Little Willow: Welcome to the Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen roundtable! We have some special folks joining us today. Please welcome back Alexia, one of our original postergirlz. Also say hello to Arielle and Suze. I have very lengthy, involved conversations about books with each of these ladies. Since both of them really enjoy the works of Tamora Pierce, I invited them to today's discussion.

Lorie Ann Grover: Welcome, Suze and Arielle! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. And welcome home, Alexia! Woot!

Little Willow: I love these roundtables, and I'm tickled pink to see so many people here. Thanks to all of you for joining us, and thanks to Google Docs for making it possible for readergirlz from around the world to take part in these book discussions.

Lorie Ann: Tamora Pierce is the Queen of Heroines for YA readers. It's a thrill she has the time to visit with us in December. Let's dive into her duology. Just have your crown and sword at the ready, rgz - Let's get started!

Suze: I've been reading Tamora Pierce's books since grade eight, I started with the Immortals quartet and then I covered the others in order. I read Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen shortly after each came out. I read them again in November after I heard readergirlz would be discussing them in December.

Alexia: I started reading them when I was in 6th grade. I walked into Brentano's (may you rest in peace) one day, and my favorite cashier lady recommended Tamora Pierce to me. I bought the first book in Song of the Lioness, read it that night and then forced my mother to go back the next day and buy the remaining books. All 15 or so of them. I've read all of the newer ones as they've been released, and I still reread them regularly whenever I have bad or stressful days. In fact, I have Trickster's Choice, Emperor's Mage (of the Immortal's Quartet) and Lioness Rampant (of the Song of the Lioness quartet) on my bookshelf in my dorm room. I'm not kidding.

Suze: See! Now that was smart. Like an idiot, I left all of my books in Canada and had to go get them from the library!

Alexia: I knew that I couldn't really function without at least a few of them, so when I was packing up some books to take with me, I threw in a few Pierce's, and I switch them out with other Pierce novels whenever I go home. They come in so much handy on bad days.

Dia: I've read several Tamora Pierce novels before the Trickster's Duet. I enjoyed the complexity of the Trickster's Duet.

Lorie Ann: I've read Tamora for years. Maybe my first ones were the Song of the Lioness? I just remember I had to pry them out of my daughters' hands for my turn.

Arielle: I started reading them in the 5th grade. I was going to Nerd Camp at Stanford and while buying my books for camp in the bookstore my mom came up and handed me Alanna the First Adventure thinking that I would like it. I did and since then have been reading them.

Jackie: I discovered Tamora Pierce when I first started working in libraries - I kept shelving them and was totally intimidated by the sheer number of books she had written. I knew that most of them were interconnected, but I couldn't easily figure out what order I was supposed to read them in, so I didn't read them for a long time. Finally, the children's librarian there told me to read Alanna the First Adventure and I was HOOKED. I read every book she had published at that point, about 18 books, I think, within three weeks. It was a total binge.

Shelf Elf: These two are my very first Tamora Pierce experiences. Working as a kids' bookseller, I sold a whole lot of Tamora's books, and I've always meant to start reading her novels. Now I finally did!

HipWriterMama: I can't believe I haven't read Tamora Pierce's books until now. Love her strong heroines!

Little Willow: If you are a regular Pierce reader, do you favor the Tortall Universe, where the Trickster novels are set, or the Circle Universe?

Alexia: I tend to prefer the Tortall Universe purely because there are more books set in it and we get to follow some of the characters for such a long time that they feel like relatives that you see once in a while at big family events. Also, I may have a little thing for knights. ( Read more... )

To learn more about Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce, check out the December 2009 issue of readergirlz and discuss the book with other readers and the author herself all month long at the readergirlz blog.

Welcome to November

"In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, it is an honor to spotlight Marlene Carvell's novel Sweetgrass Basket at readergirlz. In beautiful free verse, Marlene sensitively relays the struggles of two girls clinging to their Mohawk heritage in the midst of forced assimilation. This is a book that should be read and treasured." - Lorie Ann Grover, rgz co-founder

To learn more about the author and her stories, check out the November 2009 issue of readergirlz as well as our roundtable discussion of Sweetgrass Basket and my review of the book. Once your curiosity is piqued, I hope you will get the book from your local library or bookstore so that you can join the discussions with other readers at the readergirlz blog! We'll be talking about the book all month long, and we always welcome new readers to our book group. Keep reading this post to learn more about how our group works!

