rgz NYC HOST: Melissa Walker celebrates UNBREAK MY HEART!

Oh my goodness, rgz! I meant to post about this closer to the date, but now we get to prolong Diva Melissa's launch for Unbreak My Heart!

“A super cute love story! Melissa Walker will inspire readers to never stop believing in true love.” —SUSANE COLASANTI, author of When It Happens and Keep Holding On

On Sunday, June 10th, readers, writers, bloggers and friends gathered at Book Court, Brooklyn -- a super-cool indie bookstore that does a great job promoting local writers, by the way! -- to fete Melissa's latest release. Writers in attendance included Marianna Baer, Barry Lyga, David Levithan, and more, and everyone enjoyed Melissa's reading, and Unbreak cookies! Here's a shot of Melissa with Katie Sise, author of the forthcoming Boyfriend App (2013). Note Melissa prominently displaying the book cookie. Yum!

Congrats again, Melissa! 

rgz Seattle HOST: Stephanie Guerra celebrates our own Diva Martha!

Did you know that our very own Martha Brockenbrough has a new book out? That's right -- Devine Intervention released on June 1st, and Seattle HOST Stephanie Guerra is here with the full report.

I'm thrilled to announce the release of Martha Brockenbrough's new book, Devine Intervention, a work of comic genius about the world’s worst guardian angel. Martha’s fabulous launch party was at Secret Garden Books in Seattle (see pictures below). Here are her thoughts about the launch, plus some peeks into her inspiration and writing process. Thank you, Martha, for sharing, and for writing this delectable book!

What were some of your favorite moments at the launch?

I loved the whole thing. Holy cow. I was surrounded by friends and family, delicious food—including an angel food cake from my editor, Arthur Levine—and music from a harpist who played the classic rock songs I referred to in my novel. In my book, I imagine an entertaining sort of heaven, a place where the grass is greener than green, the sky is Tidy Bowl blue, where elderly people frolic to the music performed by a heavenly choir called Nun of the Above. In real life, though, heaven is being surrounded by your favorite people on the day your life's big dream has come true. Confession: I bawled like an infant, but one who made the bad decision to wear non-waterproof mascara.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Devine Intervention?

A lot of things came together for me with this book, but the chief inspiration was the loss many years ago of someone I'd known in high school. She was one of those incredible people—beautiful, brilliant, athletic. And then she got cancer and passed away on her twenty-third birthday. During her memorial service, a friend said they used to talk about "when my life begins," referring to some time after graduation when they'd truly be alive. It was a deeply sad thing to hear, and that was the situation I started with, the idea of someone who'd died before she felt like she had a chance to live. I didn't want to write a deeply sad book, though, and was rescued by my character, Jerome, the world's worst guardian angel. I absolutely loved writing him.

Can you tell us something about your writing process?

It took me forever to learn how to write fiction. Even though I was always a good writer in school, and even though I've worked many years as a journalist, creating a world and populating it with human beings is enormously challenging for me. For anyone who feels the same way, keep working. You'll get there! 

But I finally have a system that seems to work. I start with some sort of potent situation and a character I care about. I write a sentence summarizing what the story might be. Then I wrap layers around it—additional details and complications—until I have what feels like a story arc. Then I start writing, to get a handle on the character's voice. I also wrestle with the best point of view to write the story in. 

As I do this, I think of things that will enrich the story, usually scenes that are particularly important, but sometimes lines I know I'd like to use. When I feel ready, I write a chapter-by-chapter summary that I use to guide my writing. I also keep track of the characters' relationships with each other, so these can evolve in an understandable fashion. 

Inevitably, I veer from the outline a bit as I learn more about the characters and the world. As long as the story is getting better, I don't mind that veering at all. Oh, and I sometimes share early drafts with very trusted friends and my agents, but I usually like to have the whole thing finished and cleaned up a bit before I pass it around much beyond that. 

Thanks so much, Stephanie, and congrats again, Martha! 

Cover Stories: Commercial Breaks by P.G. Kain

P.G. Kain is hilarious and very good at Words With Friends, I'll have you know. He also has a great website. His latest middle grade novel is out now, and he's here to share the story behind that bubbly cover:

"I really wanted the cover to convey the fact that this series is about the world of commercial castings. This is a very specific world. It's not exactly modeling, where you need to be beautiful and it's not exactly acting, where you need to be talented. Someone once told me that to be in commercials all you need is a face. That's true as you see very few amoeba or protozoa selling soft drinks on TV.

