An Expanded Keynote and Author Visit for Grades 6-8
Designed specifically for middle school audiences, this expanded performance keynote goes deeper into David’s story: the identity crisis of adolescence, the pressure to belong, the moment he almost gave up, and the choice to move forward anyway. The program is honest, funny, and built for students who are old enough to recognize when someone is telling them the truth. Combined with an author visit tied to the award-winning novel, this program connects literature, resilience, and real life in a way that sticks.
The Three A’s
Acceptance: Accept your reality honestly, not gracefully.
Adapting: Find the way through, even when no one shows you how.
Action: Move forward, even in fear, even with no guarantees.
What Students Learn
- The Three A’s applied to real middle school challenges
- Identity and belonging: who you are when no one is watching
- Bystander accountability: why speaking up matters
- Your story has value, even the hard parts
Program Details
Recommended grades: 6-8 | Running time: 55-65 minutes
Format: Expanded performance keynote + author visit
Add-on available: 60-min creative writing workshop: “Finding Your Story and Voice”
Supports: SEL, character education, resilience, disability awareness, identity, literacy
Testimonials
“David hit it out of the ballpark, Boston style! Students and teachers alike connected to the powerful message and rich themes, which are so applicable to life and the curriculum.”
– Health Teacher, Doherty Middle School
“You not only captured the attention of the students, which is hard to do in middle school, but mesmerized them. It was an experience we will never forget.”
– Teacher, Kennedy Middle School, Natick MA
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