Hardy Middle School in DC

by Dave at Takoma Park Library I've been in the MidAtlantic states these days - a beautiful time to talk books and  take in the azaleas and dogwoods almost everywhere you go. I'm not sure I love driving in DC during the morning rush, but other than that, a great trip. A quick round up... A lovely children's and teens bookshop in Old Town Alexandria, VA Thanks to: Erika Denn at Candlewick Press for all her planning and last minute reshuffling Trish Brown and Ellen Klein (Hooray for Books) for a terrific YA panel with Adina Gewirtz and KP Madonia on girls, messy lives, and books. If you don't have The Zebra Forest and Fingerprints of You on your reading list, please add these terrific titles. Karen MacPherson (Takoma Park Library) and Kerri Poore (Politics & Prose) for a lovely evening talking about books and compassion Dara LaPorte (The Open Book Foundation) for providing my author visit and copies of YAQUI DELGADO WANTS TO KICK YOUR ASS to about 150 8th graders at (Hardy MS). Shout outs to Perinne Punwami (a really exciting teacher at Hardy); my sister-in-law Laura Quigley; and author-pal Wendy Shang for being part of all the fun, too. L-R: Trish Brown(co-owner Hooray for Books), me, Adina Gewirtz, KP Madonia, Ellen Klein (co-owner) Rose Hardy Middle School in DC a present from one of the 8th graders! Very cool! The restored interior of Hardy MS. Gorgeous!