August 1, 2016

New Release: Author Note, Book Giveaway, and More

Dear Readers,

In this issue, you'll meet Lana who must delve into her past if she wants to live long enough to have a future in Alexandra Sirowy's thrilling new novel, THE TELLING.

Enjoy!

Warm wishes,

Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp

kidsbookclubbook.com

Ages 12 and up / Young Adult Thriller / Simon & Schuster BFYR

Win a set of THE TELLING by Alexandra Sirowy for your book club. Enter to win by emailing the author (write "KidsBookclubbing" in the subject line).

Dear Reader,

I had the idea for THE TELLING while staying on an island in Washington.

There were sailboats in the indigo waters, bonfires dotting beaches, and a seemingly idyllic town. I couldn't help but wonder, what lies beneath this glit

tering façade? A fictive island as eerie as it was alluring took root in my head.

The two main characters, a step-sister and brother, have childhoods rich in make-believe and cast themselves as the heroes of their stories. This is before. THE TELLING begins after, with a mysterious murder, a secret past, and the girl, Lana, setting out to become the hero of her imagination.

Welcome to Gant Island,

Alexandra Sirowy

Book reviews:

"Thrilling, evocative and compulsively readable, with knock-out prose and sizzling intensity. THE TELLING establishes Sirowy as a master of the who-dun-it."

- Lee Kelly, Author of CITY OF SAVAGES and A CRIMINAL MAGIC

"Sirowy's cliffhangers and red herrings lure readers toward a haunting finale. Intriguing questions about the nature of storytelling permeate this addictive novel."

- Publishers Weekly

"For fans of realistic murder mysteries."
- School Library Journal

Discussion questions:

Discuss Lana's personal growth throughout the book. Do you think she became the hero of her imagination? Was she a hero to you?

What did Lana mean by, "I was the girl, and the world-high school and beyond-makes it so much easier to fault girls than boys."? How does this relate to Lana later saying, "I am tired of hearing what anyone but me thinks I should be. I want to define myself."

What role does privilege play in the book? Do you agree or disagree with how it is portrayed on Gant Island?

How does the book deal with the divide between what's real and what's imagined? Which characters have the strongest grasp on what's actually going on? Do you think anyone knows more than they let on?

To keep up with Alexandra Sirowy on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, please visit her website.

AUTHOR CALL-IN INFORMATION: Alexandra Sirowy is happy to call in or skype with your book club. Email her to submit your request. Thank you!

A maximum of 10 books is available for each book club giveaway.
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