2023 Author in Schools Author

Ricky Roberts III is the author of eight books, Thank You Skateboarding, YOU, What Really Matters, Where Did the Gift Go, Awakening the New You: A Path to Transformation, Just for Youth, Healing the Wounded Child Within: Heal Your Wounds, Change Your Life, and Far From Easy: What It Takes to Make Your Dreams a Reality. He is also an inspirational speaker and the founder of You Are Valued (YAV)—a movement to value others.

As a young person, Roberts was exposed to and experienced abuse on many levels, which impacted his perception of love, and his self-worth. After being stabbed nine-times at the age of 17, Roberts let go of his role as a victim and began to ask: how he can use everything he has experienced to impact others in a positive way.

Today, Ricky inspires through his writings, speaking engagements, and efforts with the YAV Movement, which continues to spread around the world.

Beyond his passion for inspiring others, Roberts is a devoted skateboarder and also enjoys surfing, mountain biking, spending time in nature, doing art, and traveling.

Ricky resides in his hometown, St. Petersburg, FL., with his wife and their two dogs.