"A book is a gift you can open again and again."
- Garrison Keillor.
Author Visits with
Donna Marx
About Donna
Donna Marx worked with gifted children during her teaching career. She welcomed the challenge to nurture their thirst for knowledge and increase their love of literature. Donna has a heart for kids with multiple talents who struggle to discover their true passion. Her debut picture book, "Good Luck, Puck", was inspired by her grandsons. When she’s not writing, she watches them score goals or chase hockey pucks down the street!
Donna's Debut
Picture Book
Review from Rock Creek Elementary:
Donna Marx’s visit to Rock Creek Elementary was a truly engaging and memorable experience for our students and staff. Her presentation was both exciting and informative as she shared what it is like to be an author and walked students through the process of writing a picture book, from the first idea to the finished story. Donna made the experience come alive by explaining her creative journey in a way that was easy for students to understand and inspiring for young writers.
One of the highlights of her visit was when she read her book, Good Luck Puck, and invited students to participate interactively throughout the story. The students were enthusiastic, attentive, and eager to be involved, which made the reading especially fun and meaningful. Donna Marx’s passion for writing and storytelling shone through, leaving our students excited about reading, writing, and the possibility of becoming authors themselves.
Good Luck, Puck! A Winter Sports Adventure
Good Luck, Puck!, an action-packed picture book about teamwork, perseverance, and the olympics!Puck is thrilled to compete in the Winter Games but when his teammates get all the glory, he feels invisible and underappreciated.Determined to claim his moment in the spotlight, Puck races into bobsledding, snowboarding, and skating— facing wipeouts, penalties, and plenty of icy frustration. Through his whirlwind journey, Puck discovers that by embracing the spirit of teamwork, he unlocks his true potential to shine.
Why Students Love Good Luck, Puck!
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Fun, adventurous, & unique character - a hockey puck!
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Relatable character who solves his own problem.T
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hemes of trying new things, perserverance, and teamwork
GOOD LUCK PUCK by Donna Marx is a playful and action-packed tribute to being a team player! The illustrations by Daniel Sulzberg are bursting with action and humor as Puck, tired of not being the center of attention on his hockey team, decides to try out other winter sports to see where he shines. Lots of chaos occurs, and readers will enjoy the flurry of winter sports that Puck tries (just in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics!) before figuring out that he’s happiest as part of a team. A playful tribute to teamwork, winter sports, and finding a sense of belonging.” - Mary E. Cronin
Each school library will receive a complimentary copy of the book
Presentation Options
Interactive Read-Aloud (Pre-K – Grade 3)
Donna reads Good Luck Puck! , inviting students to join in with questions, actions, and discussion to explore themes like teamwork, trying something new, and perserverance in a way that’s fun and accessible.
Length: 20-30 minutes | Format: Classroom or large group
From Idea to Published Book (3-5)
Donna presents the Interactive Read-Aloud. In addition, she connects her book to the writing and publishing process. Students learn the key elements of a well-written picture book and the importance of revising. They will understand that some of the best ideas can be found in their everyday lives.
Length: 45 minutes - 1 hour | Format: Classroom or grade level assembly
Each visit includes access to a cross-curricular
Educational Resource Guide (PDF)
Educational Value
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Aligned with Common Core literacy standards (K–5).
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Reinforces reading engagement, writing confidence and social–emotional skills.
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Includes teacher follow-up activities for easy classroom extension.
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Suitable for grade level groups or classrooms.
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Optional STEM extension lessons
Visit Fees
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Author Debut Special: 1st ten school visits FREE with committment to pre-order
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Half Day (2-3 sessions): $200
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Full Day (up to 5 sessions): $500
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Fees waived with 50+ book purchases.
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Virtual options available on request.
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Travel/lodging may apply outside St. Louis, MO.
Only
Free Visits
left!
6
Contact
donnajmarx@gmail.com(636)578-5596
donnamarx.com
Quick booking steps:
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Email your preferred dates and formats.
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Receive confirmation, invoice, and pre-order form.
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Enjoy the visit; signed copies delivered on the day.