91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – Josephine Angelini will appear as one of five featured speakers at an author breakfast presented during the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) 17th National Conference & Exhibition. Angelini will discuss female character development in the fantasy genre alongside Rae Carson, Colleen Gleason, Kate Messner and Sabaa Tahir at the Sunday, Nov. 8, event themed “Girls Rock the Fantasy World.” Registration and more information regarding the event can be found at .

Josephine Angelini is a Massachusetts native and a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with a major in theater and a focus on the classics. While she moved to Los Angeles to become a screenwriter, her husband encouraged her to focus her talents on what she loved – books. The result was her debut trilogy, "Starcrossed," a modern retelling of Helen of Troy. All three books became international bestsellers and have garnered the praise of various publications, including the LA Times.

In her second trilogy, "Worldwalker," Angelini moves from Greek mythology to a reimagining of Salem and witches. “Trial by Fire” introduces Lily Proctor, a high school student with life-threatening allergies. After a humiliating incident in front of half of her graduating class, Lily wishes she could disappear. Getting her wish, Lily finds herself in an alternate universe filled with horrible creatures and magic.

“The first book sets young adult readers on fire for her characters and dystopian future world,” said author co-chair Karen Perry. “The second book, 'Fire Walker,’ picks up the story of ‘Trial by Fire’ and develops the power struggles between two teenage girls in different worlds. Full of action and a bit of romance, this series reveals Angelini’s appeal to her young adult readers.”

“Fantasy hooks in readers of all ages, whether kids want a book that lets them forget about real life, or smart, strong characters that solve insurmountable problems,” said author co-chair Mary Ann Scheuer. “The women on our author breakfast panel rock the fantasy world, creating compelling stories of all sorts -- from realistic, historical settings to everyday modern life to complex world building.”

Angelini’s AASL national conference appearance is made possible by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. An additional registration fee of $40 is required in advance of the breakfast. Register today at .

The AASL National Conference & Exhibition is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. The 17^th National Conference & Exhibition, “,” taking place Nov. 5-8, 2015, will feature preconference workshops, author events, concurrent sessions and an exhibition featuring companies relevant to the profession.

The American Association of School Librarians, , a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.

Related Links