Ellen Cochrane
True stories of survival that get young readers thinking like scientists.
About Ellen
Ellen Cochrane writes immersive nonfiction for young readers. Her debut, *Follow the Water*, tells the true story of 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke’s survival in the Amazon after a plane crash. A former middle school teacher, Ellen loves school visits because students ask the questions that bring a true story to life. In her interactive virtual visits for grades 4–8, students consider what they would do in Juliane’s place, explore the rainforest science behind her survival, and see how research becomes a story. The presentations feature video, audio recordings, and photographs of the people, places, and wildlife in Juliane’s story. Ellen also offers a nine-page educator guide. Ellen taught English, Spanish, and Russian and worked with English learners. She studied science writing at Johns Hopkins, is a certified California Naturalist, and lives in Sacramento. Learn more at [ellencochrane.com](https://ellencochrane.com).
Books
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What educators say
“Our students enjoyed Ellen’s visit so much that we would love to have her back. They were engaged throughout and wanted more time with her.”
“Ellen’s presentation is engaging and interactive. She shares visuals, reads book excerpts, and involves students in discussions about the writing process and the science behind the book.”
“Ellen was wonderful to work with, offering clear setup instructions and emails for me to just pass along to my teachers. Her presentation was so interesting that the book she donated to the library got checked out that very same day! Her presentation is great for all students, and the link to science was a special addition for the students in all my science classes, who normally hear “author talk” and think it only belongs in English classes. Overall, it was a very valuable presentation for students and great exposure to a true survival story!”
Visit formats
What a visit includes
What would you do if you woke up alone in the Amazon rainforest after a plane crash? In my interactive virtual visit for grades 4–8, students put themselves in the shoes of 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke, whose remarkable true story I tell in *Follow the Water*. I use video, audio recordings, and historical and natural history photographs to take students into Juliane’s world. Together, we look at the clues she noticed, the choices she made, and the rainforest science that helps explain how she survived. I also share how I researched her experience and turned what I learned into a book. As a former middle school teacher, I love hearing students’ questions and seeing what they notice. Each visit includes a live Q&A. Students can participate without having read the book, and multiple classrooms or schools can join the same session. A nine-page educator guide is available for teachers who want to extend the visit into their science, reading, or writing lessons.
Fees vary by format, travel, and your school's needs. Reach out directly for a quote and open dates.
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