Download this month's bookmark.

Download our fall books poster.

Join the readergirlz

readergirlz is an online book group that's open to everyone - the only requirement is a love of reading! Every month, we discuss a different book, ranging from historical fiction to contemporary fiction, from fantasy to comedy to drama to comedy. All of our spotlighted books celebrate gutsy girls, and we hope they inspire readers to become active not only in book groups but also in their communities. Every issue of readergirlz features additional information about the books we're discussing, exclusive author interviews, playlists, outreach programs related to the book of the month, and other recommended reads.

Want to know which other books and authors we've featured? Browse through our archive.

postergirlz picks
Recommended by postergirlz, the readergirlz advisory council, in celebration of Native American Heritage Month:

Fiction
Moccasin Thunder: American Indian Stories for Today, an anthology edited by Lori Marie Carlson
Rain is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Who Will Tell My Brother? by Marlene Carvell
The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Non-Fiction
Native Time: A Historical Time Line of Native America by Lee Francis

rgz LIVE!

We will have not one, not two, but three live events at the readergirlz blog this month.



This month's featured author, Marlene Carvell, will be chatting live on Tuesday, November 24th, beginning at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST. Log on at that time to talk about Sweetgrass Basket directly with the author herself as well as other readers.

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On Saturday, November 21st, beginning at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST, we'll be talking about New Moon. Feel free to talk about the book versus the movie and anything else about the Twilight Saga, and tell us if you're on Team Edward or Team Jacob. We'll be joined by the TwilightMOMS. Join the fun for a chance to win a Twilight necklace from Gypsy Wings and other fantastic swag!

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Finally, on Monday, November 30th, we'll be throwing our first rgz RAVE Homecoming to chat with former rgz featured authors Coe Booth, Dia Calhoun, Janet Lee Carey, Cecil Castellucci, Justina Chen, Rachel Cohn, Holly Cupala, Liz Gallagher, Nikki Grimes, Lorie Ann Grover, Ellen Hopkins, Sarah Miller, Mary Pearson, Mitali Perkins, Dana Reinhardt, Laura Resau, Melissa Walker, Ellen Emerson White, Rita Williams-Garcia, Sara Zarr, and more. This chat, like the others, will begin at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST.

Each chat will last for an hour.

Author-in-Residence

Our first Author-in-Residence at rgz, Beth Kephart, will be popping into the blog, chats, and posting blog entries on the writing life throughout her visit. We are honored to have her among us.

Learn more about Beth Kephart and our author-in-residence position.

Read, Reflect and Reach Out

In Marlene Carvell's Sweetgrass Basket, Mattie and Sarah long for family. The two sisters would probably agree with Alex Haley, who said, "In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future."

Link with your family on Saturday, November 21st for National Family Volunteer Day. Volunteering as a family is the perfect way to spend quality time with your loved ones while doing meaningful work in your community.

Visit http://www.serve.gov for a searchable database of volunteering opportunities near you and encourage the whole fam to get out and make a difference!

Recent readergirlz Reads
Last month's featured book: The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray
Next month's featured books: Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce

Visit the readergirlz archive.

readergirlz on the web

Bookmark our main stomping grounds:
http://readergirlz.blogspot.com
http://www.readergirlz.com

You may also follow and friend us on:
* Twitter
* Facebook
* MySpace

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

Are You Graced?

Welcome to September, my favorite month of the year! This month, we're discussing Graceling by Kristin Cashore over at the readergirlz blog and website - Won't you join us?

In a world where people born with an extreme skill - called a Grace - are feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of a skill even she despises: the Grace of killing. She lives under the command of her uncle Randa, King of the Middluns, and is expected to execute his dirty work, punishing and torturing anyone who displeases him.

When she first meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po's friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace - or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

To learn more about Graceling, check out the September 2009 issue of readergirlz and our roundtable discussion of the book with readers. Then get the book from your local library or bookstore, then discuss it with other readers at the readergirlz blog. You'll then be ready when Fire, Kristin's next book (which she calls "a prequelish companion to Graceling") comes out in October!

Download this month's bookmark.

Download our fall books poster.

Join the readergirlz

readergirlz is an online book group that's open to everyone - the only requirement is a love of reading! Every month, we discuss a different book, ranging from historical fiction to contemporary fiction, from fantasy to comedy to drama to comedy. All of our spotlighted books celebrate gutsy girls, and we hope they inspire readers to become active not only in book groups but also in their communities. Every issue of readergirlz features additional information about the books we're discussing, exclusive author interviews, playlists, outreach programs related to the book of the month, and other recommended reads.

