Rita Rose, author of World's Tallest Woman: The Giantess of Shelbyville High, will be at the Glendale library at 2 p.m. October 25, 2009.

"The book is aimed at middle school and high school readers, but adults can enjoy it too," explained Rita. "It's a novel based on the high school experiences of Sandy Allen, who was the world's tallest woman from 1976-2008, when she passed away last year. Not only was she an outcast at school because of her size, but she also faced challenges at home because of an abusive relative. Sandy overcame many obstacles, and in her later years she returned to elementary schools and redeemed her past by talking to youngsters about self-esteem, tolerance and acceptance. She also was part of the Indiana Pacers Reading Program.

"Sandy was my friend for 31 years so I knew her very well. This part of her life has never been written about, and during my talk I explain why we decided to novelize her experiences."

In addition to hearing about the book, attendees can see a life-size cardboard standee of Sandy (7'7.25"), one of her size 22EEE shoes, photos and other memorabilia. For more information www.thegiantessbook.com.