Young adult novelist Chris Crutcher, author of books including The Sledding Hill, Ironman, Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, and The Deep End, will present a talk entitled, “Turning Real Life Into Fiction” at 6:30 p.m. on October 24, 2006 in the McMaster Center at Main Library, 325 Michigan St.  Crutcher’s talk is aimed at teens and adults.

As a working family therapist and longtime child protection advocate, Crutcher is witness to compelling real life stories of pain, recovery and survival.  Turning those gritty tales into works of fiction has helped make this Spokane, Washington-based author one of the most critically acclaimed, and frequently banned, writers for young adults.
 

The American Library Association has named eight of his young adult books, “Best Books for Young Adults,” and four of his books appeared in Booklist’s “Best 100 Books of the 20^th Century.”

Crutcher’s presentation will explain how he writes his novels, what he experiences in his work with youth, and why he writes it.  A book signing will follow Crutcher’s presentation. Free underground parking at Main Library is available.