"Just a quick note to thank you for the outstanding presentation this morning. Our students were enthralled with your presentation! Comments heard in the hall included.... "I loved her songs...... Can you believe she put clothespins on her nose.... I liked how she knew all about kids and their feelings. Your message of character education traits is especially timely in our world of school today. This was by far one of the best author visits Blossomwood has ever enjoyed." Cathy Vasile, Principal, Blossomwood Elementary, Huntsville, AL (256) 428-7020
"I wanted to thank you for the wonderful story-telling performance you gave to our student body last Thursday. Your enthusiasm, sincerity, and entertaining style were enjoyed by everyone, adults and students alike. I have heard many positive comments about your visit from students of all ages. My twelve-year old son, David Hugh, was touched by your emotion during the performance." Suzanne Keefe, Assistant Principal, Lara Kendall Elementary School, Ridgeley, TN. (731-265-5586)
"What a wonderful surprise and experience we had when Ronda Friend visited Waynesville Elementary in April, 2005. We were thrilled with her performance to our students. Our students never lost focus on her--all grade levels. Her books are being enjoyed by all students and they are never available in our Media Center--always checked out. Her love of her family, life, and reading was readily accepted by our students and staff. We will definitely have Ronda Friend back to our school--hopefully in 2006." Linda Benson, Librarian, Waynesville, OH. (513) 897-2761
"Every child should have the opportunity to meet the character “R. Friend” through the eyes of author, Ronda Friend. Ronda is a gifted author and storyteller. In a recent visit to Jenks West Elementary, Ronda captured students’ hearts and piqued their curiosity as she shared her childhood memories portrayed in her book, R. Friend Swallows Her Pride. Our students were completely engaged as Ronda told story after story. Elements of character education (responsibility, honesty, integrity, etc…) are powerful themes throughout the book. In Ronda’s presentation, she also shared her own process for writing and gave students time to ask questions, share and reflect upon their own writing. Ronda is an amazing author/storyteller whom you will invite back again and again! "Our 3rd and 4th graders fell in love with R. Friend and her stories when she visited our school. “R. Friend - Swallows Her Pride” just does not stay on the shelf in our library!" Mary Lou Gill – Media Specialist – Jenks West Elementary – Jenks, Oklahoma (918) 299-4411
"I really enjoyed your assembly at Smyrna Primary School, (Tenn.) on May 10, 2005. Just wanted to tell you my youngest grandson I introduced you to, Dillan, has been so excited about your book I bought him, as well as meeting you and getting a hug from you. He's been on cloud 9. May God continue to bless you and your books you have written and will write. I'm looking forward to borrowing the books from my grandchildren and reading them myself." Sharon Evans, PTO member, Smyrna, TN.
"R. Friend was wonderful! She was energetic, engaging, and enthusiastic. Her stories would be great to use with character education. Most importantly, the students loved her." Cam Patterson – Margaret Newton Elementary – Tiptonville, TN (731-253-7253)
"I want to thank-you for
your spirited visit to Liberty Elementary School! Our students were thrilled
with your presentation as you “brought your characters to life”. Your visit
encompassed strong character building skills, as well as accenting the literary
merits of writing. I will never know how you were able to present with such
energy throughout an entire day, but we are surely appreciative and I know the
students will never forget you. It is my pleasure to recommend you highly for
any educational institution, as your presentation spoke to “all ages”.
Jimmy Stephens, Ass't Principal, Liberty Elementary, Clarksville, TN.
(931) 905-5729
"Ronda, Thanks so much for your visit. The kids are still talking about how much fun we had. You have a true gift for storytelling and for making everyone adore you. Thanks again for brightening our day." Katy Buckner, Media Specialist, Mayfield School, Cleveland, TN. (423) 472-4541
"The students were captivated and participated right along with her hilarious and motivational stories. Thanks for sharing your love of reading & storytelling with us." Monica Shull, Librarian, Lara Kendall School, Ridgely, TN (731) 264-5586
". . .an exceptionally gifted storyteller! Adults and children alike find her performances entertaining, enlightening, and engaging!" Judy Thompson, former Fields Service Manager, Scholastic Book Fairs
". . .a master storyteller. . .students and teachers alike are always spellbound by her performances." Judy Beasley, President, Tennessee Education Association
"Your program at Clark Memorial today was great. One who can make another laugh and cry in the same thirty minute segment is truly talented. Thank you for your time. We will be spreading the word about R. new Friend." DeAndra Caroland, Teacher, Winchester, TN.
