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I head up postergirlz, the book advisory council for readergirlz. We were all very taken with Just Listen, this month's book pick, so we set up a virtual roundtable to discuss it further. We hope this post will encourage you to read the book and post your thoughts at the readergirlz forum. Miss Erin was unable to attend, but the other council members - Jackie, Alexia, HipWriterMama, and me, Little Willow - were present and very chatty. Feel free to Just Listen in!

HipWriterMama: I can't believe I read Just Listen in one sitting.

Little Willow: Go HipWriter Mama! I'm proud.

HWM: I put off reading the book, because the cover art didn't appeal to me. I figured I'd read a couple chapters and by then, I couldn't put the book down. It was really good.

Alexia: I read it in one sitting too! I completely ignored all of my homework, that was a problem the next day, but it was totally worth it!

LW: (said knowingly, not scolding) Do your homework, young lady.

Jac: I actually started Just Listen on audio book during a long trip. I was down to the last two CDs when I got home, and I just couldn't wait for the next time I got in the car, so I had to dig up the book and read it to the end right after I got home!

HWM: Are there really teenage boys like Owen out there?

LW: I certainly didn't know any when I was in high school. Did any of you?

Jac: I don't think I would have been brave enough to find out. But I think that boys are far more sensitive then anyone likes to admit.

Alexia: If there are, they are not in my school. At least, they don't admit to being like that. I think I would drop dead of shock if I ran into someone like Owen at my school.

HWM: I don't think I ever knew teenage boy that was that into honesty and communication. It would have plain freaked me out back in my commitment phobic years. But now, if I could go back as a teen, Owen would be a wow in my book.

(Alexia agrees.)

LW: Would you dare to live in a glass house?

HWM: Nope. Though all the sunlight would be amazing.

Jac: Dude. I don't like people looking at me in the best of circumstances. There's no way I'd be cool with them looking at me when I'm not aware. That's just creepy.

LW: I wouldn't be worried about what others thought of me, but I would be concerned for my personal safety.

Alexia: I don't know if I would necessarily, but I wouldn't mind maybe a glass kitchen? Maybe. That seems like an okay place to be visible. Maybe I just don't spend enough time in the kitchen, warming mac & cheese doesn't really tell people a lot about you - except that you can't cook.

LW: Macaroni plus cheese equals yum. Speaking of food, I love the scene when Owen invites Annabel out for bacon, and she learns about Owen and Rolly's tradition at the Morning Cafe. This is also the scene in which The Truth About Forever characters Wes and Macy cameo, though their names are never stated. I love that so much.

Alexia: I totally noticed Wes and Macy! I miss those guys.

LW: Me too. I think Wes and Owen would get along. I loved how Owen was so attuned to music, even if it wasn't necessarily my kind of music.

Alexia: Not only was he attuned to music, he had no problems sharing his unique views on different types of music. That's what really struck me about him.

LW: Music is a big part of my life, but I'd rather listen to my own mixes than the mainstream radio. I enjoy a wide variety of music. I love musical soundtracks, classical music, and film score music, but I also love the music and lyrics of Duncan Sheik, Jonatha Brooke, and Jimmy Eat World.

Alexia: My favorite musicians change often. At the moment, my favorite is probably Elton John, but that may be a phase. I think that any music that puts me into a good mood is good music. But I'm not excluding sad songs, because they can be beautiful too, like Dancing by Elisa.

LW: Which characters did you relate to or enjoy the most?

Jac: I totally love Annabel's sister Whitney. The scenes where she's tending her window garden were great. Maybe it's obvious symbolism, that Whitney could heal and grow through caring for plants, but there was a poignancy and even some humor that I really appreciated.

Alexia: Strange as it may seem I think I'm a mixture of Annabel and her oldest sister Kirsten. Some things I keep really private and I am great at keeping my emotions in check, but the first thing people seem to notice about me is a loud personality. The personality, however, rarely reflects important things.

HWM: I want to have a ring with Or Not engraved on the inside.

Alexia: Yes, yes, yes! A ring, the key necklace from Lock and Key, and the sculptures from The Truth About Forever. I can open a whole shop. Little Willow and I are going to make key necklaces.

LW: We really are. She just got the keys. Back to Annabel: Did you see the big reveal of past events coming? Was it a surprise? or a letdown? or an "I knew it!" reaction?

Jac: One of the things that I like about Just Listen is that she wasn't raped, and how traumatic the assault is - it doesn't have to go that far to still have a life-changing impact. It was a interesting choice for Dessen to make, as YA is often about the extremes, so it's much more expected for there to have been a full blown rape.

LW: The scene with the assault was shocking. It wasn't graphic nor was it dirty. It happened quickly, as quickly as the assault happened. He violated her body with his, and he did so without her consent, so I definitely think it was a form of rape.

Alexia: I think what Jackie pointed out was that this form of violation isn't usually found in YA novels which focus more on the emotional outcomes due to being sexually abused. I think that while both forms are abhorrent, Anabelle's is much less discussed and often
overlooked. The actual rape was prevented, but the consequences remained.

Jac: Wasn't Just Listen challenged?

LW: It was challenged at a high school in Florida, but fortunately, it has stayed on their shelves! I wrote an entire post about it, and I'll post some relevant links at the end of our roundtable for our online readers. I support all of Sarah's novels. I started with years ago with Dreamland, then went back to That Summer, her first published novel, and read all of her books which were available at that time in the order they were published. I've been following her new releases ever since.

Jac: The first book I finally picked up of Dessen's was Dreamland. I was subbing one hot summer at a tiny little library. It wasn't terribly busy and I was going through and weeding (the process where librarians get rid of books that are gross or falling apart or just not leaving the library) the teen section. I wasn't really into the book I was reading, so on my break I grabbed Dreamland. I remember sitting in the break room, absolutely absorbed from the first page. Caitlin was so clearly grieving over her sister. Her pain was palpable, and I wanted to see what happened to that relationship, what happened to Cass, and how Caitlin finds herself outside of her idolatry of her sister.

