Bonnie Geisert
Bonnie Geisert writes what she knows and that is growing
up on a cattle farm (now called Meier Ranch) during the 1950s. PRAIRIE
WINTER (Houghton Mifflin, Nov. 2009), LESSONS
(2005) and PRAIRIE SUMMER (2002) are based on her adventures
as a young girl in South Dakota.PRAIRIE WINTER reflects that once-in-a-lifetime big winter that many experience. Rachel Johnson loves school, but continuous snowfalls and high winds during her sixth-grade year threaten to sever her connection with school and friends, leaving her stranded on her family’s farm without even a telephone. Only a radio, that may work, and the onerous chores of caring for cattle during snowstorms.
The school board has declared that school must go on and the snowbound farm students are flown into town. Rachel and her two older sisters board at the old prairie town hotel. Rachel is free of chores, free of parents, free of rules.
Teensreadtoo.com has given Prairie Winter five stars, calling it “a heartwarming story where the theme ‘there’s no place like home’ shines through.”
Presentations:
For Adults:
It’s Never Too Late! (If I can do it, so can you.)
Bonnie started writing at age fifty-one. Prairie Summer
was published the year she turned sixty. She shares her journey as a writer,
her process, the highs and lows, the publishing process (Prairie
Winter took three years and three editors.), and her very unique
residence and studio.
For Young People:
The Truth behind the Story. Bonnie shares the real stories
behind the dramas that have been fictionalized in her novels. If students
are familiar with her books, the question and answer period can be exciting,
with some of the best information exchanged then. A follow-up writing
session can be arranged.
Multigenerational Audiences: Many young people today may have grandparents who remember life on a farm during the Fifties. Bonnie’s novels and presentation would bring back memories and generate personal stories from those in the audience willing to share them. This presentation would be good for libraries and Grandparent Day celebrations and recognition.
Bonnie Geisert lives in Galena, Illinois.
Contact Information:
Email: geisert@galenalink.net
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