I love visiting new places, meeting new people, and sharing what I’ve learned about Down syndrome, the children’s literature market, and storytelling. I can provide storytimes, Q&As for kids and caregivers, school assemblies, writing workshops, and more.
If you’d like to arrange an author event, school visit, or workshop, please reach out through my contact form.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9a – 4p
Beaver County BookFest: Midland, PA. I attended BookFest several times pre-pandemic, and I’m SO excited that this celebration of books is back, bigger and better than ever! I’ll be selling and signing copies of The Unstoppable Jamie, as well as several anthologies that feature my short fiction.
Sunday, October 12, 2025, 2p – 3p
Author Visit at the Mt. Lebanon Library: Mt. Lebanon, PA. Join me for a superpowered story time that celebrates Down Syndrome Awareness Month! We will read The Unstoppable Jamie, and young heroes will design their own capes, have a training montage of sensory regulation, and learn more about how genetic diversity makes each one of us super. For kids ages 4-8 with caregivers.
May 15-17, 2026
Pennwriters Conference: Lancaster, PA. One of my favorite annual events! More info to come in 2026.
I’m an active member of Pennwriters and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, so you can often find me at those organizations’ events, especially in and around Western Pennsylvania.
PAST EVENTS:
“Applying Trauma-Informed Care to Writing for Children” SCBWI Webinar: June 12, 2025, virtual
Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books, “Disability Made Visible” Panel: May 31, 2025, Pittsburgh, PA
Pennwriters Annual Conference: May 16-18, 2025, Pittsburgh, PA
Children’s Book Authors Day at Northland Public Library: June 28, 2024, Pittsburgh, PA
The Unstoppable Jamie Storytime & Signing at Penguin Bookshop: June 22, 2024, Sewickley, PA
The Unstoppable Jamie Storytime at Dandelion Kids: December 14, 2023, Dormont, PA
The Unstoppable Jamie Storytime and Signing at Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers: November 11, 2023, Upper Arlington, OH
The Unstoppable Jamie Storytime and Signing at Stories Like Me: October 22, 2023, Pittsburgh, PA
Miracle League of the South Hills Halloween Extravaganza: October 21, 2023, Upper St. Clair, PA
Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh’s 29th Annual Buddy Walk: October 15, 2023, Pittsburgh, PA
The Unstoppable Jamie‘s Launch Day: October 14, 2023, Riverstone Books, Pittsburgh, PA
Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio Buddy Walk: October 1, 2023, Columbus, OH
Pennwriters Annual Conference: May 19-21, 2023, Pittsburgh, PA
PA West SCBWI “Community Is Key” Workshop: August 14, 2022, Pittsburgh, PA
Pennwriters Annual Conference: May 13-15, 2022, Lancaster, PA
SCBWI PA West “Camp KidLit Compass”: July 7-11, 2021, VIRTUAL
SCBWI PA West “A Night of Round Tables”: January 29, 2021, VIRTUAL
Pennwriters Annual Conference: May 14-16, 2021, VIRTUAL
SCBWI Annual Winter Conference: February 7-9, 2020, New York, NY
PA West SCBWI Conference: November 8-9, 2019, Pittsburgh, PA
Pennwriters Annual Conference: May 17-19, 2019, Pittsburgh, PA
SCBWI Annual Winter Conference: February 8-10, 2019, New York, NY
Beach Fun Launch Party: November 10, 2018, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Pennwriters Annual Conference: May 18-20, 2018, Lancaster, PA
SCBWI Annual Winter Conference: February 2-4, 2018, New York, NY
Joy Givens 