About
SAMANTHA VAN LEER is the co-author of the New York Time’s best-selling novels Between the Lines and Off the Page, which she recently helped adapt into an off-Broadway musical that premiered in 2022. A graduate of Vassar College, she also holds a Masters in Education and was previously a fourth grade teacher. She now writes full time in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, Frankie, their daughter, Stevie, and their chaotic puppy, Obi Juan Kenobi, who is most likely up to no good.
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Her newest work includes a middle grade sci-fi series entitled The Extraterrestrial Zoo. The first book in this series, Finding the Lost One, publishes March 2025.
Books
BETWEEN THE LINES
Between the Lines is about what happens when happily ever after…isn’t. Delilah, a loner hates school as much as she loves books—one book in particular. In fact if anyone knew how many times she has read and reread the sweet little fairy tale she found in the library, especially her cooler than cool classmates, she’d be sent to social Siberia . . . forever. To Delilah, though, this fairy tale is more than just words on the page. Sure, there’s a handsome (well, okay, incredibly handsome) prince, and a castle, and an evil villain, but it feels as if there’s something deeper going on. And one day, Delilah finds out there is. Turns out, this Prince Charming is not just a one-dimensional character in a book. He’s real, and a certain fifteen-year-old loner has caught his eye. But they’re from two different worlds, and how can it ever possibly work?
OFF THE PAGE
Sixteen-year-old Delilah is finally united with Oliver—a prince literally taken from the pages of a fairy tale. There are, however, complications now that Oliver has been able to enter the real world. To exist in Delilah’s world, Oliver must take the place of a regular boy. Enter Edgar, who agrees to take Oliver’s role in Delilah’s favorite book. In this multilayered universe, the line between what is on the page and what is possible is blurred, but all must be resolved for the characters to live happily ever after.
THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL ZOO:
Finding the Lost One
"...van Leer explores deeply relevant themes...a science fiction adventure with heart. "
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--Kirkus Reviews
Thirteen year old Ava helps her family, experts in Extraterrestrial Living Beings, run the government's "Alien Zoo." Protecting ELBs used to be an honor, but growing ignorance threatens them now, and when they get loose, it's up to Ava to make sure they don't get in the wrong hands, or worse.
".Imaginative creatures with unique appearances, powers, and personalities will appeal to young readers…a heist-driven ending with big reveals and strong character growth…Recommended for fans of action-driven science fiction and readers passionate about animal rights."
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--School Library Journal
Latest News
Books, Series, Events, and More!
EVENT
Twig Book Shop Signing
April 27th, 2025
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
During the Pearl Farmer's Market
San Antonio, TX
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Enjoy the Sunday Farmer's market and support a local bookstore! Buy a copy of my newest novel The Extraterrestrial Zoo: Finding the Lost One at The Twig Book Shop and get it personalized and signed by me.
ARTICLE
Interview with BookStr
Read about about my newest book, The Extraterrestrial Zoo: Finding the Lost One in this exclusive interview! Dive deep into the main character, Ava, learn about the inspiration behind this new series, and read why I think it's so important to engage young readers in tough conversations.
EVENT
MPIBA San Antonio Spring Con
April 10th, 2025
9:00-10:30 am
San Antonio, TX
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Join me at the Bookseller Breakfast to hear me speak about my newest novel and get a signed copy The Extraterrestrial Zoo: Finding the Lost One, and get a signed copy!
EVENT
TLA Dallas
April 1st, 2025
Panel: 12:30-1:30 pm
Signing: 3:30-4:00 pm
Dallas, TX
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Come here my speak at the The High-Octane World of Young Adult Literature panel. And get a signed copy of my newest novel The Extraterrestrial Zoo: Finding the Lost One.
EVENT
ABA Winter Institute
February 25th, 2025
5pm
Denver, CO
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Come see me and get a signed ARC of my upcoming novel The Extraterrestrial Zoo: Finding the Lost One.
Between the Lines Musical
Between the Lines is an empowering and enchanting new musical for any of us seeking to find our place in the world. An outsider in a new school, Delilah seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite book, where she feels heard and understood. But as the lines between the two worlds of reality and fantasy begin to blur in extraordinary and astonishing ways, Delilah has to confront whether she alone has the power to rewrite her own story.
