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readergirlz is a literacy and social media project for teens, awarded the National Book Foundation's Innovations in Reading Prize. The rgz blog serves as a depot for news and YA reviews from industry professionals and teens. As volunteers return full force to their own YA writing, the organization continues to hold one initiative a year to impact teen literacy. All are welcome to "like" us on Facebook!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Remembering L.K. Madigan

The YA world's heart is breaking this week as we learned of the loss of Lisa Madigan, Morris Award-winning author of FLASH BURNOUT and THE MERMAID'S MIRROR. She touched so many lives through her kindness, bravery, and truthful words.

I didn't know her well, but my one meeting with her will always be significant to me. We were both at ALA this last summer and met through our mutual friends (Lisa is on the far left).


Then we went out to lunch with a group, and somehow Lisa and I ended up connecting - not on a superficial level, but on a heart level. Even in a moment, I could tell that's the kind of person Lisa was. We talked about loss and writing and the things that matter. She told me about her early battle with cancer, and her beautiful husband and son. I told her the story behind Tell Me a Secret. We both cried a little.

I won't ever forget that.

I just saw one of Lisa's best friends at an author event yesterday, reminding me of how connected we are and how much one loss affects us all. Lisa's husband has posted on her blog about the outpouring of support and will continue to keep her blog open. Also, we can show our tangible support by contributing to her son's college trust fund (details at the above link).

And we can continue to buy and read her books to remember her. Check out FLASH BURNOUT and THE MERMAID'S MIRROR to celebrate her life.

Lisa, we miss you.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I was at that ALA and I am kicking myself that I didn't know she was there. Now I'll never get the chance to meet her in person. :(

Little Willow said...

She will be missed. As you said, Holly, the outpouring of support and love in the book community has been a testament to her. I hope that something amazing comes from that community for her family and loved ones. I wish I had known her better, and had had the chance to meet her in person.

Micol Ostow said...

Thank you for this post, Holly. I didn't know LK beyond the kidlit cyberverse, but it's clear her reach was wide and valued.

Melissa Walker said...

I'm looking forward to her books, which have long been on my list. She will absolutely be missed.

Lorie Ann Grover said...

Thank you so much for sharing, Holly. Beautiful...