Bring Matteo to your…
Classroom Library Youth Group Book Club Etc
Digital and in-person options
Workshops are typically 60 minutes (1 hour) and require access to a projector or screen. Participants may also need space to write.
All presentations align with English/ELA curriculum, with additional connections for individual workshops.
Prices vary by location, number of sessions per day, etc..
This is what community looks like: the social and political inspirations behind LOCKJAW (Gr 9+)
A presentation on the inspirations behind White Pine nominated YA Horror Lockjaw. Matteo explains how his life from an isolated suburban childhood to a young adulthood of trans activism fueled the world of Lockjaw. Includes conversations about how to get involved in local activism, as well as discussion of transgender lives and activism. Concludes with an extended Q&A. Ideal for GSAs or Pride-related events.
Optional Activity: a 10 minute “free write” activity that connects mindfulness and setting description, helping students ground themselves to a specific place in their lives.
Additional subject tie-ins: Civics
“Matteo L. Cerilli is a dynamic and thoughtful speaker whose author presentations are both engaging and genuinely impactful. He spoke openly about his experiences as a trans person living with ADHD, bringing a real sense of vulnerability and honesty that truly connected with the audience.”
Build-A-Ghost (Gr 4-8)
Matteo outlines the “creation process” for building active characters, and discusses how his upbringing as a third generation Italian-Canadian influences his work. Students will listen to a reading of the first chapter and use “clues” from the text to fill in a sample worksheet about the main character. They will then move on to a Q&A with the author.
Optional Activity: students will be provided with a character-building worksheet to create their own “ghost” or other character.
“We were so lucky to have Matteo visit our library and run a session with our grade 7 and 8 students. All through the planning stages he was very professional and provided everything we needed beforehand. His presentation was polished and engaging. Matteo generously took time to answer all our students’ questions and managed our (somewhat large and rambunctious) group as well as any seasoned teacher.”
Fey-ology: Myth Meets History (Gr 9+)
Matteo speed-runs the Western history of neurodivergence (and the “care” associated with it, from 18th century asylums to 20th century eugenics), and explains how this history has been turned into a fantastical allegory in his novel. Concludes with a framework for creating a historical fantasy, and a Q&A.
Optional Activity: students will be provided with a worksheet for creating their own historical fantasy world.
Additional subject tie-ins: History
“Matteo is an engaging and dynamic speaker whose charisma and empathy resonate deeply with audiences, especially young people. He has a remarkable ability to connect through humour, personal storytelling, and a warm, authentic presence that immediately puts listeners at ease. ”
!NEW! When the Water Runs Out (Gr 7+)
Matteo discusses the connections between modern technology, weapons manufacturing/war, and water scarcity as a result of climate change. Includes conversations of ways to conserve water in the home, but also ways to hold corporations accountable on a larger scale. Concludes with a Q&A.
Optional Activity: students will be given a chance to brainstorm local issues they’re passionate about, and draft a letter to their local representatives.
Additional subject tie-ins: Civics, Science, Geography
Get a quote for a visit!
Interested in hosting? Fill out the form below and Matteo will be in touch shortly to discuss pricing and scheduling, as well as any questions. If you’d like to be in touch with Matteo before completing a form, you can email him at matteolcerilli@gmail.com