By Candice Navi

Award-winning author Chris Crutcher will sign books in the Mudd Library at the Middle School this Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Crutcher released his latest book, “Deadline,” this September.

Crutcher’s other books include “Sledding Hill,” “Whale Talk,” “Stotan” and “Ironman.”
His books are generally realistic fiction about teenagers on teams, how they deal with life, and how they interact with others.

“Athletic Shorts,” a compilation of six short stories was featured on the American Library Association’s 2006 most banned books list. 

Some of the awards Crutcher has received for his writing include the California Young Reader Medal, the National Intellectual Freedom Award and the Best of the Best in Young Adult Literature. In addition, he has also been honored by the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents.

“Crutcher was scheduled to speak at another school in the area, but that was canceled so we were contacted as a possible alternate,” middle school librarian Maxine Lucas said. “And, of course, we said yes.” 

Crutcher’s books are available in both the middle school library, and the upper school library.

“I love everything he has written,” Lucas said. “It is honest, often gritty, and relevant to young adults everywhere.”