Gabrielle Zevin is the author of the critically-acclaimed teen novel ELSEWHERE, as well as a book geared toward adult readers, MARGARETTOWN. Her latest work of fiction, MEMOIRS OF A TEENAGE AMNESIAC, explores themes of self-discovery and second chances through the story of a young girl who loses her memory in an accident and must find a way to regain her bearings. In this interview with Teenreads.com's Norah Piehl, Zevin discusses the literary inspiration behind her book's protagonist, Naomi, describes the difficulties she encountered while creating this complex and flawed character, and even assembles a hypothetical iPod playlist in honor of Naomi's love "quadrilateral." She also explains her childhood fascination with typewriters, shares a cherished memory from her high school days, and reveals what she hopes readers will take away from this novel.

MEMOIRS OF A TEENAGE AMNESIAC by Gabrielle Zevin (Fiction)
If Naomi had picked tails, she would have won the coin toss. She wouldn’t have had to go back for the yearbook camera, and she wouldn’t have hit her head on the steps. She wouldn’t have woken up in an ambulance with amnesia. She certainly would have remembered her boyfriend, Ace. She might even have remembered why she fell in love with him in the first place. She would understand why her best friend, Will, keeps calling her “Chief.” She’d know about her mom’s new family. She’d know about her dad’s fiancée. She never would have met James, the boy with the questionable past and the even fuzzier future, who tells her he once wanted to kiss her. She wouldn’t have wanted to kiss him back. But Naomi picked heads.

Gabrielle Zevin has crafted an imaginative novel all about love and second chances.

-Click here to read an excerpt from MEMOIRS OF A TEENAGE AMNESIAC.
-Click here to see the reading group guide for MEMOIRS OF A TEENAGE AMNESIAC.
-Click here to read an interview with Gabrielle Zevin.
-Click here to see Gabrielle Zevin’s bio.
-Click here to read a review of ELSEWHERE.

Carolyn Mackler is the award-winning author of LOVE AND OTHER FOUR-LETTER WORDS, THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS and VEGAN VIRGIN VALENTINE. Her latest novel, GUYAHOLIC, centers on Vivienne Valentine, a secondary character from her previous work, and V's own misadventures through life, love and a cross-country road trip. In this interview with Teenreads.com's Norah Piehl, Mackler explains why she chose to explore V's story and sheds light on how the character's past affects present relationships. She also shares some of her favorite YA novels, offers advice for aspiring writers and describes a road trip she took when she was 22.

Perry Moore --- probably best known as the executive producer of The Chronicles of Narnia films --- tackles a different facet of the science fiction and fantasy genre with his newly published young adult novel, HERO, which chronicles the trials and tribulations of a gay teen superhero. In this interview, Moore discusses the various elements that inspired him to create these unique characters and explains how experiences from his own adolescence have enriched the story. He also describes how he incorporated what he learned from working on the Narnia movies into his writing, shares behind-the-scenes details about some of the actors he has worked with, and reveals what he has in store for future projects.

HERO by Perry Moore (Fiction)
High school basketball star Thom Creed is used to being on his own. His father Hal had once been one of the greatest and most beloved superheroes of The League --- until the Wilson Towers incident. After that, Thom's mother disappeared and his proud father became an outcast. The last thing in the world Thom would ever want is to disappoint his father. So Thom keeps two secrets from him: that he's gay and that he has the power to heal people. Reviewed by Brian Farrey.

-Click here to read a review of HERO.
-Click here to read an excerpt from HERO.
-Visit Perry Moore's website, www.PerryMooreStories.com.

To celebrate the release of IDOL GIRLS: What's Your Obsession?, in which Hayley DiMarco encourages teens to take a serious look at who --- or what --- they idolize in their lives, Teenreads.com is offering readers the chance to win one of 50 copies of the book. To enter, please fill out this form by Wednesday, November 14th.

IDOL GIRLS: What's Your Obsession? by Hayley DiMarco (Practical Living)
Every girl has her passions. Is there anything or anyone you can't get out of your mind? Maybe there was a time when it didn't consume you, but it does now. So congratulations, you just found out you've got an idol --- an obsession that you worship instead of God. But if you're wanting more of God and less to obsess over, then you've picked up the right book.

In IDOL GIRLS, Hayley DiMarco exposes both good things (relationships, exercise, religion, eating, cleanliness) and bad things (self-condemnation, cutting, sex, addiction) that can turn into an idol and take the place of God. Pulling no punches, Hayley calls you to take a serious look at who --- or what --- you idolize in your life.

-Click here to read more about IDOL GIRLS.

Three girls. Three high schools. Three gotta-read stories.

"How to Be Down" by Felicia Pride

When Nina Parker decides to straighten her Afro, lose her valley-girl accent and get a total makeover for her new school in the hood, the cutest guy notices --- yes! But so does the meanest girl, Vivica, queen bee of her crew, who wants Jeffrey for herself.

"Double Act" by Debbie Rigaud

In the hood, Mia Chambers is 'the smart girl,' but at her prestigious new prep school she hardly stands out. So Mia does what it takes --- only to be accused of selling out by her old friends!

"The Summer She Learned to Dance" by Karen Valentin

At first, Giselle Johnson hates spending the summer with her cousin from the Dominican Republic. But she soon starts loving the island and even learns to dance to her own rhythm. That is, until her cousin attracts Giselle's high school crush…

HALLWAY DIARIES is available in 3 formats: Book, Digital Audio and eBook. 

