Presentations for youth

Finding the Essence: A Social Emotional Writing Workshop for Kids in Covid

Students use their own words in a clear, methodical, and tender way to describe their anxiety, grief, frustration, and even strange joy in these exceptionally complex times. Bilingual optional (Spanish), trauma-informed approach. Meets Social/Emotional, Common Core, and American School Counselors Association Standards. Learn More!

Now Is Your Time: Being a Fierce Leader in a Crazy World

In these tumultuous times, Crystal challenges young adults to think critically about their world, engage compassionately with others who are different, and shares the struggles of growing up in the Midwest and claiming her mixed race identity. Through the themes of her newest book, ALL THAT I CAN FIX, she hits home the power of living with integrity and underscores the relevance of education as the cornerstone for young adults to claim their lives and mend the world according to their vision and leadership. (Audience: Grades 7-12+)

Letting Your Real Self *Shine*

It wasn’t easy growing up as a mixed-race kid in the middle of Wisconsin. Despite obstacles of race, culture, and family expectations, Crystal found the courage to write from her heart and follow her dreams. She talks about dealing with loss, finding inner strength, and infusing your art with life experiences. She also touches on the importance of research and ends with a jawdropping example that will inspire kids of all ages to use the power of their voice. (Audience: Grades 4-12)

Mesmerizing mountains, graveyards, and swamps: Writing setting

Setting is one of the most important – and overlooked – components to writing those stories that keep you at the edge of your seat. Crystal uses a fun, interactive, game-show style approach that teaches students how to writing setting based upon a character’s point of view. Your students will be itching to create their own characters and build their own worlds. Watch out!  You never know what students will do when their creativity is unleashed. (Audience: Grades 4+)

Bird activity and writing workshop

Got kids? Are you a kid at heart? Crystal Chan, author of the internationally-published, middle grade book Bird, will be conducting a special interactive workshop for kids and adults. We’ll have the chance to talk about our life dreams, write poetry, and do some cool interactives based on events on the novel. Everyone will get the chance to design and take home a keepsake with personal meaning to them. (Audience: kids/teens/adults)