Award-winning young adult author Randy Ribay recently visited Bala Cynwyd, Black Rock and Welsh Valley middle schools, where he spoke with students about his journey to becoming a writer, creative process and much more.

Ribay's latest novel, Patron Saints of Nothing, has received five-starred reviews, won the Freeman Book Award and was a finalist for the National Book Award, LA Times Book Prize, Walden Book Award, Edgar Award, International Thriller Writers Award and the CILIP Carnegie Medal. His other works include Project Kawayan, After the Shot Drops and An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes.

One of Ribay's motivations for becoming a writer—besides his love for reading and writing—was the lack of books featuring characters who shared his cultural heritage. As a Filipino American, Ribay sought to fill this gap by crafting stories that reflect his community, ensuring that kids and teens who share his background have access to books with characters who look and sound like them. As Ribay emphasizes, representation matters.

To see a collection of images from Ribay's visits to Welsh Valley and Black Rock middle schools, click through the slideshow below!