-Click here for more information about the eBook version of HALLWAY DIARIES.

BOOK OF A THOUSAND DAYS by Shannon Hale (Fantasy/Action & Adventure)
When Dashti, a maid, and Lady Saren, her mistress, are shut in a tower for seven years for Saren's refusal to marry a man she despises, the two prepare for a very long and dark imprisonment. But the arrival outside the tower of Saren's two suitors brings both hope and great danger, and Dashti must make the desperate choices of a girl whose life is worth more than she knows. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.

-Click here to read an excerpt from BOOK OF A THOUSAND DAYS.

LILY DALE: AWAKENING by Wendy Corsi Staub (Paranormal Suspense)
Following the death of her mother in a freak accident, Calla spends a few weeks with the grandmother she barely knows. To Calla's shock, her mother's hometown of Lily Dale is full of psychics --- including her grandmother. The longer she stays in town, the stranger things become, as Calla starts to experience unusual and unsettling events that lead her to wonder if she has inherited her grandmother's unique gift. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle and excerpted.

-Click here to read an excerpt from LILY DALE: AWAKENING.

DEADLINE by Chris Crutcher (Fiction)
When Ben Wolf learns he has just one year to live, he decides to keeps it a secret. He begins his year by joining his brother on the high school football team and asking out the girl of his dreams. Then his thoughts turn to impacting others, and he quickly learns that lots of people live with terrible secrets as well. Get ready for a powerful and emotional journey with Ben and his DEADLINE. Reviewed by Amy Alessio.

SEEING REDD by Frank Beddor (Fantasy/Action & Adventure)
Following the defeat and imprisonment of her evil aunt, Redd, Alyss Heart assumes the throne of Wonderland. But her troubles are just beginning when mysterious attacks give the appearance that Redd has returned for revenge. Reviewed by Brian Farrey.

THE LAND OF THE SILVER APPLES by Nancy Farmer (Fantasy)
THE LAND OF THE SILVER APPLES, Nancy Farmer's sequel to THE SEA OF TROLLS, continues the adventures of Jack, an apprentice bard and his companions as they travel underground to the Hollow Road in search of the faerie realm. Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood.

-Click here to listen to an excerpt from THE LAND OF THE SILVER APPLES.

SEALED WITH A DISS: The Clique #8 by Lisi Harrison (Fiction)
In the eighth installment of Lisi Harrison's Clique series, Massie undertakes a matchmaking quest in order to ensure that she and The Pretty Committee gain the keys to a secret room that can make her the boy expert to end all boy experts. The only problem is that the matchmaking is completely impossible. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

Sierra Jensen

DON'T YOU WISH - Sierra Jensen: Volume One, Book Three by Robin Jones Gunn (Fiction)
Sierra Jensen has three wishes: visit her California friends; have her older sister, Tawni, disappear; and learn more about the mysterious stranger. When Easter break arrives, Sierra's first wish comes true --- she's headed to Newport Beach! Unfortunately, Tawni accompanies Sierra on her escape. What's worse, everyone has a boyfriend except Sierra. Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby.

CLOSE YOUR EYES - Sierra Jensen: Volume Two, Book Four by Robin Jones Gunn (Fiction)
Sierra has prayed and prayed for the unattainable Paul, but no answers have arrived yet. She hopes that a visit with her classmates to a homeless shelter will take her mind off Paul, but as luck would have it, he's working there! Finally they talk, and before Sierra knows it, Paul agrees to come over for dinner. Their evening together is perfect --- until Randy shows up on Sierra's doorstep. Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby.


Katie Parker

IN BETWEEN: A Katie Parker Production, Act 1 by Jenny B. Jones (Fiction)
With a mother in jail and a missing-in-action dad, teenager Katie Parker has never known what it's like to truly be loved. Low on options and family members, she is soon shipped off to a foster home. Now in an unfamiliar town, Katie's rebellious attitude is at odds with her new family, school and classmates. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

ON THE LOOSE: A Katie Parker Production, Act 2 by Jenny B. Jones (Fiction)
Six months into her stay with her foster parents, Katie Parker is finally adjusting to her new family. But after a tornado rips through the town of In Between, nothing is ever the same again. When her foster mom, Millie, is diagnosed with cancer, Katie begins to doubt if God really does care. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

THE WAR: An Intimate History, 1941-1945 by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns (History)
Focusing on the citizens of four quintessentially American towns, Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns's THE WAR follows more than 40 people who experienced World War II firsthand. Woven largely from their memories, the compelling, unflinching narrative unfolds month by bloody month, with the outcome always in doubt. Enriched by maps and hundreds of photographs --- including many never published before --- this intimate, profoundly affecting chronicle of the war that shaped our world is a companion to PBS's 15-hour, seven-part series "The War." The documentary, directed and produced by Burns and Lynn Novick, airs September 23rd thru October 2nd. Reviewed by Ron Kaplan.

-Click here to read an excerpt from THE WAR.

AWAY by Amy Bloom (Fiction)
Amy Bloom's second novel offers a frank portrayal of the underside of American life in the Roaring Twenties. Told through the eyes of a young Jewish immigrant starting out life in a new land, AWAY is also a heartrending and uplifting story of the power of one mother's love. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.