Novel by Jr.-Sr. High School Librarian Jennifer Iacopelli to be Netflix Series
It’s not every day that a novelist’s books are optioned to become a Netflix series. However, Jr.-Sr. High School librarian Jennifer Iacopelli’s sixth novel was the charm. On Jan. 22, Ms. Iacopelli’s latest book “Finding Her Edge,” published by Penguin Random House, will make its debut on the big screen. “Finding her Edge” is the librarian-author’s third young adult novel, including “Break the Fall” and “Out of Her League,” and again touts the challenges of young athletes.
“It’s surreal to have a novel coming out on Netflix,” Ms. Iocapelli said before speaking with students about her journey as a professional writer. “I am more than excited and hope that everyone loves the story as much as I do.”
“Finding Her Edge” focuses on the Russo sisters, who are heirs to a struggling figure skating business. Inspired by Jane Austin’s “Persuasion,” the eight-part series highlights the sisters struggles with romance, family legacy and the competitive world of figure skating. There is even a love triangle between middle sister Adriana, her new skating partner Brayden and her ex-boyfriend Freddie. Adriana fake dates Brayden to save the family rink as they compete at the World Championships, all the while dealing with her intense feelings for Freddie, her former partner and true love.
Iacopelli spoke to high school students about the journey of having a novel optioned by a film company, the writing process and how directors and producers make a television show. She explained that she used much of the same writing process taught in English classes: formulating an idea, coming up with a plan and outline, and finally writing and revising the manuscript. She also revealed that writers of the the scripts for “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “13 Reasons Why” were part of the team that wrote the script for “Finding Her Edge.”
“You don’t need a college degree [to write a book], Ms. Iacopelli told students. “All you have to do is come up with an idea and write it.”
“Finding Her Edge” is sure to be a big hit, as seen in the exhilarating trailer that was shown to students. Although point actors Madelyn Keys (Adriana Russo), Cale Ambrozic (Brayden Elliot) and Olly Atkins (Freddie O’Connell) are accomplished skaters, stunt shots and more complicated skating moves were performed by elite skaters. Ms. Iocapelli also has a cameo as a librarian who kicks students out of the library.
To say the Jr.-Sr. high school faculty is excited is an understatement. Faculty greeted her talk with students bearing balloons and a cake. English teacher Michelle Heaney summed it up when she said, ”This could not have happened to a better person. It [the “Finding Her Edge: television series] is sure to be a huge hit.”
Click here to view the From Novel to the Big Screen slideshow.
Date Added: 1/15/2026