Alyssa Colman
Award-winning author of heartwarming middle grade historical fiction
About Alyssa
Alyssa Colman is an award-winning author who writes heartwarming stories for kids. Her novel, Where Only Storms Grow, won the 2026 American Library Association’s Schneider Family Book Award, the 2026 Josette Frank Award, and is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her other books include The Tarnished Garden and The Gilded Girl, both historical tales with a magical twist. Alyssa is a graduate of Wake Forest University and resides in Virginia. Why she loves school visits: "When I was in elementary school, I didn't think about writing very much. It was something we did occasionally in class and it seemed that most of the books we read were written by people who were old, dead, or both. It wasn't until I met Brian Jacques at a book event in 7th grade that stories started think of writing as something a person could choose to do. Now, I love school visits because I get to breathe life into books for young readers. Why Book Alyssa? Acclaimed Storytelling: Author of the 2026 ALA Schneider Family Book Award winner, Where Only Storms Grow, which has also been named a National Council for Social Studies Notable Book, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, and a Tome Society Award Winner. Interactive Sessions: Presentations are designed to be engaging and informative. Enhance Classroom Concept: Content tailored specifically for young readers and their educators. Proven Impact: Librarians report that Alyssa’s visits leave students energized and inspired to pick up a book or start writing their own stories.
Books
What educators say
“Ms. Colman's visit with our middle school readers was a smashing success! Her genuine enthusiasm for the craft of writing, combined with her delightful personality kept our students engaged and interested in her book and the process of writing it...It also reinforces the strategies we give students about the revising and editing process of their own writing! We can't thank Ms. Colman enough for sharing her love of reading and writing with our students!”
“[Alyssa's] presentation was the most delightful, engaging presentation we have had at Freedom Hill. The students loved searching for inspiration on each slide and acting out the printing process. Alyssa Colman was a total hit with our students!”
“Alyssa Colman delivered an outstanding author visit that captivated our 4th and 5th graders through her fun and engaging presentation style. She shared a fascinating look into the creation of her chapter books, including her extensive research, planning and supporting visuals that went into her most recent book, Where Only Storms Grow. Alyssa involved both students and teachers in her presentation, making it entertaining for all participants. Her ability to connect with young readers while providing a practical look at the writing craft makes her an exceptional guest for any school. My students are in my library daily looking for her books to check out and read!”
Visit formats
What a visit includes
Alyssa is available to speak with groups of any size, from multi-grade level presentations to small groups or classes. Her presentations are playful, interactive, and informative. With older grades, the visit takes on a writing focus, emphasizing that you shouldn't judge your first draft against a polished book manuscript. She explores the magic of revision and even invites kids to give her feedback on early drafts of her books. Teachers say that Alyssa's presentation left students excited to pick up a book and fired up to write their own stories. For more information and a list of current programs, visit: https://www.alyssacolman.com/school-visits.html
Fees vary by format, travel, and your school's needs. Reach out directly for a quote and open dates.
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