I had a parent also challenge my inclusion of Wake in my classroom library. I was told they weren't going to return it to me unless I agreed to take it off my shelves. I had to hand the issue over to my principal.

Not all books are for all kids. I agree that Wake is one of those books. I have had a number of boys (many more than girls) that love the entire series. I wonder if the parents have read the book or just the flap-it does allude to sex in the description. The parents that I dealt with had not read the entire book, just the flap.

WOW, I read Wake and though I am one who never really likes foul language in anything I read I still didn't think it was that bad. I do know from working with a lot of teens that that is exactly how they talk.

I also don't understand the 'sexual content' remark as you said there is nothing bad in the book. Also like you said mentioned the word drugs does not mean a kid is going to go out and buy some.
(if that was the case then we better ban most of the tv shows and movies because wow the drug promoting that goes on there!) :)

Some people really do try and take censorship to far, though I really don't believe in banning books (if a kid wants to read it he can just go to a bookstore if his library doesn't have it). I really think parents need to pick their battles a little bit more wisely.

Its just plain stupid!

If anything this book makes you NEVER want to drink or use drugs. Wow. I imagine this parent hasn't actually READ any of the books. Trust me, I've read several teen/young adult fiction and this is one of the best series out there for promoting responsibility and adult actions...not the other way around. This series in no way promotes the use of drugs and since when did a teenager read a book about drugs and go, 'hey, I think I'll go get high?' Typically readers aren't the kids using drugs...they're busy reading! ha!
Tell the parents in Broken Arrow, OK they're just pushing their kids to read secretly and not trust their parents' judgment.

Sending an email now.

I should also let you know that I read all 3 books and enjoyed the fast-paced action, moral debates, and interesting twists that readers crave.

I'm always baffled by parents who, when they judge a book is too advanced for their child, then try to ensure that NO CHILD will read it. Some kids live very sheltered lives in good families, where they receive lots of love and attention, and are not tempted to act out in ways that can harm them. But there are plenty of kids out there whose families are less than supportive, and they find themselves alone in making decisions about dug use, or sex. Is there to be NO adult voice guiding them in an honest and frank way? YA novels like WAKE, that represent realistic consequences for these self-destructive behaviors are sometimes the only deterrent to drug use a kid might have in his/her life. It's madness to take it away. And that's what I'll say in my email to the principal, Lisa.

i shall send an E- mail. but did the parent acctually read the book? pr did a kid or someone else tell her about the book?

Of course I'm in, I will help you out. This parent really doesn't make sense. There are other factors in a teenagers life that will cause them to give into having sex at such a young age.

I know kids can be naive when it comes to influences, but for the most part its the best parenting that will put these teens on a right path.

No amount of rap songs I listened to would make me have sex at such a young age at the time or influence me to do drugs. My mom was a main factor in who I am today. I love myself enough to not be persuaded to be any different.

I sent an email in support of WAKE. I really liked the series. I live 30 minutes from this city and Oklahoma is a "conservative" state. However, that does not mean we are all ostriches with our heads in the sand to reality. I am also a former public school teacher and have seen many books try to be banned. I am not a fan of censorship, but I am a fan of raising your child with the ethics you believe in, but having THIS type of conversation at home. If you don't want YOUR child reading it, that's your parental duty. But, do not presume to make that choice for MY child.

I hope the public (not private) school doesn't bow to censorship.

Lisa, i wrote an email to the address you listed. Here is a snippet from said email:
in the years that I have been working with authors, I have yet to ever come across an author who wrote a book with the intention of getting kids hooked on drugs or convincing them to go out and have sex. If anything, in the conversations I have had with authors I hear over and over again how many times a reader has contacted them expressing, usually quite emotionally, how profoundly a book has affected their lives. The fact is, often times authors are writing from their own experiences as teens and the reality is kids go through a myriad of things in their lives and sometimes the only way for them to know they are not alone is to find solace in reading a book and identifying with the characters or situations. I know from experience that this is true.

