Author Laurie Halse Anderson visits with Middle Schoolers

Today I was thrilled to host award-winning Young Adult author Laurie Halse Anderson in the Sixth Avenue library. Laurie is currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of her first novel, the now classic Speak, and also promoting her new title, Wintergirls, a dark story of friendship gone wrong and eating disorders, which will be published in March. She was also recently awarded the Margaret A. Edwards award by the American Library Association for her “significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.” LREI was asked by Laurie’s publisher, Penguin Group, if some of our students could read Wintergirls and then participate in a filmed book discussion with Laurie for their website. Time was short, Laurie was only going to be in town for a few days, so I had to find readers, and fast! When I solicited the 8th grade during lunch last week, several students jumped at the chance to interact with one of their favorite authors, and read ARCS (Advanced Reviewer Copies) of Wintergirls over the weekend. The discussion was lively and thought provoking, touching on everything from eating disorders and depression to celebrities and popular music. Afterwards, the students had their books personalized and signed by the author. I was so proud of our students, and once Penguin Group edits the video, we hope to post it on our school website as well for all to enjoy.

I’ll see you in the library,

Jennifer Hubert Swan, MS librarian