HWM: I just started reading Dreamland this afternoon.

Alexia: I started with Lock and Key and I loved it. Now I've read Just Listen and The Truth About Forever too. Both were absolutely amazing!

Jac: I have such high expectations from Dessen - so high that I haven't gone out and immediately read all of her books. I want to save them and savor them when I need the sort of emotional fulfillment that she always provides. I'm also afraid that, since there's a very similar tone to her books, if I read them right in a row, I won't appreciate them as much as I would if I spread them out a bit.

Alexia: Hmm. I read three in a short time and I had no trouble appreciating her, but I do see what you mean about the tone being similar.

LW: That's not necessarily a bad thing. Each story still stands on its own, I think. My favorite Sarah Dessen book is The Truth About Forever. Does anyone else have a favorite?

Alexia: Just Listen is my favorite, hands down. I absolutely loved everything about it! Owen rocks, Anabelle is great, and the story is wonderfully plotted. The Truth About Forever comes in at a close second though. I didn't get as into Wes and Macy's relationship as I did with Owen and Annabel.

Jac: I've been saving The Truth About Forever and This Lullaby to read when I really need a comfort read, as those are the ones most people I know claim as their favorites.

Alexia: I haven't read This Lullaby, but I know a few people who say that's their favorite as well. Maybe I'm subconsciously saving it?

HWM: Prior to reading Just Listen, I hadn't read any other Sarah Dessen books, but I will definitely read them now.

LW: That sounds just like what Alexia said to me after she read Lock and Key.

---

More about the Just Listen challenge:

Challenges to Just Listen by Sarah Dessen in Tampa, FL
They Tried to Ban This Book Today, or, There's a Sticker on the Cover of This Book
School Says Book Can Stay

Some of Sarah's posts regarding the matter:
December 12th, 2007
December 13th, 2007
December 14th, 2007
January 11th, 2008

---

Want to discuss this and other books with readers from all over the world? Visit the readergirlz forum, where we'll be discussing Just Listen all month long.

Sarah Dessen herself will also be dropping by the readergirlz forum throughout the month. We'll host an hour-long chat with her on Thursday, March 27th at 12:00 PM PST / 3:00 PM EST.

Related Posts: Check out other roundtable book discussions at Bildungsroman as well as my reviews of Sarah Dessen's novels.

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I am a readergirl! Are you?
Read the new issue of readergirlz. (We hope you enjoy both the content and the brand-new layout!)

This month, readergirlz are discussing Just Listen by Sarah Dessen.

Just Listen is a year in the life of a family coming to terms with the imperfections beneath its perfect facade. Last year, Annabel was "the girl who has everything." This year, she's the girl who has nothing: no best friend, no peace at home, and no one to sit with at lunch. Until she meets Owen Armstrong, a music-obsessed boy. With his help, maybe Annabel can face what happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends.

Talk About It

Want to discuss Just Listen with other readers? Drop by the readergirlz forum, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can't wait to hear your thoughts on this fabulous book!

Want to chat with Sarah Dessen herself? Want to get your hands on her next book, Lock and Key? Join our Sneak Peek Lock and Key Party Thursday, March 27th at 12:00 PM PST / 3:00 PM EST at the readergirlz forum. Look forward to awesome Lock and Key swag and ARC (advance reader copies) giveaways!

Listen in as the postergirlz have a roundtable discussion of Just Listen.

Recommended Reads

Our March theme is Truth. With this month's book and theme in mind, the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council recommend the following books:

A Little Friendly Advice by Siobhan Vivian (review + roundtable)
Stay With Me by Garrett Freymann-Weyr
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Kissing the Bee by Kathe Koja
Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles
Red: The Next Generation of American Writers

New Downloads and Shareables

Celebrate Women's History Month and our one year anniversary with us!

The readergirlz Make History cards offer powerful quotes from books we featured during our first year. Save the cards in PDF or JPG form, print them, stick them on your locker or bulletin board, and send them to your best friends. Be encouraged to make your own history!

Read, reflect, and reach out with girlz around the world during our second year. Download and print the readergirlz vow.

Commemorate our first year with this limited edition readergirlz pendant, created and crafted by readergirlz member and jeweler Gypsy Wings.

Visit the readergirlz archive.

Last month's featured book and author: Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes
Next month's featured book and author: Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham

Related Posts:
Meet the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council
Read the original readergirlz press release
View all of the readergirlz-tagged posts at Bildungsroman
Read my review of Just Listen and all of Sarah Dessen's novels in Author Spotlight: Sarah Dessen
The postergirlz had a roundtable discussion of Just Listen

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I am a readergirl! Are you?
Read the new issue of readergirlz.

This month, readergirlz are discussing Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes.

Something's going on. Something more than a high school poetry assignment. Kids are taking a look, leaning in close, asking why or how. One by one, eighteen voices speak up, show themselves to the world, and deal with the consequences. Through the poetry they share and the stories they tell, their worlds and lives show what lies beneath the skin, behind the eyes, beyond the masquerade.

Download this month's poster (PDF)

After you've read Bronx Masquerade, drop by the readergirlz forum, where you may discuss the book with other readers and with the author herself! The forum is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our live chat with Nikki Grimes will be held on Thursday, February 21st at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST.

Our February theme is Self-Worth. With this month's book and theme in mind, the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council recommend the following books:

Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff
Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper
My Sisters' Voices: Teenage Girls of Color Speak Out by Iris Jacob
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Visit the readergirlz archive.

