YOUNG ADULT NOVEL/YOUNG ADULT MEMOIR

I speak to high school writers regarding my Young Adult titles: DESIRE LINES and THE LOVE CURSE OF THE RUMBAUGHS. With High school students my goal is to get them to see the ‘big picture’ when it comes to understanding ‘Personal Narrative’ and the various forms of writing, the elements of writing within the forms, the range of writing which they should now be attempting to achieve, and the books they should be reading to support the development of their writing style—and writing content, both physical and emotional.

Young Adult/Adult Memoirs:
THE TROUBLE IN ME predates HOLE IN MY LIFE and explores just when and how I began to make decisions for myself which were self-destructive. It explores self-identity, and the self-loathing I had as a teen which led me to abandon my better values and ethics and attempt to transform myself into an entirely different person. Instead of ‘finding’ myself I preferred to ‘invent’ myself which led to a downward spiral of trouble which is written about in HOLE IN MY LIFE, my teen prison memoir, which received a Pritz Honor and a Sibert Honor. This volume is also listed as an adult book given the subject matter.

I have worked with teachers and students throughout the country and overseas in over a thousand schools. I have creative writing and literature presentations designed to meet the needs of all interests and grade levels. I provide hands-on Teacher In-Service instruction specifically designed for a creative writing and literature curriculum. For a visit to your school or conference please email me at gantosbooks@gmail.com or through my webpage at JackGantos.com. Thank you, Jack