Monday, April 7, 2014 7:45 AM to 8:50 AM EDT
Tim Federle's middle grade novels, Better Nate Than Ever and Five, Six, Seven, Nate! (Simon & Schuster for Young Readers), were inspired by his backstage Broadway adventures, where he began crashing auditions as a teenage before joining the casts of The Little Mermaid and Gypsy, and going on to coach the child stars of Billy Elliot. In his funny and interactive talk on diversity, Tim will recount his journey from bullied teen to Broadway dancer to debut novelist, and share his secrets to turning weaknesses into strengths.