AXIS: Info for Teens 12-18.

Introducing Judge #4 for the Teen Short Story Writing Contest

Terry Trueman, published Stuck in Neutral in 2000, which was a Printz Honor book, followed by Inside Out, Cruise Control, and No Right Turn. Terry received his degree in creative writing from Eastern Washington University, with degrees in psychology and an MFA in creative writing , also from Eastern Washington.
Terry Trueman is the father of two sons, and makes his home in Spokane.

He is also a Judge for this year's It's All Write Teen short story writing contest. The panel of 10 judges will look at the finalists in three grade categories of 6-7-8 (Middle School), 9-10 (High School) and 11-12 (High School) and select the winners who will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on May 12, 2012.

Hunger Game Fans!

Now that you've read the trilogy, what's next? For starters, check out this great interview with Jennifer Lawrence, while you're waiting for the movie release on March 23. Or you could head to this website and try the simulation game to see if you have what it takes to survive the games. Remember it takes more than just strength.
If you're still skeptical whether the movie will do the book justice, keep in mind that Neil Gaiman has seen it and said that he enjoyed it 'a lot.' Or if you want to hear what the author has to say about the Hunger Games trilogy, click here to hear an interview.
If you're looking for some Hunger Games read-a-likes, you might like a few of these: Feed, Ender's Game, Maze Runner, Little Brother, Unwind or House of Scorpion.
By the way, the second movie, Catching Fire, is set to be released on November 22, 2013.

Chesstastic is Happening

Make the most of your Sunday, by stopping by the Traverwood branch of the Ann Arbor District Library and play a game or two of Chess one of the world's most popular games. Chess boards are provided, and all ages and levels of players are welcome.
From first moves to checkmate, the library has materials to help you improve your game,
click here for some of those titles.
Traverwood, March 18, Sunday | 1-4 PM | All ages

March 16th Last Day for Short Story Submissions

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The deadline for submitting stories to the Teen Short Story Writing Contest is Friday, March 16. So you still have time to put on those finishing touches and submit to: allwrite@aadl.org. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.

Prizes are awarded for 1st ($250), 2nd($150), and 3rd($100) place in three categories: Grades 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12. "It's All Write!" is cosponsored by the Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library.

You will receive an email verifying that we have received your story, and then the process begins of screening the stories and having the final judges select the winners. All stories are judged anonymously and finalists will be notified by mail. Winners will be announced at an Awards Program on Saturday, May 12 from 1:30 - 3 pm at the Downtown Multi-Purpose Room. Author and former short story winner, Caitlin Horrocks will be announcing the winners and discussing the craft of writing.

Introducing Judge #3 for the Teen Short Story Writing Contest

Acclaimed novelist for both teens and adults, Beth Kephart currently teaches an advanced nonfiction workshop at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the winner of numerous grants, and the Speakeasy Poetry Prize, among other honors. Kephart’s essays are frequently anthologized, and she has judged numerous competitions. Undercover and House of Dance were both named a best of the year by Kirkus and Bank Street. Nothing But Ghosts, A Heart is Not a Size and Dangerous Neighbors, were also critically acclaimed. Most recently, You Are My Only, tells the gripping stories of Emmy and Sophie, in alternating narratives, ‘of loss, imprisonment, and freedom regained.’

She is also a Judge for this year's It's All Write Teen short story writing contest. The panel of 10 judges will look at the finalists in three grade categories of 6-7-8 (Middle School), 9-10 (High School) and 11-12 (High School) and select the winners who will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on May 12, 2012. For guidelines to the contest, click here. Send your stories to allwrite@aadl.org
Good Luck! The deadline is March 16th.

