Presentations & Author Visits

As a singer-songwriter I've written songs to accompany each of my books and now perform then with my readings. I’ve discovered that music adds a deeper element to a reading and creates a powerful connection for the audience. Join me for a road trip as we explore each book with readings and song!

With Elvis, Me, and The Lemonade Stand Summer we explore themes of bullying, racism, and what family means. This book makes a perfect novel to prepare a class for Pink Shirt Day, as I lead students through a kindness exercise, where we'll take some time to reflect on being kind & unkind. We'll also discuss the impact our actions (and choices) can have on others. Songs with the presentation include "Summer Means", "I Just Want To Dance", and "You Can Call On Me".

With Shamus The Urban Rez Dog, P.I., we explore Shamus' view of life, including his nemesis Mr. Tibbles the cat, racism and the importance of family, all the while looking for clues to solve the mystery. I'll perform my songs "It's A Dog's Life", "Bad Dog Blues", "Don't Have a Clue what a Clue Is" and more with readings. This one is VERY popular, and great with younger grades. Who doesn't love a good dog story!

In Elvis, Me & The Postcard WInter Truly receives a second-hand guitar from Elvis, and as she learns to play, using chord diagrams included in the book. I'll explain how to read a chord chart and how to play basic guitar chords so readers can learn along with Truly. We'll dive a bit deeper into racism & bullying, and discuss the empowerment of being an ally and not just a bystander. As always, there will be music!

I'm available for both in-person and on-line author events. I've successfully linked up with students all across Canada and as far away as Hong Kong using a variety of online platforms. I have been the guest of a school district where multiple schools and classes were successfully linked up. Believe it or not, music can be performed successfully online, and I can guarantee a very dynamic and engaging session!

I've performed in person for as few as twenty students in an intimate classroom setting, and for over 400 students in hour long presentations with readings, music and some lively Q&A sessions. (Drumheller's Book Bash 2023 and Whistler Writer's Festival 2023)

WORD Vancouver 2023

New - workshops on writing

Great for Younger Writers

In this session, Leslie will review with your class the essential parts of a story, and what young writers need to include to make a great story. Leslie will walk students through how to put all of the pieces (idea, problem, setting, & characters) together to their stories shine. Perfect session for grades 2-4

For Those Who Want to be Authors

In 4 years, Leslie's first two novels have been nominated for 15 awards, so she’s learned a thing or two about writing. Leslie will review some of the creative, and slightly off-beat tricks she uses when writing that really do work. From interviewing her characters, to writing letters and more, Leslie will reveal her quirky non-traditional approach to writing. Leslie will also include some great tips on getting published and is prepared to answer any and all questions from students. This session is great for middle & older grades, and all those who are interested in becoming a published author. Perfect for Grades 5-12, and can be tailored to an adults audience

Short Bio

As part of a nomadic navy family, Leslie Gentile grew up singing and telling stories with her siblings in the back seat of the car, so it was natural for her to become a musician and author.

Her first novel, Elvis, Me and the Lemonade Stand Summer, (2021, Dancing Cat Books) won the 2021 Victoria Children’s’ Book Prize, the 2022 Jean Little First-Novel Award and was short-listed for nine other awards. Her second book, Shamus the Urban Rez Dog, P.I. was released September 2023. Leslie is of Scottish, Tuscarora and Coast Salish heritage, and lives on Vancouver Island on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ people.