Teenagers are awesome. Seriously. They are freaking awesome.

Last night, I attended my first “meet and greet” with about 30 teens and some Chicago area educators in advance of the November 2 release of my novel THE MOCKINGBIRDS. The event was held at the warehouse to Anderson’s Bookshop, a hugely influential and infinitely awesome independent bookstore in Naperville, Ill. Becky Anderson hosted the event and all the teens and teachers had read my novel. Which was thrilling and humbling and flattering and pretty much incredible all over. There were six tables of teens and teachers and I spent five to ten minutes with each group as they asked me questions about the story.

Signing books with awesome teens!

Then I talked to the entire group for about 15 minutes, sharing first my big hair pictures — complete with wings and loads of hairspray — from high school. Then they asked me more even more questions! These teens inspired me with the depth of their insight, their curiosity and their connection and engagement with the material. Among the questions they asked: why the “To Kill a Mockingbird” tie-in, why does my main character play piano, and how did I come up with the other crimes the Mockingbirds secret society investigates and prosecutes in the story.

Reading rocks!

Next I signed all their books! Wow! For all the authors who read this let me just say you will never forget your first signing! It’s magical and I loved every single second of it! The teens and teachers then signed an ARC of my book and now I have this wonderful treasure with all of their thoughts, feeling and reactions to the story. And let me tell you — their reactions and their responses alone make it all worthwhile. Because they are smart and funny and thoughtful and excited and idealistic and they want to do good in the world! That makes me a very happy writer, but an even happier person. Here are some more pics and a video to come later.

Boys read too!

Hurrah for teachers!