"I first imagined a cover that showed a photo of the pristine perfect world of the commercial in the center with a sun-drenched set and a tween model with an even sunnier smile.  But then the edges of the cover would be hand drawn in pencil and extend beyond the frame of photo to reveal  all of the people, cameras, riggings, etc. that were focused on making the on-set scene look 'natural.'

"[As far as involvement with the design], I was never asked to fill out one of those forms I know other authors get but I sent over many images and talked with my first editor about some ideas. The concept of using a type of collage with Polaroids was developed in house and I sent over images to expand on that idea..."

Read the rest of PG's Cover Story, and see the original cover, at melissacwalker.com.

The #MillionBooks Movement

The Million Books Movement is a campaign to send 1 million e- books to the children of Africa. 100,000 e-books have already been sent in this revolutionary book drive. With e-books, the goods can be delivered wirelessly and immediately.

Want to help? Post a banner, share the video below and tweet with #MillionBooks to build momentum.

Head here to donate and learn more. What an amazing movement!

 

Cover Stories: The Rivals by Daisy Whitney

Daisy Whitney's here with a new Cover Story!

"I only vaguely had a cover idea in mind for The Rivals, and it was similar to what I had originally envisioned for The Mockingbirds (read that Cover Story) -- something akin to the hardback cover of The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, i.e. something that just screamed "girl at boarding school." And what I've learned as a reader is that I very much prefer books with strong girls on the cover -- like Frankie, or like the cover of Where She Went (read that Cover Story), or What I Saw and How I Lied.

"The cover change (from the Mockingbirds hardback and The Rivals arc) came about through a conversation I had with my editor about a year ago about the type of covers I like and so on. She really wants her authors to love their covers, so when she learned that I had liked the hardcover, but would have preferred a photographic cover, she asked me to send her my favorite covers and that they would consider a redo for the paperback and the hardcover of The Rivals..."

See the early covers, and read the rest of Daisy's Cover Story, at melissacwalker.com.

rgz Newsflash: New Kephart Book Trailer

So happy to share our beloved Beth Kephart's latest book trailer for Small Damages. It will be available in July. Look at this beautiful cover!



Okay, listen in...Congratulations, Beth!



Small Damages
by Beth Kephart
Philomel, 2012

Cover Stories: Fracture by Megan Miranda

Megan Miranda's Fracture cover is wintry and haunting (oh, and the book inside got a starred PW review, too!). Here she is to talk about how her debut cover came to be:

"I had a very vague idea for the cover: a girl on the other side of the ice, looking out. But I am also, admittedly, not gifted in the art department. We discussed the idea I had, and they gave another idea as well: a girl, in a red coat, standing on the ice—with maybe a crack running through the surface. I loved that one, as well. I believe they toyed with both these ideas, but found that such a literal interpretation, while accurate to the scene and very relevant to the plot, didn’t quite represent the feel of the story inside. So they went in a different direction to capture the mood. And did they ever.

 "Honest truth? When I first saw my cover, I jumped out of my chair..."

Read the rest of Megan's Cover Story at melissacwalker.com.

Neil Gaiman Addresses the University of the Arts Class of 2012

In this speech shared with the University of the Arts Class of 2012, celebrated author Neil Gaiman has some incredible things to say about pursuing a career in the arts, and about visualizing and achieving your goals in any field:



If you can't see the video player above, click here.

Watch for it: Devine Intervention, Unbreak My Heart, and Dragonswood

You know the volunteer divas are all award-winning YA writers as well, right? Be sure to catch these books up and devour them. Each novel is just like her author, of course.



Fast, fun, and rings with Martha Brockenbrough's awesome wit.
Devine Intervention



Honest, dear, and heart-warming with hope from Melissa Walker.
Unbreak My Heart



Exciting raw imagery and intrigue from a master of high fantasy, Janet Lee Carey.
Dragonswood

Find these, rgz, as soon as they are all released. There is talent among us, and you will fall in love with the works of our staff. Ready, set, go!

rgz HOST Post: Mother/Daughter Day Out!

