Barbara Casey is president of the Barbara Casey Agency and the author of numerous articles, poems, and short stories. Her award winning novels have received national recognition, including the Independent Publishers Book Award. Her novel, The House of Kane, released in 2008 was considered for a Pulitzer nomination, and her latest young adult novel. The Cadence of Gypsies, was reviewed by the Smithsonian for its list of Best Books. In addition to being a frequent guest lecturer at universities and writers conferences, Ms. Casey served as judge for the Pathfinder Literary Awards in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, FL and was Florida Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators from 1991through 2003.