Want to license Between the Lines Musical for your school or theater?
Booking School Visits
*Prices are negotiable*
If cost is a barrier for your classroom, message me and we can figure something out!
IN PERSON STRUCTURE OF A VISIT
MIDDLE SCHOOL (Ages 12-14)
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(5 min) Welcome and hello
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(15 min) Read aloud of my newest book, The Extraterrestrial Zoo: Finding the Lost One
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(15 min) Presentation on how I first got into the business of writing (at just 13 years old!) and how this newest series came to be
-
(15 min) Q + A with the class
-
(10 min) Time for book signing
​​
I am willing to work with teachers to connect content to what students are working on; this presentation is flexible!
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Ages 9-11)
​
-
(5 min) Welcome and hello
-
(5 min) Read aloud of my newest book, The Extraterrestrial Zoo: Finding the Lost One
-
(10 min) Presentation on the inspiration for my newest book and how I got it from a silly idea into a book on the library shelf
-
(30 min) Class activity where students will hear me read aloud a description of an extraterrestrial from the book and draw the creature based on the details read. After presenting our creations, the class will work with me to imagine what the alien's home planet might look like (using structure and function to make scientific guesses--just like the narrator in the story!)
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(10 min) Q + A with the class and signing of books
​​​
I am willing to work with teachers to connect content to what students are working on; this presentation is flexible!
​
WHOLE SCHOOL PRESENTATION (meant for larger groups in an auditorium setting)
-
(5 min) Welcome and hello
-
(10 min) Read aloud of my newest book, The Extraterrestrial Zoo: Finding the Lost One
-
(15 min) Presentation on how I got into the world of writing when I was just 13 years old
-
(5 min) Chat about my inspiration for the newest series, The Extraterrestrial Zoo, and my beloved dogs that inspired the aliens in the book
-
(10 min) Q + A with the group
-
(15 min) Book signing
​
​
BOOK CLUB PRESENTATION (for kids that have already read my newest book)
-
(5 min) Welcome and hello
-
(15 min) Presentation on how I got into the world of writing when I was just 13 years old and how I came to write my newest series.
-
(15 min) Discussion with the group on pre-written questions to engage them with the story (I would work with the instructor ahead of time to curate questions that would help the students dive deeper in to the reading. EX: How do I connect with Ava as a writer? How do you connect with Ava as the reader?
-
(15 min) Q + A with the group
-
(10 min) Book signing ​
Q + A WITH AN AUTHOR
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(10 min) Introduction to myself and experience writing my three novels.
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(35 min) Open forum with students to ask any questions about becoming an author, the writing process, my books, etc.
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**pairs well with an add on activity below**
​
OPTIONAL ADD ON OR SWAP ACTIVITIES
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Talk about the two sides of the publishing industry: conventional publishing through a publishing house vs. self publishing.
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The elements of growing a small idea into a full story--outlining a book, editing, and finding peers to review and critique your work.
-
Writing complex characters--how to make sure characters in your story are multi-dimensional and interesting. I will walk students through my own process of adding elements of people in my real world to my characters to spark them to life.
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Beautiful writing--I will practice using descriptive and creative language to help build images in a readers mind. EX: The sun is setting. vs. The sun brushes the tips of the trees in a warm, buttery glow. Together students and I will transform dull sentences into works of art!
PRICING
Book orders must be through an agreed upon vendor to apply discount.
