Long Beach Middle School students welcomed author Alyson Gerber for an inspiring presentation on Sept. 25. She discussed her books, Focused and Braced, and autographed copies for her audience members. Gerber also spoke about her life experiences, which included challenges with ADHD and having to wear a brace for scoliosis. She shared that while the events in the book were all fiction, the feelings were all real. The visit encouraged confidence in students as well as kindness and acceptance toward others.