Chinook Update

Call for Presenters for our 2012-2013 Season!

noreply@blogger.com (CocoaStomp) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:38:00 +0000

SCBWI Western Washington is seeking workshop presenters for our 2012-2013 season. Our chapter holds monthly Professional Series Meetings from September through May. We welcome fresh and compelling workshop ideas for any of these events! Details and application form after the jump:

Workshops may address topics relevant to potential attendees that include (but aren’t limited to) the craft of writing and illustrating for children, book marketing, or the latest industry trends. As a presenter, you’re expected to share information and experience, but may not use our events as a platform for commercial sales, self-promotion, political discussions, or to criticize competitors or public figures.

Workshop Categories

Mini-Sessions for our Professional Series Meetings should be approximately 30 minutes long, which includes 5-10 minutes for questions and answers.
Main Programs for our Professional Series Meetings should be approximately 60 minutes long, which includes 10-15 minutes for questions and answers.

Presenter Benefits

Complimentary access to other workshops on the day of your presentation
Your books sold through our on-site bookstore and autographing time
Potential recommendations to other SCBWI regions as a knowledgeable industry resource
Improved profile for your organization
The knowledge that you’ve helped writers and/or illustrators overcome obstacles you had to overcome to get where you are
Honorarium
All mini-session and main session presenters also receive one regional programming meetings passport to our professional series meetings

To be considered as a workshop presenter, please complete the form below by JUNE 1, 2012. Please read through the form before filling it out. Note that questions with red stars indicate required fields. If you would like to propose more than one workshop or presentation, please fill out a form for each workshop or presentation.

Your application will be reviewed by our Advisory Committee during our annual planning meeting in June. We’ll take into account your presenting history, the workshop’s relevancy to the majority of our members and subscribers, and originality. We strive to balance our programs between craft, marketing, and trend-watching, and we look for variety in speakers and topics from one year to the next.

If you are selected as a workshop presenter, we will notify you during the summer of 2012. We will only contact you if we are interested in your workshop (please don’t e-mail to inquire). Occasionally we roll over applications that have appeal but don’t work out for the current year, in which case you would hear from us during a different year to find out if you’re still interested in presenting the workshop.

Presenters of successful submissions will be required to confirm their participation within 30 days of being notified and must adhere to SCBWI Western Washington speaking policies.

Thanks for your support of our region’s writers and illustrators of books for children! We're trying something new with the online form—if you have any trouble filling out the form below, please email info@scbwi-washington.org.

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The R Word

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Tue, 29 May 2012 18:52:00 +0000

Need a new way to handle rejection? Barb Davis-Pyles’s latest post on The Mind’s Elbow has got you covered!!! Check out this inspiring post here.

Thanks Barb!! Awesome post!

Good News For Lois V. Harris

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Sat, 26 May 2012 16:49:00 +0000

Lois V. Harris received some good news. Her book, MARY CASSATT: IMPRESSIONIST PAINTER, was reviewed on YouTube by the Children Book Mix. Here's the link to check out!

For more information on Lois, and her work, you can check out her website.

Graphic Novel Workshop with Rollin Thomas

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:50:00 +0000

A Pratt Fine Art School--Weekend Workshop: Creating Your Own Graphic Novel Taught by Rollin Thomas

Bar Code 2739

This is a good introductory course for beginning graphic novelists and for picture book creators.

This is a two day intensive weekend workshop offered on Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3 from 10 am to 6 pm. We will break for lunch at 1 pm both days. Bring your lunch and we can chat about our favorite graphic novels.

It is intensive but we will cover what you need to know to start and even get started creating your own novel. We will start with terminology, look at drawing styles, media choices, page layouts and pacing, character creation and story lines, both plotted and non plotted. We will look at drawing emotion and picking the right moment to illustrate in each frame/panel and how to move the readers eye to follow the story line and get them to turn the page. Balloon, editorial boxes and other storytelling tools we will tryout for ourselves. We will even get some time to talk about coloring and who to send your work out to sell and get published. Lectures to see process and examples plus exercises will make this a fun weekend. You need only bring a pencil (a number 2 will do) and copier paper. It is also nice to have but not necessary: a pad of tracing paper 8-1/2" by 11", a 12" ruler or any straight edge, and one nice eraser--I like white plastic.