Last month's featured book and author: Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
Next month's featured book and author: Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Related Posts:
Meet the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council
Read the original readergirlz press release
View all of the readergirlz-tagged posts at Bildungsroman

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So, last week, I didn't really post. Mostly, because I was on vacation!

The Florida Keys were warm and sunny and very relaxing. All in all, lovely.

We went snorkeling.

But, I am waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay behind in book reviewing. So, here we go.

But, before we go there, my 9 Picks for January are up at the Biblio File store. Check it out.

This weekend, I read (a lot) and got totally hooked on The Tudors. Hotcha, hotcha, I'm addicted. I also listened to the Juno Soundtrack NON-STOP. I highly recommend. (I'm still singing all the songs in my head. We won't stop until somebody calls the cops and even then, we'll start again and just pretend that nothing ever happened...)

But, yeah, the books.

Harmless Dana Reinhardt

Everyone's told lies. Most lies aren't even that bad. They don't hurt anyone...they're just harmless.

Emma and Anna and Mariah are inseperable. Through short chapters alternating points of view, we see three girls starting to change. This is a story of changing friendships and growing up and the one big thing that gets in the way.

It was simple enough-- they would tell their parents they were going to a movie and instead go to this party thrown by some people at the public school. When they're caught, they tell a lie. Just a little lie. Emma was attacked by the river--that's why they were late, why they never made it to the movie. Their story would be vague enough that they wouldn't get caught.

Just a harmless lie.

Of course, it turns into something much bigger.

I liked the premise, and I liked the plot. I wasn't so sure on many of the sub-plots-- I couldn't place their reasoning in their overall narrative. Also, all three girls are very different characters, but their voices are not as different as they should be.

I thought Mariah was kinda flat as the bad girl. Yes, her backstory was interesting, but she was not.

But, the unraveling of the lie was amazing.

Losing Forever Gayle Friesen

Jes isn't coping well. Her mother's getting remarried, which she isn't totally happy about and then, BAM! Carl's perfect daughter, Angela shows up. Angela is everything that Jes isn't. Plus, a secret shoplifter.

Told over the summer, mainly in lake visits, Jes risks losing her family and friends as she tries to keep things from changing.

There's also a dead sister and an icky best-friend's boyfriend situation.

I liked it. I liked the characters and how real they seemed. I didn't really dig Jes that much, just as a personal thing-- many people will strongly identify with her, but not me.

The Adventures of Pink Elephant Vol. 1 Christine Amamiya

Mandy and Christie are just hanging out in the yard one day when something falls from outer space straight into their swimming pool. It seems to be some sort of egg that hatches... a pink elephant who is super smart, can fly, and extremely compassionate.

Pink Elephant goes on to deal with icky school projects and bullies.

We could all use a pink elephant in our lives.

Amamiya is 17 (or was when she wrote this). I'm going to state straight out that I'm harsh on child-writers (blame Paolini) and I might not have read her prose so critically had I not known her age before I cracked the book. She does have talent though. She doesn't over stretch and tells her tale simply and in a straight-forward manner.

While the book probably won't stay with me for long, she does tell a sweet story that kids are going to like. This is projected to be a ten volume series, and I will be very interested to see how Amamiya grows as a writer in the later volumes...

(Full disclosure: This book was provided by the author.)

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From Justina Chen Headley's blog:

Justina's Fab Five Ways to Support Your Local Bookstore:

1. Attend an in-store author event. Actually, don't just attend one event. Attend a bunch of them. The sad thing is that so many author events aren't attended by many people. Oh gosh, at readergirlz, Ann Brashares (she of Sisterhood book, movie, and fame) told us about a recent signing where NO ONE showed up. SAD for the author, but GOOD for you. This just means that you might have a super intimate conversation with one of your favorite authors of all time.

2. Bring your friends. Make a pact to bring a group of friends with you to these author events: the more, the merrier. It could be a standing date with all your favorite readergirlz buddies: author comes to town; you all head out to hang out with the writer.

3. Buy first edition books from your local indie bookseller. Soooo . . . about 7 years ago, my hubby trotted home with an auction catalog from Sotheby's where they were selling off a book from the very first UK printing of Harry Potter 1. He said, "We should go for it!" I said, "What? That's the dumbest investment idea I've ever heard of. We should invest in . . . HomeGrocer.com." (I know, I know.) Well . . . guess what that first edition copy is worth now. And it's not just Jo's books that become valuable. But forget collectability . . . go to 4!

4. Give books as gifts. (And books autographed to your BFF are even better . . . ) Over at readergirlz, we created our gift giving guide for the holidays: Best Books for Your BFF. Those bookmarks, filled with fun and fabulous book lists from our beloved postergirlz advisory committee (the smartest and kindest and most expert children's lit bloggers on the planet), are actually perfect year-round. Books are a gift from the heart. Your heart.

5. Negotiate a Package Deal with Your Bookseller. I thought this was such a good idea from University Bookstore here in Seattle. They're offering a bundle of autographed books from visiting authors for a set (read: discounted) price. Why not pitch this idea to your local bookseller? Eoin Colfer, Jon Scieska (new Children's Lit ambassador for the U.S.), Libba Bray, Shannon Hale and so many other fantastic authors are TOURING the country right now. As in: RIGHT NOW. If they're heading your way, talk to your bookseller. That way, even if you can't attend the booksigning, you can still get a book personalized for yourself and / or your BFF.

Justina closes her post with:

Long live (and love) our independent booksellers. Feel free to REPOST these ideas everywhere. And finally, what else do you think we can do to support our booksellers?

Leave your thoughts at Justina's blog.

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It's official. I'm the new postergirlz for readergirlz. How cool is this? I join Little Willow, Jen Robinson, Miss Erin, Alexia, and Jackie in this cool advisory council for readergirlz.

Want to join in the great conversations about YA literature? All you have to do is go over here.