Calling all mother/daughter/reader teams in the PA area - tomorrow, diva Melissa and I will be joining romance authors Maya Rodale and Sarah MacLean for a Mother/Daughter Afternoon Out! We'll be at Barnes & Noble at the Promenade Shops of Saucon Valley, PA. 

The address:2960 Center Valley Parkway
Center Valley, PA 18034

The time: 

4pm-6pm

The Facebook Event info: 

http://www.facebook.com/events/278463065579978/

Come join us in celebrating Mother's Day early (books make a great Mother's Day gift, you know. Just sayin'.)!

Sarah Dewitz, 12, and Just 1 Book

An excerpt from I Heart Daily:

When Sarah Dewitz, 12, from Orlando, Florida, learned about a town next to hers that was facing a lot of hardship and poverty, she immediately thought about the kids and what they had to do without. She wondered if they had access to books.

Then she had an idea: If every child at her school donated “just one book,” it would amount to 763 books that could go to the neighboring town! In her proposal to her school principal, she wrote, “I want to do this because if I was a child who did not have any books to read I would not be as smart as I am today. When I read books it makes me feel like I am an entirely different person and the world escapes my mind… If this is what books do for me, imagine what it can do for other children and the difference it would make in their lives...”

Read more about Sarah's incredible organization, Just 1 Book, on iheartdaily.com!

rgz Seattle HOST: SCBWI and the Inside Story!

Here's host Stephanie Guerra with the latest from Seattle! 

Hi girlz!

Last week SCBWI Western Washington celebrated the bi-annual Inside Story at Mockingbird Books in Seattle. Local authors and illustrators came together to share their recently published books and tell their “inside stories,” including the inspiration behind their works. There was an amazing turn-out with all seats filled and a lively audience of booksellers, teachers, librarians, and fans. Host Martha Brockenbrough (Things That Make Us [Sic], Devine Intervention) upped the fun with literary trivia questions and prizes. Below please find a spotlight on the YA authors who presented, with information about their newest releases. (I was one of the number, and so excited to be a part of it!)

Weaving Magic by Mindy Hardwick

He loves magic. She loves romance. But the biggest illusion is the one Shantel and Christopher perform together.  Sixteen- year- old Christopher fights to stay sober while fifteen-year-old Shantel struggles in the aftermath of her mother’s death and seeks refuge in a fantasy world. But the unacknowledged roots of their problems refuse to stay buried and soon, the two are headed toward a deadly magic trick. Can Shantel and Christopher move beyond magical illusions to find love?

The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats

Cecily’s father has ruined her life. He’s moving them to occupied Wales, where the king needs good strong Englishmen to keep down the vicious Welshmen. At least Cecily will finally be the lady of the house.

Gwenhwyfar knows all about that house. Once she dreamed of being the lady there herself, until the English destroyed the lives of everyone she knows. Now she must wait hand and foot on this bratty English girl.

While Cecily struggles to find her place amongst the snobby English landowners, Gwenhwyfar struggles just to survive. And outside the city walls, tensions are rising ever higher—until finally they must reach the breaking point.

Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.
 
When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

The Lost Code: Book One of the Atlanteans by Kevin Emerson

The ozone is ravaged, ocean levels have risen, and the sun is a daily enemy. But global climate change is not something new in the Earth’s history.

No one will know this better than less-than-ordinary Owen Parker, who is about to discover that he is the descendant of a highly advanced ancient race—a race that took their technology too far and almost destroyed the Earth in the process.

Now it is Owen’s turn to make right in his world what went wrong thousands of years ago. If Owen can unlock the lost code in his very genes, he may rediscover the forgotten knowledge of his ancestry…and that less-than-ordinary can evolve into extraordinary.

Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey

Wilde Island is not at peace. The kingdom mourns the dead Pendragon king and awaits the return of his heir; the uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is strained; and the regent is funding a bloodthirsty witch hunt, hoping to rid the island of half-fey maidens.

Tess, daughter of a blacksmith, has visions of the future, but she still doesn't expect to be accused of witchcraft, forced to flee with her two best friends, or offered shelter by the handsome and enigmatic Garth Huntsman, a warden for Dragonswood. But Garth is the younger prince in disguise and Tess soon learns that her true father was fey, making them the center of an exciting, romantic adventure, and an ancient prophecy that will bring about peace between all three races - dragon, human, and fairy.