Want to know which other books and authors we've featured? Browse through our archived issues.

rgz LIVE!

Chat live with Kristin Cashore at the readergirlz blog on Wednesday, August 26th. The chat will begin at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST and last for about an hour.

On Wednesday, September 30th, at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST, join the launch party at the readergirlz blog for the new fantasy book Stealing Death by rgz co-founder Janet Lee Carey. The book received a starred review in SLJ. Congrats, Janet! We heart you!

postergirlz picks
Check out this month's recommended reads, selected by the postergirlz, the teen lit advisory council for readergirlz. If you liked Graceling, we think you'll also enjoy:

Fiction
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Princess Ben by Catherine Murdock
The Attolia books by Meghan Whalen Turner
The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
Magic or Madness by Justine Larbalestier

Non-Fiction
In Their Shoes: Extraordinary Women Describe Their Amazing Careers by Deborah Reber and Lisa Fyfe

Get Ready for Teen Read Week

Do you love YALSA's Teen Read Week? Let it out at your blog through a post or vlog, then send the link to readergirlz@gmail.com with the subject line set up like this: Your name, TRW Tribute. Tell us about your recent release, or a book you love dearly, and then give a shoutout for Teen Read Week. We'll collect all the contributions and post them at the rgz blog in a 24 hour time span on October 23rd, 2009.

Stay tuned for more info later this month...

Author-in-Residence

Please join us in welcoming our first Author-in-Residence at rgz: Beth Kephart! Beth will be in house for the next 4 months, popping into the blog, chats, and posting four blog entries on the writing life throughout her visit. We are honored to have her among us.

Learn more about Beth Kephart and our author-in-residence position.

Recent readergirlz Reads
Last month's featured book: Kendra by Coe Booth
Next month's featured book: The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

Visit the readergirlz archive.

readergirlz on the web

Bookmark our main stomping grounds:
http://readergirlz.blogspot.com
http://www.readergirlz.com

You may also follow and friend us on:
* Twitter
* Facebook
* MySpace

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

Coe Booth, Kendra, and Self-Discovery

Welcome to August! This month, readergirlz are discussing Kendra by Coe Booth.

Kendra's mom, Renee, had her when she was only 14 years old. Renee and her mom made a deal - Renee could get an education, and Kendra would live with her grandmother. But now Renee's out of grad school and Kendra's in high school . . . and getting into some trouble herself. Kendra's grandmother lays down the law: It's time for Renee to take care of her daughter. Kendra wants this badly - even though Renee keeps disappointing her. Being a mother isn't easy, but being a daughter can be just as hard.

"readergirlz is proud to host Coe Booth and discuss Kendra this August. We were enthusiastic to discover this Bronx teen girl, working through abandonment, restriction, and physical attraction. Our community will engage with Kendra and the realistic cast that surrounds her. Brava, Coe!" - Lorie Ann Grover, rgz co-founder and author

Get the book from your local library or bookstore, then discuss it with other readers at the readergirlz blog.

Join the readergirlz

readergirlz is an online book group that's open to everyone - the only requirement is a love of reading! Every month, we discuss a different book, ranging from historical fiction to contemporary fiction, from fantasy to comedy to drama to comedy. All of our spotlighted books celebrate gutsy girls, and we hope they inspire readers to become active not only in book groups but also in their communities. Every issue of readergirlz features additional information about the books we're discussing, exclusive author interviews, playlists, outreach programs related to the book of the month, and other recommended reads.

Read the August 2009 issue of readergirlz, then browse through our archived issues.

rgz LIVE!

Chat live with Coe Booth at the readergirlz blog on Wednesday, August 26th. The chat will begin at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST and last for about an hour.

Download this month's bookmark.

Download our summer poster.

postergirlz picks
Check out this month's recommended reads, selected by the postergirlz, the teen lit advisory council for readergirlz.

Fiction
Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Mare's War by Tanita S. Davis
Violet by Design by Melissa Walker
So Not the Drama by Paula Chase

Non-Fiction
GirlForce by Nikki Goldstein

Recent readergirlz Reads
Last month's featured book: The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg
Next month's featured book: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Visit the readergirlz archive.

readergirlz on the web

Bookmark our main stomping grounds:
http://readergirlz.blogspot.com
http://www.readergirlz.com

You may also follow and friend us on:
* Twitter
* Facebook
* MySpace

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

One of the recommended reads in this month's issue of readergirlz is the non-fic pick Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith. Many thanks to postergirl Miss Erin for bringing this cool, do-it-yourself book to our attention.