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The State of Our Union: Please Read & Repost

January 1, 2008

An Open Letter to Readergirlz Around the World

When we started readergirlz way back in March on National Women's History Month, skeptics wondered: in today's world of IM, TIVO, and Guitar Hero, is reading even relevant to teen girls?

Well, if readergirlz is any proof, any indication, any sign of hope . . . YES, teen girls (and guys) are reading. Passionately. Deeply. And in droves. Let us tell you this. Not only are teens reading, they are also connecting books to their own lives. They are giving back based on what they've read. They are creating community. Just witness this: in ten short months, some 4,500 girls (and counting) have signed up for readergirlz. Girls around the world - from Kuwait to Kansas City - have flocked to readergirlz to chat with each other . . . and stellar authors, including all the ones who participated in our unprecedented 31 Flavorite Authors for Teens. These girls have cracked us up with their witticisms. They've humbled us with their support and insight. And they completely stoked us with their passionate love affair with story and words.

That's good news because more than ever our world needs teens - our changemakers of today and tomorrow - to be avid readers. When you think about it, critical thinking is a direct offshoot of critical reading. Filtering out insignificant details to distill the main issue is nothing but literary analysis. More than that, reading teaches us to forge hand-in-hand through difficult times with our characters, not to avoid tough situations. Reading teaches us to dwell with our thoughts, to contemplate - not just to chunk up our time with disjointed and frenetic multitasking. Reading wakes us up to the world with all of its problems and possibilities. And reading teaches us to hope. A community of critical readers, deep thinkers, and engaged global citizens is what readergirlz hopes to create for teens in today's world.

Don't listen to us. Listen to what the teens themselves are saying about reading at readergirlz in particular: “Kids need this. There aren't that many places where teens and adults get to discuss some of the very real issues of growing up in our society.” And this: “You guys are the main reason I even check my MySpace everyday because I can't WAIT to see what new topics we have. You guys make me feel so awesome about being who I am.”

And now we give you the Readergirlz Manifesta 2008. This is what we stand for. This is what we believe. This is what we promise teen girls.

Readergirlz is committed to creating groundbreaking programs that make teen reading seriously fun. If you thought 31 Flavorite Authors for Teens was Big and Bold, just wait until you see what we've got planned for April 2008.

Readergirlz is about celebrating excellent YA novels that feature strong girls with the guts to dream - and putting teen readers in direct contact with the author. You aren't going to believe our 2008 line-up, including (drum roll, please) the brilliant Nikki Grimes (February, 2008), spectacular Sarah Dessen (March 2008), and incandescent Shannon Hale (May 2008).

Readergirlz is about reaching out to others based on what you've read. So continue to see how readergirlz ties every single book we feature with a community service project. And have we mentioned April 2008?

And most of all, readergirlz continues to be about inspiring girls to make history of their own!

New Girlz on the Block

To help us in 2008, we are increasing the readergirlz ranks.

Please help us welcome our newest readergirlz diva: the critically-acclaimed YA novelist Mitali Perkins (Monsoon Summer, First Daughter: Extreme American Makeover, and the forthcoming First Daughter: White House Rules). You may know Mitali through her popular blog (www.mitaliblog.com) that reviews novels with intelligence and passion, focusing on multicultural titles. We are so thrilled and honored to have Mitali join us.

In addition to our brilliant postergirlz - our advisory council of major children's lit bloggers - we have created a second group to help us run readergirlz. Please welcome our go2girlz, made up of three exceptional writers - Holly Cupala (winner of a 2006 SCBWI Work-in-Progress Grant), Sara Easterly (SCBWI co-regional advisor and Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award winner for her debut children's title, Lights, Camera & Fashion!) and Martha Brockenborough (hilarious Cinemama columnist on MSN, founder of the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar, and author of the forthcoming Things that Make us [SIC]). For more information, please see their websites: www.hollycupala.com www.saraeasterly.com and www.marthabee.com Our fabulous go2girlz will guarantee that readergirlz continues to rock and roll for you.

Thanks for making our 2007 a veritable pageturner. We hope 2008 will be revelatory. Revolutionary. And wholly revolving around words. So to the girl who wrote us on the last night of 31 Flavorites, "You're bringing me Stephenie Meyer tonight. Do you have any idea at all of how much I love you people? Monuments shall be erected in your honor!" - we say this: just you wait for 2008. (No monuments necessary. Just more books.)

To gutsy girls worldwide,
~ the readergirlz co-founders ~
Justina Chen Headley, Girl Overboard
Lorie Ann Grover, On Pointe
Dia Calhoun, Avielle of Rhia
Janet Lee Carey, Dragon's Keep
www.readergirlz.com

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I am a readergirl! Are you?
Read the January issue of readergirlz.

This month, readergirlz are discussing Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson.

In 1918, Hattie Brooks receives word that an uncle she's never known has passed away and left his homestead in Montana to her. She travels across the country to plant roots in this new place. She is understandably hesitant when she first realizes how much work she has to do to "prove up" her land, but she tackles the many jobs with determination and her own two hands. Those hands also craft letters to her friend Charlie, who is fighting in France, and articles for the newspaper. She befriends a lovable family and others in town as she fights to stake her claim.

After you've read Hattie Big Sky, drop by the readergirlz forum and discuss the book with other reads.

Check out other books recommended by the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council:

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer (fiction)
Loose Threads by Lorie Ann Grover (verse novel)
A Room on Lorelei Street by Mary E. Pearson (fiction)
The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marion Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights by Russell Freedman (non-fiction)

Download this month's poster (PDF)

Visit the readergirlz archive.

Related Posts:
My interview with Kirby Larson
My review of Hattie Big Sky
Cybils 2006 YA Finalists
Meet the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council
Read the original readergirlz press release
View all of the readergirlz-tagged posts at Bildungsroman

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I am a readergirl! Are you?

