There are few things judge Melanie Crowder enjoys more in this life than a well-drawn tournament bracket. While most adults leave their athletic obsessions on the verdant playing fields of their youth, Crowder has yet to relinquish her reverse chinlock on all things competitive. A beast on the [adult rec] tennis court, a public menace on her cruiser bike and the person everyone wishes they could disinvite from a friendly game of pinochle, the author has been following a strict training regimen to prepare for this year’s battle. Off the playing field, Melanie writes acclaimed novels for young readers including AUDACITY, A NEARER MOON, and PARCHED. Visit her online at www.melaniecrowder.com.