Author Visits

Need an author, guest speaker, panelist, or workshop facilitator? Let’s talk! Email me at events@kaitwells.com.

Need to buy my books in bulk?

A Family Looks Like Love: ceissing@penguinrandomhouse.com and kkneafsey@penguinrandomhouse.com.

“It was a big hit! The kids were attentive and engaged throughout the reading. Afterward, they enjoyed a lively discussion and Q&A about Sutton and her family, and pets of all kinds.”

Melina LaRose, Parent/Fundraiser Organizer

“We had so much fun having Kaitlyn to our school. The kids loved asking her questions and especially sharing how they, too, cared for others. Kaitlyn was also easy to work with to make the visit happen.”

Brooke McIntyre, P.S. 261 PTA

“Your energy and enthusiasm created such an amazing experience for everyone involved. Your workshops were thoughtful and engaging, and it was wonderful to see how you connected with students of all abilities. Your ability to make every student feel included and valued is commendable.”

Rina Madhani, Start Lighthouse Co-Founder

PRIMARY (Recommended for Grades Pre-K to 2)
20 to 30 minutes

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Storytime
  • Questions & Answers
  • Optional 15-minute add-on: Family Portrait coloring sheet
  • Note: Can implement Valentine’s Day, Siblings Day or Social-Emotional Learning themes, to name a few.

INTERMEDIATE (Recommended for Grades 3 to 5)
30 to 45 minutes

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Storytime
  • Questions & Answers: Students can ask questions they’ve prepared in advance after browsing my website. These questions may be about my book, writing process, and/or publication journey. They can also ask for feedback on their own stories.
  • Activity: Family Portrait activity sheet of your choice (coloring, written assignment, or crossword puzzle)

ADVANCED (Recommended for Grades 6 to 8)
45 to 60 minutes

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Share my “path to publication” by outlining the writing, story submission, and editing process.
  • Storytime
  • Questions & Answers
  • Students reflect upon a takeaway from the presentation that they apply to their own writing.

A note on background checks: I have taught in the Texas Public School System, and have been fingerprinted and background checked as part of the TSA Precheck program. I’ve also cleared background checks with Columbia University and the City University of New York, most recently in 2023.

Race, Equity, Anti-Racism and Inclusion Statement

I support equity and inclusivity in the world of journalism, books and beyond. I do not tolerate ableist, homophobic, racist, sexist, transphobic or any other oppressive behaviors, regardless of who commits them. Thus, I am not available for any events that discriminate against marginalized or underrepresented people.

You can learn more about what I consider book diversity from We Need Diverse Books. I encourage you to add diverse books, authors and illustrators to your programming.

I also encourage all program planners to host inclusive events. While a single event can’t fix systemic problems, I hope you’ll consider taking actions in support of anti-racist programming. This Speaker Rider from Open News offers some criteria you can implement to make your programming as inclusive and equitable as possible.