A New York Times best-selling teen and young adult (YA) author will visit West Des Moines students as part of the school district’s reading initiative, WDMCS Reads. Laurie Halse Anderson, whose award-winning titles include “Speak” and “Chains,” will visit the district on April 24. She will be speaking to students in grades five through 12 throughout the day and with the public later that evening. Halverson, whose books have sold more than 8 million copies, is known for tackling tough subjects like sexual assault and eating disorders with humor and sensitivity. The visit is being coordinated by the West Des Moines Public Library, the Rotary Club of West Des Moines and West Des Moines Community Schools. For more information about the library’s Author Visit event, click here.