Wreck This Journal is exactly what the title implies: a journal you tear up, draw in, decorate, and create! I think The Plain Janes would be all over this book. Check out the awesome intro page as well as the Flickr group. Way to wreck a rec!

Want to win a free copy of Keri Smith's next book, How to Be an Explorer of the World? Click here to leave a comment with your email address at the readergirlz blog. One winner will be selected at random on Tuesday, July 14th and notified via email that day.
Note: Entrants must be residents of the U.S. or Canada and have a valid email address.

Update: The contest is now closed. Thanks to everyone who entered! The winner is dreadfulpenny.

 

Join The Plain Janes and readergirlz to celebrate creativity

Looking for a great summer read? Love graphic novels? Pick up The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg. Art, community, and fear are all discussed in this poignant story about a girl named Jane who is forced to move from a hip city to the suburbs. She is surprised not only by the artistic (and same-name) friends she finds in her new school, but also by herself. Read my full-length review.

Want to talk about it? Get The Plain Janes and Janes in Love from your local library or bookstore. Then, as you read it, discuss it with other readers at the readergirlz blog.

readergirlz is an online book group that's open to everyone - the only requirement is a love of reading! Every month, we discuss a different book, ranging from historical fiction to fantasy, from contemporary fiction to these awesome graphic novels o' Janes. All of our spotlighted books celebrate gutsy girls, and we hope they inspire readers to get active not only in book groups but also in their communities. Every issue of readergirlz features additional information about the books we're discussing, exclusive author interviews, playlists, outreach programs related to the book of the month, and other recommended reads. Read the July 2009 issue of readergirlz, then browse through our archived issues.



rgz LIVE!

Chat live with Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg at the readergirlz blog on Wednesday, July 22nd. The chat will begin at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST and last for about an hour.

Download this month's bookmark.

Download our summer poster.

postergirlz picks
Check out this month's recommended reads, selected by the postergirlz, the teen lit advisory council for readergirlz.

Fiction
The Opposite of Invisible by Liz Gallagher
North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley
A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell
Same Difference by Siobhan Vivian
Emiko Superstar by Mariko Tamaki and Steve Rolston

Non-Fiction
Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith



Read, Reflect, Reach Out
How do you think Art Saves? Show us! Click here to download the Art Saves template, then print it out and decorate it however you'd like. Scan or photograph the final version and email it as a JPG to artsaves@slayground.net

I'm thrilled to be in charge of this project. I can't wait to see everyone's creations!

Learn more about the Art Saves project.

Recent readergirlz Reads
Last month's featured book: Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
Next month's featured book: Kendra by Coe Booth

Visit the readergirlz archive.

readergirlz on the web

Bookmark our main stomping grounds:
http://readergirlz.blogspot.com
http://www.readergirlz.com

You may also follow and friend us on:
* Twitter
* Facebook
* MySpace

Related Posts
Interview: Cecil Castellucci
Booklist: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Person
Booklist: MINX

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

Become one of the readergirlz

Joining readergirlz is simple, really. All you need to have is the love of reading - and the book of the month, of course! Get the book from your local library or bookstore. Then, as you read it, discuss it with other readers at the readergirlz blog.

Simply put, readergirlz is an interactive book group, open to all ages (and both genders - we do have readerguys!) But it's so much more than that. Reading a book isn't the same thing as experiencing a book. We want you to read, reflect, and reach out. That's why, every month, we pick a book which features strong, gutsy girls, then go beyond that. We recommend additional titles (see below for our postergirlz picks) and inform you of outreach programs that tie-in to the book we're discussing. Every issue also has an exclusive interview with the author of that month's book as well as a playlist created by the author, discussion questions, and tips on hosting your own book group.

Want to see what books we've spotlighted and discussed before? Browse through our archived issues.



This Month

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr is our June selection for readergirlz.

When Jennifer was in elementary school, she had only one friend. His name was Cameron, and he meant the world to her. When they were together, the taunts of their classmates didn't matter . . . as much. Jennifer always felt safe with Cameron - until something horrible happened to them in fifth grade. Shortly thereafter, he stopped coming to class, and then he was just gone with no explanation, no good-bye.

