We were delighted to welcome K.M. Walton to the York County Libraries’ Youth Empowerment Summit on Wednesday March 27th, 2019, a day designed to engage teens in a variety of activities to stimulate their interest in post-secondary education, personal learning interests and educational opportunities. K.M. gave the Keynote address and led a writers’ workshop. The theme for the Summit was ‘Save the World’ and I was impressed by the way K.M.  wove the theme into her talk about the power of kindness to change the world. She shared both simple, humorous and challenging tips for the students to take away. When I looked around and saw the rapt attention on everyone’s faces, I knew that K.M.  had succeeded in winning over this audience of teens!

Library Services Coordinator and Teen Forum Manager for York County Libraries

K.M. Walton treated us to an extraordinary experience at our Children’s Literature Conference. Faculty, students, and teachers alike were inspired by her talk. I received dozens of emails raving about the event. Here are a few comments about Kate’s talk:
- “K.M. Walton spoke to the heart.”
- “K.M. Walton was a very powerful and motivating presenter.”
- “What an inspiration! I loved hearing about [Walton’s] classroom background and teaching experiences!”
- “K.M. Walton opened my eyes to the ways bullying can be addressed through literature and how to effectively interact with my students.”
- “[She] was dynamic and inspiring; motivated me to apply language arts more in my teaching.”
- “K.M. Walton left the conference on a very high note!”

Associate Professor of Literacy, West Chester University

K.M. Walton managed to captivate and inspire an auditorium filled with hundreds of freshmen and sophomores, as she delivered a down-to-earth and heartfelt anti-bullying presentation related to her book, Cracked.

Librarian at West Chester East High School, West Chester, PA

The students, as well as the teachers, have talked about her presentation all day! She received many compliments about her message and her "realness.

Guidance counselor at Daniel Boone Middle School, Birdsboro, PA

Students at Temple University loved her – even in their cool ways. The week after Kate’s visit they were quoting her. She is such a positive role model for them – to see that teachers can love what they do!

Educational author and adjunct professor at Temple University

Kate Walton’s anti-bullying speeches inspired my English education students’ to create lessons and units that address the issue of bullying through reading, writing, and service activities.

Director of the Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project (PAWLP)