topics may include:

• How historians use evidence to determine what most likely happened
• Turning real history into historical fiction
• Investigating perspective and bias in historical accounts
• Building a mystery with clues, suspects, and red herrings
• Exploring the difficult choices faced by people during the American Revolution

Full-day residencies are especially well suited to school-wide reading programs and American Revolution history initiatives.

MULTI-SCHOOL & DISTRICT PROGRAMS

Custom Quote

Planning a district-wide literacy initiative, American Revolution program, or shared author visit?

Programs can be customized for multiple schools, grade levels, and schedules. Options may include:

• Visits to neighboring schools on consecutive days
• Morning and afternoon programs at two nearby schools
• A district-wide assembly or literacy celebration
• School-wide reading programs centered on Seeds of Rebellion
• Classroom, library, and student book-order support
• Shared travel expenses among participating schools

Schools located in the same area may be able to coordinate visits and divide applicable travel costs.

Contact Wendy to discuss your district’s goals, participating schools, grade levels, schedule, and estimated number of students.

REQUEST A CUSTOM DISTRICT PROPOSAL