Read the December issue of readergirlz.

Please take note of our December theme: Give. Think about how you can give back this month. Think about what you could do every day. Perhaps you'd like to spearhead an important campaign at school, like getting recycling containers set up around campus. Maybe you'd rather join something that's already well-established, like Girl Scouts, or quietly volunteer your time at the local library or animal shelter. Readergirlz encourages you to get more involved in your community, no matter where you live or how old you are. What are you waiting for? Get active. Get moving. Give a little bit of your time and your energy and you'll get it back tenfold.

This month, readergirlz are discussing Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller, a fictional take on Annie Sullivan's first month of miracle working, as written by Sarah Miller. (Read my book review.)

Looking for an online book club? Look no further! Join our discussions about Miss Spitfire with other readers at the readergirlz forum.

After you've read Miss Spitfire, curl up with additional titles recommended by the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council.

The Miracle Worker by William Gibson (play)
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson (fiction)
Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale (fiction)
Shining On edited by Lois Lowry (short story collection)
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin (non-fiction)

Discuss these and related titles at the readergirlz forum.

Searching for even more books to read and share this holiday season? The readergirlz divas and postergirlz have created snazzy booklists listing their favorite books for various ages, from all genres. Download and print out our Best Books bookmarks. (Learn more about them in this post.)

"Keep on beginning and failing. Each time you fail, start all over again, and you will grow stronger until you have accomplished a purpose - not the one you began with perhaps, but one you'll be glad to remember." - Anne Sullivan

Related Posts:
Author Spotlight: Sarah Miller
Little Willow's interview with Sarah Miller
Meet the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council
Save and share the original readergirlz press release
View all of the readergirlz-tagged posts at Bildungsroman

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Wondering what books to get your best friends this holiday season? Snatch up the bookmarks made by the readergirlz and find out what we recommend! (Psst... It's okay to get some books for yourself too!)

Which booklist suits YOUR best friend?

Postergirl Jen Robinson's list:
For the girl who knows Nancy Drew can take on Sherlock Holmes . . .

Postergirl Miss Erin's list:
For the girl who lives for seven curtain calls . . .

Postergirl Jackie's list:
For the girl who saves her neck for Edward . . .

Postergirl Little Willow's list:
For the girl who has read every book in the library . . .

Postergirl Alexia's list:
For the girl who brews her own magic potions . . .

Readergirlz diva/author Janet Lee Carey's list:
For the girl who rides dragons . . .

Readergirlz diva/author Lorie Ann Grover's list:
For the girl who runs free with verse . . .

Readergirlz diva/author Dia Calhoun's list:
For the girl who dances in glass slippers . . .

Readergirlz diva/author Justina Chen Headley's list:
For the girl who kicks in her stiletto boots . . .

Book buyer Renee Kirkpatrick's list:
For the girl who takes quantum leaps . . .

The bookmarks, designed by readergirlz divas Dia Calhoun and Lorie Ann Grover, are available in PDF and JPG format.

Download the bookmarks with the titles selected by the postergirlz advisory council: PDF or JPG

Download the bookmarks with diva picks: PDF or JPG

Download all of the booklists as a Word document (DOC)

Consider these bookmarks our gift to you & your BFF and our very personal community service project all rolled in one. Read, reflect, and reach out.

Official Press Release

Give the World, Gift a Book:
Readergirlz Celebrates the Holidays with Best Books for Your BFF

In celebration of the holidays and girlfriends, the critically-acclaimed online book community readergirlz has launched a collection of sassy shopping lists of YA literature for teen readers and their best friends.

Seattle, WA – November 23, 2007 – Give your girlfriends the world this holiday season; give them a book chosen especially for them. Readergirlz - the preeminent book community for teen girls - has literally bookmarked those exact books to make holiday shopping easy and soulful this year.

Readergirlz has partnered with one of America’s leading children’s bookstores and its own advisory council of children’s lit bloggers, the postergirlz, to create ten sassy shopping lists for avid teen readers: Best Books for Your BFF. The ten collectible bookmarks feature YA novels both to encourage teens to give books to their best friends this holiday season and to read beyond the bestseller lists.

“Why give a book for a gift?” asks René Kirkpatrick, book buyer for the acclaimed All for Kids Books in Seattle. “Whole worlds are held in a pair of hands: a flat package filled with lives and words, bursting with surprise and ideas. That’s why a book will always be the perfect gift. And these readergirlz bookmarks will be immensely helpful for teens who might not know which book to choose.”

Each of the bookmarks is designed for a specific personality, making Best Books for Your BFF an easy way for book-loving teens to find the perfect novel for even their most well-read friends on their holiday list. For The Girl Who Saves Her Neck for Edward, Jackie Parker, the prominent blogger of interactivereader.blogspot.com and a member of the postergirlz, selected of A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb, Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr, and Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause. For The Girl Who Dances in Glass Slippers, readergirlz diva and author Dia Calhoun chose Spindle's End by Robin McKinley, The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale, and Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier.

"Every one of the recommenders of Best Books for Your BFF made a concerted effort to craft eclectic lists, featuring some underground and overlooked YA novels alongside classics and non-fiction work. Armed with these lists, not only will teens find that perfect read for their favorite reader, but they’ll learn about books they may never have heard about otherwise," says Dia.

To discover more about this literacy project or to download the readergirlz Best Books for Your BFF bookmarks, please check www.readergirlz.com

About readergirlz: Started by four award-winning YA authors - Dia Calhoun (The Return of Light: A Christmas Tale), Janet Lee Carey (Dragon's Keep), Lorie Ann Grover (On Pointe) and Justina Chen Headley (Girl Overboard) - readergirlz has quickly become one of the foremost online book communities for teen girls. To promote teen literacy and gutsiness in girls, readergirlz features a different YA novel and corresponding community service project every month as well as spearheads innovative literacy initiatives, such as October's 31 Flavorite Authors for Teens. For more information about readergirlz, please visit www.readergirlz.com and www.myspace.com/readergirlz, or contact [email protected]

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I am a readergirl! Are you?

