SEARCY, AR. — The 2009-10 Young Adult Author Series kicks off Nov. 13 at Harding University with Patricia McCormick.
McCormick’s most recent novel, Purple Heart, debuted this fall and tells the story of a U.S. soldier who wakes up in an army hospital in Iraq to find that he’s been awarded a Purple Heart he doesn’t feel he deserves. This gripping thriller gives an insightful look into what soldiers experience on the front lines of a war zone.
McCormick, who is a 2006 finalist for the National Book Award, has also written three other novels, which include Sold, My Brother’s Keeper and Cut. Her books have earned many honors. Sold was named by Publishers Weekly as one of the Best 100 Books of the Year and was selected by the American Library Association as one of the Top 10 Best Books for Young Adults in 2006. Cut was named an ALA Best Book for Teenagers.
Sponsored by Harding’s Graduate Reading Programs, the Young Adult Author series gives teachers and students an opportunity to hear firsthand from accomplished writers. The informative workshops will also help teachers connect with authors who are part of their classroom curriculum.
The series will present four weekend events during the 2009-10 school year. Each conference includes three discussion sessions and book signings. The cost is $125 for one event, $100 each for two events, and $75 each for three or four events. Registration fees include Friday night dinner with the author, continental breakfast on Saturday, and author information packets. If students attend any three of the conferences, they may receive three hours of graduate level credit from Harding for $350.
Other authors in this year’s series include Roland Smith, Kimberly Willis Holt and Jordan Sonnenblick. For other event dates and registration information, call 501-279-5107. Space is limited, and spots are available on a first come, first served basis.