To request an in-person or virtual speaking engagement, please contact Authors Out Loud, at requests@authorsunbound.com or view my Speaking Profile. I can’t wait to meet your group!
I have a masters in elementary education and have taught second grade. I love Read-Aloud time and being around students of all ages. To see my upcoming events, click here.
Read Aloud And Q&A With Reem
Read Aloud and Quick Q&A: Interactive read aloud of one of the following picture books: Lailah’s Lunchbox/Amira’s Picture Day/I Can Help/ Milloo’s Mind/Swimming Toward a Dream/Anisa’s International Day and a brief Q&A session. Reem also offers behind-the-scenes information about the creation of the book. (30 minute sessions typically!)
Verse Presentation
Read Aloud of a few pages of Unsettled/Golden Girl/Call Me Adnan: Reem will share passages that were inspired by her life, why she chose to write in verse, and encourage readers to use their own experiences in their writing, followed by a brief Q&A session.
Lailah’s Lunchbox: Writing Process
Writing Process: Please read Lailah’s Lunchbox before hand with your students. Reem will share the stages of the writing process, how to use your own experiences in writing, and share strategies of how to make your writing shine!
Picture Books: From Opening Line To Published Manuscript
Reem will discuss how to create a strong opening for your picture book and give examples of successful books from the kidlit world. She will offer insight on using one’s personal experiences in stories. She will give ten tips on navigating the process of getting an agent and publisher, inevitable rejections, and what the process is like fine tuning edits with an editor. She will discuss the stages of going from a rough draft to a book. She will conclude her presentation sharing which resources she uses for success and inspiration. (For Writer Conferences)
Keynote On Storytelling
Reem discusses the inspiration behind writing children’s books, what storytelling means to her, and where she gets her ideas from. She also will give diverse book recommendations and a sneak peek into what she’s writing next.
Request an Author Visit
Testimonials:
“With charming personal anecdotes and a wry, understated sense of humor, Reem Faruqi extends an irresistible invitation into her work and her world. Listeners of all ages will find her relatable and delightful.” –Anne Sibley O’Brien, Award Winning Author
“Reem’s visit was broadening–in that some of our students were not familiar with Ramadan and its customs. We got a taste of religion and culture, geography, and social learning. Our Muslim students were thrilled to “see themselves” at last in a book. Reem showed us her craft, but she also encouraged children to write themselves, giving examples of adding details and “showing, not telling” to convey emotion. After her inspiring visit, we have many first-time authors at our school!” –
Nava Fader, Librarian at Olmsted School #64
“I had the pleasure of hosting Reem Faruqi at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (Central Library) for a reading of her book “Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story”. Over 100 students from a local charter school were in attendance, plus members of the public and some of our librarians. Reem did an outstanding job reading her book to a large crowd. She also took time to answer student questions and really engaged the audience. We were able to project Reem’s book onto our projector screen with the PDF she provided ahead of time and we had the option of using her flash drive if that didn’t work. Communication was timely via email and Reem was wonderful to work with in-person.” –
Kristi Dougherty, Librarian Manager of Children’s Services & Outreach, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
“Our school received a special visit the other day. Author, Reem Faruqi. Reem commanded an auditorium full of students, grades 2-5. With a calm and soft spoken demeanor, she captivated this large audience. They were eager to participate during her read aloud of Laillah’s Lunchbox, and were excited to ask Reem about her writing process as well. Reem’s prior experience as a second grade teacher was evident. The read aloud was meaningful and educational. I feel fortunate to have spent time with this lovely woman. I would invite her to visit our school anytime …. “
– Heidi LaRou, School Librarian Buffalo, NY
” I have never seen my college students so engaged and excited in class. You clearly made such a great impression on them and taught them so much about what you do and why it is so important. Thank you for being our special guest and enriching our studies and experience with your books. “– Rose Deighton, Instructor “Muslim Women’s Storytelling” at Emory University“
To see upcoming events, click here.
To see a sneak peek of what my classroom looked like, click here!
The Department for the Study of Religions @Wakeforest was delighted to welcome ReemFaruqi to present in our classes on 9.24.2021 when she was in town for the @BookmarksNC Festival. Our students had the opportunity to read “Lailah’s Lunchbox” and “Amira’s Picture Day” in preparation for Reem’s arrival on campus and as part of a course module on representations of Muslim youth in popular culture and literature in the United States. In her interactive and colorful presentation at Wake Forest, Reem emphasized the importance of picture books and children’s literature in fostering religious literacy, critical empathy, and storytelling in readers of all ages. Reem also provided generous responses to the students’ questions about the writing process, working with illustrators, and the children’s book publishing industry. I encourage college educators in all areas of the liberal arts to consider incorporating books like Reem’s in their classrooms, especially when introducing topics related to human difference and cross-cultural representation. Thank you, Reem!
– Kimberly T. Wortmann, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Study of Religions, Wake Forest University
Doodling Through Life 
I don’t know how to contact you about an author visit.
HI! https://authorsunbound.com/reem-faruqi/ hope this helps 🙂