On Thursday, April 23, Upper St Clair High School will be visited by young adult novelist A.S King. The Michael L. Printz Honoree, who has been hailed “one of the best Y.A writers working today” by the New York Times, has written the novels Everybody Sees the Ants, Ask the Passengers, and Monica Never Shuts Up, among others. Her writings deal with young adult themes, such as bullying, navigating through high school, and finding a sense of belonging during adolescence.

A.S King has received universal claim for her work as well as numerous accolades. Some awards her latest book, Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future include New York Times Editor’s Choice, Fall 2014 Junior Library Guild Pick, ABA Best Book 2014, one of Publisher Weekly’s best books of 2014, The Boston Globe’s Best YA Novel of 2014, Booklist Editor’s Choice 2014, one of Kirkus Review’s best books of 2014, an ABC best book of 2014, New York Public Library’s Best Book for Teens 2014, A Winter 2014/15 Indie Next Pick, A Nerdy Award winner, Bustle.com top 25 books for teens in 2014, Mashable’s Ten Best Young Adult Novels of 2014, a holiday book selection for Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune and many others.

King will be giving a presentation in the auditorium to the students about her experiences as a writer. During the presentations, she will also discuss the process of writing a book, how to get involved in the writing world, and how to get a book published. She will also be conducting a writing workshop in rooms 148-149, which will focus on the writing and editing process for novels more in greater detail.

Along with being a critically acclaimed writer, A.S King is also an advocate for anti-bullying and will even be giving a speech about the topic.

“She is a great motivational speaker. She’s a real advocate for kids who are bullied and gives other people a lot of strategies for not being a bully,” says librarian Mrs. Janine Despines.

A.S King has been described as a “prolific” author by many adoring fans and critics, including Mrs. Despines. She has read the book Everybody Sees the Ants and has the book Dust of 100 Dogs on her reading list. Along with her interest in King’s novels, Mrs. Despines has also expressed interest in asking A.S King about her time in Ireland when she visits.

For more information on the A.S King visit please go onto www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.