Teenreads.com Blog

Reader Q&A: Maddie from Bridgeville, PA

2010-02-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today's Reader Q&A comes from 14-year-old Maddie from Bridgeville, PA. In her responses below, she explains what she finds so appealing about the character Thea from the Worldweavers Trilogy, reveals what she'd ask famed poet and and short-story writer Edgar Allan Poe if they'd ever met, and shares her thoughts on the last two Harry Potter movies.

If you could trade places with any character from a book for a day, who would you be and why?

I would want to be Thea from the Worldweavers Trilogy by Alma Alexander. I would want to be her because she is so unique and yet exactly the same as everyone else.

What is the last book you read? Would you suggest it to a friend? Why or why not?

The last book I read was CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins. Yes, I would suggest this book to a friend, because it is unlike anything I have ever read. However, I would suggest that they read the first book first, or else they will be totally lost.

Name three characters from a book that you'd like to invite to your birthday party.

2010-01-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

Stephanie Perry Moore's latest release, GOT IT GOING ON, is the fourth installment in the inspirational YA series Beta Gamma Pi, which centers on different members of a fictional sorority. Below, she shares some tips for the new year on being your best self, based on the themes from her books.

It’s an exciting new year and what a perfect time to plan to make it fabulous! If you want to become even more amazing, I’ve got just the books to help you shine. It’s my new Beta Gamma Pi series, a collection of five books on a fictional sorority that is hot, hip, sassy and inspiring.

Filled with important lessons on sisterhood, relationships, and friendship, while still being full of drama, the BGP series has been so much fun to work on. Penning novels on sorority life wasn’t a stretch for me. I joined a sorority in college and it helped me become savvy, compassionate, focused and empowered. I learned that I was important and that I needed to continuously work to be the best person I could be. So as you head into the New Year, here are five invaluable tips to “Make Your Year Fabulous” from the Beta Gamma Pi books.

First, WORK WHAT YOU GOT. Just like Hayden Grant finds out in the first drama-filled novel of the Beta Gamma Pi series, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Before you can work to achieve anything, you have to know what values and assets you posses. Ask yourself what are you good at? What comes naturally to you? What are your loves and passions? Once you know what drives you and makes you happy, keep enhancing those things.
Stick to your strengths.

Second, in your friendships, make sure that you’re hanging around positive people. In THE WAY WE ROLL, Malloy Murray faces many challenges as she tries to stay true to herself while she deals with peer pressure from friends. The way you and your crew should roll is by being leaders, having each other’s backs, and helping each other shine. There’s no time for anyone who wants to pull you down.
Seek healthy friendships.

Thirdly, ACT LIKE YOU KNOW. In this installment of the BGP books, Alyx Cruz learns that knowledge is power. While school might not be easy for you or you think you know a lot already, you have to give your schoolwork your all. If a subject is hard to grasp, get a tutor or find a study group. If you've mastered a subject, have fun tackling another one.
Don’t stop learning.

Fourth, believe you GOT IT GOING ON. In the latest BGP book, Cassidy Cross feels so unworthy and settles for less than she deserves. Horrible consequences come from her bad choices and afterwards she strives to fix her insecurities. This year, you should also tackle any of your self-doubts and turn those negatives into positives.
Believe in yourself.

And finally, the last tip for the New Year, remember to GET WHAT YOU GIVE. Through loss and love, Hailey learns that when she gives and helps others she is the most blessed. So in this New Year, strive to do unto others as you want people to do unto you. Care enough to make this world a better place.
Give and be grateful.

You can and you will do great things this year. Wanting to do something awesome is the first step towards accomplishing greatness. I hope you read the Beta Gamma Pi books and let them take you on a journey that will lift your spirits, entertain your imagination, and help enrich your life. Remember this is your year, go make it fabulous!

--Stephanie Perry Moore

HEARTS AT STAKE Book Trailers

2010-01-07T09:00:00.002-05:00

Solange is your average teenage girl: she has a bunch of overprotective brothers, a best friend that she trusts with her life, and is betrothed to a 400-year-old vampire prince. Oh, did I say “average”? I meant anything but. As a vampire princess, Solange must do everything she can to overcome hordes of evil vampires, keep her best friend out of harm’s way, and --- scariest of all --- make sure her math homework’s done on time. In HEARTS AT STAKE, the first book in the Drake Chronicles, author Alyxandra Harvey introduces readers to the humorous and haunting world of Solange, her best friend, Lucy, and all the troubles that come along with being a vampire princess.

Alyxandra will be blogging with us next Friday, so make sure to stop by for more on your soon-to-be new favorite teenage vampire! Until then, here are a few trailers for HEARTS AT STAKE to whet your appetite. Let us know what you think!