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Chris Barton

Virtual Author Visit with Pease Elementary now available!

Chris BartonVirtual Author Visit with Pease Elementary nowavailable!
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What can I say?

Chris Barton is one of our local literary heroes. Not only have his best-selling books boasted starred reviews and graced numerous yearly best-of lists (including 3 times on the Texas Bluebonnet Book List), but he and his wife Jennifer Ziegler (an author, as well) also work tirelessly to support and further the Austin writing community. We are very lucky to have him create some special presentations for Pease.

Here we go! The presentations have been posted.

Chris Barton has recorded three presentations for Pease students (including an intro and Q&A section with Mr. Temple) that can be accessed through the screencast links below. Here is how it works:


  • There are presentations for three different books. You are welcome to choose any or all of the presentations in which you are interested. Mr. Temple will also be playing each presentation "live" during scheduled meetings with each corresponding grade-level.


  • For best results, please watch Mr. Temple's read-aloud of the book before watching Chris' presentation. Just click on the book cover to watch the read-aloud.


  • Signed copies of Chris Barton's books can be purchased through BookPeople. Scroll down for the link and more info.
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Fire Truck vs. Dragon (K-1 Presentation)

Fire Truck vs. Dragon https://www.screencast.com/t/QiCIigd1nA


Can a Fire Truck and a Dragon be friends? Find out in this new companion to the household favorite Shark vs. Train!


It’s the wackiest rivalry ever, when the fire-breathing ruler of the skies and the fearless fire truck go head to head in an epic battle of fire vs water! Who will win?


But wait, is it actually a competition?


Their rivalry takes unexpected turns as these two unlikely friends face off at a campfire, a birthday party, and more with unexpected results. Who will you root for?


With playful illustrations and charming text, Fire Truck vs. Dragon gives readers an unexpected twist on a would-be rivalry, turned friendship.

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What Do You Do With a Voice Like That? (2-3 Presentation)

What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? https://www.screencast.com/t/KvM0SS5mM4S


Even as a child growing up in the Fifth Ward of Houston, Texas, Barbara Jordan stood out for her big, bold, booming, crisp, clear, confident voice. It was a voice that made people sit up, stand up, and take notice.


So what do you do with a voice like that?


Barbara took her voice to places few African American women had been in the 1960s: first law school, then the Texas state senate, then up to the United States congress. Throughout her career, she persevered through adversity to give voice to the voiceless and to fight for civil rights, equality, and justice.


New York Times bestselling author Chris Barton and Caldecott Honoree Ekua Holmes deliver a remarkable picture book biography about a woman whose struggles and mission continue to inspire today.

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All of a Sudden and Forever (4-6 Presentation)*

All of a Sudden and Forever https://www.screencast.com/t/HKTEmxhoU


One April morning in Oklahoma City, something terrible happened. A man parked a truck in front of a big building. Inside that truck was a bomb. The bomb exploded. People were hurt. And killed. But that was not the end of the story.


Those who survived—and those who were forever changed—shared their stories and began to heal. Near the site of the bomb blast, an American elm began to heal as well. It grew new leaves. It produced seeds. It offered solace to those in Oklahoma City—and to those around the country and the world looking for ways to recover.


This moving remembrance from award-winning author Chris Barton and debut illustrator Nicole Xu commemorates what was lost and offers hope for the future.


*Parents might want to watch read-aloud with their child.

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Book Orders

If you would like to buy a signed copy of one of Chris Barton's books, BookPeople has created a special order page on their website for Pease. Orders need to be placed by May 29 and Chris will be signing on June 1. There are a lot of great books on the list in addition to the three be presented. Two of his books, Whoosh! and The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch were illustrated by Don Tate who visited Pease in February! This would be a great way to support an amazing local business and local artists!

https://www.bookpeople.com/chris-barton-schools-pease-elementary