Introducing Judge #2 for the Teen Short Story Writing Contest

Judith Ortiz Cofer, is a critically acclaimed and widely published poet, novelist, and essayist. Her latest book, If I Could Fly, tells the story of fifteen-year-old Doris, her mother, a professional singer, returns to Puerto Rico and her father finds a girlfriend. Doris cares for a neighbor's pigeons and relies on friends as she begins to find her own voice and wings. Judith writes extensively about the experience of being Puerto Rican and her identity as a woman and writer in the U.S. An Island Like You Stories from the Barrio tells of twelve interconnected stories set in a New Jersey barrio. Currently she is teaching literature and creative writing at the University of Georgia.

She is also a Judge for this year's It's All Write Teen short story writing contest. The panel of 10 judges will look at the finalists in three grade categories of 6-7-8 (Middle School), 9-10 (High School) and 11-12 (High School) and select the winners who will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on May 12, 2012. For guidelines to the contest, click here. Send your stories to allwrite@aadl.org
Good Luck! The deadline is March 16th.

Introducing Judge #1 for Teen Short Story Writing Contest

Rita Williams-Garcia’s work has been recognized by the Coretta Scott King Award Committee, PEN Norma Klein, American Library Association, and Parents’ Choice, among others. She recently served on the National Book Award Committee for Young People’s Literature and is on faculty at Vermont College MFA Writing for Children and Young People.
Winner of the 2011 Coretta Scott King Award AND the Newbery Honor Book, One Crazy Summer is the story of three girls from Brooklyn who head out to California to stay with their mother, a poet, who ran off years before; the year is 1968.

She is also a Judge for this year's It's All Write Teen short story writing contest. The panel of 10 judges will look at the finalists in three grade categories of 6-7-8 (Middle School), 9-10 (High School) and 11-12 (High School) and select the winners who will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on May 12, 2012. For guidelines to the contest, click here. Send your stories to allwrite@aadl.org
Good Luck! The deadline is March 16th.

Comics Writer Paul Storrie at Comic Artists Forum

Sunday, March 4 | 1:00-3:30 PM | Downtown 4th Floor Meeting Room

Comics writer Paul Storrie will talk about the importance of clearly conveying to the artists, letterers, & colorists what you want to see on the finished page so their already Herculean task isn't any harder than it has to be.

Beyond the basics of formatting and terminology for comic book scripting, Paul will also cover some of the most common mistakes made and how to avoid them.

Paul is the writer of the Twisted Journeys graphic novels that lets the reader control the story. He also is the writer of a number of heroic tales like Yu the Great: Conquering the Flood a Chinese legend.

Join the Forum to get fresh ideas for your next comics or graphic novel creation. Drawing supplies will be provided, so drop in to draw, learn, share, and network with other cartoonists.

This program is for teens (grades 6-12) and adults.

Get a Job 101 for Teens

Saturday, March 3 | 1:00-3:30 PM | Downtown 4th Floor Meeting Room

Looking for that first job? Get inspired by keynote speakers from Michigan Works and the AADL Human Resources Department. Then attend breakout sessions and pick up tips on completing applications, putting together a resume, and acing the interview.

Learn about creating your own job/business from the Business Side of Youth. Work alternatives? Teens from Youth Empowerment Project will talk about volunteering opportunities and how it can improve your chances of employment.

This program is for teens in grades 9-12.

Teen Short Story Contest - March 16th Last Day for Submissions

You still have time to put the finishing touches on your SHORT STORY. The deadline for turning in stories is March 16, Friday. Submit to: allwrite@aadl.org

Prizes are awarded for 1st Place ($250), 2nd Place ($150), and 3rd Place ($100) in three different grade categories of 6-7-8, 9-10, and 11-12. Check here for complete guidelines.

You will receive an email verifying that we have received your story, and then the process begins of screening the stories and having the final judges select the winners. All stories are judged anonymously and finalists will be notified. Winners will be announced at an Awards Program on Saturday, May 12, from 1:30 - 3 pm. Caitlin Horrocks a winner of the 1997 short story contest, will be speaking and signing copies of This Is Not Your City her first collection of published stories.

You can check here to see some of the previous winning stories.
Good Luck!

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