I’m a retired New York Times bestselling author. Current public library worker by day. Singer for New Yacht City by night. Thanks to The Flying Garter for the write up of our first show of the summer. So many gigs ahead! I can’t believe I get to perform with such a talented group of musicians.
A post for the Princeton Public Library that sort of sums up where I’m at and what I’m doing.
As reported in Deadline, SLOPPY FIRSTS is in development with Nickelodeon and Awesomeness TV. This is the same team behind the brilliant PEN15 and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. I am thrilled.
Congratulations to the Newton High School (Elmhurst, NY) Pioneer Players for the first-ever public high school production of SLOPPY FIRSTS. I laughed! I cringed! I’d happily sit front row center again! If you’re part of a high school drama program and are interested in putting on SLOPPY FIRSTS, email megan[at]meganmccafferty[dot]com.
Join me for Princeton Public Library’s TEEN BOOK BASH, where I’ll be moderating a panel of six incredible authors (Claire Legrand, Emily X.R. Pan, Anica Mrose Rissi, Nisha Sharma, Cordelia Jensen and Laurie Morrison). If you like listening to authors talk about books, this is definitely your jam.
This is my third year volunteering for the NJ Trans Youth Forum sponsored by HiTOPS and GLSEN Central NJ. It’s the only conference in the state for trans-spectrum youth, allies and educators and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have been a part of it from the very beginning. This year I’m beyond excited to announce an #ownvoices author panel featuring Tyler Ford (MTV contributor), Alex Gino (GEORGE), Meredith Russo (IF I WAS YOUR GIRL) and Pat Schmatz (LIZARD RADIO), moderated by youth librarian and reviewer Kyle Lukoff. This event is run on a microbudget, so please consider making a donation to sponsor trans youth who will otherwise be unable to attend.
I only blog when it’s important. In this case, I want to give a shout-out to everyone who contributed books to 2nd NJ Trans Youth Forum: Cris Beam, Francesca Lia Block, Kirstin Cronn-Mills, Amy Fabrikant, Donna Gephart, Alex Gino, Rachel Gold, Susan Kuklin, David Levithan, Jennifer Laughran, Everett Maroon, R.I. Merey, Ami Polonsky, Pat Schmatz, Ellen Wittlinger and Jennie Wood. Their generous contributions are the foundation of the HiTOPS Trans Lit Library.
The 2nd NJ Trans Youth Fourm maxed out on 200 pre-registrants a week before the event and had many, many more walk-ins. Overall, we more than doubled the number of attendees from last year. The whole day was a smashing success and I’m proud to say that the Trans Lit Storytime workshop was a particular favorite. When we broke for quiet reading periods, I swear there wasn’t a sound but the tick-tock of the clock. Not a lit up screen in the entire room. Just open books and mesmerized readers.
So many emotional moments for me, but a few highlights:
The high school senior asking, “Where has this book been all my life?” after I read the opening chapter of PARROTFISH.
The friends gleefully clutching free copies of A BOY LIKE ME, I AM J and BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FOR UGLY CHILDREN to their chests and promising to swap them when they were done.
The educator declaring BEYOND MAGENTA should be required reading for anyone working with youth.
The GSA advisor breaking out into a jig over FLUTTER and a + e 4ever because they are perfect for the graphic novel lovers in her group.
The fan of “the weird stuff” geeking out over LIZARD RADIO and LOVE IN A TIME OF GLOBAL WARMING.
The mother wishing she had WHEN KAYLA WAS KYLE at the time of her daughter’s coming out.
The 10-year-old with a trans sister running off to tell his parents about GEORGE, GRACEFULLY GRAYSON and LILY & DUNKIN.
The genderqueer teen greeting me with a huge hug of gratitude because I’d given them a copy of JUST GIRLS at the GSA* Forum last fall.
The student looking so crushed when I told them BUMBLING INTO BODY HAIR wasn’t one of the give-away books…that I *had* to give it to them anyway! Then expressing what I think so many kids were thinking:
“Oh my god! This author is ME. I’ve never read a story like this before. I never knew books like this existed.”
As Katie Rain Hill, trans activist and author of RETHINKING NORMAL, said in her powerful keynote address, “Everyone knows the feeling of otherness.” Readers of all ages can find comfort in characters and stories that reflect or represent their own experiences. That’s why I volunteer my time–to share these vitally important books with the trans youth so desperately in need of validation and support.
“This latest installment in the perils of Pineville Junior High can be described in just the same way as describing its title character: hilarious, sweet, and smart. This is a fun but not fluffy book; instead it provides some insightful truths about the heartbreaks of growing up, while maintaining a wicked sense of humor.” VOYA (starred review)
More than 100 authors from the YA community have come together to help support New Jersey residents devastated by Sandy. As I’ve said, I’ve been moved to tears by disasters half-way around the world. But–to risk sounding like an action movie cliche–THIS TIME IT’S PERSONAL. Many in my hometown are still without power. Far too many more are without homes or anywhere to go. Please like YA for NJ on Facebook to find out how to win something cool from your favorite author all in the name of an excellent cause.
For example, I’m donating a uniquely-annotated-in-my-very-own-handwriting ADVANCED READER COPY of SLOPPY FIRSTS. It’s from 2001, people. The Backstreet Boys were still boys. (Okay. Maybe not Kevin. Kevin was always kinda old. But you get what I’m saying.) This ARC is so rare that it’s the last one I have in my possession. In this one-of-a-kind ARC I will reveal all sorts of insider information such as the backstories behind all the characters including THE TRUE ORIGINS OF MARCUS FLUTIE.
So. Maybe that’s something you’d like to bid on once the bidding gets going. Perhaps you would like to bid on swag donated by any one of the 100+ authors who have promised to participate. (With a special shout-out to author and bonafide Jersey Girl Kieran Scott for putting this all together.) Again, like YA for NJ on facebook to find out when the fundraising begins. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the auction will benefit the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.