Snoopers and Sneakers

Cristina Rouvalis and Lydia Wayman, local authors of the middle grade book, Snoopers and Sneakers, will be here to talk about their book and their collaboration. Wayman will also share personal experiences of what it was like growing up undiagnosed as autistic and how she never saw herself represented in books. Snoopers and Sneakers is about two Pittsburgh sixth graders. The authors will read excerpts from the book that will introduce you to the book's main characters: Jane, a cat-obsessed autistic girl, and Ashley, a dethroned social butterfly.

Cristina Rouvalis is a Pittsburgh-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in publications such as Hemispheres, Esquire.com, Smithsonian.com, Parents, AARP the Magazine and more. She loves writing personality profiles, and her articles have won many awards, including one from the American Association of Journalists and Authors. When she is not typing with one of her three cats on her lap, she can be found biking on the Great Allegheny Passage and other scenic trails.

Lydia Wayman is an autistic advocate with a B.S. in elementary education and an M.A. in English and nonfiction writing who uses her education and experience to help others better understand how autistic people see the world. Her writing has appeared in a wide range of online and printed publications, including several books. Her ongoing advocacy work includes mentoring youth with disabilities, presenting at events and conferences, and developing courses and training programs. Lydia received the Autistic Advocacy Award in 2018 by the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy.