31 top authors for teens will participate in online chats that are open to teens anywhere with an Internet connection this month. All the chats are at 8 pm Eastern, and some of the authors include Brent Hartinger, Stephanie Meyer, Holly Black, Ann Brashares and Meg Cabot. The full schedule, downloadable posters and bookmarks, plus directions to join the chats, are all posted on the Readergirlz website.

 Anastasia Goodstein, author of the book pictured here, and of the Ypulse.com blog, will be touring Massachusetts in early October as part of her national book tour. She will be appearing at the libraries listed below. If you get the chance to hear her speak, go! She’s one of the top experts on this topic and it’s awesome that she will be in our state!

Contact the host library to be sure of the time/date before you go. The program at Marlborough Public Library is through the Central Region - you can register at http://www.cmrls.org/. Hope you can make it to see her!

Tuesday, October 2, time tba Clapp Memorial Library, Belchertown, MA

Wednesday, October 3, 4 p.m. Manchester-By-The-Sea Public Library, Manchester, MA

Wednesday, October 3, 7:00 p.m. Peabody Institute Library

Thursday, October 4, 3 p.m. Wareham Free Library, Wareham, MA

Thursday, October 4, 8 p.m. Strugis Charter Public School, Hyannis, MA

Friday, October 5, 6:30 p.m. Westport Free Public Library, Westport, MA

Tuesday, October 9, 6:30 p.m. Faneuil Branch Library, Brighton, MA

Wednesday, October 10, 10 a.m. Metrowest MA Regional Library System, Waltham, MA

Wednesday, October 10, 7 p.m. Chickering Elementary School & Dover Schools, Dover, MA

Thursday, October 11, 10 a.m. Marlborough Public Library, Marlborough, MA

Thursday, October 11, 7 p.m. Sargent Memorial Library, Boxborough, MA

Simon & Schuster is looking to give away advance reader copies of new YA titles … to TEENS! For free! Here’s some info from their site:

———–

Do you work with or know teens (ages 14-18) who . . .

• LOVE TO READ?
• simply can’t wait to get their hands on the newest and hottest books by their favorite authors?
• LIKE COOL PRIZES?
• are part of or looking to start a teen reading group?
• are trying to find an awesome activity to add to their resume for college applications?
• WOULD LOVE TO RECEIVE ADVANCED READER’S COPIES OF BOOKS BEFORE THEY’RE PUBLISHED?
• already write book reviews for the school paper?
• spend tons of time on the internet blogging?
• run to tell you exactly what they think about a story — love it or hate it — as soon as they finish the last page, and wish they had a way to share their opinions with the publisher?
• WANT FREE BOOKS?

Then help them find out more about joining the Pulse IT Board!

• The Pulse It Board is a reviewer board composed of teenagers ages 14-18.
• Members receive FREE books and Advanced Reader’s Copies of new titles on an ongoing basis. In exchange, all they have to do is tell us — love it or hate it — what they think and why. Really, truly, it’s that easy!
• The books members receive are new, exciting and selected specifically for them — no leftovers ever! Members will love getting books by some of their favorite authors or that are part of their favorite series and will also have the chance to test out fantastic first time novelists.
• All members receive the same book at the same time, which makes it possible to host reading and discussion groups.
• Pulse IT Board members also have exclusive access to contests and prizes!
• REMEMBER: Membership is FREE and open to EVERYONE ages 14-18!
• Encourage your students to visit www.SimonSaysTEEN.com/pulseit for more information and to sign up today!

 To find out more about this program, go to the PULSE it website. 

I just read an article in USA Today about Nicolas Cage and his son writing a 6-volume graphic novel series together. Wow! The cover art looks pretty amazing - I wonder how the story is?

BTW, he’s one of my favorite actors! He was great in National Treasure!

Wow. That’s all I can say - and what a lot of you said on your evaluations of Brent Hartinger’s presentation this week! If you weren’t there, Brent talked about making reading relevant for today’s teens, censorship, the history of teen literature and SO much more. He was inspiring, passionate, funny, and conveyed a deep respect for teens and their right to read - while being entertaining and engaging. The morning flew by and we all wish he could have stayed longer. If you attended, what did you think were the high points? What are the top two issues he discussed that you went right back and shared with other librarians or teachers? Add your comments and let’s keep it going!