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Award-Winning Author Randy Ribay Visits District Middle Schools

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!

Author Randy Ribay poses for a picture with a Welsh Valley staff member prior to giving his presentation
Author Randy Ribay smiles for a photo in the Welsh Valley auditorium
Author Randy Ribay poses for a picture with a Welsh Valley staff member prior to giving his presentation
A smiling Randy Ribay poses for a picture with three Welsh Valley students
A photo of Randy Ribay smiling as he stands in the WVMS auditorium
Author Randy Ribay converses with a Welsh Valley staff member prior to his presentation
Author Randy Ribay speaks to students in the Welsh Valley auditorium
Randy Ribay speaks to students in the foreground, while in the background being projected on to the screen is a phot of Randy as a kid working on an engine
Author Randy Ribay speaks to students in the Welsh Valley auditorium
Author Randy Ribay speaks to students in the Welsh Valley auditorium
Author Randy Ribay takes questions from students following his presentation
Author Randy Ribay answers a student's question
Author Randy Ribay speaks to a pair of students following his presentation
Three students talk to Ribay following his presentation
Author Randy Ribay poses for a picture with five Welsh Valley students
Author Randy Ribay poses for a picture with six Black Rock students
Author Randy Ribay, holding one of his books, sits on the edge of the stage for a picture with four Black Rock students
Author Randy Ribay, holding one of his books, poses for a picture with two Black Rock faculty members

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