About Angela

Angela Henderson Smith, based in Dallas, Texas, is an author, speaker, writing coach, former English Language Arts teacher, and active leader in SCBWI. She speaks at literacy and educational conferences and leads professional development sessions. Angela specializes in the writing process, with unique programs created for every stage of learning—from inspiring author visits in elementary schools to hands-on writing workshops in intermediate and middle school, and College Prep Camps guiding high school students through their college essays.

Whether inspiring young creatives or supporting students’ academic journeys, Angela brings enthusiasm and expertise to every interaction.

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Work with Angela

Pre-K to 2nd Grade

Elementary Author Visits

Kids are full of imagination, curiosity, and bright ideas—and my goal is to help that shine. During my author visits, I read aloud one of my published books, spark discussion about themes of hope and creativity, and encourage students to share their own ideas. Through interactive storytelling and gentle guidance, I build their confidence, inspire a love of reading, and help them see the value of their own voices.

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3rd to 6th Grade

Elementary Writing Workshops

Students have a voice to share, their own way of saying things—and my goal is to help them express it. My writing workshops are designed to help them create their own writing in a safe, fun, and interactive way. Students and teachers get to experience a fast-paced, organized process where they can see the writing process in action, explore ideas, and gain confidence—because yes, writing can be fun!

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6th to 8th Grade

Middle School Workshops

Middle schoolers have much to offer! I love middle schoolers. After 13 years teaching ELA and coaching writing with this age group, I know they need someone to see and pull out the best in them—in their writing, too. Too often, they’ve decided they aren’t creative, aren’t good at writing, or don’t enjoy it. My goal is to help them see that they have bright ideas to share and that writing can be fun.

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9th to 12th Grade

High School Workshops

In high school, I deliver hands-on workshops and college-prep programs tailored for grades 9–12. I give keynote talks and writing workshops—first inspiring freshmen and sophomores to set vision and goals, then guiding juniors and seniors through Common App essay planning, brainstorming, drafting, and revision. Schools can book half-day, full-day, or extended visits where we partner to support students’ growth in voice, structure, and confidence.

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For students & Parents

Write College Prep

I help students navigate every stage of the college application process. Through my Common App Crash Course, summer camps, school sessions, and one-on-one consultations, I guide students as they brainstorm, draft, and refine standout essays that reflect their unique stories. Whether I’m teaching in a classroom, leading a small group, or working individually, I make college prep approachable—offering practical strategies, personalized guidance, and encouragement that turn a stressful process into a meaningful milestone.

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Angela's Books

Delve into a world where anything is possible. Each book is a journey, crafted with care, designed to captivate, encourage, and inspire young readers. Explore the collection and find the perfect tale for every curious mind.

Isaac & Izzy’s Tree House

In summer’s warmth, Isaac’s tree house plan for his beloved Sugar Maple falters, causing a stir among its animal residents. When the tree’s magic seems absent, a surprise friendship becomes the sweetest gift

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Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree

In winter, Isaac gifts his bare-branched maple tree, only to receive ice cream balls in return. As they journey through rainbow colors and days, will the magic persist with spring nearing?

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Isaac & Izzy’s Magical Maples

Autumn colors inspire Isaac and Izzy to gift their magical maple tree a unique present: a friend. Despite their efforts, will they need the tree’s magic to succeed? 

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Ready for me to visit your school?

Take a deeper look at my Author Visit Packages: what they include & how to connect.

