- Maine, USA
Meghan Cox Gurdon Keynote Speaker
- Essayist, former foreign correspondent, and passionate read-aloud advocate
- Children's book reviewer, The Wall Street Journal
- Author, "The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction" (2020)
Meghan Cox Gurdon's Biography
Meghan Cox Gurdon is a weekly columnist for the Wall Street Journal, where she writes about children’s books, literature, and culture.
Meghan is the author of the acclaimed work of nonfiction, “The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction” (Harper) which is now available in six languages.
A former foreign correspondent and graduate of Bowdoin College, Meghan has five children with her husband, the English journalist Hugo Gurdon. She and her family divide their time between Maryland and Maine.
Meghan Cox Gurdon's Speaking Topics
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The Read-Aloud Discovery: How Parents and Teachers Can Help a Child Succeed
In this lively and authoritative talk, Meghan describes the astounding restorative power of reading aloud at a time when many children are struggling. Drawing on stories (real and literary), along with brain and behavioral studies, she lays out how read-alouds will turbo-charge a child’s social, emotional and language development, while fostering happier family relationships. She also shows how teachers can harness the read-aloud magic at school, giving all kids in a class, whether they’re strong readers or not, the same exhilarating access to language and narrative, while also giving their least proficient pupils a surprising boost.
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An Obstinate Act of Love: Advice for Magical Read-Alouds in the Age of Distraction
Busy parents want to get it right: We want our families to be happy and harmonious, we want our children to succeed socially and academically, and, sure, it would be great to read aloud more often. But who has the time-- or the attention span? In this validating and inspiring address, which includes stories from literature, personal anecdote, scientific tidbits and practical tips, Meghan explains why a daily read-aloud is the single most effective (and joyful!) activity that parents can pursue to give their children what they need to thrive.
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“You’ve Given Me Back My Childhood!”: Shared Reading Recharges the Aging Brain
Reading aloud is not just for children. In this heartfelt and moving talk, Meghan draws on science and storytelling to show how the mingling of voice and text enhances the intellectual and emotional well-being of older adults. From alleviating loneliness to improving concentration, from reducing agitation to galvanizing existing brain pathways, reading aloud is a balm to the older soul.
Why Book Meghan Cox Gurdon as a speaker?
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She brings the authority of a long-standing Wall Street Journal columnist, offering leaders a clear-eyed view of how children’s books and culture are evolving in a distracted, always-on age.
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She draws on her acclaimed nonfiction work The Enchanted Hour to show how reading aloud strengthens connection, attention and emotional development across families, schools and communities.
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She translates literary and cultural shifts into practical insight for educators and organisations seeking to build healthier habits of focus, language and imagination.
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She combines the perspective of a former foreign correspondent with the lived experience of raising five children, grounding her talks in real-world observations that resonate with parents and professionals alike.
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