You can register here.

You can also check out Rollin's website for more information about Rollin.

Good news for local member Elizabeth Rose Stanton

noreply@blogger.com (CocoaStomp) — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:28:00 +0000

Look at this happy chick who'll soon be in a book from Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster! Read the details on Elizabeth Rose Stanton's blog and while you're there, check out Elizabeth's interview on Kathy Temean's blog. Congrats, Elizabeth and Henny!

Spots available this summer at picture book boot camp!

noreply@blogger.com (Martha Brockenbrough) — Thu, 24 May 2012 02:01:00 +0000

The University of Washington is pleased to offer ILLUSTRATING CHILDREN'S BOOKS, evenings on the Seattle campus, June 19 - July 12.

Illustrator and SCBWI WWA Co-Regional Advisor Jaime Temairik is here to help you get your picture book art and/or text in shape! Details after the jump.

In eight classes, beginners and seasoned picture book makers alike will complete a picture book dummy.

If you're new to picture books and want to give them a try, this is the class for you.

If you think you know how to make a picture book, but you're stuck on a project, this class will help figure out what's been holding you back.

You've heard all those golden picture book rules before, you say? Ask yourself, am I following all of them? Will it hurt to be reminded of them?

This class will introduce you to key picture book making concepts, or help you dig a little deeper on what you think you already know.

We'll be meeting eight evenings in June and July, and it's a great chance to devote yourself more fully to the art of making picture books.

If you've been having trouble practicing picture book making regularly and/or frequently, this class will help you commit to a summer of butt in chair!

There are still spots left in the class, be sure to register soon, click to visit class details and registration pages.

http://www.pce.uw.edu/courses/illustrating-childrens-picture-books/uw-seattle-summer-2012/

https://www.outreach.washington.edu/registration/InitUser.asp?SysID=EX&COURSEID=116709

Guest speakers include: Author/Illustrator Ben Clanton and University Book Store Children's Book Buyer Lauren Mayer.

http://www.benclanton.com/
http://www.bookstore.washington.edu/home/home.taf?

Brianna Caplan Sayres Online Book Launch

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:06:00 +0000

Fellow SCBWI WWA Member Brianna Caplan Sayres invites you to join her in celebrating the publication of her first picture book, WHERE DO DIGGERS SLEEP AT NIGHT?.

Brianna would definitely "dig it" if you click on by her website for an Online Truck Stop Book Launch from Tuesday May 22 through Thursday May 24! There will be tons of truck and picture book fun (including a link to the book's brand new trailer which can "fuel" your interest in the story.)

Hope you can make it to the (virtual) party!

Art Matters

noreply@blogger.com (J. Elizabeth Mills) — Tue, 22 May 2012 03:40:00 +0000

In the words of Neil Gaiman in this video of his commencement address at University of the Arts:

"Do what only you can do--make good art."

The Perfect Article for Monday Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:39:00 +0000

Before you pull out your WIP or get ready to create something new and amazing, grab your cup of coffee (or tea) and take a few moments to read this Publishers' Weekly article, "Giving Birth to Bitterblue." BITTERBLUE is Author Kristin Cashore's third novel (which was #2 on the New York Times Bestseller list two weeks after it's release on May 1).

This article not only tells the story of how the book was written, but it also shows an amazing relationship between an author and her editor. Check it out! You'll feel inspired for the week ahead! Thanks to Laurie for sending it in!

Jennifer Holm Book Event

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Sun, 20 May 2012 19:28:00 +0000

Author Jennifer L. Holm reads from her new SQUISH book, SQUISH NO.3 THE POWER OF THE PARASITE on Sunday, May 27, at 2 p.m. at Secret Garden Bookshop.

Jennifer L. Holm “WriterGirl” and her brother “InkBoy” Matthew Holm are pioneers in the genre of graphic novels for young readers. The beloved BABYMOUSE series debuted in 2005 and now has over 1.5 million copies in print.

