Tennessee Reed talked about her book Spell Albuquerque: Memoir of a "Difficult" Student (AK Press; March 1, 2009). In the book she recounts being diagnosed at an early age with a language-based communication disorder and being told she would never read or write. She recalls her efforts to get the education she would need and the reform that she argues is necessary for other Black, Hispanic, and gay students with learning disabilities. She read passages from the book and responded to questions from members of the audience.

Tennessee Reed is the author of several books of poetry.