School Author Visits
“When I was a kid, graphic novels nurtured my love of reading and brought me to new worlds I could not yet imagine. Now, as an author, it brings me so much joy to create those worlds, share them with young readers during my presentations and encourage them to embrace their own creativity and tell their own stories.” – Julio Anta
To book Julio at your school please contact How Now Booking!
CURRENT IN-PERSON + VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS
How Soccer Made Me A Writer
Julio loves reading. He loves writing. But he also loves soccer – just like the characters in his graphic novels Speak Up Santiago! and Sol Goes For Goal! During this presentation, Julio will talk about his childhood (and adulthood!) obsession with soccer and how the teamwork and resilience he learned on the field shaped him into the author he is today.
45 minutes including Q&A
Best suited for grades 3-8
Author As A Career
Julio will take students on a high level journey through the business of becoming a published author and making a living in the arts. Using his own career as a framework, he will discuss agents, editors, publishers, and balancing the ups and downs of “the art life.”
45 minutes including Q&A
Best suited for high school students.
How to Create Graphic Novels - Workshop
Julio has been making comics since he was 7 years old. Using the knowledge he’s gained over decades of comic book creation, Julio will guide workshop participants through the basics of creating their own graphic novel – from idea to fleshing out story, breaking it down into panels, and drawing. By the end of our time together, students will have produced a one page comic and leave inspired to continue creating more!
45-60 minutes
Best suited for grade 6 and up
For classroom size group of students (30 or less)
To book Julio at your school, please contact How Now Booking!
* Discounted visits available for New York City Public Schools
Testimonials:
Our 4th graders really enjoyed Julio’s presentation about Speak Up, Santiago! In addition to his writing process, Julio spoke at length about his background and how it influenced the story. This was particularly meaningful for many of the kids who also come from bilingual families where they don’t speak the native language as well. We can’t wait to have him back!
– Chris Sinderson, Parent Coordinator, PS 261
Julio Anta is a wonderful storyteller and inspiring teacher. Four students in my 3rd period content support class are continuing work on the graphic novels they began in his workshop!
– Washington Middle School
Julio’s insight to his childhood allowed our diverse student population to connect with him. His honesty (not doing well in school) allowed our students to see the human side of the author. And the crash course on publishing’s pay model was eye-opening as well as a good lead-in to our upcoming career day fair.
– Esther Keller, Librarian, Grady High School
Julio is a revolutionary educator, writer and human being that made deep connections within an hour of a video call with my 5th graders. Even through video chat, the class were able to remain engaged and excited through Julio's storytelling and Q&A session grounded in Ethnic Studies and career opportunities. He is an inspiration to the next generation of comics and writers, especially for children of color across the nation wanting to do similar work. One student was deeply emotional saying, "he inspired me to be the ONE" (next upcoming Latino comic/writer). Thank you Julio por todo!
– Jonathan Otero, 5th Grade Teacher, Lindbergh Elementary School
Julio did a fantastic virtual Q&A with my 9th and 10th graders in DC public schools. For many, this was their first-ever author visit, and they loved learning about his creative process, the inspirations for his comic series Home, and how a professional writer plans (or pantses!) their next story. At the end of class, they were buzzing about Julio's ideas and insights. This was such a wonderful enrichment opportunity—I'd recommend it to any educator!
— Abby White, ELA tutor at Garnet-Patterson S.T.A.Y. High School in Washington, DC