October Update!
Sarah Stevenson
Greetings!
I have some exciting book-related news, in case you missed it:
I wrote my very first graphic novel for middle school readers, Alexis vs. Summer Vacation with artwork by Veronica Agarwal, and it is now available for purchase from the publisher! You can buy it at the following link:
https://www.avenueabooks.org/product/alexis-vs-summer-vacation/
About the book: The summer before high school is supposed to be a time to reinvent yourself, but fourteen-year-old Alexis isn’t sure who she wants to be. It doesn’t help that she hasn’t mustered up the courage to talk to Hayley, that cute junior lifeguard at the local pool, or that she doesn’t know what liking a girl means for her identity. When she meets Luke and Jason, she discovers she isn’t the only person who hasn’t figured life out. Alexis devises a plan for the three of them to “level up” by taking charge and changing their situations for the better. She soon discovers that being assertive isn’t as easy as rolling the die in her fantasy role-playing game. Alexis must learn to navigate how to be a good friend and speak up for herself or risk failing at the game called life.
"Alexis vs. Summer Vacation has everything you need in a comic. Characters you can love and a situation that is so relatable it can make you cringe. This book reminds me of how powerful comics can be to create empathy and understanding, and it belongs in the hands of every kid who is making the transition from middle school to high school."
—Tillie Walden, Eisner Award-winning graphic novelist
I was proud to have the opportunity to promote my new book at two Responsive Classroom teachers' conferences in San Jose and San Francisco this summer. I also recently presented at the inaugural Writers' Block event at our nearby Modesto Barnes & Noble, a half-day celebration of local authors that included panel discussions and readings. It was wonderful to get to spend time with author friends and meet new friends in the local writing community!
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Want a signed copy of one of my novels? You can buy one directly from my website—just fill in the Google form, make your payment via PayPal, and I will mail it to you. Makes a great personalized gift!
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And now for something completely different! I also wrote another article for the Mills College alumnae magazine, the Quarterly, reporting on the 30th anniversary of their Summer Academic Workshop bridge program. The link below takes you to the appropriate page number on the website Issuu:
https://issuu.com/millsquarterly/docs/2019fall/16
I hope you're enjoying the fruits (and veggies and squashes) of the fall season—with my best wishes and all of my thanks for reading and supporting me!
-S
Sarah Jamila Stevenson | writer ~ artist ~ editor ~ graphic designer
UNDERNEATH (Flux, June 2013)