The December issue of readergirlz is here! This month, we discuss Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller, a fictional take on Annie Sullivan's first month of miracle working, as written by Sarah Miller. Read my book review. Discuss this book with other readers at the readergirlz forum.

Looking for books to read and share this holiday season? The readergirlz divas and postergirlz have created snazzy booklists listing their favorite books for various ages, from all genres. Download and print out our Best Books bookmarks!

Mark your calendars! The readergirlz will host not one but two live chats at the readergirlz forum this month.

Tuesday, December 11th: Sarah Miller
Tuesday, December 18th: Deb Caletti

All chats will begin at 7 PM Pacific / 10 PM Eastern and last for about an hour.

Our December theme is Give. After you've read Miss Spitfire, curl up with additional titles recommended by the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council.

The Miracle Worker by William Gibson (play)
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson (fiction)
Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale (fiction)
Shining On edited by Lois Lowry (short story collection)
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin (non-fiction)

Discuss these and other books at the readergirlz forum.

Related Posts:
Author Spotlight: Sarah Miller
Little Willow's interview with Sarah Miller
Meet the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council
Save and share the original readergirlz press release
View all of the readergirlz-tagged posts at Bildungsroman

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I am a readergirl! Are you?

The November issue of readergirlz is here! This month spotlights the novel A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt. Discuss this book with other readers.

Mark your calendars! The readergirlz will host three live chats at the readergirlz forum in the coming weeks. Come chat with these critically-acclaimed authors:

Thursday, November 15th: Dana Reinhardt
Tuesday, December 11th: Sarah Miller
Tuesday, December 18th: Deb Caletti

All chats will begin at 7 PM Pacific / 10 PM Eastern and last for about an hour.

Dana says the focus of her chat will be: Surprise! The Wonderful and Horrible Moments when Something Unexpected Happens and Nothing is Ever the Same. She goes on to say, "Come talk about the things that have happened in your life that have shaken things up. Or the things you wish would happen to shake things up. Or the things you hope never happen to shake things up. Come talk about why my title for this chat is far too long. Or come talk about anything you want."

Our November theme is Family. After you've read A Brief Chapter, get acquainted with other fictional families in the following books, which are recommended by the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council.

Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
The Off-Season by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
The Key to the Golden Firebird by Maureen Johnson
Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet by Kashmira Sheth

We also recommend the biography Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. This is the real story upon which the various movies were based. (The original films were more accurate than the recent remakes. Go Myrna Loy!)

Discuss these and other books at the readergirlz forum.

Related Posts:
Meet the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council
Save and share the original readergirlz press release
Read Little Willow's interview with Dana Reinhardt
View all of the readergirlz-tagged posts at Bildungsroman

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Have you read the latest issue of readergirlz? It's full of fun, tasty treats, supplied by the readergirlz divas, YALSA, and 31 Flavorite Authors. Dig in!

Here is the complete readergirlz line-up, past, present, and future:

February 2007 - the premiere issue!
March 2007 - Nothing but the Truth (and a few white lies) by Justina Chen Headley
April 2007 - On Pointe
May 2007 - The Phoenix Dance
June 2007 - Dragon's Keep by Janet Lee Carey
July 2007 - Goy Crazy by Melissa Schorr
August 2007 - Ironside by Holly Black
September 2007 - Sold by Patricia McCormick
October 2007 - 31 Flavorite Authors
November 2007 - A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt
December 2007 - Miss Spitfire by Sarah Miller

The readergirlz divas and the postergirlz are having a ball discussing books with the authors and other readers at the readergirlz forum. We hope that many of you will join us, and that you are participating in the community challenges as well!

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31 Flavorite Authors
Are you ready for the inside scoop?

Every night in October, a different YA author will chat with readers at the readergirlz forum starting at 5 PM PST/8 PM EST (with the exception of Halloween, which will have a special midnight chat at 9 PM PST/12 AM EST). This exclusive author interaction is part of the first-ever 31 Flavorite Authors event, supported by YALSA and Teen Read Week.

Week One Schedule
October 1st: Meg Cabot
October 2nd: Tiffany Trent
October 3rd: Brent Hartinger
October 4th: Lorie Ann Grover
October 5th: K.L. Going
October 6th: Nikki Grimes

Week Two
October 7th: Ellen Hopkins
October 8th: Justina Chen Headley
October 9th: Chris Crutcher
October 10th: Ann Brashares
October 11th: Sarah Mlynowski
October 12th: Cecil Castellucci
October 13th: Kirby Larson

Week Three
October 14th: Tanya Lee Stone
October 15th: John Green
October 16th: Sara Zarr
October 17th: Deb Caletti
October 18th: Rachel Cohn
October 19th: Kirsten Miller
October 20th: Mitali Perkins

Week Four
October 21th: Sonya Sones
October 22th: Lisa Yee
October 23th: Carolyn Mackler
October 24th: E. Lockhart
October 25th: Janet Lee Carey
October 26th: Gaby Triana
October 27th: Lauren Myracle

Week Five
October 28th: Holly Black
October 29th: Cynthia Leitich Smith
October 30th: Dia Calhoun
October 31th: Stephenie Meyer (Special time: 9 PM PST/MIDNIGHT EST)

Mark your calendars, spread the news, visit readergirlz.com, read the newest latest issue of readergirlz, friend the readergirlz MySpace page, join the readergirlz group forum, and and we'll see you on Monday!

Download the 31 Flavorites poster, available in three sizes and formats: Large PDF, small PDF, and JPG.

Also download and print the 31 Flavorites bookmark.

