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CHICAGO – Bestselling author Matt de la Peña will appear as one of three featured speakers at an author banquet presented during the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) 17th National Conference & Exhibition. de la Peña will discuss books, characters and voices of color alongside Sonia Manzano and Rita Williams-Garcia at the Friday, Nov. 6, event themed “Diverse Authors, Diverse Voices.” Registration and more information regarding the event can be found at .

Matt de la Peña has established himself as an author to pay attention to. He is the New York Times bestselling author of six critically-acclaimed young adult novels including “Mexican WhiteBoy,” “The Living” and “The Hunted.” He is also the author of two award-winning picture books, “A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis” and “Last Stop on Market Street.”

“In his new picture book ‘Last Stop on Market Street,’ Matt speaks from the heart, portraying a touching intergenerational relationship and the importance of contributing back to the community,” said Mary Ann Scheuer, author co-chair. “After reading ‘Last Stop,’ we come to understand how all of us are richer from serving others, because they are now part of our lives.”

de la Peña has also published short fiction and essays in various newspapers and literary journals including: The New York Times, The Writer and Pacific Review. In 2013, he shared his views on the saving powers of literacy and creativity in an . Currently, de la Peña serves on the advisory committee of We Need Diverse Books.

“As school librarians, we all serve diverse populations,” explains Scheuer. “We want to provide books that are windows into other worlds, as well as mirrors of our own experiences. The We Need Diverse Books campaign appeals to all of our core values and we are thrilled to share these authors with our attendees.”

de la Peña ‘s AASL national conference appearance is made possible by Penguin Young Readers Group. An additional registration fee of $65 is required in advance of the banquet. 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.

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