Torn by Stephanie Guerra

Stella Chavez is your classic good girl: straight As, clean-cut boyfriends, and soccer trophies . You’d never guess that Stella’s dad was a drug addict who walked out when she was a kid. Or that inside, Stella wishes for something more.

New girl Ruby Caroline seems like Stella’s polar opposite: cursing, smoking, and teetering in sky-high heels . But with Ruby, Stella gets a taste of another world—a world in which parents act like roommates, college men are way more interesting than high school boys, and there is nothing that shouldn’t be tried once.

It’s not long before Stella finds herself torn: between the best friend she’s ever had and the friends she’s known forever, between her family and her own independence, between who she was and who she wants to be.

But Ruby has a darker side, a side she doesn’t show anyone—not even Stella. As Stella watches her friend slowly unravel, she will have to search deep inside herself for the strength to be a true friend, even if it means committing the ultimate betrayal.

The Summer of No Regrets by Katherine Grace Bond

The day Brigitta accidentally flings herself into the lap of a guy she's never met, her friend Natalie is convinced he's Trent Yves, egotistical heartthrob-in-hiding. When the boy, who calls himself Luke, is nearly eaten by a cougar, Brigitta finds herself saving his life, being swept into his spectacular embrace and wondering if she wants Natalie's fantasy to be true.

As the two spend the summer together raising orphaned cougar cubs, Brigitta still can't be sure of his true identity. But then again, since her grandparents' death, her father's sudden urge to give away all their possessions and become a shaman, and her own awkward transition from girlhood into a young woman, she isn't sure of anything. What is the truth? More importantly, can she accept it?

Sounds like a fantastic event! Thanks, Stephanie!

Cover Stories: The Jade Notebook by Laura Resau

The lovely Laura Resau has a new book out! The Jade Notebook is the third in her beautiful series about Zeeta (read her Cover Story for The Indigo Notebook). Kirkus Reviews says, "In this third in a series of novels focusing on Zeeta and her wanderlust-stricken mother, readers are immersed in the details of a lovingly described coastal town in Mexico and an action-filled mystery surrounding the poaching of ancient sea turtles that make their home there...  a graceful conclusion to Zeeta’s story."

Here's Laura to tell the tale of the cover:

 "I'm happy and honored to be back on your blog, Melissa--I could spend all day reading these fascinating cover stories!

"The Jade Notebook is the third and final book in the travel-adventure-themed Notebooks series, each of which is set in a different country. The series went through a few different cover looks over the past few years.  If you're curious, you can read the story behind the hardcover look of the first in the series, The Indigo Notebook, here. For that cover, my publisher, Delacorte, did a photo shoot of an open, vintage-style suitcase containing items that evoked each different setting..."

Read the rest of Laura's Cover Story on melissacwalker.com.

rgz Newsflash: Wynne Jones and Rock the Drop in PW

In the awesome effort to remember and celebrate Diana Wynne Jones, folks are posting favorite lines from her works at #dwj2012. You can use Tumblr to share photos and further remembrances This is all the heartfelt brainstorm of Virginia Duncan and Sharyn November. Rock on, ladies! We heart you as well!

On April 19th, PW had this to say, which included a Rock the Drop recap:

In another instance of fortuitous timing, the Wynne Jones tribute’s April 12 launch coincided with this year’s Support Teen Lit Day, which followers of the Readergirlz blog and others celebrated by taking part in “Rock the Drop,” the guerilla-style book distribution scheme in which YA fans leave copies of favorite books in public spaces for readers to pick up and enjoy.

Diana Wynne Jones books were used in the recent "Rock the Drop" campaign on Support Teen Lit Day.

Judging from the #rockthedrop Twitter postings, quite a few of Wynne Jones’s books found their way into new hands. Greenwillow’s Duncan shared the account of one Rock-the-Dropper: Lois Adams, the copyeditor and proofreader for many of Wynne Jones’s books in the U.S. “I walked up to a public atrium on 56th Street with Enchanted Glass,” Adams said, “and as I walked in I saw an 11-year-old girl with her dad, eating an ice-cream cone. I told her that I was part of a daylong book giveaway project, and that I had to photograph the book first but then she could have it. She watched me taking the pictures, and when I walked away she headed right over to pick it up. I hope she loves it!”


