Richard Peck has written over twenty novels, and in the process has become one of America's most highly respected writers for young adults. The title of his presentation is, "Celebration of real books in an age of Facebook."  The books he will emphasize and read from are Past, Perfect, Present Tense; On the Wings of Heroes; River Between Us; and Teacher's Funeral.

A versatile writer, he is beloved by middle graders as well as young adults for his mysteries and coming-of-age novels. Mr. Peck has won a number of major awards for the body of his work, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award from School Library Journal, the National Council of Teachers of English/ALAN Award, and the 1991 Medallion from the University of Southern Mississippi. Virtually every publication and association in the field of children s literature has recommended his books, including Mystery Writers of America which twice gave him their Edgar Allan Poe Award.