What a girl to do when the glass slipper fits, but she doesn't want to wear it anymore?I opened the card, my hands trembling in dread and the faint remnants of what I used to call hope, as a tiny silver high-heel pin bounced into my hand.
Sixteen year old Jess Parker has always been an outsider. So when she receives an invitation to join The Cinderella Society, a secret society of the most popular girls in school, it's like something out of a fairy tale. Swept up by the Cindys' magical world of makeovers, and catching the eye of her Prince Charming, Jess feels like she's finally found her chance to fit in.
Then the Wickeds--led by Jess's arch-enemy--begin targeting innocent girls in their war against the Cindys, and Jess discovers there's more to being a Cindy than reinventing yourself on the outside. She has unknowingly become part of a centuries-old battle of good vs. evil, and now the Cindys in charge need Jess for a mission that could change everything.
Overwhelmed, Jess wonders if The Cinderella Society made a mistake in choosing her. Is it a coincidence her new boyfriend doesn't want to be seen with her in public? And is this glamorous, secret life even what she wants, or will she risk her own happy ending to live up to the expectations of her new sisters?
I juggled the pin for a second, barely managing to keep it from falling, and flipped open the note with my other hand. The words inside were not a message but an invitation that sent shivers down my spine:
Your presence is requested at The Grind.
Tonight, 7 p.m.
Wear the pin.
Discretion MANDATORY.
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What are the top three reasons why teens everywhere should pick up The Cinderella Society come April?
Well, first… I need to say that I don't think there's any book on the planet that every teen needs to read. What I love about fiction is that there's something for everyone – we don't have to read something just because everyone else is doin' it. ;-)
That said, here are the three things that most people tend to mention in the emails I get: 1) girl power rocks, 2) hot guys and kissing are fun, and 3) having backup like the Cindys is something most people wish they had (I know I do!). :-)
To me The Cinderella Society shows that in being not only your own person, but comfortable in your own skin, you can become the best you can be, which leaves me to wonder why you choose to emphasize this very important message in your writing?
I think it's hugely important and not just to teens either. Most adults I know are still trying to make peace with who they are and get comfortable in their own skin. If you can accomplish that as a teen, WHOA… the sky's the limit!
What were you like as a teen? Were you similar to Jess in any ways?
Jess and I are a lot alike (though she pretty much wipes up the floor with me when it comes to volunteering – she's the queen). We both had our insecurities, we were both cheerleaders who never felt like part of the in crowd, and we have a similar sense of humor.
You’re the mastermind behind The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest™, a free reading program for teen and youth librarians, which leaves me to wonder what inspired you to start this up? Also did you ever think in the beginning that it would became as popular as it is today?
It always makes me sad to hear how few kids and teens are reading. It's hard to make reading the cool thing to do in an age where technology rules supreme! But instead of sitting on the sidelines going, "Gee whiz, that's a bummer," I decided to do something about it. I'm a big believer in making a difference by using our own unique skills and interests, and this seemed like a natural way for me to do that. I created a fun, book trivia challenge with prizes for readers and for librarians that I sponsor and fund myself. Local librarians in the US and Canada can register to participate, so it brings kids back to the library again and again – another thing that I love about it!
Honestly? I had no idea it would grow as quickly as it did. I just celebrated the one-year anniversary of The Great Scavenger Hunt ContestTM this month, and there are more than 550 participating libraries in that short time. It amazes me every day. Best of all, kids and teens are having a blast with it and trying new books they might not have tried otherwise. I think that's awesome!
For all those eager to read the sequel to The Cinderella Society can you share with us a bit about what’s to come?
Right now I'm working on the sequel to The Cinderella Society, titled Cindy on a Mission. It follows the further adventures of Jess and the Sisters as the Wickeds launch an offensive that threatens everything the Cindys hold dear. Cindy on a Mission will be on shelves in Spring 2011.
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Oooh, I'm very exicted about Cindy on A Mission! Thanks Kay!
To find out more about Kay, as well as to find out where you can purchase your own snazzy copy of her book, head on over to www.kaycassidy.com!
Great Q and A! I look forward to reading this book :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for being part of the official TCS launch tour, Lauren! :-)
ReplyDeleteSounds like an inspiring read so I'm looking forward to picking this one up.
ReplyDeleteShe had me at hot guys and kissing.
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