Join the celebration of Diana, rgz, and thanks Greenwillow for Rocking the Drop!


 

rgz Newsflash: Top Ten Happiest Jobs

Just ran across this and found it interesting. Something to think about as you choose a career, rgz. My husband said to me, "No wonder you are so happy. You do about half of these jobs!"

So what's your fancy, readergirlz? From Forbes:

The top 10 happiest jobs:

• Clergy
• Firefighter
• Physical therapist
• Author
• Special education teacher
• Teacher
• Artist
• Psychologist
• Financial services sales agent
• Operating engineer

It's easy to see the joy in helping others as well as the happiness that is generated by the chance to express yourself.

Click here for the 10 most hated jobs like electronics technician, and marketing manager: www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2011/08/11/think-your-job-is-bad-try-one-of-these.

Think it over!

Link of Awesome: FindTheData

It's a joy to share Links of Awesome. I encourage everyone to check out FindTheData. Click here to see the library comparison. What a cool tool! The site provides unbiased data-driven  comparisons. Definitely check them out. There are a billion things to compare even beyond libraries, right? In fact, I need a flight to Nevada...

The 2012 Guys Lit Wire Book Fair for Ballou High School

The American Library Association (ALA) has set the standard for number of school library books per student to be 11:1. Eleven books per kid. Ballou High School used to have less than ONE book per student. Now, thanks to the efforts of Colleen from Chasing Ray and the bloggers and supporters of Guys Lit Wire, the school has two books per student. Please help us fill their library even more!

Here's an update from Colleen of Chasing Ray, who organizes these book fairs:

Between our spring book fair and a small holiday fair last November we have helped Ballou move from a library that had less than one book for each of its 1,200 students at the beginning of 2011 to a ratio now of two books per student. While this is an impressive achievement and something we are quite proud of, the American Library Association advocates ELEVEN books for each student. It's obvious that Ballou is still operating at a serious literary deficit and because of that we have decided to commit ourselves to the long haul and stay with this school library until they have everything they need.

So how can you help? Donate books with a click of a mouse! Go to this book wishlist for Ballou through Powell's Books. Colleen's directions:

Once you have made your selections (note: the school prefers NEW or "standard used" condition, NOT "student-used" condition) head to "checkout" and you will be prompted to inform Powell's if the books were indeed bought from the wishlist. This lets the store know to mark them as "purchased" on the list. After that you need to provide your credit card info and also fill in the shipping address.

Melissa Jackson, LIBRARIAN
Ballou Senior High School
3401 Fourth Street SE
Washington DC 20032
(202) 645-3400

It's very important that you get Melissa's name and title in there - she is not the only Jackson (or Melissa) at the school and we want to make sure the books get to the library.

Please share the links to both the wishlist (http://bit.ly/GLWBookFair) and Colleen's post at GLW through email, Facebook, Twitter, and blogs so we can fill up this library!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Don't let it stop there. If you know of a library, school, shelter, or hospital that's in great need of books and other items, give back. Rally up your co-workers, patrons, students, and friends, gather donated items (new or gently used), and donate them to your chosen organization or charity. Share your good fortune and good spirits with others.

Thank you for Rocking the Drop in 2012!

Thank you for supporting ROCK THE DROP! Those books are being found around the country because you all sent out your love for Support Teen Literature Day. Take a look:

FOUND ONE TODAY!!! Wow. Thought someone had lost a book or misplaced their library book. BOY, was I wrong. Found one outside a local restuarant, Fatz Cafe near some flowers on a stand on some waiting benches. WHAT A TREAT! Boiling Springs SC


i had the incredible opportunity to pick up one of your rock the drop books and i wanted to thank you guys because i think that is the coolest thing ever. so thank you. very much.

Rock on, readergirlz. Check out the rgz facebook page and twitter's #rockthedrop. Way to read, reflect, and reach out! We heart you!

Rock the Drop, 2012!

Happy Support Teen Literature Day, readergirlz!



How are you rocking the drop? Which book are you leaving for another to find? Post your photo at the readergirlz facebook page and tweet #rockthedrop. It's a perfect day to share your love of YA lit!

