Bring Award-Winning Author C.M. Harris to Your School
Inspiring students through stories of kindness, resilience, and creativity through our SEL Kindness Program
Over 5,000 Students, Over A Dozen Schools
In January of 2021, San Fransisco 49er's Defensive End, Arik Armstead read What If We Were All The Same! to 1st graders. The team also donated over 2100 books!
Our school programs help meet Social Emotional Learning (SEL) goals, enrich literacy curriculum, and create memorable experiences that inspire students long after the visit.
Bestselling children’s author C.M. Harris has inspired thousands of students through engaging school visits that combine interactive storytelling, social-emotional learning, and fun activities. Her first book, "What If We Were All the Same!", has become a teacher’s favorite and has been recognized by ABC7 News, the San Francisco 49ers, and the BBC. With over 15 years of experience working with children, she develops meaningful programs that foster kindness, acceptance, and the transformative power of reading.
Schools that host C.M. Harris often experience an immediate spark in their students' enthusiasm for reading and a positive classroom culture. From lively assemblies to individual classroom visits, every program is tailored to leave students feeling seen, valued, and inspired.
We bring a school-wide kindness program
ABC7 Los Angeles News Interview w/ Rachel Brown
School Visit Testimonial
"I had the pleasure of meeting Charity Harris at the Orange Coast College Children's Book Festival and later reached out to her in regards to an author visit for my preschool class at Mesa Verde Preschool. Both author's, Steffanie Najera and Charity Harris of The Weirdots did an author visit and the children LOVED IT! The book was so cute and the illustrations were perfect for children to enjoy and keep them intrigued..."
Spots book quickly, especially around Read Across America Week—reserve your visit today!
Whether you’re planning for Read Across America Week, Black History Month, Disability Awareness Week, or The Great Kindness Challenge, C.M. Harris offers a variety of engaging presentations tailored for elementary students of all grade levels, all year round!
Local in-person visits within 65 miles of Orange County, CA. Travel fees may apply for farther locations. Out-of-state schools: covers travel expenses for me and my assistant
Base Classroom Visit – $300
Additional $125 per classroom
✔ 25–35 minutes
✔ 1 Read-aloud + Q&A
✔ 2 free signed books for the library
✔ Easy book ordering for parents/students
Assembly Program –
$550
Additional $200 per assembly
Ideal for large groups or special school events
✔ Up to 45 minutes
✔ 1 assembly (up to 500 students)
✔ Interactive 2 read-alouds + motivational presentation
✔ Service dog presentation included
✔ Q&A with the author
✔ Easy book ordering for parents/students
✔ Great for literacy week, kindness events, and student assemblies
Full-Day Visit –
$1250
Our Most Popular
Up to 4 classroom presentations OR 3 large assemblies
✔ Total time: up to 3.5 hours on campus
✔ Your choice of 2 read-aloud stories
✔ Service dog presentation included
✔ Q&A with the author
✔ Free activity lesson pack + coloring sheets PDF
✔ Easy book ordering for parents/students
✔ 1 free signed book for each participating teacher
✔ Certificate of Appreciation for the library
Ready to Bring C.M. Harris to Your School?
To make every author visit even more exciting, parents can order signed copies of C.M. Harris’s books directly through our exclusive online store at Payhip.com/CMHarrisBooks. Families receive 10+% off the regular price when ordering through this special link, available only for schools hosting an author visit. Books are hand-delivered directly to the school on the day of my visit, ensuring that each child receives their own personalized copy on the same day. It’s a wonderful way for students to remember the experience, continue reading at home, and share the lessons of kindness and inclusion with their families. I make the ordering process as easy as 1...2...3
F.A.Q
How long is an author visit?
Each assembly typically lasts 30-45 minutes per session but can be adjusted to fit your schedule. For individual classrooms, 20-25 minutes each. Large assembly visits are preferred.
Can students purchase books?
Yes! I offer discounted pre-orders so students can receive signed copies. Schools can also purchase books in bulk. You receive a school discount for purchased books. I provide order forms and an easy online ordering process for parents.
What grade levels are best for author visits?
I primarily visit Pre-K to 5th grade, but I tailor my presentation to different age groups I also have presentations for junior high and high school students. Each large assembly presentation comes with 2 story readings of books of your choosing. Older students receive more of a discussion highlighting kindness, achieving goals, and creative writing
Do you offer classroom sets or book bundles?
Yes! Schools can purchase classroom sets at a discounted rate or apply for book sponsorships.
