My middle school library recently hosted Phil Bilder, author of the Rip & Red series (A Whole New Ballgame). His books are diverse and fun basketball themed stories, and the first was a Nutmeg nominee last year. He is a dynamic speaker who was able to keep even 8th grade students enthralled. He fee was reasonable, $2000 for 3 presentations and a luncheon with students. I would recommend him for students in grades 3 - 8. If interested, you can contact him through
The Author Village.