CINCINNATI — Author Jodee Blanco has agreed to partner with the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) and give a keynote presentation at the 37th Annual NAPT Summit, which will be held here Oct. 22 to 27. 

Blanco is the author of Please Stop Laughing At Me . . . One Woman’s Inspirational Story. The book chronicles Blanco’s years as a student outcast and inspired an anti-bullying movement inside the nation’s schools. It is required reading in hundreds of middle and high schools, and numerous universities throughout the country, according to NAPT's announcement.

Please Stop Laughing at Me has also been recognized as an essential resource by The National Crime Prevention Council, The Department of Health & Human Services, the National Association of Youth Courts, Special Olympics, The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, and Teacher magazine.

Moreover, Blanco’s bullying prevention program — It’s NOT Just Joking Around! — has been presented to more than 500,000 students, teachers and parents nationwide at the request of the U.S. Department of Interior, the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Catholic Educational Association. The program has also reportedly generated tens of thousands of dollars in grant awards for schools and organizations. 

“NAPT has been at the forefront of efforts by the school transportation industry to prevent bullying from the start," Blanco said. "They are renowned for their commitment to student safety and security in all respects. I am excited to work with them and look forward to helping them continue to lead the way."

Blanco’s keynote presentation will be on Oct. 24.