Are author visits free?
No, my team and I put a lot of energy, time, and passion into providing a memorable visit for teachers and students. We understand that not every school has the budget for a visit, but we are flexible and offset alternative payment options; please see the form for more information.
Types of Visits
In-Person Author Visit
I visit schools, libraries, and community events to read my books, share my journey, and interact with students. Every visit is tailored to your students and school goals. Choose the theme that best fits your event—or mix and match.
📚 School Visit Program Options
✨ Kindness & Friendship Assembly
(What If We Were All Friends! / What If We Were All Kind!)
Students discover how small acts of kindness and true friendship can make a big difference in their classrooms and communities.
✨ Disability Awareness & Service Dogs Assembly
(What If We Were All the Same! / Gareth Gets A Job)
An inspiring look at inclusion, celebrating differences, and the important role of service dogs—complete with a short, fun video clip.
✨ Perseverance & Big Dreams Assembly
(The Lonely Zebra / Cammie’s Big Dream)
Encourages students to dream big, set goals, and overcome obstacles with resilience, creativity, and determination.
We have multiple books to choose from as well.
📍 Available for schools in Southern California. We are happy to travel out of state with expenses paid for, no virtual visits at this time.
The Author
C.M. Harris is the founder of Purple Diamond Press, a children’s publishing company dedicated to stories that make a difference. She has visited dozens of schools in Southern California, sharing her bestselling What If We Were® series, The Lonely Zebra, Gareth Gets a Job, and many others. Her engaging sessions connect storytelling with valuable life lessons about empathy, friendship, and self-acceptance.
C.M. Harris’ presentations seamlessly blend storytelling with social-emotional learning, helping students practice empathy, self-awareness, and respect for others. Her relatable approach and warm personality make complex lessons about kindness and inclusion easy for children to grasp. Each visit encourages students to see themselves—and others—as capable, valued, and important members of their community.
Your students deserve stories that make them believe in themselves — let’s make it happen!
Book Your School Visit Today
"Our students were captivated! C.M. Harris’s message about kindness and inclusion truly resonated.”
— 2nd Grade Teacher, Elementary, LVUSD
“Her presentation tied beautifully into our school’s kindness week. The students couldn’t stop talking about her books!”
— 5th Grade Teacher, Elementary, SAUSD
Introducing My SEL Kindness Program™
A Literacy-First, Research-Aligned Experience That Inspires Kindness Schoolwide
The SEL Kindness Program™ is a powerful, literacy-centered Social-Emotional Learning experience built around my bestselling What If We Were® series. This program helps schools strengthen their kindness culture, improve student behavior, and support PBIS/MTSS goals through inclusive stories, positive behavior reinforcement, and engaging kindness challenges.
Whether you’re planning Read Across America, Kindness Week, or a schoolwide character initiative, this program brings students together and makes kindness part of your daily culture.
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
Designed for K–6 students, the program can be implemented at the classroom, grade level, or entire-school level—and pairs perfectly with author visits, school assemblies, and community events.
Interactive Author Visit & Literacy Assembly
C.M. Harris brings her bestselling books to life with exciting read-alouds that promote acceptance, friendship, and kindness. Students hear a powerful message about diversity, empathy, and leadership—leaving them inspired to make a difference at school and at home.
The Tally™ Kindness Experience
Students earn Tally Coins™ for acts of kindness, inclusion, respect, and positive behavior. Each child collects their coins in a collective Tally Pouch—a visual reminder that kindness goes with them everywhere.
Schoolwide Kindness Challenges & Activities
Teachers receive a set of ready-to-use SEL-aligned activities, including: •Kindness missions •Writing prompts •Classroom reflection sheets •Certificates •Home connection activities All activities reinforce CASEL-aligned SEL competencies.
Check It Out
See the impact of our books in action!
Watch this powerful moment from the Orange Unified school board meeting as we discuss the importance of diverse, engaging stories in classrooms. Educators, let’s work together to bring these books to your students! (my mother speaking on my behalf, full clip on YouTube)
Ready to inspire young minds? Book an author visit or bring our books to your school today!
Your School’s Very Own Custom Kindness Book
Imagine every student opening a book that proudly features your school’s name, your colors, and your community’s message of kindness and inclusion.
With our Schoolwide SEL Package, your campus receives a custom edition of the book We Are the Future — reimagined exclusively for your school as:
✨ We Are [Your School Name] ✨
This personalized edition reinforces your school’s identity, values, and commitment to a welcoming, inclusive learning environment.