IN PERSON SINGLE PRESENTATION VISIT (1HR)
$300 (DISCOUNT total price $200 with purchase of 10+ books)
+travel fees for locations outside San Antonio, TX
IN PERSON HALF DAY VISIT--2 PRESENTATIONS (3-4 HRS)
$500 (DISCOUNT total price $400 with purchase of 20+ books)
+travel fees for locations outside San Antonio, TX
IN PERSON FULL DAY VISIT--3/4 PRESENTATIONS (6-7 HRS)
$1,000 (DISCOUNT total price $900 with purchase of 35+ books)
+travel fees for locations outside San Antonio, TX
IN PERSON Q+A WITH AN AUTHOR (45 MIN)
$275 (DISCOUNT total price $225 with purchase of 10+ books)+travel fees for locations outside San Antonio, TX
**1 hr with add on lesson--price increase to $300 (DISCOUNT total price $200 with purchase of 10+ books)**
VIRTUAL STRUCTURE OF A VISIT
MIDDLE SCHOOL (Ages 12-14)
​​​​
-
(5 min) Welcome and hello
-
(15 min) Read aloud of my newest book, The Extraterrestrial Zoo: Finding the Lost One
-
(15 min) Presentation on how I first got into the business of writing (at just 13 years old!) and how this newest series came to be
-
(10 min) Q + A with the class​​
​​
I am willing to work with teachers to connect content to what students are working on; this presentation is flexible!
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Ages 9-11)
​
-
(5 min) Welcome and hello
-
(5 min) Read aloud of my newest book, The Extraterrestrial Zoo: Finding the Lost One
-
(10 min) Presentation on the inspiration for my newest book and how I got it from a silly idea into a book on the library shelf
-
(5 min) Presentation on my beloved dogs that inspired the aliens in the story
-
(15 min) Class activity where students will hear me read aloud a description of an extraterrestrial from the book and draw the creature based on the details read.
-
(5 min) Q + A with the class
​​​
I am willing to work with teachers to connect content to what students are working on; this presentation is flexible!
​
WHOLE SCHOOL PRESENTATION (meant for larger groups in an auditorium setting)
-
(5 min) Welcome and hello
-
(10 min) Read aloud of my newest book, The Extraterrestrial Zoo: Finding the Lost One
-
(15 min) Presentation on how I got into the world of writing when I was just 13 years old
-
(5 min) Chat about my inspiration for the newest series, The Extraterrestrial Zoo, and my beloved dogs that inspired the aliens in the book
-
(10 min) Q + A with the group
​
BOOK CLUB PRESENTATION (for kids that have already read my newest book)
-
(5 min) Welcome and hello
-
(15 min) Presentation on how I got into the world of writing when I was just 13 years old and how I came to write my newest series.
-
(15 min) Discussion with the group on pre-written questions to engage them with the story (I would work with the instructor ahead of time to curate questions that would help the students dive deeper in to the reading. EX: How do I connect with Ava as a writer, how do you connect with Ava as the reader?
-
(10 min) Q + A with the group
​
Q + A WITH AN AUTHOR
-
(5 min) Introduction to myself and experience writing my three novels.
-
(30 min) Open forum with students to ask any questions about becoming an author, the writing process, my books, etc.
-
**pairs well with an add on activity below**
​
OPTIONAL ADD ON OR SWAP ACTIVITIES
-
Talk about the two sides of the publishing industry: conventional publishing through a publishing house vs. self publishing.
-
The elements of growing a small idea into a full story--outlining a book, editing, and finding peers to review and critique your work.
-
Writing complex characters--how to make sure characters in your story are multi-dimensional and interesting. I will walk students through my own process of adding elements of real people I know to my characters to spark them to life.
PRICING
Book orders must be through an agreed upon vendor to apply discount.
VIRTUAL SINGLE SESSION (45 MIN)
$200 (DISCOUNT total price $150 with purchase of 10+ books)
VIRTUAL DOUBLE SESSION (TWO 45 MIN presentations)
$350 (DISCOUNT total price $250 with purchase of 20+ books)
VIRTUAL Q+A WITH AN AUTHOR (35 MIN)$150 (DISCOUNT total price $100 with purchase of 10+ books)
**45 hr with add on lesson--price increase to $200 (DISCOUNT total price $150 with purchase of 10+ books)**
Contact Me!
Want me to come speak at your event or school? Contact me at my email address. I do virtual visits for schools and classrooms as well as in person events depending on scheduling and travel. If you're a librarian, teacher, or bookseller who wants an engaging talk about the writing process, creating my latest series The Extraterrestrial Zoo, and my experience publishing and touring in the YA world as a young author myself, reach out!
