Rates: Writer’s Union, CANSCAIP, SCBWI. All sessions 45-60 minutes. Virtual $250. In-person $300 (available in Kitchener/Waterloo and GTA only). Half-day $550 (two sessions, available in Kitchener/Waterloo and GTA only). Full day $800 (up to three sessions). Half and full days may be split between nearby schools on the same day. Prices quoted do not include travel costs or HST.
FOREST OF READING 2026 NOMINEE
JESSICA VITALIS is an award-winning, Columbia MBA-wielding middle grade author with Greenwillow/HarperCollins. Her books have been translated into three languages, received multiple starred reviews, been designated as Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, and appeared on “Best Book” lists for Kirkus and CCBC. Coyote Queen won the Reading the West Book Award, the High Plains Literary Award, and the Women Writing the West 2024 WILLA Literary Award in Children’s Fiction and Non-Fiction. Her latest novel, Unsinkable Cayenne, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, a NCTE Notable Verse Novel, and was featured as a best new release by Parade Magazine. Jessica has American and Canadian citizenship; she currently lives and writes in Ontario but speaks at schools, conferences, and festivals all over North America.
- Unsinkable Cayenne is a NCTE 2025 Notable Verse Novel
- Unsinkable Cayenne is a Red Maple nominee
- Unsinkable Cayenne won the High Plains International Book Award
- Coyote Queen is a Reading the West Book Award winner
- Coyote Queen is a winner of the High Plains Book Award
- Coyote Queen won the Women Writing the West 2024 WILLA Book Award for Children’s Fiction and Non-Fiction
When she’s not writing, Jessica’s favorite activity is talking about writing; her presentations are best suited for students grades four and up (and adults of any age). She is also available for festivals, conferences, and keynote speeches and can speak to issues ranging from SEL topics to grief and healing.
Offerings include (but are not limited to):
Unsinkable Cayenne: In this interactive presentation, award-winning author Jessica Vitalis will explore what it means to be unsinkable with stories of tenacity and resilience stemming from her life-long journey to become a published author. She’ll also explore how and why she wrote Unsinkable Cayenne in free verse and introduce the audience to the unlimited creative potential writing in free verse can offer. (Ages 10+)
Free Verse for the Reluctant Poet: In this hands-on workshop, we’ll look at what free verse is (and what it isn’t), and we’ll work through the mechanics of writing a poem. Participants will complete their own poem during the course of the workshop and leave with a new sense of themselves––as poets! (Ages 10+)
Stand Out From The Crowd: Creating Compelling Characters: In this hands-on workshop, participants look at what makes characters come alive in readers’ hearts and minds and practice developing memorable characters using the author’s secret technique. (Ages 10+)
“Jessica’s presentation was so inspiring and energizing for our fifth and sixth grade students! Her stories––both on and off the page––are magnetic. A couple of our more reluctant learners sought Jessica out after the talk to connect with her and have their photos takes. What a wonderful celebration of reading and writing!” -Elementary school librarian
“Jessica did a beautiful presentation for my 7th grade reading classes. My students were engrossed! At the end, she answered all of their questions about being an author, the writing process, and everything in between! It was such a fantastic experience for my students!” – 7th Grade Teacher
“[Jessica’s] presentation totally changed my life! It was so incredibly helpful and exactly what I needed for my writing.” -Workshop attendee
Maximum group size: No limit on large group offerings. Smaller group offerings are better suited for individual school classes or conference breakout sessions.
Venues: Flexible as long as a microphone and projection screen are available.
Tech Requirements: Microphone (when necessary), digital projector and screen (most presentations are accompanied by PowerPoint slides; Jessica can either hook up with her laptop or bring in a flash drive), water, and lunch (for full day visits).
Jessica looks forward to connecting with you!