Welcome, Ellen Hopkins!

We are thrilled to welcome Ellen Hopkins to readergirlz. Her novel in verse, IMPULSE, is our April pick! Check out the our interview with Ellen, book party ideas themed around IMPULSE, and our Reach Out project idea--as well as the awesome soundtrack Ellen's chosen for the book--over at readergirlz.com.

Here's a little about the book: "Three lives, three different paths to the same destination: Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital for those who have attempted the ultimate act - suicide. In one instant three young people decided enough was enough. Vanessa's beloved blade cut just a little deeper. Tony downed a bottle of pills with a fifth of whiskey. Conner chose the gun. But fate -- or loved ones -- intervened. Now they have a second chance, and maybe with each others' help, they can find their way to a better life. But only if they're strong and can fight the demons that brought them here in the first place."

And the buzz...

"I am personally so happy to finally feature Ellen Hopkins for a month at readergirlz! Impulse is a wonderful selection to highlight National Poetry Month and Operation Teen Book Drop '09. Ellen's raw, edgy writing is inspiring in its truth. I'm looking forward to amazing discussions this month!" - Lorie Ann Grover, readergirlz diva

"Sharp, searing free verse . . . fast, jagged, hypnotic." - Kirkus Reviews

"A riveting, fast-paced story of teenage hurt and healing." - VOYA

2008 ALA Best Book For Teens

2008 Georgia Peach Award

"Impulse saved my life. Not in a metaphorical sense, it literally saved my life." - a reader

Could we be more excited? Join us all month right here on the blog for discussions and mark your calendars a LIVE chat on Wednesday, April 22nd at 6pm PST/9pm EST.

Happy April, readergirlz!