Deborah Abela
BIO
After completing a teaching degree, Deb went to Africa where she was caught in a desert sandstorm, harassed by monkeys and thrown in jail…twice! She became the producer/writer of a national kids’ TV show before leaving to write 28 children’s books. Her crankiness about climate change led to the novels, Grimsdon, New City and Final Storm. Teresa A New Australian was inspired by her dad, who, with a million other refugees, sailed to Australia after WW2. Her picture books are Wolfie, An Unlikely Hero andthe CBCA notable, Bear in Space. The Book of Wondrous Possibilities is her love-letter to booksellers,books and librarians about how they can save us when everything feels dark. She is a proud ambassador for Room to Read and Books in Homes.
Deb’s won awards for her books, including CBCA Notables, the Maurice Saxby Award, US IBBY for Outstanding International Book and Best Book in Translation, Malta, CBC awards in Australia and the USA. She’s spoken in schools and festivals for 20 years and enjoys getting kids excited about books and equipping teachers with activities to foster a love of writing in their students.
www.deborahabela.com, Facebook, Twitter Instagram
In-Person and Online Virtual Visits
Preferred audience: Infants, Primary, PD for teachers/librarians
SHOWS
Presentations
- Primary
- Secondary
Author Talks – Ages 5-12
Deborah’s author talks are engaging, interactive and fun. With her teaching and TV background, she uses images, videos and storytelling to demystify the writing process and prove it can be exciting and fun.
Writing Workshops – Ages 5-16
Ever since Deborah was 7 she has been good at making trouble, so it was obvious she would grow up to be a writer. Find out how being a troublemaker led her to write about flying machines, swordfights and kids who face bad guys and sea monsters. Students will engage in activities that explore the writing process from developing ideas, to planning outlines and, most importantly, creating characters and plots readers will love whilst having lots of fun!
PD Session for Teachers – Fun Activities to Get Kids Writing!
In this practical, hands-on session, Deborah will lead you through a series of activities to help your students develop ideas, draft exciting prose and create characters and plots readers will love. Most importantly, you’ll do it in a way that encourages them to enjoy writing. The session includes a 20-page handout brimming with fun and inspiring activities to use in your class.
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