Now it's eight years later, and Jennifer has changed in more ways than one: she's lost weight, gained confidence and friends, and now calls herself Jenna. Then Cameron returns, and Jenna remembers who she used to be - and what took place when they were kids.

Find out more about the book by reading the June issue of readergirlz and our roundtable book discussion.

Mark Your Calendars (and Your Books!)

Join us at the readergirlz blog on Tuesday, June 9th at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST for a special chat with readergirlz diva Melissa Walker. We'll be celebrating the release of her newest book, Lovestruck Summer.

Chat live with Sara Zarr at the readergirlz blog on Wednesday, June 17th. The chat will begin at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST and last for about an hour.

Download this month's bookmark - PDF or JPG - made by Holly Cupala.



readergirlz on the web

Bookmark our main stomping grounds:
http://readergirlz.blogspot.com
http://www.readergirlz.com

Where else can you find readergirlz?
* Twitter
* Facebook
* MySpace

postergirlz picks
Check out this month's recommended reads, selected by the postergirlz, the teen lit advisory council for readergirlz.

Fiction
The Alison Rules by Catherine Clark
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
Purge by Sarah Darer Littman
Hold Me Tight by Lorie Ann Grover
Peeled by Joan Bauer

Non-Fiction
The Year We Disappeared by John and Cylin Busby

Read, Reflect, Reach Out

Bully Bust 2009, a "community-led concerted effort to reduce bullying in schools," encourages people of all ages to speak up when they see bullying happening in their schools, in their neighborhoods, or online. Take the STAND UP pledge at the website! See my post about BullyBust.

Recent readergirlz Reads
Last month's featured book: Red Glass by Laura Resau
Next month's featured book: The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg
August's featured book: Kendra by Coe Booth

Visit the readergirlz archive.

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

I cherish the book Sweethearts, I really do. Sara Zarr's sophomore novel gently captures both the innocence of youth and the point at which it is shattered. The friendship between a fragile girl and a tormented boy changes dramatically when they are children, and evolves further when they are teenagers and the long-lost boy returns unexpectedly.

Last August, the postergirlz selected this book as one of our of the recommended reads within that month's issue of readergirlz. Now, Sweethearts is our main pick for June, the book of the month for our book group. Five of us - Little Willow, Miss Erin, Lorie Ann Grover, Melissa Walker, and Holly Cupala - set up an online meeting to discuss the book at length. Here's what we had to say.

Little Willow: What words come to mind when you think of Jenna, the main character in Sweethearts?

Miss Erin: Lost, buried, caught, hidden, confused, bruised, neglected.

Melissa Walker: Hiding, scared.

Little Willow: I second "hiding" and "confused." Also: Fragile, lonely, searching, nostalgic, torn.

Holly Cupala: Questioning identity, hidden truths, self-punishment, longing for acceptance.

Lorie Ann Grover: Self-doubt, lost, confused, pained, hungry for peace and acceptance from others and herself.

( Read more... )

Little Willow: It's clear that I think Sweethearts is a great pick for readergirlz. Why do you feel people should read this book?

Lorie Ann: It's such a great example of defining yourself. This is something that every person does. So how do you do that in the face of people who have acted against you in the past, who you are now, and who you want to become. Most dear to me was the healing between Jenna and her mother. What a great warning that one neglect to communicate can alter relationships forever. Thank you, Sara!

Holly: I think Jenna's story will resonate with readergirlz of all ages. So much of growing up is about finding who you are, where you are going, and who you want to take with you. After struggles, heartbreak, and a second chance, Jenna comes away knowing all of these things. A beautiful book.

Melissa: I love that Jenna comes to be at peace with many different parts of herself, as we all must do. She isn't just one thing -- just Jennifer or Jenna -- she's a combination of all that she's experienced and seen and learned. And that's a beautiful thing.

Lorie Ann: I am so happy to be hosting Sara this month at rgz. It's our honor to have her participation. Let the month begin!


Hey there, roundtable readers! What did you think of Sweethearts? Please join our discussions of the book at the readergirlz blog and check out the June issue of readergirlz!

Related Posts at Bildungsroman:
Book Review: Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
Book Review: Story of a Girl
Interview: Sara Zarr
SparkLife: Weighty Matters

Browse through all of the roundtables I've hosted.

