Stephen Chbosky’s novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower hit big with teen readers immediately upon its 1999 release and hit big again when the movie opened in theaters in 2012. Chbosky, who also directed the movie, will appear from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 26 at Bookmans Grant. The event is free and open to the public.

“My hope is that if kids feel alone in the world, they can go to this movie and realize that so many emotions that they’re feeling, other people have them, too,” Chbosky says. “They’re not as alone, they’re not as different as they think.”

A native of Pittsburgh, Chbosky graduated from the University of Southern California’s Filmic Writing Program. His first film, The Four Corners of Nowhere, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He wrote the screenplay for the critically acclaimed film adaptation of Rent; and co-created the post-apocalyptic television drama, Jericho. He also edited Pieces, a collection of short stories for Pocket Books.

Bookmans will provide copies of the novel and movie Perks of Being A Wallflower for purchase and signing at the event. Chbosky can be followed on Twitter at @StephenChbosky.