If you discover a book left in a public gathering place, nab it and tweet your fabbity find.

Here's to a great day!

rgz NYC HOST post: THE SECRET ME in NYC!

Here at readergirlz, we're all about celebrating ourselves in all of our fabulous forms -- sometimes secret, sometimes social, and always sensational! That's why I'm especially excited to showcase the newest release from Meg Leder and Rachel Kempster, THE SECRET ME BOOK! 

Discover what makes you, you...

What makes you tick and hum?

What quirks and habits are yours and yours alone?

who do you wish you could be?

who are you now?

The answers make up your "secret me," your soul's fingerprint.

Packed with creative and quirky prompts, ideas, and activities, The Secret Me Book gives you an inspiring way to get to know this core part of you.

Scribble thoughts, make lists, paste pictures, and doodle—all tapping into the real you.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Is there a movie that defines you?

What's your secret talent?

Here's your secret me book—it's time to celebrate what you're made of.

Last Thursday, Meg and Rachel were on hand in NYC reading and signing from their book to a packed house! Meg (that's her on the right in the photo below) adds: “In the spirit of the book, we asked people to share some of their secret habits and dreams. And we discovered that in the audience, we had a woman who wished she could be the pope, as well as someone who always wanted to open a button factory. It was neat seeing the book come to life right in front of us, as audience members shared their own ‘secret me’s."

Sounds like a blast! Congrats, ladies! Now readers -- tell us: who's your "secret me?"

It's Coming! Rock the Drop!

Everyone get ready!!! We only have two days. Share the news so we can all Support Teen Lit Day by dropping a YA book in a public place on Thursday. Read more here. Ready, set, go!

Attention Diana Wynne Jones Fans!

Attention Diana Wynne Jones fans: I need quotes for an article being published mid-month. Leave a comment below telling me which DWJ book is your favorite, how old you were when you started reading her stories, or why you love her books in general! Leave your comments at my blog along with your real name OR username, however you'd like to be credited. Thank you!

Not sure what to say? Here are some prompts to help you out:
Which volume of the Chrestomanci series (aka The Chronicles of Chrestomanci) is your favorite?
What did you think of the film adaptation of Howl's Moving Castle?
What's your favorite part of The Tough Guide to Fantasyland?
Have you read her poetry and/or short stories?

Please leave your comments at my blog - and feel free to share this link with fellow fans and bloggers!

Be Positive!

Check out this article by Anya Strzemien at The Huffington Post, which is collecting comments for a good cause. Simply give yourself a compliment! For every comment up to 5,000, the Huffington Post Media Group will donate $1 to Girls Inc. I pointed readergirlz diva Melissa Walker to the article and she immediately posted about it at I Heart Daily. As Melissa said, "How cool is that?"

I told my friend Amber Benson about it as well, and she tweeted: "Say something positive about yourself and help raise some money for Girls Inc - JUST DO IT!"
 Go to the Huffington Post website and leave your comments by April 10th! Then post, tweet, et cetera, and encourage others to do the same.

The Healthy Hunger Games

In a recent interview with Seventeen, Jennifer Lawrence had this to say about being healthy in mind and body:

Seventeen: You've said girls should embrace their curves. Why did you think it important to make that statement?

Jennifer Lawrence: When I was playing Mystique in X-Men, I remember thinking, If I'm going to be naked in paint in front of the entire world, I'm going to look like a woman. I'm going to have curves and have boobs and have a butt. Because girls are going to look at that, and if I look like a scarecrow, they are going to think, Oh, that's normal. It's not normal. I'm just so sick of these young girls with diets. I remember when I was 13 and it was cool to pretend to have an eating disorder because there were rumors that Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie were anorexic. I thought it was crazy. I went home and told my mom, "Nobody's eating bread--I just had to finish everyone's burgers." I think it's really important for girls to have people to look up to and feel good about themselves.

I agree with Jennifer: It is very important for kids and teens to have good role models, and to have healthy eating habits. Encourage your friends and family members to eat right, and lead by example. Try to eat fresh food in every color of the rainbow, every day. It's easy and fun to do. Hint: Incorporate fruits and veggies into your meals and snacks!

I'm typing this as I eat my dinner -- farfalle (bowtie) pasta and brown rice mixed with tomato sauce and green peas. Yum!