I think I might be a little confused when it comes to what the idea of family is. I have blood family and friend family. I have Washington family and Michigan family - and family in between. I have online family and real life family. I have so many different circles of family that surely I must be mistaken, as how can one person be that lucky? Ultimately, family to me are those who nourishes my body, mind and soul. Family are those who comfort me, who I turn to, who I trust. Family are those who help make my life balanced, thoughtful, honest, and fun. I don't need church or state or my neighbor down the block to tell me who makes up my family - my heart knows all on its own.

- Jackie Parker

Follow the series of family posts.

Become one of the readergirlz

Joining readergirlz is simple, really. All you need to have is the love of reading - and the book of the month, of course! Get the book from your local library or bookstore. Then, as you read it, discuss it with other readers at the readergirlz blog.

Simply put, readergirlz is an interactive book group, open to all ages (and both genders - we do have readerguys!) But it's so much more than that. Reading a book isn't the same thing as experiencing a book. We want you to read, reflect, and reach out. That's why, every month, we pick a book which features strong, gutsy girls, then go beyond that. We recommend additional titles (see below for our postergirlz picks) and inform you of outreach programs that tie-in to the book we're discussing. Every issue also has an exclusive interview with the author of that month's book as well as a playlist created by the author, discussion questions, and tips on hosting your own book group.

Want to see what books we've spotlighted and discussed before? Browse through our archived issues.



This Month

Red Glass by Laura Resau is our May selection for readergirlz. It's a perfect fit for both this month's theme of Family and for Latina Book Month. This contemporary novel takes readers on a journey with Sophie, a teenage girl scared of change but full of sisterly love for a little boy her family took in after a tragedy. Pablo is only five years old - and the only survivor of a group that crossed the Mexican border in search of a better life in the United States of America. A year later, when they discover Pablo has living relatives still in Mexico, Sophie, her great-aunt Dika, Dika's boyfriend and his son, Angel, accompany Pablo back to his hometown. It's a trip that will change all of their lives - and their families - forever.

Find out more about the book by reading the May issue of readergirlz and the Red Glass roundtable discussion between me, Shelf Elf, Lorie Ann Grover, and Holly Cupala.

Chat live with author Laura Resau at the readergirlz blog on Wednesday, May 20th. The chat will begin at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST and last for about an hour.

Holly Cupala made a beautiful bookmark for May + Red Glass. Download it as PDF - full-size JPG - browser-friendly JPG



readergirlz on the web

Bookmark our main stomping grounds:
http://readergirlz.blogspot.com
http://www.readergirlz.com

Where else can you find readergirlz?
* Twitter
* Facebook
* MySpace

postergirlz picks
Check out this month's recommended reads, selected by the postergirlz, the teen lit advisory council for readergirlz.

Fiction
Emily Goldberg Learns to Salsa by Micol Ostow
Cuba 15 by Nancy Osa
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Surrender Tree by Margarita Engle
Estrella's Quinceañera by Malin Alegria
Sofi Mendoza's Guide to Getting Lost in Mexico by Malin Alegria

Non-Fiction
Red Hot Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Being Young and Latino in the United States edited by Lori Marie Carlson

Read, Reflect, Reach Out

All over the country, young students are being forced to give up on their dreams of a college education because of their immigration status. Many states deny in-state tuition benefits to students who entered the U.S. illegally, even if they've been here since they were young and have spent their entire school lives in America.

Right now, Congress is considering The Federal DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act), which would provide undocumented immigrant youth in America with conditional residency and a chance for citizenship if they came to the U.S. before they were 16, graduated from high school or obtained a GED, attended two years of college or joined the military, and have no criminal records.

If the act doesn't pass, "another entire class of outstanding, law-abiding high school students will graduate without being able to plan for the future, and some will be removed from their homes to countries they barely know," says DreamACTivist.org on its site, which is dedicated to the passage of the DREAM Act. "This tragedy will cause America to lose a vital asset: an educated class of promising immigrant students who have demonstrated a commitment to hard work and a strong desire to be contributing members of our society."

Throughout May 1st and 2nd, there will be several "May Day" marches across the country to help raise awareness of the DREAM Act. To participate in a city near you, visit United We Dream for the complete schedule.

Recent readergirlz Reads
Last month's featured book: Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
Next month's featured book and author: Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

Get ready for summer reading! In the coming months, we'll be discussing:
June: Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
July: The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg
August: Kendra by Coe Booth

Visit the readergirlz archive.

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