Readergirlz is a literacy project founded by four female authors - Justina Chen Headley, Lorie Ann Grover, Dia Calhoun and Janet Lee Carey - in an effort to encourage teenagers to read and discuss quality books featuring gusty girls, and to get active in their communities. For more information, please visit http://www.readergirlz.com

Little Willow
on behalf of postergirlz, the official advisory council for readergirlz

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In October, 31 Flavorite Authors will be rocking the internet and reaching out to readers. YALSA and readergirlz have teamed up to present an amazing month-long experience. Every day in October, a different author will be appearing at the readergirlz forum to chat with fans.

Meg Cabot, Stephenie Meyer, John Green, Ann Brashares, and many, many more are booked for this awesome interactive event. Want to see the entire schedule? Download the 31 Flavorites poster! It is available in three sizes and formats: Large PDF, small PDF, and JPG.

Also download and print the 31 Flavorites bookmark!

Here is the entire schedule in plain text:

Week One
1. Meg Cabot
2. Tiffany Trent
3. Brent Hartinger
4. Lorie Ann Grover
5. K.L. Going
6. Nikki Grimes

Week Two
7. Ellen Hopkins
8. Justina Chen Headley
9. Chris Crutcher
10. Ann Brashares
11. Sarah Mlynowski
12. Cecil Castellucci
13. Kirby Larson

Week Three
14. Tanya Lee Stone
15. John Green
16. Sara Zarr
17. Deb Caletti
18. Rachel Cohn
19. Kirsten Miller
20. Mitali Perkins

Week Four
21. Sonya Sones
22. Lisa Yee
23. Carolyn Mackler
24. E. Lockhart
25. Janet Lee Carey
26. Gaby Triana
27. Lauren Myracle

Week Five
28. Holly Black
29. Cynthia Leitich Smith
30. Dia Calhoun
31. Stephenie Meyer

Spread the news, visit readergirlz.com, friend the readergirlz MySpace page, join the readergirlz group forum, and get ready to hang out with your favorite authors and readergirlz!

Have you read the latest issue of readergirlz? The August edition spotlights IRONSIDE by Holly Black. Read the exclusive interview, take part in the book discussions, pick up other highly recommended books, and more! Read the issue.

Readergirlz is a literacy project founded by four female authors - Justina Chen Headley, Lorie Ann Grover, Dia Calhoun and Janet Lee Carey - in an effort to encourage teenagers to read and discuss quality books featuring gusty girls, and to get active in their communities. For more information, please visit http://www.readergirlz.com

I hope that all of you will take part in 31 Flavorites this October!

Little Willow
on behalf of postergirlz, the official advisory council for readergirlz

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The August issue of readergirlz is ripe for the reading! This month's spotlighted title is Ironside by Holly Black.

Mark your calendars! The readergirlz will host a live chat with Holly Black on Thursday, August 23rd at 7 PM Pacific / 10 PM Eastern. The chat will last for about an hour. Holly will talk about the joys and frustrations she faces while writing fantasy. This will be your chance to ask her all those questions you've been saving up, and to explore her tantalizing faery world. Share your fairytales with us!

Many of the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council are fans of the fantasy genre. We have drawn up this list of recommended reads:

Fiction:
The Ferryman by Christopher Golden
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Faerie Wars by Herbie Brennan
Into the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst

Non-Fiction:
At the Bottom of the Garden: A Dark History of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Nymphs, and Other Troublesome Things by Diane Purkiss

If you have read these books, or if you'd like to learn more about them, please participate in our recommended reads discussion at the readergirlz forum!

Read the August issue of readergirlz.

Read an excerpt of Ironside.

Chat it up at the readergirlz forum.

Check out the readergirlz press release.

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On Friday, August 3rd, I got up bright and early - which I always do, but this time, I had a very special purpose. I had been invited to speak on a panel with four other lit-happy bloggers at The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference. Our panel was entitled Having Our Say: Blogging About Children's Literature. I was flattered to be in such good company and looked forward to meeting my fellow panelists - Gina from AmoXcalli, a. fortis and TadMack from Finding Wonderland and Readers' Rants, and Kelly from Big A, little a - in person.

Sadly, Gina had become ill earlier in the week and was unable to attend. However, she truly was a part of our panel, as she had created the bulk of our PowerPoint slideshow. If and when someone posts the slideshow online, I'll add a link to it in this post. Thank you so much, Gina, for all of your hard work. I hope that you are feeling better and that we do meet up in the future.

Kelly and I met up in the morning and discussed the wonders of technology and travel until TadMack and TechBoy arrived. Before we knew it, it was time for the conference to begin, and poor a. fortis was still stuck in traffic. Kelly, TadMack and I scurried into the grand ballroom, where nearly one thousand people had already gathered, and listened to the hilarious welcome speech from Lin Oliver, the SCBWI Executive Director.

The faculty members - anyone speaking on a panel - then lined up and introduced themselves one by one (or group by group - go, Class of 2k7!), with each person saying one word that represented his/her/their panel or mood. When John Green introduced himself and added, "Nerdfighters," a young woman screamed loudly to show her support.

Yes, that was me.

I apologized to Kelly and TadMack for bursting their eardrums. Shortly thereafter, we took to the stage, introduced ourselves, and said:

"Controversy . . .
" . . . conflict . . . "
" . . . and connectivity."

Oh, how I adore alliteration!

a. fortis arrived shortly after the introductions. We all headed over to the room where our panel was going to be held. While telling each other our life stories and discussing new and classic stories, we reviewed the slideshow, which ran throughout the panel.

