Speaking Engagements

Autumn Allen is an experienced speaker who loves engaging with audiences of all ages about books, writing, publishing, education, culture, and more. She draws on her experience as an author, an editor, an educator, and a scholar of children’s literature to create presentations that inform and inspire. She shares her experiences as a student in elite institutions, as an educator in community spaces, and as a writer representing unique perspectives.

Autumn is available for in-person events and virtual visits and can tailor a presentation, workshop, or interview to the needs of your school, community, or organization. Reach out to begin a conversation!

Get in Touch

Audiences

Schools and classrooms, K-12
Colleges
Libraries
Professional development (educators, librarians)
Conferences
Book festivals
Book clubs
Affinity groups
Writers’ groups and classes
Campus reads
City reads

Request a Visit

Sample presentation & workshop topics

Readings, author interviews, Q & A, book signings
Author talks: my writing journey
Writing and revising the novel
Youth literature and education
Youth literature and culture
Publishing 101
Education: from elite schools to community-based learning
Why children’s books matter
Making picture books: Writing, editing, art and production
Supporting all students in PWI
Craft talk: What makes a story?
Craft talk: Perfecting your pitch
Craft talk: Polishing your picture book manuscript
Writing family, writing historical fiction
Writing nonfiction for children
Race and social justice through children’s books
Homeschooling support: Creating your vision and mission statement

The best presentations are informed by your audience. I would love to hear from you about your needs and interests.

Request a Visit

Testimonials

“Autumn Allen’s visit had a truly meaningful impact on students and adults in the CHCH community. Her presentation became a conversation about identity, family history, creativity, perseverance, and finding one’s voice. These topics are vital for young adults to engage with, in order to better help them understand the world around them. Autumn’s presentation inspired our community and helped us reflect on who we want to be for each other.

Autumn Allen created a lasting educational experience that our teachers were able to bring into the classroom. Her ability to connect literature with lived experience, inspire young people, and foster meaningful conversations about identity and storytelling makes her an exceptional speaker for all communities.”

—Nikki Turpin, Chapel Hill Chauncy Hall School

“My students were so moved and inspired by Autumn Allen’s insightful presentation about the themes of her book and her own writing journey. As a class, we had read and loved All You Have To Do, so we knew that her talk would be wonderful, but she exceeded even our high expectations. My co-teacher and I appreciated how willing she was to work with us to tailor her presentation for our class, and her discussion of education and social justice tied in strongly with our class themes. Our students were full of glowing effusive praise for Allen, and many said that her visit was the highlight of the class!”

—Diana Ma, North Seattle College

“Autumn Allen is a gifted storyteller who knows how to reach a broad range of students and faculty. We were lucky enough to have her speak to our community about her Milton years, her writing process, and her knowledge and lived experiences with Islamophobia. She is a wise and formidable educator, and we are grateful that our community had the chance to learn from her.”

—Melissa Roja Lawlor, Milton Academy

“You are amazing. That was an absolutely wonderful presentation. The points that you said were right on par. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I think you opened our eyes today and gave us a way to start great conversations.”

—Sarah S., community organizer

Teachers said…

“I loved the connections she made with her family history and her life, her writing, and the book. It was a great way to see how our histories shape us.”

“I think she provided a voice to our students of color in a prep school environment. Being able to speak to them through the lens of a shared experience made me feel really proud to be a part of this community.”

“Where do I start? She’s a wonderful speaker with an amazing story, both of her own & of family members.”

“I loved how open she was about her experiences that led her to become a writer – and her mother’s journey as a sculptor! Now I want to do a tour of her sculptures in Boston!”

Students learned…

“That the writing process is often filled with struggle, but following your passion can be incredibly rewarding.”

“Learn more about what you’re interesting in and never give up even if you think you should <3”

“I learned to love who I am and not change myself for others.”

“I learned about her inspirations and writing journey! It was pretty cool and inspiring!”

“that sometimes you have to let go of something to find where you belong”