Barbara Binns, who writes as B. A. Binns, is the author of PULL (WestSide), a contemporary coming-of-age novel told from the seventeen-year-old male protagonist’s POV for girls and boys (grades 8-12).  In addition to PULL, she has had numerous short stories published in a Chicago-area journal. She writes to attract and inspire both male and female readers with stories of “real boys growing into real men…and the people who love them.” Her debut Young Adult novel, PULL, tells the story of a young man’s journey from guilt and the fear that biology forces him to repeat his father’s violence, to the realization that his future lies in his own hands. PULL is the recipient of awards from Indiana and Oregon.

Barbara lives in the suburbs of Chicago, but is willing to travel for author visits. She is a member of ALA, the Chicago Writer’s Association, SCBWI, RWA and YALSA.  She finds writing both an exercise in self discipline, and the perfect follow-up to her life as an adoptive parent and a cancer survivor. Her school visits involve interactive workshops and lectures for grades 6-12. Topics can be tailored to meet the needs of individual classes. She also talks with libraries and adults on paths for publication and writing for reluctant and at-risk readers. Barbara is comfortable working with both large and small audiences, and enjoys working with schools in need. She will work with *all* schools to fit a visit into their budget.

Reviews for PULL:

Tautly written, gripping and realistic…readers happier to work with their hands than sit in a classroom will find themselves comforted to find a book which places value on David's choice.      
-- Tanita S. Davis, recipient of the 2010 Coretta Scott King Author Honor for MARE'S WAR.

Pull is populated with fully-realized characters who…defy expectation and avoid cliché. These are smart, thinking kids.     
--Steve Alcorn, author of A MATTER OF JUSTICE.

The way the characters move forward and make decisions is not at all trite or condescending to teens.     
--Bethany Hegedus, author of BETWEEN US BAXTERS.

Contact Information:

Email: bab9660@yahoo.com
Websites:
http://www.babinns.com
http://www.barbarabinns.com