In their new series, SQUISH, young readers follow an average comic book-loving, Twinkie-eating, grade-school kid who just happens to be an amoeba. Squish is trying to find his place in the world, inspired by his favorite comic book hero, Super Amoeba. Squish’s story combines the worlds of school, family, and friends, with the fascinating scientific world of single-celled organisms.

You can find out more information about the event at Secret Garden's website.

Stephanie Guerra Book Launch

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:18:00 +0000

Come and join Fellow SCBWI WWA member Stephanie Guerra as she reads from her debut YA novel, TORN, at Secret Garden books on Sunday, May 20, at 5 p.m.

TORN is realistic fiction that explores a dangerous friendship, and poses the question: how far would you go to help a friend?

You can check out the book trailer for TORN here!! For more information on Stephanie and her work, you can visit her website.

The Difference Between MG and Chapter Books

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:22:00 +0000

Here's a great article on Operation Awesome (a wonderful resource for writers!) about the difference between writing chapter books and middle grade fiction. The article is written by Author Kurtis Scaletta and is a great one to check out!! Thanks to Laurie for sending the article!!

Book Review & Giveaway!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:23:00 +0000

Fellow SCBWI WWA member Dorine White has recently reviewed THE LOST CODE, a new YA book written by fellow SCBWI WWA member Kevin Emerson!!! Not only can you check out the review, but you can sign up to try and win a signed copy! Head over to The Write Path for more information.

If you want to write nonfiction...

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Thompson) — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:44:00 +0000

Some of you may remember the amazing breakout session given by Debbie Reber at our annual conference a few years ago about how to write a nonfiction book proposal. Whether you missed it or loved it here's an opportunity to hear it all again--plus so much more!

From Debbie:

"Do you have an idea for a nonfiction book you want to traditionally publish? Write Your Irresistible Book Proposal is a unique, small-group telecourse—part lecture and Q&A, part one-on-one coaching and feedback, part accountability and community support—that guides you through the process of writing a nonfiction book proposal. At the end of the 6-month course, you’ll have a polished proposal you can confidently pitch to agents and publishers. Find out about all the class details, schedule, pricing and more here: http://www.debbiereber.com/irresistible-books-proposals/"

Submission Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Sat, 12 May 2012 17:23:00 +0000

Remember to always read through all information before submitting your work.

Going Deeper: A Process Rather Than A Technique

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Thompson) — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:18:00 +0000

I just had to share a few excerpts from this amazing post, which author Robin LaFevers wrote over at Writer Unboxed.

"Going deeper involves exposing oneself, but by degrees rather than all at once. A sense of peeling back a little skin, one layer at a time, seeing how much it stings, acclimating, then doing the whole thing over again and revealing a little more...

In order to do that, we have to be willing to explore our self—what are our issues? No really. The ones we don’t like to face or talk about. The ones that make us squirm, or we’re reluctant to admit even to our therapist. I hate to be the one to tell you, but those are where some of our most powerful writing will spring from... Yeah, you have to look there."

and

"If you’re not pushing yourself hard enough that you sometimes feel like giving up, then maybe you’re not pushing yourself hard enough."

She then goes on to detail seven techniques that helped her dig deeper in her own writing. Be sure to read the full post here.

Katherine Grace Bond Launch Party!

noreply@blogger.com (CocoaStomp) — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:31:00 +0000

Saturday, May 12th, you are all invited to a “Celebrity” Book launch at Parkplace Books in Kirkland for Katherine Grace Bond’s THE SUMMER OF NO REGRETS.

For party details and to RSVP visit www.sonr.eventbrite.com

Tuesday's SCBWI WWA Regional Program Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:05:00 +0000

Don't forget Tuesday night is our monthly SCBWI WWA regional program meeting! The meeting will be held at Seattle Pacific University, Demaray Hall, Room 150. Registration at 6:45 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m.

It's going to be our last meeting until September! Our main session speaker, Lois Brandt, will be speaking on revision and asks those attending to read over your WIP so that your characters and story are fresh in your mind!!

Here's the monthly meeting page from our website for information on directions and more!

