One of the best things about the American Library Association's annual conference is that one returns home with a suitcase stuffed full of new books. (I actually bring an extra suitcase, due to my being a gigantic nerd). Highlights:

1. Janes in Love, the new graphic novel written by my friend Cecil Castellucci. The first book was great; this one is even better. Also, you don't even have to wait until the book comes out to get one. Cecil is having a contest on her site where you can win free copies.

2. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. Everyone kept telling me I would be unable to put this down. Now, I don't think the quality of a book is directly proportional to its unputdownability, but The Hunger Games is that rare novel that is both utterly engrossing and deftly written. I enjoyed reading it, and I was also profoundly impressed by it. It stands equal to Westerfeld's Uglies series for me, which is high praise indeed.

Also, even though I just finished Paper Towns and have been busy enjoying the above books (and several others, including rereading Catcher in the Rye for the nerdfighter book club), I am still writing. Recent projects include:

1. David Levithan and I are just about finished with the first draft of the book we are writing together.

2. Along with secret sister Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle, I recently wrote a holiday book that comes out this September called Let It Snow. (Look at that cover! So girly! So delicious!) Each of the three stories stand on their own but sort of intertwine when all read together. It was so much fun to do this with Lauren and Maureen; I'm psyched it's almost out.