Laura Segal Stegman
Author of a middle grade trilogy about three struggling kids who stumble upon a magical carnival that’s about to change their world.
About Laura
Hello! I'm the author of a middle grade fantasy trilogy from Young Dragons Press, all set at a summer camp. I love connecting with young people directly, encouraging reading, sharing some story-writing basics, suggesting some of my favorite middle grade books, and answering their questions. As I share my own story of perseverance, there's nothing like seeing a kid's eyes light up when they realize that they, too, can do something they didn't think they could. MORE ABOUT MY BOOKS: Summer of L.U.C.K. (2022) introduces Darby (11), Naz (10), and Justin (12), three struggling kids who find their way to self-acceptance with the help of Leroy Usher, a ghost who haunts a magical carnival. Ready or Not (2023) spins more magical adventures with the three friends and the ghostly Mr. Usher, but it spotlights Justin (13), who faces a tricky real-life choice: stand up to bigotry or let fear hold him back. In The Chambered Nautilus (2024), Justin (14), Naz (12), and Darby (13) are drawing apart. But when the popular new Chambered Nautilus attraction goes awry, shutting the carnival down, and the ghostly Mr. Usher issues a desperate plea, they must come together as they realize he's always been there for them. Can they do the same for him? MORE ABOUT ME: Laura Segal Stegman is the author of Summer of L.U.C.K., Ready or Not, and The Chambered Nautilus, a middle-grade trilogy from Young Dragons Press, all with Readers' Favorite Five-Star reviews. She has been a presenter/panelist at such literary events as NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English), Orange County Book Fair, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ (SCBWI) SoCal Harvest Day, Jewish Book Council Writers Conference, and San Diego Writers Festival. She also does school visits and such events as the STEM Teacher Summit and serves as a judge for writing competitions sponsored by Society of Young Inklings, among others. As a long-time publicity consultant, she created PR Tips for Authors, which has been presented by The Writing Barn, SCBWI, and elsewhere. Non-fiction writing credits include work in Los Angeles Times and School Library Journal’s Teen Librarian Toolbox, among others.
Books
What educators say
“Thank you for inspiring our children and motivating them to be the best they can be. They will surely remember these moments. The children and parents were all talking about what a great event tonight was. We would not have been able to have such a wonderful night without your presence.”
“The staff and students were thrilled to have you join them. My goal in planning Read Week was to create an experience that would spark joy for our students. You helped ignite that passion again!”
“I love that you took the time to come read to us and the advice that you gave us about reading… It was really fun learning about how you come up with your ideas… I appreciate that you answered all our questions… I enjoyed listening to you talk about your book and am interested in reading it.”
Visit formats
What a visit includes
Please see details and options at https://www.laurastegman.com/events/
Fees vary by format, travel, and your school's needs. Reach out directly for a quote and open dates.
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