NORWICH – Norwich native and author J.J. Johnson will return to her hometown and alma mater Thursday, making a pair of appearances at the High School and the First Edition Book Store to discuss her first novel, “This Girl is Different.”

Students at NHS will have an opportunity to hear Johnson’s story at a special presentation at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow in the auditorium, followed by a smaller, creative writing seminar at 12:15 p.m. From 5 to 7:30 p.m., the author will hold a reading and book-signing at the First Edition Book Store, 13 South Broad St.

According to the author, who now lives in North Carolina, the trip is both a celebration of her recent success and a homecoming as well.

“It’s very important to me and I think it’s amazing that Norwich has an independent book store, and has had one for so many years, like the First Edition,” said Johnson. “In the 20 years since I graduated, I’ve only been back once, for my high school reunion, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Johnson, who graduated from NHS in 1991, said she’d always wanted to be an author. Five years ago, she decided it was time to step up to the plate or call it quits. In fact, “This Girl is Different” is actually the second novel she’s written, although the first published.