Hugs
Donna

I just wanted to let you know that I sent an email in your support. I'm in total disbelief over this! It's mindboggling that they even think your book PROMOTES drug use and sexual misconduct.

I really hope they don't remove this book from their library.

I just sent my email. Wow. I sincerely doubt the parent actually read the book...

Email sent.
Seriously. How absurd these people are.
Sheesh.
Keep us posted.

Sent an email cc'd you on it!

Lisa, I sent the e-mail and posted a link to your site on twitter to try and gain you some more support. Best of luck to you, and keep us all updated on what goes down with the school!
-Katelyn

Working on a strongly-worded treatise from one education professional (who is very proud of how many banned books she teaches) to another...

Like reminding him/her of the Supreme Court decision in Board of Education, Island Trees School District v. Pico (1982), which outlines the process that must be undertaken to have a book removed from a school library, and what constitutes a violation of the First Amendment.

My copy of Wake is ragged from the number of students over the years who've borrowed it. They like it -- and none of them have ever made a comment about language, sex, or drugs in the book. Those parts of the book, where they exist at all, are neither out of place nor obtrusive.

Good luck and SPEAK LOUDLY! I read about the challenge to Wake on a blog I follow and want to add my support. I will be posting about the challenge and writing a letter in support. I read Wake over the summer and booktalked it to my eighth graders. Haven't seen my copy since. They just love it.

brenda

Yes! I have always believed in 'kids are SMART'. As long as you teach them the right things, I think sometimes, it's better to let them find out the more minor things by themselves. And it's better to have read about drugs (or anything bad, really) than to try out first handedly.

Oh, and while reading Wake, I didn't really find anything that ...disturbing.

I'm happy to write a letter. Parents, drugs exist! Why not use the context of the book to have an open conversation with your children about drug-use? You cannot just shelter kids from edgy issues on the grounds it makes you uncomfortable.

On the other hand, Lisa, I think it's pretty cool you're finding your way on the banned list. Everyone knows banned books are the best books. Hope it boosts your sales!

I wrote my own letter about why I hope he supports NOT banning the book. I personally feel that if kids got the chance to read about these things, especially with their parents, they might be able to talk about it more easily with their parents and have a better vocabulary with them. Kid see a lot more than we give them credit for.

Honestly, it's a book for teens, and middle schoolers enter that part of life, so the parent shouldn't judge. only some middle schoolers could understand a book like wake, and some couldn't. i read in middle school and there was really only one part that made me squeemish and that was it. besides, middle school and even sometimes fifth grade is where kids start swearing, so they're probably used to hearing it. and lisa is right, there are some kids who can relate to it and it helps them. even though a parent is upset about means they shouls take it off the library shelves, they just shouldn't have th kid reading it if they're that upset about it. don't punish the whole school. (why was the parent even reading the book anyway????)

Seriously, did the parent read a different version of WAKE than I read? A version you didn't write, Lisa? Because I didn't find anything that promoted sex and drug use in my copy.

Love it! Vania always does an amazing job!

Ahhhh! It's so good! Creepy book trailer- it captures the novel so perfectly! The 'Help Me' still gives me shivers! :)

I still think this is the creepiest book trailer I have ever seen! Love it!

Awsome book trailer.. really creapy as well. :D

Great interview!

Voted for it!

I have now. :)

Ooh it's a little freaky! I like it :-)

Um, I have to disagree. I'm sitting alone in a dark room with nothing but my computer on...so it's a LOT freaky! Nice!

i screamed my head off. freaky. love it

awsome!!!

my house was silent when this came on. it really scared my 18 year old brother. freaky i love it

Creepy, but I love it (has officially been added to my blog's sidebar ;D).

Haha... it made me jump!

Awesome! Can't wait to read the book!

Um . . . F-R-E-A-K-Y! Seriously, I got goose pimples. :-D

If it's anything like your last three, I'm sure we will love it. Can't wait!