Kevin Emerson Book Launch

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:53:00 +0000

Come and join Fellow SCBWI WWA member Kevin Emerson as he reads from the first book in his brand new YA series, THE LOST CODE: BOOK ONE OF THE ATLANTEANS at Secret Garden books on Friday May 25, at 7 p.m.

Kevin Emerson's thrilling novel is BOOK ONE OF THE ATLANTEANS series--perilous adventures in a grimly plausible dystopian future, fueled by high-stakes action, budding romance, and a provocative question: What would you do if you had the power to save humanity from its own self-destruction?

For more information on Kevin, and his work (including his music), you can visit his website.

Summer Writing Workshops for Kids and Teens

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Sun, 06 May 2012 17:44:00 +0000

Fellow SCBWI WWA member Margaret Nevinski is offering several writing workshops for kids and teens this summer. For more information you can visit her website.

Creative Writing Workshop (Ages 8-11)
There are three workshops for this age group:
M-F, Aug. 13-17, 9:30-noon
M-F, Aug. 20-24, 9:30-noon
M-F, Aug. 20-24, 1:00-3:30 p.m.

These workshops are sponsored through Bainbridge Island Parks & Rec and will be held at Strawberry Hill Center on Bainbridge Island. For info or to register, visit www.biparks.org. Registration is open.

There are two teen workshops--one for younger teens and one for all teen writers.

Teen Creative Writing Workshop (Ages 12-15)
M-F, Aug. 13-17, 1:00-3:30 p.m.

This workshop is sponsored by Bainbridge Island Parks & Rec and will be held at Strawberry Hill Center on Bainbridge Island. For more info or to register, visit www.biparks.org. Registration is open.

Teen Writing Workshop: Unleash Your Creative Beast (Ages 13-19)
Wed. July 18, 25 and Aug. 1, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

This workshop is sponsored by Field's End and will be held at Bainbridge Public Library. For more info or to register, visit www.fieldsend.org. Registration opens May 22.

More Good News for Craig Orback!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Sat, 05 May 2012 20:11:00 +0000

Craig Orback has more great news about THE CAN MAN. The book won the 2012 New York State Reading Association's
Charlotte Award! Nearly 12,000 students across New York State voted for the winner from the list of nominees. It's especially exciting because they only choose winners every 2 years.

The author (now in Seattle) Laura E Williams and Craig Orback the illustrator will be traveling this fall to upstate New York to pick up their awards.

You can learn more about Craig's illustration work at his website.

University Bookstore May Events

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:52:00 +0000

University Bookstore has some fantastic events this month!!! Here are a few to peruse...

Wednesday • May 9 • 7pm

Kristin Cashore

BITTERBLUE

Reading & Book Signing

University Temple United Methodist Church, Chapel 1415 NE 43rd Street

If you read Kristen Cashore's books Graceling or Fire we imagine you are eagerly awaiting this new companion to that series. Bitterblue is now the queen of Monsea, but her kingdom is still under the spell of a madman–her father. It takes two thieves to help her move her kingdom past the man's influence.

Tuesday • May 15 • 7pm

ParentMap presents Howard Behar

COFFEE TALK: A CONVERSATION WITH TEENS ON PASSIONS AND LIFE PURPOSE.

Reading & Book Signing

Village Theatre, 303 Front Street, North Issaquah

An empowering talk on leadership for teens and their parents. Drawing on his incredible life experiences, former president of Starbucks inspires teens to explore their values and begin plotting a course to realize their dreams. Join Howard Behar, former president of Starbucks Coffee Company and author of It's Not About The Coffee, for an enlightening, inspirational, and refreshing talk about leadership principles that is sure to energize and motivate the minds of both young and the young at heart (that's you parents!). Pulling from life experience, Mr. Behar will enlighten and inform by sharing anecdotes about his own leadership decisions that went on to make Starbucks the multi-billion dollar, international success that it is today. Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door. Visitparentmap.com/lectures for more information.

Saturday • May 19 • 11am

University Book Store's Annual Bookmark Contest Awards Ceremony

Bellevue store

Every year, University Book Store asks K – 8 kids to send us designs for our bookmark contest, and every year we marvel at the creativity and craftsmanship of our community. On May 19, we honor our favorites from four divisions by printing them for our customers, and holding an awards ceremony. This year's theme, Words Make Worlds, inspired some remarkable work by some remarkable kids. Stop by and check them out.

