Schlow to host YA author Skype event

STATE COLLEGE — “The first thing you’re going to want to know about me is: Am I a boy, or am I a girl?”

That’s how author Jeff Garvin opens his debut novel, ‘Symptoms of Being Human.’ The book’s main character, Riley Cavanaugh, is a 16-year-old described as “Punk rock. Snarky. Rebellious. And gender fluid.” Riley starts an anonymous blog to deal with hostility from classmates and tension at home. When the blog goes viral, a storm of media attention threatens Riley’s anonymity.

Garvin visits Schlow Centre Region Library via Skype from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, in the Downsbrough Community Room. The event is co-hosted by the Centre LGBTQA Support Network.

‘Symptoms of Being Human’ tackles issues of transgender identity, bullying and bigotry. It has received several awards, including an American Library Association Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection and a Lambda Literary Award Finalist.

Garvin lives in Southern California with his family. Before becoming an author, he enjoyed a 15-year acting career that included guest-starring roles on shows such as ‘The Wonder Years,’ ‘Roseanne’ and ‘Caroline and the City.’

A meet-and-greet reception will be held at 3 p.m., prior to Garvin’s talk. Light refreshments will be provided.