Abena Eyeson

Abena Eyeson

Writer

www.abenaeyesonwriter.com
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Booking enquiry
Abena Eyeson - author tools

Available for

Workshop, Talk, Reading, Interview

Audiences

Age 7 to 11, Age 11 to 14

Genres

Fiction

Book types

Fiction 8-13

Awards

Organisations

  • EmpathyLab Masterclass Alumni
  • Society of Authors
  • Black Writers Guild

Event feedback

Abena was an inspiration for pupils. She signed copies of her book and gave pupils an excellent insight into her journey as an author. Additionally, she provided pupils with practical steps towards becoming authors and interacting brilliantly with pupils.

 Nehal Sher-Gill (Richard Lee Primary School)

Details

I am a debut middle-grade Black British writer.  My debut contemporary middle-grade novel Running My Own Race was published in July 2025.

I have done a number of school/ library visits since Running My Own Race was published.  In my school and library visits, I introduce the audience to the book which is a story about family, friendship, gaining courage and going for your dreams. I also talk about myself and my writer journey.  I can deliver workshops related to themes in Running My Own Race and on empathy.

What have others said about Running My Own Race

The book has been widely reviewed since publication.

Running My Own Race was one of the Books for Topics books of the month in August 2025. https://www.booksfortopics.com/booklists/books-of-the-month/best-books-this-month-august-2025/

It has been reviewed and recommended by the BookTrust.  

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/book-recommendations/best-new-books/.

Jon Biddle, a year 5/ 6 teacher and English lead, wrote, "Finished reading Running my Own Race by Abena Eyeson with my Y5/6 class last week. They absolutely loved it, and it gave us lots of chances to talk about issues relevant to their own lives. Highly recommended." https://www.threads.com/@jonnybid/post/DPssATnAjF4?xmt=AQF0GLLz1E2gQzD0N10I59AqEtVzGUH00FXIRgNsJoEvmA&slof=1

The book was included in the list of best children's books 2025 for Waterstones Best Children's fiction of 2025 and Amazon UK Top 10 Kids & Young Adult books of 2025.

School and Library visits

I am happy to do school visits to primary schools (Key stage 2) and year 7. 

I can do 30-40 minute assemblies based around Running My Own Race, focusing on having dreams and what can stop you achieving them. I can also read from the book, talk about my own life story and journey to becoming a writer as well as having a Q&A with the children.  I can offer this for library visits too.

I can offer workshops for year 5, 6 or 7 on themes related to Running My Own Race and/or empathy.

Fees

I base these on the Society of Authors recommendations.

Other information

I am educated up to a PhD and have had a career in HR.

In 2021, I completed the Faber Academy Writing a Novel course (online). I have been longlisted and shortlisted for a number of book prizes including the Peter's Children's Book of the Year 2026 and the Spark Book Awards 2026. I won the junior fiction category of the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards 2026.

Books by Abena Eyeson

My debut middle grade novel, Running My Own Race, was published by Nosy Crow in July 2025. In 2024, my first commission for Oxford University Press Primary, Our Family Farm, was published as part of their new Readerful reading scheme.
IBSN: 9781805133735
On author's website
Running My Own Race

Running My Own Race

Kofi’s mum is determined he’s going to be ‘somebody’. But when Kofi is given a place at a prestigious private school because of his athletic ability, everything changes. Kofi dreams of being a professional athlete – but he soon finds following your heart isn’t an easy road. Under pressure from his mum to make the most of his academic opportunity, his best friend who doesn’t want him to change, his community to make them proud, and a rival who will do anything to make sure Kofi doesn’t outshine him – Kofi isn’t sure where to turn. Can Kofi find a way to follow his own path? 
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Waterstones

Keywords

ATHLETICS BLACK-BRITISH BOY BULLYING COMING-OF-AGE CONTEMPORARY COURAGE DIVERSITY EMPATHY FAMILY FRIENDSHIP INCLUSIVITY MIDDLE-GRADE RACISM REAL-LIFE REPRESENTATION SPORTS WELL-BEING