(March 2, 2023) Award winning writer Kelly Yang, author of “New From Here,” the “Front Desk” series and more, spoke to EP students about her life experiences, the writing process, and discussed her newest book, “Finally Seen,” on Wednesday afternoon.

Yang shared remarkable stories about what led her to become a writer, and the perseverance and resilience she exhibited growing up. The students asked some great follow up questions as well. Faculty and staff were so thankful that Yang shared her experiences with Elkins Park, and inspired young writers in the process.

Kelly Yang is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of “New from Here,” the “Front Desk” series, and young adult novels “Parachutes” and “Private Label.” 

“Front Desk” was awarded the 2019 Asian Pacific American Award for Literature, the Parents’ Choice Gold Medal, was the 2019 Global Read Aloud award winner, and was named an Amazon Best Book of the Year, Washington Post Best Book of the Year, Kirkus Best Book of the Year, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, NPR Best Book of the Year, and Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year.

She is the founder of The Kelly Yang Project (kellyyang.edu.hk), a leading writing and debating program for kids in Asia. As a writing teacher for 13 years, Yang helped thousands of children find their voice and become better writers and more powerful speakers. 

Before turning to fiction, she was also a columnist for the “South China Morning Post” for many years. Her writing has been published in “The New York Times,” “The Washington Post,” and “The Atlantic.” She has three children and lives in Los Angeles.