I can't wait to read it! I love the cover too.

how much are they?

I love you too and will always be a fan. I hope the movie gets made and it will be great.
X K

I love you to.. and the book, and whatever may happen movie wise... thats so exciting.

Its unfortunate so many people don't realize how things truly work as far as movie rights.

ReaganStar

I love the books, the story and the whole 'Wake' world you've created. Even if the movie is made, the movie is lack-lustre, and I don't love it, I will still love the books. Although, how can a story like the one you've created NOT be a great movie?

Wow, guess I missed those comments. Not cool. I think Miley's a good actress. Regardless, I just want a Wake film so I hope it happens and then I can go and enjoy the wonderful story on a big screen! I don't expect books to movies to be the same anywaya...I just enjoy it. :)

-lauren

Wow! Congrats. Can't wait to see it.

That is awesome!! Congrats!
Here is to continued success!

Hope it works out. I devoured all three books one after another. Congrats on your well deserved success.

That is amazing and wonderful news!! Congratulations! I will be first in line to order tickets to see Janie and Cabe on the big screen. I hope it all works out.

This.
Is.
Awesome.

Wow. Thats really good. Even though, I would not like to see Miley as the lead role...

Congrats, Lisa! This is AWESOME news (except the Miley Cyrus as Janie bit). Make sure you negotiate for at least consultation rights over the script and anything else you can get! We don't want your writing completely disregarded by Hollywood!

This is amazing!!!! Congrats! (I kind of don't really want Miley Cyrus to play Janie. I was thinking like Alexa Vega...)

That is so wonderful!!! I am out of my mind excited for you. I'll never forget being with you in New York when you weren't quite sure why you were getting all that attention from your publisher. It's because you are awesome, my lady!

Love ya,
Lisa

wow that's awesome!
I think it would be a GREAT movie!

but...miley cyrus? -shudder- I just don't think she is the right person for Janie at ALL. So I hope she isn't...

Wow! How cool!

Awesome that the rights are picked up....
Not so much that Miley Cyrus is being considered. She is NOTHING like I imagine Janie, and I might not see it if she's in it, honestly.

Nevertheless, let's hope something good happens!

I absolutely LOVE Miley Cyrus and was actually hoping she would play a role that shows some of her new edgyness she has going on right now. However, I haven't read the novels yet. But I think this will make me want to read them just I can be more influenced to watch the movie with Miley in it! :D I think she will do a great job. GOOD CHOICE LISA!

Paramount and MTV Films: Cool, they make above average movies.

Disturbia Director: Awesome, the look and feal of that movie is something great to bring to Wake.

Miley Cyrus: Seriously? I will run to that girl's house and torch it if she even dares to consider ruining your book, Lisa.

I hope the news is still true. It's always fun to see books get a boost when they go to the silver screen.

This is really cool news!!!! I would love to see the book come to life on the big screen but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT LET MILEY CYRUS RUIN THIS BY PLAYING JANIE!!!!!!!! she is a terrible actress and she could not pull of the role.

but other than that this is great news. just dont let miley near the movie set please and thank you :]

I really hope it's a movie, however, without Miley Cyrus. lol. She's Hannah Montana, and trying any other roles would bring the pop star-y-ness into it.

I do think it's a bit odd for Miley to be Janie...I like Miley as an actress, but I just don't see her as Janie quite honestly.

Oh well, I'm super stoked it's finally going to be a film! I knew it would happy.

MTV/Paramount is awesome and I loved Disturbia, so yay.

-lauren

soo congrats. I just got Wake two days again and have started reading. And for miley cyrus as janie.... uhhh please dont have her. Like im begging. Shes already the lead roll in wings and honestly, i dont like her acting. I think a lot of people wont see the movie if she stars in it. Im not saying i hate her, i just hate her acting..... But like i said befor congrats!! I pray that miley wont get the roll, and i pray that they would do a great job on the movie. :)

WAKE movie? Awesome. You must be completely thrilled! I only ask you make sure they keep close to the book, but, as someone who has directed films based on stories, I know how hard this may be and keep it at a decent length.

