Aly Gerber’s young adult novel, Braced, is the story of a 12-year-old soccer player who learns she needs to wear a back brace 23 hours a day for her worsening scoliosis. As she adjusts to life with the brace, her confidence and self-image are shaken. Ultimately she discovers her own voice and learns how to face this challenge—plus all the others associated with being a preteen.Gerber will share the personal experience that inspired Braced. She and Dr. Epstein will discuss how educators, parents, and adults can use contemporary fiction and personal narrative to talk about issues such as body image, confidence, self-advocacy, and expression with kids and teens.