Sigmund Brouwer

Biography:

With over three million books in print, Alberta native Sigmund Brouwer is a novelist and children's book author. Over the last ten years, he has given writing workshops to students across the Canada and the United States, ranging from schools north of the Arctic Circle to inner city Los Angeles. One of his latest novels, The Last Disciple, appeared in Time magazine and earned him a recent appearance on ABC's Good Morning America. His books for children include Rebel Glory, part of the Orca Sports hockey series. His latest Orca title, Absolute Pressure, is a Junior Library Guild Selection.

Presentation Information:

The Talk: Reach For Your Dreams
It doesn't matter where you come from, it's where you decide to go in life that's far more important. Because of this, Sigmund Brouwer encourages students to reach for their dreams, giving them fun and practical advice for the reading and writing skills that are a foundation for future success.

The Presentation
Sigmund’s presentations are high-level energy for one-hour, but schools occasionally request 45 minutes. He especially reaches out to reluctant readers, and gears the talk to engage their attention. Audience size varies according to the school’s preference; quite often his presentations take place in the gym to the entire school, including kindergarten. There are no restrictions on audience size except for the space limitations of the gym. Smaller schools are welcome to invite another school to share in the cost of the presentation.

Book List / Discography:

Timberwolf Tracks (Orca Book Publishers, 2009)

Absolute Pressure (Orca Book Publishers, 2009)

Oil King Courage (Orca Book Publishers, 2009 )

Timberwolf Challenge (Orca Book Publishers, 2008)

Thunder Bird Spirit (Orca Book Publishers, 2008)

Scarlet Thunder (Orca Book Publishers, 2008)

Hurricane Power (Orca Book Publishers, 2008)

Maverick Mania (Orca Book Publishers, 2008)

Chief Honor (Orca Book Publishers, 2008)

Timberwolf Hunt (Orca Book Publishers, 2007)

Timberwolf Trap (Orca Book Publishers, 2007)

Cobra Strike (Orca Book Publishers, 2007)

Hitmen Triumph (Orca Book Publishers, 2007)

Titan Clash (Orca Book Publishers, 2007)

Blazer Drive (Orca Book Publishers, 2007)

Timberwolf Chase (Orca Book Publishers, 2006)

Timberwolf Revenge (Orca Book Publishers, 2006)

Tiger Threat (Orca Book Publishers, 2006)

Sewer Rats (Orca Book Publishers, 2006)

Rebel Glory (Orca Book Publishers, 2006)

All-Star Pride (Orca Book Publishers, 2006)

Wired (Orca Book Publishers, 2005)

Winterhawk Star (Orca Book Publishers, 2001)

Praise for Sigmund Brouwer:

“Just a quick note to let you know the kids have proclaimed you the best author I have ever arranged to visit our school. Now what will I do next year???? The “FIC Bro” shelves in the library have been empty due to all the books being checked out. Wow! For a library, that is a beautiful thing."

Father Whelihan School
(Calgary, Alberta)

“On behalf of the Bux-Mont Church Librarians and the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Church and Synagogue Library Association, I would like to thank you for participating in our 2008 Librarians' Workshop.

Your presentation was interesting, humorous, and full of practical advice which exceeded our expectations. You really know how to relate to all ages! You are a gifted author and speaker and obviously a devoted husband and father. Your little girls must be precious.

As librarians, we often get bogged down in the hum-drum and tedious aspects of the job. Your presentation provided inspiration and gave us all the "re-charge" we needed."

Church Librarians' Workshop
(Pennsylvania)

"Mr. Brouwer, please accept my sincere thanks for coming to Diamond Willow Middle School to speak to our students and staff. You have a great way of connecting with middle school students. Your presentation and message was "right on" for our students. We appreciate your time and expertise. Your enthusiasm and commitment to reading and writing is contagious – thanks."

Rob Pearn, Assistant Principal
Diamond Willow Middle School
(Ponoka, Alberta)

"You made quite an impression at our school. The day after you left, one of the most reluctant readers in our school signed out a Sigmund Brouwer book. According to Joyce: "That kid never signs out books!" A Mexican Mennonite girl who has just immigrated to Canada said, while walking with her mom to her car after school, "We had the most awesome assembly today!" I asked one of the junior high guys what he thought of the assembly. He replied "Oh, he was great!"
There's lots more the kids said, but this is a snapshot. The staff and students were universally positive about your presentation – that's rare in a school – you got through to people."

Rick Sawatzky, Vice Principal
Winkler Elementary School
(Winkler, Manitoba)

"I would like to thank you for a wonderful presentation. It appears that your presentation was a hit with all our school system. I have been at the book display for the past several days with all the teacher-librarians from our system. They are talking about what a great job you did and how much everyone enjoyed having you at their school or seeing you at the public library."

St.Theresa School
(Regina, Saskatchewan)

Craft:

author

Genre:

picture books, junior fiction, YA fiction, teen fiction, non-fiction, hi-lo books

Ideal Audience Size:

200+

Maximum Audience Size:

400

Grades:

K – 6

Special Equipment:

I usually speak in the gym and I bring my own sound equipment.

Website:

Sigmund Brouwer’s Site

School Reading Fee:

$157.70 per reading

Public Reading Fee:

$250.00 per reading (four readings covered by the Canada Council)

Book Week Tour Contact:

Monica Winkler
c/o The Canadian Children’s Book Centre
Tel: 416-975-0010
info@bookweek.ca