RISK-TAKING

Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson

Ashley Hannigan doesn't care about the prom, even though her best friend, Natalia, is the queen bee in charge. Ash has enough to deal with; her slacker boyfriend wants her to move in and her loud and pregnant mother won't let her move out. When the faculty advisor is busted for stealing the prom money, Ash finds herself roped into putting together the dance. But she has plenty of help -- from her large and loving (if exasperating!) family, from Nat's crazy grandmother, and from her classmates. Creating a magical night teaches Ash a few things about dancing to the beat of her own drummer and making her dreams come true.

Download this month's poster.

New York Times bestseller
Booklist starred review
Kirkus starred review
IRA Young Adults' Choice
VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School readers

Laurie Halse Anderson

On your nightstand: Flashlight, notebook, pen (all for middle of the night ideas) and my inhaler.

Favorite drink while you write: Tea or coffee

Favorite bookstore: River's End Bookstore, Oswego, NY

Favorite library: Mexico Public Library, Mexico, NY

Pet: Kezzie (my German Shepherd)

Place to write: The loft of our house

Inspiration: My readers

Dream book tour: One that includes Paris, Edinburgh, and Tokyo

Author-buddies: Sarah Dessen, Chris Crutcher, Holly Black

Cure for writer's block: Run 5 miles

Favorite outfit: Jeans and hoodie sweatshirt, sneakers

Long-hand or laptop? Laptop

Stilettos or Uggs? Uggs!!!

Author idol: Francesca Lia Block

Next up: Chains (Fall 2008), Wintergirls (Spring 2009)

Previous YA novels: Twisted, Speak, Catalyst, Fever 1793

Interviews: YA Books Central, Debbi Michiko Florence, Teen Reads

Website: www.writerlady.com

Roundtable: readergirlz divas, postergirlz, and special guests discuss the book Prom - and their own prom experiences!

 

rgz LIVE!

Discuss the book with the author herself! Laurie Halse Anderson will be chatting live at the readergirlz forum on Thursday, June 19th. The chat will start at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST and last for about an hour.

rgz planned to showcase The Cinderella Project, but the successful program isn't accepting prom dresses until January 2009. Put it on your calendar, rgz, and in the meantime, consider GoodSearch this month! Make it matter!

China's recent earthquake took more than 80,000 lives, many of them students.

You don't need tons of cash to support relief efforts. Download GoodSearch (www.goodsearch.com), a search engine powered by Yahoo! that donates 50% of its revenue to the charity of your choice.

Participating charities that are helping with earthquake relief include AmeriCares, Direct Relief International, International Committee of the Red Cross, and Save the Children, among others.

Search the web and support a good cause, rgz!

These tunes were hand-picked by the author to accompany her book.

• Existentialism on Prom Night -- Straylight Run
• How Far We've Come -- Matchbox Twenty
• Girls Just Wanna Have Fun -- Cindy Lauper
• I Summon You -- Spoon
• Nowhere and Everywhere -- Michelle Lewis
• With You -- Chris Brown
• Stairway to Heaven -- Led Zeppelin
• Learn to Fly -- Foo Fighters
• My Wish -- Rascal Flatts

What did you think of Prom? Speak with other readers at the readergirlz forum, open 24/7.

Here are some things to consider and discuss . . .

What is the point of having a prom?

How much money should teens spend on their prom? Should schools or parents limit how much money is spent?

How is Carceras High like your school? How is it different?

Some people say prom is a teenager's first chance to act like a real adult. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Why do you think so many teens drink on prom night? What should be done about this?

What would your fantasy prom night be like?

Because of her work on the prom committee, Ashley changes the way she thinks of her future. What activities have changed the way you look at yourself?

How is Ashley's happy ending different from Cinderella's . . . or is it the same? Which is more realistic? Is there such a thing as "Prince Charming" or "happily ever after?"

 

Invite: Make it look like a prom invitation (Click here for ideas!)

Food: Non-alcoholic champagne, hot dogs (Hannigan family favorite), pizza (in honor of Ashley's workplace), microwave popcorn (TJ's date food of choice)

Décor: Balloons, streamers, a mirror ball, and music! Don't forget the Philly touches - all of the sports teams like the Eagles, Phillies, and 76ers

Movies: 10 Things I Hate About You, Pretty in Pink, Footloose

Crafts: Make tiaras. Paint sneakers sparkly as if they were stilettos (but way more comfortable!) Decorate votive candleholders and plastic champagne glasses with glitter and the date of the prom party.

 

Recommended by postergirlz, the readergirlz advisory council

Fiction:
Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson
It's Not About the Accent by Caridad Ferrer
Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher
A Step From Heaven by An Na
She's So Money by Cherry Cheva

Join us in July to discuss Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.

 

 

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