"I strongly recommend Barbara Diamond Goldin as an excellent speaker about the writing process and leader of writing workshops.
 
"Ms.Goldin has just completed a 3 day visit to our school where she met at least once with most of our children in nursery school through grade 8. Our students loved hearing her ‘author talk’ which she individualized for different grades. The youngest children were fascinated by her stories and the materials Ms. Goldin brought to demonstrate the stages a book goes through during the publication process. The children in grades 4 and 5 were especially interested in Ms. Goldin’s description of her personal writing process. She surprised and inspired the 7th and 8th graders by sharing letters of rejection from publishers, which she followed by tales of success.
 
"Ms. Goldin also gave talks about characterization, the research process, and about Jewish holidays and Bible stories. These too were excellent. Every talk ended with a question/answer time, which were invariably lively. In the older classes, several students asked whether they, as students, might be able to get their stories published. Ms. Goldin was ready with practical suggestions and real-life stories to illustrate how the students might attain their goals.
 
"Many of our older students (grades 4-8) participated in writing workshops led by Ms. Goldin. Topics were chosen and individualized to support or enhance grade-level curriculum. The story starters workshop really helped our fifth graders write folktales, and the 8th grade class first tried their hands at poetry during the poetry workshop.
 
"I really cannot be too enthusiastic about Barbara Diamond Goldin. For a guest speaker, she has everything a school could ask for. Our teachers found her easy to work with and eager to adapt talks and workshops as required. Her ability to relate to children of different ages is remarkable. She knows how to get and hold their attention. No comment or question seems to faze her. Our whole school felt great about her visit and is hoping that she will return."
 
May 1, 2006, Eleanor Goldman, Library Media Specialist, The Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford, 860-561-0700
 
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"Barbara Diamond Goldin's remarkable gift for storytelling carries over beautifully from the pages of her books to her on site visits. Just as Goldin's stories reflect humor, poignancy, honesty, sensitivity, so do her in person presentations to a wide range of audiences, students, parents, educators, and librarians."
 
Etta D. Gold, Librarian, egold@shadow.net, 305-667-6667--

"Barbara Diamond Goldin's visit in September, 2000 started our school year off with a bang. Her Coyote and the Fire Stick book and presentation draw from Pacific Northwest Indian legends, and they show the coyote as both the trickster and the hero. Coyote's dual personality echoes a universal theme and would fit in well with any multicultural tales unit.
 
"Goldin's class presentations easily caught and held the attention of our students. I heard many favorable compliments from the teachers and students. Goldin is an effective presenter and motivator and works well with a variety of ages."
 
Nancy Verstegen, Principal, Mary Rieke Elementary School, Portland, Oregon

"This year Barbara Diamond Goldin has conducted two writing workshops for students in grades 4-8. She has done a wonderful job inspiring and teaching the children. As Community Events Chairperson, I consider myself lucky to have found an educator and writer as talented and gifted as Ms. Goldin. I recommend her highly."
 
Irene D. Madden, Librarian

"Barbara Diamond Goldin motivates and encourages the writer. She makes you believe in yourself and is a great writing coach. Her workshops are hands-on."
 
Sissy Carpey, writer and adult writing workshop participant

"Barbara presented four programs for the students in our Sunday School, two programs for grades K-2 and two for grades 3-6. During her presentations, Barbara read selections from her books, discussed what it is like to be an author, including how she gets her ideas and how she creates a story from start to finish, and answered the children's questions. Her presentations were enjoyable and age-appropriate. The children were completely engaged and learned a great deal; I overheard two children describing the program in great detail (and with great excitement!) to their parents after school. I have also received very positive feedback from our Sunday School teachers about Barbara's programs.
 
"Barbara also signed copies of her books during our book fair. Despite long lines, she was patient with the children and took the time to write personal messages in each book.
 
"It is a pleasure to work with Barbara. She is organized, easy to reach, and extremely accommodating. I would recommend her presentations to any organization, school or synagogue."
 
Rachel C. Happel, Media Fair Coordinator

"By sharing her experiences as a writer and her wonderful books, Barbara inspires students to read Jewish books and to explore writing as a possible career choice. Her personal stories are fascinating and her books always delightful."
 
Marcie Aiuvalasit, Religious Educator, Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester

"Barbara Diamond Goldin was a guest speaker at Connecticut Valley Branch Board Meeting held at Temple Beth El in Springfield, MA. Her topic was 'How I Became An Author'. After her presentation the audience was very enthusiastic and asked a lot of questions. They were very interested in what she had to say and her presentation was thought provoking as well as humorous. Our organization is happy to recommend Ms. Goldin as a speaker."
 
Karen Winer, Vice President , Connecticut Valley Branch Women's League for Conservative Judaism