Paramount/MTV studios: Eh, considering their movies, I'm not so sure on this, but Paramount did do both Iron Mans, and those was pretty good, so I'll keep an open mind.

Miley Cyrus? NO. I have no interest in seeing her in any movies. I hope they can find someone better.

I'll certainly keep my eye out for details :)

Congrats Lisa :D

This is GREAT NEWS! I KNOW they can find a better actress to play the role of Janie. If I may make a suggestion, Katie Cassidy, Taylor Momsen, or Dakota Fanning look like they got the chops to pull it of ;)

I'm so happy for you and can't wait to see all three of your books made into movies.

Congrats on the great news, Lisa!

If I may make a suggestion, ANNASOPHIA ROBB. She's a great actress, and would be perfect for the role, they'd just have to give her brown hair :D

This is great news! Can't wait!
Although, in all honesty, I believe the movie will be brought down greatly if you choose said (ex?) Disney star to portray Janie. The one word that comes to mine is CATASTORPHE! MERDE! DEGOUTANT! Don't want to bash anyone (....okay, that's only half-true...), feel free to think what you like, but it's just my opinion. Great news, none-the-less.

Congrats. Very excited to see the how the film turns out enjoyed all of the books,but very disappointed that Miley cyrus may be the lead.

Wow, congrats ! I can't wait to see your books turned into a movie ! And I would love to see Miley Cyrus be in it. Awesome ! You must be thrilled :D

~Alison

Wow congratulations! I hope it works out i would love to see janie and cable's story come to the big screen! I like the director but I think it would be a huge set back if you use miley cyrus as the lead I'm sorry to say that if she was in it I would most likely not see it but still congrats on the movie deal and hope it works out, but just not with miley cyrus

i cant believe it miley cyrus??? whyy her she does not look like the janies me or my friends imagined not at alll!! she would totally ruin the aspect of the awsome books!!! i suggest alexa vega!

i cant believe it miley cyrus??? whyy her she does not look like the janies me or my friends imagined not at alll!! she would totally ruin the aspect of the awsome books!!! i suggest alexa vega!

PLEASE DONT LET MILEY CYRUS BE THE STAR!!!!!!!

OMG!! I'm so thrilled it'll be a movie! CONGRATS!! :D

Although... NOT Miley Cyrus!! *shakes head*

Still... Awesome news!

Amazing news! So happy for you Lisa! And so happy for the fans of WAKE!
The WAKE trilogy is perfect for the screen.
Congratulations and much Love to you!
This is proof that good things do happen to good people!

Finally Lisa!
Congrat's on Everything Ive been reading your books from the start and have been inseperable since then. Cant wait to see the Movie
But.......... Miley??? She is very talented but i would really want to see a new face instead of these disney star's taking all the roles and not even doing a good job of it. But i dont know how this whole movie buisness works but dont let them ruin a wonderful story by putting her in it.

I've always thought your series would be a great movie, CONGRATS!

Congratulations, Lisa! Cheers to Wake! :D

I'm glad the majority of us HATE Miley Cyrus. I've been talking to my friends about it all night and we've unanimously decided she would ruin the movie!

We understand the money wise it would be great for you, but quality wise it would SUCK for us! Sorry that we're all kind of responding negatively to such great news, but this is kind of a Morton's Fork kinda thing ;) either we have the movie with Miley or maybe no movie at all :(

We all still love you Lisa no matter what!

P.S. Alexa Vega would be PERFECT for Janie!

YAY!! How awesome for you Lisa!! I hope it actually comes to fruition! I would LOVE to see the entire series become movies eventually!

I know you don't control casting & whoever they get will be fine...just happy it'll be a movie! But, how about Emma Roberts or Emma Watson for Janie? Or Dakota Fanning even? She could dye her hair...

Anyway, congrats! Can't wait to hear more details as they develop!!