"The visit today was great. The students really enjoyed the assemblies and the second grade really enjoyed the small group presentations. It was a pleasure to meet you and your husband. Thanks for visiting Loveland Primary School. You are awesome!!!!!!! Can't wait to see your next book!" Mary Tobias, Media Specialist, Loveland, OH. (513) 683-3101
"Awesome entertainment for ALL ages! Ronda wowed our faculty and motivated our students prior to a school wide writing activity and the Tennessee state writing assessment. Her enthusiasm and professionalism blended in well with our standards based curriculum." Diana Hara, Academic Coach, Liberty Elementary, Clarksville, TN. (931) 905-5729
"The best presentation we've ever had at UCPS. It's so good to know that today's child can still be motivated to learn through the use of 'GOOD OLE STORIES" from down on the farm. Too often they only seek out media from today's cybernet world. It's really refreshing to see the enjoyment on the faces of both child and adult as R Friend educates and entertains." Jimmie Gay, Teacher, Union County Primary, Blairsville, GA. (706) 745-5450
"Ronda Todd is a kid's dream - she engages, entertains, communicates and teaches in a wonderful way uniquely her own. But above all we love Ronda's heart . . . it's as big as her talent." Michael W. & Debbie Smith, Franklin, TN.
"My daughter recently purchased your book R. Friend Swallows Her Pride, when you visited her school at Jenks West Elementary in Jenks OK. We have just finished reading your book and loved it. I appreciate your wholesome stories and wonderful values in your book. Thank you for bringing your family to life for the kids. It was truly a great book to read." Dianna, Jenks, OK
"I really enjoyed your assembly at Smyrna Primary School, Smyrna, Tn. on May 10, 2005. I don't remember if we were formally introduced or not, but my name is Sharon Evans, the PTO member who helped you. Just wanted to tell you my youngest grandson I introduced you to, Dillan, has been so excited about your book I bought him, as well a meeting you and getting a hug from you. He's been on cloud 9. May God continue to bless you and your books you have written and will write. I'm looking forward to borrowing the books from my grandchildren and reading them myself. My God continue to guide you and give you inspiration in all you do." Sharon Evans
"You visited Donovan Intermediate
in Lebanon,Ohio
not to long ago and my son Stephen is enjoying your books.
Stephen has finished the books, Swallows Her Pride and Time out
at Home. He loved reading your books. Stephen said "I learned
something out of these books. These books help you be a better
person. I like it when I learn stuff like this and she makes it
so funny. Can we get the rest of the books?" Pam, Lebanon, OH
"R. Friend was
extremely funny, heart touching and a very kind lady. Her book was one
of the very best books I have ever read. I am awaiting her next one."
Katie Makin, Lara Kendall School, Ridgely, TN
"Thank you for making me and my day smile like a sunflower! – Thank you
my friend." Love, Hannah
"Mrs. friend you
inspired me to follow my dreams and I'm proud to be your friend!" Katie,
Oaklandon Elementary, Indianapolis, IN.
"Hi Ronda, My name is Ashley you visited me at Prescott Central
Middle School (Cookeville, TN) and after the assembly I got an
autographed book. IT WAS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ AND THAT IS THE
TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON THE NEXT BOOK, I'LL BE
LOOKING FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"I like your books a lot. In my 4th grade class we read Swallows Her
Pride. I like it. I would give your books 10 stars. You are a (fabulous)
author. I want to read all of your books. I wish I could write more."
Sincerely, Kirstin.
"R. Friend is a
role-model for me. She teaches about the main things in life. Family,
Friends, and Faith. Along with other stuff. I really enjoyed her coming
to our school!" Amy Beverland Elementary, Indianapolis
“You have a great act and all of us do have (hart) braking moments.” –
Anna
“It was a great performens. I’m glad you can come I laffed the hole time
you were telling the story.” Haeden
"Your website rocks !!!! but your books are cool too!" Jessica
"Your book was amazing. I would give it 10 stars. You are one of a kind
author. I want to read all of your books. You are a very good author. I
wish i was like you." Andrew
"I just LOVED you coming to our school, Amy Beverland. I had just decided that Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew Series) was my favorite author. After I met you, I changed my mind! You are my favorite author! You teach about the good things in life in your books. You teach us how to make a bad situation seem good. I'm starting to read, "Swallows Her Pride" and I'm LOVING it! I can't put it down! " Katie B., Amy Beverland Elementary, Indianapolis, IN
