Best-selling author to speak at Venice High’s 12th Annual Literacy Celebration

Ellen Hopkins to sign books after her remarks

Ellen Hopkins. Image courtesy Sarasota County Schools
Ellen Hopkins. Image courtesy Sarasota County Schools

New York Times best-selling author Ellen Hopkins will be the speaker when Venice High School presents its 12th Annual Literacy Celebration at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the Venice Performing Arts Center (VPAC), the Sarasota County School District has announced.

Hopkins has written 15 books for young as well as older adults, including the best-sellers Burned and Crank, a news release points out. “She is known for tackling controversial subjects,” the release adds.

Her newest novel, Traffick, is the story of five teens victimized by human trafficking, the release notes. The book was published in November. Her next one, Chameleon, is set to be released in the fall, the release says.

Hopkins’ books will be available for purchase on the evening of the event, and she will sign them for attendees, the release adds.

Tickets for the event are $10 for adults and $5 for students; they may be purchased online at www.veniceperformingartscenter.com or at the VPAC box office the night of the presentation.

The Venice Performing Arts Center is located on the campus of Venice High School at 1 Indian Ave. in Venice.

The event is sponsored and funded by the Venice High School Literacy Council and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the news release explains.