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Book Avalyn for a school or club visit or speaking engagement

Book Avalyn to talk to your class, club or group

An inspiring author visit from Avalyn, a teenage writer living with long COVID, sharing her Star Dizzy Lizzy stories of courage, friendship and big dreams.

 

Sessions support curriculum aims in English (reading, author study, storytelling), PSHE (empathy, inclusion, wellbeing) and Citizenship (pupil voice and social responsibility) for KS1, KS2 and early KS3.

Avalyn can also lead sessions for community groups.

Avalyn is happy to talk to groups of educators, academics and health care professionals about her lived in experience of life with a chronic illness and the value of good support.

What Avalyn offers

Author talk about creating Star Dizzy Lizzy and its sequel, inspired by her own experience of long COVID.

  • Read‑aloud session and Q&A with pupils about story, characters, perseverance and feelings.

  • Discussion of hidden illness, empathy and how stories can help us understand each other.

  • We will provide an exclusive purchase link and discount code allowing the purchase of all Avalyn's books at discounted prices, a handwritten dedication by Avalyn (if requested) and free delivery to school/club with a couple of weeks.

Advocacy and the lived in experience

  • Avalyn brings real lived experience into conversations with professionals and decision-makers.

  • She explains the impact of long COVID clearly, making it easier for professionals to understand the daily reality behind the condition and how they can better support children and young people like herself.

  • Through her writing and public speaking, she helps raise awareness, challenge misunderstandings, and give a voice to other young people who may feel overlooked or dismissed.

  • By sharing her story, she challenges misunderstanding and helps amplify the voices of children and young people with chronic illness.

Would you like to book Avalyn?

Get in touch so we can start working together.

Thanks for submitting!

Lizzie Cobb, EYFS teacher

Music and R.E lead, Cuddington Primary School

"Avalyn was an absolute natural. She kept all the children completely engrossed for the entire story. They loved the lovely activity she brought. Her book had beautiful illustrations and friendly language to accompany a heartwarming tale. She answered the children's questions and engaged graciously with their curiosity. The kids were drawn to her warmth and kindness. They didn't want to let her leave!"

How an author visit can support the curriculum 

Links to KS1


English: Listening to and discussing a wide range of stories, joining in discussion about what is read, asking and answering questions, and talking about characters’ feelings and motivations.

PSHE / wellbeing: Developing empathy, recognising that not all difficulties are visible, talking about feelings and friendships, and celebrating differences.

Art and imagination: Responding to Avalyn’s illustrations, drawing their own characters who “reach for the stars” despite challenges.

 

Links to KS2


English: Meeting a real author, exploring planning, drafting and editing a book; discussing themes such as resilience, ambition and problem‑solving in narrative.

PSHE / RSE: Understanding long‑term illness and reasonable adjustments, inclusion, kindness and how to support peers who may be absent or fatigued.

Citizenship: Hearing a young person speak about using their voice and creativity to make change, linking to pupil voice, social action and campaigning.

 

Links to early KS3


English: Considering metaphor (Lizzy’s journey as a reflection of living with long COVID), author intent, and how lived experience shapes literature.

PSHE / Health and wellbeing: Exploring chronic illness, mental health impacts of being “left out”, and the importance of school belonging for all students.
 

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