Yay, Lisa! AWESOME.

I AM SO HAPPY, THE WAKE TRILOGY IS FINALLY A MOVIE!!! :D (4 seconds later) MILEY CYRUS! DX ARE YOU kidding me?! I know her mom is the producer, but if that wannabe can't act actress gets it I am tearing every movie poster, boycotting, and not to mention protest. I don't want Lisa McMann to end up in the same direction of Sparks after the last song got 3 stars out of 10

I am so happy that these books might get made into a movie! But are you kidding me?! Miley Cyrus?!?!! I no that you all can find a better actress for Janie. Miley couldn't pull it off. I pray to God that she doesn't get the part!

AHH MOVIE!!

But Miley...I hope not!

WOW congrats! i was just watching E news and i heard them say Miley is gonna be playing in a thriller movie called WAKE ...i was like is this lisa McMann's WAKE?... haha then i looked on here and... yep it was. :D IM SO EXCITED!

This could be quite amazing, but I'm hoping Hollywood doesn't ruin it, and Miley Cyrus?? That should definitely NOT happen. I think someone lesser known would be better. That way its not over-promoted. With her I think people would lose focus on the books/the story and just be: 'OMG, its miley!!'

I know this is dampening your great mood, but your fans are pretty much unanimous.

If you can do anything, beg them NOT to have Miley portray Janie. Another part maybe, just not the lead.

I'm super excited to see this, but...Miley Cyrus? She doesn't so much act as snarl and pout...

Congratulations on the movie, that's so exciting to know the books have been received so well by so many people. I hate to contribute to the snark, and I know you have no control over casting, but Miley would be a terrible Janie. The demographic of the books is so not the same as that of the Disney Channel. Personally, I hope Miley realizes that she's just not right for the role and pulls out.

I just finished the books this week. Loved them and excited to see it might be made into a movie. Congrats.

Wow this is gonna be awesome but no Miley Cyrus, please.

Congrats! This is a terrific book, and will make a terrific movie.

I've already written it on Facebook, but this is so exciting Lisa, congratulations!! You truly deserve it. Can't wait to see Janie and Cabel come to life! AH!!! :D

Its amazing that the book(s) will be made into a movie. but the majority of Wake's readers DO NOT want miley cyrus. she's not so popular with yound adults and the older crowd. her popularity has been more focused on smaller children for a long time now. quiter frankly nobody wants to see her ruin this film and get credit for the movies future poularity because most of the veiwers wuold go to see the book put into action not to see her (which i personally would be gagging the whole time she's on screen tryig-and failing-to act)

This was one of my FAVORITE!! Soooooo excited!! Congratulations!

yay! Congrats!!!!!! Is there someone we can talk too though about Miley Cyrus? LOL...Please NO...not Miley! LOL

WOW! This is really good news! Congrats!

I can not wait to see it on the big screen, but please do not cast Miley Cyrus. If you have any pull at all with this please DON'T DO IT! She butchered The Last Song! PLEASE DON'T DO IT!!! That breaks my heart!

If you have any power at all over the casting, please do NOT allow Miley Cyrus to play Janie. It'll be a big disappointment to many of your fans, and I personally don't think she'd capture the character well.

Oh My Goth.
Cant wait for the movies.
Cabel is HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!

cool beans i'm soooooooooo happey just plzzz what ever u do dont have miley in it she'll ruen it i didnt even see last song cuz of her

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?gid=120482727995224 << Group on FB against Miley

We did that at my school. I didn't speak a word all day! =]

Left some books on a park a bench... A few minutes later, I spied a really hot guy pick up a copy of Lovestruck Summer!
I think he might have taken it home, too.
Love, Hannah S.

Aww! Ally, Good luck with life and college! And congrats on winning! :o)

I love Ally--great pick, Lisa. You always know how to spot the greats.

Yay for Ally!! She'll be a wonderful writer, I can tell! :D

=) It was great to meet you!
So glad you came out to Toronto

I love I love your book series so much....keep writing because you are amazing!

