Spotlight Author Visits

Bringing visiting and local authors into K-12 public schools for free, one-time visits.

Bringing the power of writers to the aspiring poets, novelists, nonfiction writers, comics artists, and songwriters in our classrooms.

Spotlight Author Visits (SAV) bring visiting and local authors into K–12 public schools for free, one-time sessions. Whether in a small classroom or the school auditorium, SAV give students the chance to see a writing life as a real, tangible possibility.

Typically 45 minutes, each SAV includes a mix of a brief reading, a discussion of the writer’s life and process, a mini-workshop, and a Q&A. All visits happen during the school day, showing students that literary power can flourish within their own school walls. SAV often leave a lasting impact, offering students a valuable window into the life of a professional writer.

Select Spotlight Author Visits

Sandra Cisneros at Cascade Middle School

Matthew Desmond at Nathan Hale High School

Cristina Rivera Garza and Javier Zamora at Cleveland High School

Li-Young Lee at Foster High School

aja monet at Aki Kurose Middle School

Aimee Nezhukumatathil at Mercer Middle School

Michele Norris at Garfield High School

Maggie Smith at Ballard High School

Colm Tóibín at West Seattle High School

C Pam Zhang at Big Picture High School

Sandra Cisneros at Cascade Middle School

Colm Tóibín at West Seattle High School

Eric Kim at Cleveland High School

Jason Reynolds at Evergreen High School

Jenny Xie at Seattle World School

I’ve been teaching [the author’s] work for decades. This has been the absolute highlight of my career as an educator.WITS Partner Teacher
Jason Reynolds is here! Jason Reynolds is here! Omg, Jason Reynolds is here!WITS Student
This opportunity for students to hear from a brilliant and compassionate thinker and ask questions about writing or life in general is such a privilege.WITS Partner Teacher

Want to host a Spotlight Author Visit?

Interested in bringing an author to your public school? Please fill out a request form, and a staff member will get back to you shortly.

REQUEST FORM