Author of the teen books The Female of the Species, Be Not Far From Me, and A Madness So Discreet, Mindy McGinnis, visits the library virtually and joins in on this month’s Teen Choice Book Award Discussion of her Lincoln Award-nominated book Heroine, a timely story about a high school softball player who becomes hooked on Heroin. Mindy will also share writing tips on how to write about strong female characters.

When a car crash sidelines Mickey just before softball season, she has to find a way to hold on to her spot as the catcher for a team expected to make a historic tournament run. Behind the plate is the only place she’s ever felt comfortable, and the painkillers she’s been prescribed can help her get there.

The pills do more than take away pain; they make her feel good.

With a new circle of friends – fellow injured athletes, others with just time to kill – Mickey finds peaceful acceptance and people with whom words come easily, even if it is just the pills loosening her tongue.

But as the pressure to be Mickey Catalan heightens, her need increases, and it becomes less about pain and more about want, something that could send her spiraling out of control.

Be one of the first 10 to register for the discussion, to receive a free copy of the book, while supplies last, along with some goodies which our librarians have put together. Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the virtual book discussion and notification that a free copy of the book is available to be picked-up during the next Curbside Pick-up hours.

Even if you miss your chance for a free copy, you can still participate by using the hoopla app and your library card to check out an e-book or an e-audiobook to download to your device.

The Lincoln Award: Illinois Teen Reader’s Choice and YALSA’S Teens’ Top Teen are two book awards in which teens choose the winners. Each month, read one of these nominated titles and discuss if you think it’s worthy of an award.

This free program is for teens, ages 13-17, or in grades 7th-12th, and is supported by The Friends of DeKalb Public Library. Registration is required.

For additional program information or help with registration, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400.

Curbside Pick-Up Hours: Monday 4:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Thursday 4:00-7:00 p.m., and Saturday 1:00-4:00 p.m.