HEATHER M. O’CONNOR is an award-winning children's author and freelance journalist based in Peterborough, Ontario. Her debut picture book FAST FRIENDS (Scholastic Canada) won the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award and was the 2022 TD Grade One Book Giveaway title. FRIENDS FIND A WAY, a followup story with the same characters, hit the shelves in 2023.
Heather's dual language picture book RUNS WITH THE STARS / WIIJIBIBAMATOON ANANGOONAN was published by Second Story Press in 2022. Coauthored with Darcy Whitecrow, this intergenerational story shares the little-known history of the Ojibwe Horse. Heather and Darcy often present together, live or virtually.
Her YA soccer novel BETTING GAME was published by Orca Books in 2015. She also writes short stories, fantasy and historical fiction.
Heather enjoys sharing her love of books and writing with schools, libraries, and writing organizations. She gives presentations and creative writing workshops, both live and virtually, on a broad range of topics.
Heather has done extensive research on the Ojibwe Horse, a rare Indigenous-bred horse which once lived in harmony with the Ojibwe People living in northwestern Ontario and northern Minnesota. She presents on this topic to both adults and children. Joint presentations with her coauthor Darcy Whitecrow, who raises Ojibwe Horses at Seine River First Nation, can be arranged for an additional fee.
When presenting to adults, Heather shares a slideshow with her historical research.
Elementary school visits and children's library programs include a reading of RUNS WITH THE STARS / WIIJIBIBAMATOON ANANGOONAN, with your selection of fun, curriculum-themed activities. A full-day cross-curricular integrated unit for elementary students is also available. Topics can include:
- science (animal life cycles, prey and predators, adaptations, habitat, animals through the seasons, horse biology, species at risk)
- social studies (Indigenous history, geography of the Canadian Shield and boreal forest, history and evolution of the horse in Canada)
- math and measurement
- language studies and art activities
Presentations with Darcy Whitecrow can include learning a few words and how to count in Ojibwe (Anishinaabemowen). He also shares his experience raising Ojibwe Horses.
Heather has taught creative writing to students of all ages, from Grade One to senior citizens.
Elementary school students:
- story sandwiches
- the rule of three in storytelling
- find a story using a variety of writing prompts
Intermediate and high school students:
- inverted triangle writing
- careers in writing
- revision
Adults (workshops or creative writing courses):
- elements of fiction
- grant-writing
- using Scrivener
I offer book talks on any of my books and creative writing workshops for any grade, customized to the teacher's goals and grade level.
- Story Sandwiches
- The Rule of Three in Storytelling
- Where Can You Find a Story? (a variety of writing prompts)
- Inverted Triangle Writing
- Revision
When booked for any full visit, I also offer two-for-one kindie visits (short, personal meet the author visits designed for littles with shorter attention spans) for the same price as a full visit.
Sample book talks
JK-Grade 3 - Inclusion
Books featured: FAST FRIENDS (2022 TD Grade One Giveaway) or FRIENDS FIND A WAY. The characters in these lively stories are best friends. One of them is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair.
Fun and interactive presentation on friendship, inclusion, and nonverbal communication skills. Includes time for Q&A.
Teachers receive followup actvities and a list of resources and books with positive representation of kids with disabilities.
Curriculum connections: nonverbal communication, reading maps
JK-Grade 6 - The Ojibwe Horse
Book featured: RUNS WITH THE STARS / WIIJIBIBAMATOON ANANGOONAN
A reading plus the teacher's selection of fun, curriculum-themed activities. A full-day cross-curricular integrated unit for elementary students is also available. Topics can include:
- science (animal life cycles, prey and predators, adaptations, habitat, animals through the seasons, horse biology, species at risk)
- social studies (Indigenous history, geography of the Canadian Shield and boreal forest, history and evolution of the horse in Canada)
- math and measurement
- language studies and art activities
Presentations with Darcy Whitecrow can include learning a few words and how to count in Ojibwe (Anishinaabemowen). He also shares his experience raising Ojibwe Horses.