Once our room filled up, we filled an hour with talk and laughter. I know we could have talked all day about the importance of literacy, free speech, and communication. After briefly introducing ourselves, we talked about our love of literature and of blogging while TadMack clicked through screenshots of various lit blogs and online events. We talked about The Cybils, Toon Thursday, Poetry Friday, The Edge of the Forest, readergirlz, the upcoming 1st Annual Kidlitosphere Conference as planned by Robin Brande, MotherReader's The 48 Hour Book Challenge, 7-Imp's 7 Kicks, The Carnival of Children's Literature, Chasing Ray's various events (the Summer Blog Blast Tour and Wicked Cool Overlooked Books plus the upcoming Winter Blog Blast Tour, Radar Recommendations, and One-Shot World Tour), Class of 2k7, The Longstockings, and more.

Many thanks to the bloggers, authors, and readers who attended our panel. Thanks also to those who sent us notes of support and good luck wishes.

I have an idea for next time: broadcast the panel live on the internet - podcast, anyone? - or incorporate a chat element, making it accessible to the everyone who can't attend in person and encouraging them to take part and ask questions.

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Each @ symbol represents the recommendation of one postergirl. A title followed by @@@@ was recommended by four postergirlz.

Classic Picks from Postergirlz (Published Pre-1930)
Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery @@@
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen @@@
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte @@@
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett @@@
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett @@
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll @@
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald @@
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas @@
The Railway Children by E. Nesbit @@
Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne @
A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter @
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy @
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens @
All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor @
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott @
Call of the Wild by Jack London @
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo @

Modern Classics (Post-1930 But Pre-1980)
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster @
The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge @
Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis @
The Chosen by Chaim Potok @
The Promise by Chaim Potok @
My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok @

Additional Resources
Jen has posted her own favorite classics booklist.

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This month's spotlighted title for readergirlz is Goy Crazy by Melissa Schorr. The readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council discussed many great books which share some of Goy Crazy's themes, then we made a list of recommended reads.

Fiction:
Confessions of a Closet Catholic by Sarah Darer Littman
Never Mind the Goldbergs by Matthue Roth
How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simmone Elkeles
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

Non-Fiction:
Got Issues Much? Celebrities Share Their Traumas and Triumphs by Randi Reisfeld and Marie Morreale

We hope you have or will read these titles too, and that you'll discuss them in further detail at the readergirlz forum!

Feel free to leave your comments below this post as well.

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I am a readergirl! Are you?

The July issue of readergirlz is here! This month's spotlighted title is Goy Crazy by Melissa Schorr.

A romantic comedy with heart, Goy Crazy talks about the subjects of religion, dating, and family in a light but realistic tone. This Cybils nominee is a great pick to kick off the summer. The Teen Commandments alone make it worth the read. I recommend it for ages 12 and up.

Join readergirlz for our live chat with Melissa Schorr on Thursday, July 26th at 7 PM Pacific / 10 PM Eastern!

The readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council discussed many great books which share some of Goy Crazy's themes. We then made a list of recommended reads:

Fiction:
Confessions of a Closet Catholic by Sarah Darer Littman
Never Mind the Goldbergs by Matthue Roth
How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simmone Elkeles
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

Non-Fiction:
Got Issues Much? Celebrities Share Their Traumas and Triumphs by Randi Reisfeld and Marie Morreale

Talk about these books and more at the readergirlz forum.

Read Chapter 1 of Goy Crazy.

Check out the readergirlz press release.

Read the July issue of readergirlz.

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Join us RIGHT NOW for the live chat with the author featured in this month's issue of readergirlz, the one and only Janet Lee Carey! YouthNoise teen journalists are also be chatting about the readergirlz June Community Challenge: Go Eco!

Join the chat at the readergirlz discussion forum RIGHT NOW, at 7 PM PST / 10 PM EST. The chat will last for about an hour.

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Join us today for the live chat with Janet Lee Carey, the author featured in this month's issue of readergirlz! YouthNoise teen journalists will also be chatting about our June Community Challenge: Go Eco!

Join the chat at the readergirlz discussion forum on Wednesday, June 20th at 7 PM PST / 10 PM EST. The chat will last for about an hour.

In the meantime, listen to the new podcast at The Book of Life. It opens with an interview with Lorie Ann Grover about readergirlz.

Keep listening to the podcast for more book recommendations plus an interview with Melissa Schorr, whose novel Goy Crazy will be featured at readergirlz in July!

Speaking of which, here is the about readergirlz summer and fall line-up:

June: Dragon's Keep by Janet Lee Carey
July: Goy Crazy by Melissa Schorr
August: Ironside by Holly Black
September: Sold by Patricia McCormick

As you can imagine, the readergirlz divas and the postergirlz advisory council members are incredibly excited. We're going to have such a blast. I enjoyed all of these books. I can't wait to take part in the discussions and community challenges with the authors and other readers.

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Catch up on what has happened so far this June at Bildungsroman:

Special Events and Group Projects
The 48 Hour Book Challenge 2007
Scholar's Blog Book Group
Free Monkey World Tour, Day One: Girl Meets Monkey
Free Monkey World Tour, Day Two: Take Your Monkey to Work Day
Keep tabs on the traveling trooper at free_monkey, where his happy hosts are posting his adventures.

New and Updated Booklists
Series Spotlight: Nancy Drew
Fairy Nice
Peter Pan and Friends
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Books to Read
Tough Issues for Teens
Class of 2k7
Quick Reads and Short Stories
Best Books of May 2007

Other Bits of Interest
Associated Content
Playlist for Readergirlz
Readergirlz Community Challenge: Go Eco: Lifestyle Changes
Readergirlz Chat, Podcast, and Line Up
Why Do You Read? (also available at http://yaauthorscafe.blogspot.com/2007/06/open-discussion-why-do-you-read.html" target="new">YA AU

New Author Interviews
Janet Lee Carey
Alex Richards
Kristen Tracy
Sarah Beth Durst
Sameera "Sparrow" Righton via Mitali Perkins

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