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What People Are Saying

"Angela was not only easy to book and coordinate with, but she was also highly engaging with our students. Through her personal stories, meaningful connections with students, and use of concrete examples to capture attention and reinforce learning, she created a truly impactful experience. Our students walked away with something meaningful."
Kaela DeslatteDirector, Lindale ISD Curriculum
"We had the pleasure of having Angela Henderson Smith as a guest author to our campus. She immediately brought life, joy, and creativity to our event! Angela was so down-to-earth and relatable with all ages of our student body (K - 12th). She inspired the kids and instilled confidence in them as writers. If you have the opportunity to hear her speak or have her work with your students, do it! You’ll come away with knowledge, inspiration, and assurance that you have a story worth telling!"
Abby LoweryDirector, Eclectic Academy of Learning
"Angela is warm and personable with a gift for joyfully drawing out the creative writing potential in students. My ten year old left her writing camp with a new view of himself as someone who can write great stories and create fun characters like the ones he has always enjoyed reading!  What an awesome skill to carry through life!"
EmilyParent of Elementary Student
"Angela’s quick response with emails, one-pager of prices, flexibility in schedule, premade materials such as order form and spreadsheet for collection made the author visit simple!"
Kacey BuckCanyon Creek Elementary, Richardson ISD
"Each interaction was very welcoming, and I loved the time Angela gave me to do a virtual meeting to clear up any questions I had."
Bianca ChiveraTosch Elementary
"The booking process was so so easy!! I loved how Angela mapped everything out, and I didn't have to think about it. Made it so easy for this first year librarian!!"
Tracey RamseyCannaday Elementary
"Angela made hosting her so easy by having materials needed for the day planned and ready. I also loved that she had any resources needed for ordering ready for me to use. She regularly communicated with me through Zoom and email to ensure that everything was organized and seamless."
Leah FawcettMotley Elementary
"I loved how Angela worked with students during a writer's workshop, helping them to hone their writing skills and break down the process in a more manageable and a less intimidating way. It helped them tap into their imagination and get their creative juices flowing!"
Anne GoodnerPorter Elementary
"I liked the open communication we had leading up to the author visit. I especially liked the resources that were sent to me. Our students were able to engage in the writing process in an intentional way that was enjoyable for the kids and it prepared them for the visit."
Lindsey MoorisonStinson Elementary, Plano ISD
"It was an easy process. Angela took care of all the details and communicated clearly and often. She's a pleasure to work with!"
Amanda LathamChandler Elementary
"Angela created a very fun and exciting learning environment with differences in each presentation for the different age groups. We had two sessions Pre-K/Kinder and 1st/2nd, and in both presentations, Angela kept the kids engaged and entertained with her fun visuals and bright personality."
Lacey FreemanSummit Hill Elementary
"Our middle school students enjoyed the visit very much. Angela was very engaging and real. The kids have commented on how they enjoyed hearing about her life and how it inspired her books."
Rebecca BrinkVenus Middle School
"Angela Henderson Smith engaged our students with a collaborative writing workshop, fostering creativity. Our students left this experience motivated with a newfound toolkit for writing success!"
Kacey BuckCanyon Creek Elementary, Richardson ISD
"She taught us how creative we ALL are and the many ways to write a story using her creative techniques. I can't wait to book her again so she can continue to share her skills and joy of storytelling with our students!"
Bianca ChiveraTosch Elementary
"If you are looking to host an author visit, I highly recommend Angela Henderson Smith. She is a former teacher so she understands kids! She is so patient and kind. I always look forward to working with her as I’ve had her twice! She is organized and always involves the kids into her book talks and lessons. Her writer's workshop activity is a must! I cannot recommend her enough. Her booking process is so easy and she makes everything effortless."
Tracey RamseyCannaday Elementary
"Angela brought her books to life with her engaging reading and information about the writing and publishing process. The writing activities she conducted with our older students were exciting and fun for all the students."
Leah FawcettMotley Elementary
"Angela did AMAZING! She was very attentive to the students as they walked in and sat down for her presentation. She did an incredible job keeping the kids’ attention. I’ll be telling all of our schools about Angela!"
Stephani WilliamsWylie ISD Library Coordinator
"Angela shows her passion for reading to kids by her amazing ability to include them in her story. She interacts with the students on a very personal level and includes everyone in the room by moving around and using visual effects to keep their attention."
Courtney SchreckCox Elementary, Wylie ISD
"The creative writing workshop was awesome! I loved it and learned so much along with the students. Angela designed such a fun and creative way for students to create their own story, and I love that the students had an opportunity to share their work. Angela’s props and enthusiasm when presenting captivated the kids. I enjoyed that she took the time to go around to each of the tables to connect with the kids before beginning; that was very special."
Bianca ChiveraTosch Elementary
"Angela talks and presents to the kids as if they are her very best friends."
Torrie StricklinHowe Intermediate & Summit Hill Elementary
"Angela had such an enthusiasm for our students. She made writing fun! Her presentation was not only a good learning experience, but also she made writing feel exciting, fun, and inspired students to think more deeply about their own creative work."
Anne GoodnerPorter Elementary, Mesquite ISD
"Angela was engaging and energetic. She made a point to make eye contact with each student and included them in her storytelling. The writing workshop she did with our 3rd graders was amazing! She made it so fun for them. It was great to see their imaginations and creativity come to life! As a librarian, I look forward to implementing some of the tools from the writing workshop in the library!"
Amanda LathamChandler Elementary
"Angela Henderson Smith masterly identifies engaging activities for students to draw from their experiences and personal interests for writing topics and content to include in their writing. She emphasizes that everyone has "stories to tell", encouraging students to tell "their" stories in their writing. "
Rhonda McCallieRegion 7 ESC Curriculum Coordinator
"When funding seemed bleak, Angela knew where to look for grants, scholarships and more! It was very helpful and ended up being just what we needed for the final push!"
Leslie Whitaker,Claude ISD

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Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is pleased to announce that Angela Henderson Smith has been accepted onto the 2026-2028 Texas Touring Roster!