They also have kid's story times throughout the month. For more information on May's events you can check out their website.

Holly Cupala Oregon Event

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Holly Cupala has two upcoming events in the Portland area - Oregon folks, we hope to see you!

Saturday May 5 at 2pm Joëlle Anthony and Holly Cupala at Powell's! Powell's Books At Cedar Hills Crossing 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton, OR map Joëlle will be launching her new YA, THE RIGHT AND THE REAL, and Holly will be in Portland for the first time signing DON'T BREATHE A WORD! There will be readings, prizes, signings, and (rumor has it) chocolate!

Saturday May 12 at 1pm DON'T BREATHE A WORD signing at A Children's Place! A Children's Place 4807 Northeast Fremont Street Portland, OR map Join Holly for behind the scenes secrets, swag, and lots of fun in beautiful Portland, OR. I might even bring some DON'T BREATHE A WORD lemon cake (Joy's favorite)... Bring your friends! Your neighbors! Your neighbors' friends! Your friends' neighbors!

For more information on Holly, and her work, you can visit her website.

Third Place Books May Events

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:05:00 +0000

Third Place Books has so many exciting happenings this month...Here are just a few to check it out!!!

May 4:
Author Rick Riordan is coming to Third Place Books stage.

Tickets are required and go on-sale Wednesday, April 18. Ticket (Book) price is $19.99 (plus tx), and includes entry for two people and and one signed copy of THE SERPENT'S SHADOW.

Chairs will be available at 5pm (the event is from 6-7 p.m.) Mr. Riordan will be speaking from the Third Place Books Stage only, there will be no formal signing line. Signed books will be distributed after Mr. Riordan leaves the stage.

May 5:
The LAST APPRENTICE: GRIMALKIN THE WITCH ASSASSIN by Joseph Delaney

This event is from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

For the first time, fans of the Last Apprentice series will hear the story from Grimalkin's side, as she is hunted herself by creatures of darkness set on revenge.

Grimalkin has never been defeated. But can she survive an enemy created for the sole purpose of destroying her?

May 7:

Celebrate Children's Week Kick Off with Deb Caletti & Kirby Larson from 7-8 p.m.

Established in 1919, Children's Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the country. Each year, books for young people and the joy of reading are feted for a full week with author and illustrator appearances, storytelling, parties, and other book-related events at schools, libraries, bookstores, museums, and homes from coast to coast!

Administered by Every Child A Reader and sponsored by the Children's Book Council, Children's Book Week celebrates the transformative power of literacy.

Come discuss Deb and Kirby's newest books, and be entered to win swag and YA reader books!!

For more information on Third Place Books, and events, you can visit their website.

Secret Garden May Events

noreply@blogger.com (Rebekah Jensen) — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:00:00 +0000

May is a busy month at Secret Garden Books...Check out the following events!!!

May 1:
Author/Illustrator Julie Paschkis shares her new book MOOSHKA: A QUILT STORY at 7 p.m.

Tonight's celebration is a benefit for Poject Linus, which gives blankets to children in need. We'll donate a percentage of profits from sales of MOOSHKA directly to the charity. Additionally, you can donate fabric in the form of 1/2 yard or more of new cotton or fleece. Also, we'll be raffling fat quarters from In the Beginning Fabrics, (designed by Julie!). To top it all off, we invite you to bring a quilt and share your story about it in our Quilt Story Slam. Free event.

May 3:

Author Danika Dinsmore reads from her new book: BRIGITTA OF THE WHITE FOREST, BOOK TWO: THE RUINS OF NOE at 7 p.m.

Brigitta’s adventures continue when the balance of the White Forest is disturbed and the Elders lose contact with the Ethereals. Against their advice, High Priestess Ondelle asks Brigitta to accompany her to the old faerie ruins of Noe to find a way to reconnect with the Ancients. What they discover when they arrive is something they never learned from any faerie tale. Why had this dark secret been kept from them? Why in the name of Faweh had the Ancients left some faeries behind?

