Author News & Interviews

Interview: Melody Carlson, author of The Jerk Magnet: Life at Kingston High, Book 1

Jan 20, 2012

In THE JERK MAGNET, the first installment in Melody Carlson’s Life at Kingston High series, high school student Chelsea Martin goes through a complex transformation when her stepmom gives her a makeover. Though at first Chelsea loves her new look, she soon realizes it’s attracting all the wrong guys --- and repelling potential friends. In this interview, conducted by Teenreads.com’s Michele Howe, Carlson discusses her reasons for writing about society’s obsession with outer beauty. She also offers insight into Chelsea’s character, shares her own opinions about beauty and self-esteem, and gives glimpses into her upcoming books.
 

Interview: Hillary Jordan, author of When She Woke

Oct 1, 2011

After the enormous success of her first novel, MUDBOUND, Hillary Jordan’s second book, WHEN SHE WOKE, takes us years into a startling future. Now a ruthless theocracy, America is governed by a repressive system in which criminals of all varieties are forced to have their skin permanently dyed according to the severity of their crime. After an adulterous affair followed by an abortion, protagonist Hannah Payne must face the lifelong shame of becoming a Chrome.

Interview: Jenny Downham, author of You Against Me

Sep 1, 2011

September 2011

After the success of her first novel, BEFORE I DIE, Jenny Downham took on the complex project of her newest book,YOU AGAINST ME, which deals with teenage sexual assault in a small, tight-knit community. With elements of suspense, mystery, psychological trauma and star-crossed love, YOU AGAINST ME delves deeply into the minds of its characters as they face life-changing events.

Interview: Walter Dean Myers, author of The Cruisers #2: Checkmate

Aug 1, 2011

August 2011

Walter Dean Myers has written more than 85 books for children and young adults, including the award-winning MONSTER, FALLEN ANGELS, SLAM!, JAZZ and HARLEM. Now, in the second installment of his Cruisers series, Myers explores the world of competitive chess as seen through the eyes of a group of middle-school misfits.

Interview: Jo Treggiari, author of Ashes, Ashes

Jun 1, 2011

June 2011

In ASHES, ASHES, Jo Treggiari has created a truly frightening but completely possible post-apocalyptic world wherein 16-year-old Lucy must survive by foraging, building a shelter in Central Park, and finally learning to trust another person, despite the fact that people are disappearing in the night.