Spring Conference One Read

Join the 2^nd Annual Spring Conference "One Read”!

This year’s One Read is Jay Asher’s first book THIRTEEN REASONS WHY. While the novel is written for young adults, the implications of the storyline apply to all of us who work with children or young people. The story addresses bullying, the power of our actions and the impact they have on our friends, colleagues, and students. If anything, this book illustrates how the weight of small words, words as simple as thank you, can make all the difference in the life of one person.

The novel has won numerous awards and is on the 2008 ALA Best Books for Young Adults and Quick Picks for Reluctant YA Readers lists. Kirkus called it "a brilliant and mesmerizing debut from a gifted new author”. InTHIRTEEN REASONS WHY, Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. Through Hannah and Clay’s dual narratives, author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect readers.

Join your fellow Missouri librarians on this 2^nd journey of One Read.

THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, Razorbill (October 18, 2007) ISBN: 978-1595141712

Casey Millburg

Penman and Winton, MASL's Association Management Office