Oh congrats. It was great seeing you. I told Linda this already, but I AM trying to get the video up. It's taking longer because it's not letting me add it to blogger. This week I swear! haha

-Lauren

How did the one itty bitty carry on suitcase thing work out?

I am so glad that you are having such success with your books. I read them and enjoyed the great read. I am a local from Phoenix and I have just finished writting a book over 200,000 words and in your same genre of young adult fantice. I would like some advise on publishing steps if you don't mind. I respect your opinion and feedback.

congrads! :)

I wish I could go to your Toronto book signing with Becca Fitzpatrick but it's too far away.

Glad the tour is a big success!

I'm so jealous! When will you come to the thumb of Michigan since you're from this state? And yes, bring Becca since I love her too!

Just finished Wake and it is amazing, seriously! I'm now onto Fade.

Personally, I can't live without hair products so I feel your pain. You might be able to ask the front desk for a small bottle--you'd be surprised what they have to offer!

Okay. You seriously had me ROTFL with the whole underwear thing. That is the most fabulous thing I've ever heard.

*Not to mention the 13 undies - extras for emergencies*

Heehee!! :)

Haha! This just made my day! I hope the tour's great and productive and not too tiring. :-D I wish you were coming to Minnesota!

Epicness bloggified. Awesome. Although I totally envy the MacBook Air. I just want a MacBook, but an Air would be awesome.
Sorry. I totally went off on a tangent there.

My friend is also a light packer. He says, "They got stores there, ya know." I believe I could do this too. My husband always travels like this too. Have fun!

Haha Wow. What a post. I'm a light packer..IMO. But I've never been able to master the carry on bag. Good for you! I wish you were coming to Louisiana!

Did a month in Italy with one carry-on and a small backpack. Nowadays with contact solutions, meds, specific haircare needs and a pissy TSA, I'm penalized to check a bag. And take care, I've heard sometimes the hotel sends your undies back to you C.O.D.

I am thoroughly impressed! Having seen my friend Kami pack for tour I imagine she'll have a thing or two to learn from you!

Looking forward to meeting you in Atlanta!

And here I was worried about packing for a two day trip to Decatur. Lol. I'm traveling with kids though, so it's different. Even though my guys are eleven and thirteen, I still have to make sure they have everything they need and I have everything I need. I'm sure you know how that goes! Good luck with your trip. See you Wednesday! :)

Hey, I did Ireland for 10 days in the winter with only a carry on. It CAN be done.

(Put your pens in a baggie in case one leaks....)

Good luck and have fun!

Shelley

I did the same thing with underwear when I went to Europe this past summer! It was a 2 1/2 week long trip, and all of my belongings were carry on! It was definitely hard to pack, but I made it work. Plus we were all over the place, so having one bag made it easier.

I must mention LUSH products. If you don't already use them, they have great solid shampoos, conditioners, and soaps. I personally only like liquid soaps, so I made that be in my quart bag, but they do have great body soaps too!

What do you read on the plane? And where is your knitting?

Ahhh, Toots -- good catch. I edited to add my e-reader, which I don't love, but it works extremely well for traveling.

Howdie Ms. McMann!!! My hats are off and I'm bowing very low to you!!! I started GONE yesterday morning around oh 11 am while watching the Olympics at the same time and I couldn't tell you what happened on the Olympics yesterday because I never looked up from the book until I turned the last page around 4 pm or so. I LOVED it! I loved the entire trilolgy and although very sad to see the trilogy over... I think you closed it incredibly well. It will stick with me for a long time. BRAVO!! Phenomenal!

Hey lisa - look forward to seeing you in atlanta tomorrow!~

Wow...you are very brave to use carry on for that many days. I wish I can do that (I always bring way too many outfits when I travel b/c I always buy more when I travel...LOL). And your whole underwear thing...hilarious!!!

HAPPY traveling and signing!!!