Danika Dinsmore is a writer, spokenword artist, and educator. She teaches world-building and speculative fiction writing with a focus on literature for young adults and children. She lives and plays in Vancouver, B.C. Free.

May 4:

Double Dystopian: Stephen Wallenfels POD and Maureen Doyle McQueery, THE PECULIARS. This free event starts at 7 p.m.

A couple of dystopian authors from two different publishing houses are coming. They're best friends, so we're having them both come talk together about the worlds they've created.

In POD, as alien spacecraft fill the sky and zap up any human being who dares to go outside, fifteen-year-old Josh and twelve-year-old Megs, living in different cities, describe what could be their last days on Earth. Author Stephen Wallenfels lives in eastern Washington State. THE PECULIARS, a dark and thrilling adventure with an unforgettable heroine, will captivate fans of steampunk, fantasy and romance.

May 6:

Secret Garden books is thrilled to announce another great piece of programming due to our ongoing partnership with Seattle Children’s Theatre on May 6 at 12 p.m.

During the run of each show of the season, we will be hosting weekend Drama Story events with the AMAZING artists from Seattle Children’s Theatre. This one is THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR & OTHER ERIC CARLE FAVORITES.This Drama Story, like the play, is best for people aged 2-8. Join us for a rollicking fun story time, filled with interaction with the theatre artists at the free event.

May 16:

Author Mary Jane Beaufrand visits at 7 p.m. to share DARK RIVER.

When Ronnie moves from the city to a small town in rural Oregon, she feels secluded from everything and everyone -- except for Karen, a young girl whom she baby-sits. So when she discovers Karen's lifeless body in the river, Ronnie is compelled to uncover the truth and solve her murder. As she becomes increasingly obsessed with solving the mystery of Karen's death, Ronnie is led deeper and deeper into the woods surrounding the river and to the dark secret hidden within its midst.

Released in hardcover in 2010 as THE RIVER, DARK RIVER is the title now releasing in paperback. Mary Jane Beaufrand is the author of PRIMAVERA and THE RIVER, and several short stories. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from Bennington College.

May 19:

Announcing the first Seattle7Writers Book Mob from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Seattle7Writers, along with Secret Garden Books, will host the first Seattle Book Mob! A Book Mob is your chance to drop off your gently-used books for the Seattle7Writers pocket library program, which stocks bookshelves in homeless shelters, food banks, juvenile court waiting rooms, detention centers, and classrooms. While you're there, you can also buy a book at 20% off for an underfunded elementary classroom reading program, or buy a book for yourself from the well-stocked shelves of the local and independent Secret Garden Books.

Local novelist Erica Bauermeister and children's author Clare Meeker will be on hand to take your books. Why?: Because everybody deserves the joy of a good book of their own

What we need:

picture and children's books

young adult

fiction and literary fiction

mysteries

westerns

science fiction and fantasy

poetry

biographies

memoir

how-to (parenting and self-help)

What we do NOT need:

travel guides

computer/software manuals

coffee table picture books

massive histories of the Crimean war (etc)

Reader's Digest condensed books

Interior decorating and lifestyle

May 20:

Author Stephanie Guerra reads from her new book: TORN at 5 p.m.

Stella Chavez, a self-described “white girl in Latina skin,” has all the good-kid flags: straight A’s, clean-cut dates, and a wall full of soccer trophies. But when a new girl, Ruby Caroline, arrives in South Bend, she’s like a bomb set off in Stella’s life. No one at Mishawaka High can get over Ruby’s confidence (some say arrogance), her sexiness (some say sluttiness), or her pure love of trouble. Many kids are drawn to Ruby’s charisma, but Ruby chooses Stella as her only friend.
This is the story of a dangerous friendship, and the way girls can support each other through challenges their parents often don’t know about.

Stephanie Guerra has an M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Notre Dame. She teaches children’s literature and a seminar in writing instruction at Seattle University. She also teaches creative writing at King County Jail, and researches and speaks about literacy instruction for at-risk and incarcerated young adults. She encourages donation of used books to juvenile correctional facilities.

For more information on Secret Garden Events you can visit their website.