Yes, we WestSide authors do love stories that are about what teens deal with in their lives. Sometimes we tell about the funny side of those school years or we dig deep and reveal the darker experiences. Our stories are out there so young readers can connect with our characters, so they can understand others have gone through many of the same things as they have. We’re saying, “You’re not alone.”
This is week #2 of a Sunday Special Series, featuring WestSide authors and their books. Today I’m featuring CHANGE OF HEART by Shari Maurer. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
In a world where the most stressful thing seems to be winning a soccer game or what to wear in the morning, you take some really basic things for granted.
Like the love of your parents.
Or hanging with your friends.
Or the beating of your heart.
When you’re 16 years old, it never occurs to you that you might die. Emmi Miller’s got a fabulous life. She has tons of friends, does great in school and is an all-star soccer player who played in Europe last summer. It even looks like Sam Hunter, a totally cute baseball player, might be interested in her. And then she gets a virus. No biggy, right? Until the virus goes to her heart and weakens it so much that, without a transplant, Emmi will die.
Will Emmi get a heart in time? Is Sam too good to be true? What about her new friend Abe, who has also had a transplant and guides her through these scary times — is he just being supportive or is there more going on between them? And will Emmi realize it before it’s too late?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Born the day after Valentine’s Day, Shari Maurer’s life has always been full of “heart.” Married to a cardiologist, she is the co-author of The Parent’s Guide to Children’s Congenital Heart Defects. After graduating from Duke University and NYU, she spent six years at the Children’s Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop) working on International versions of Sesame Street and other kids’ programs. She currently writes a “Moms Talk” column for the on-line newspaper, the New City Patch. Shari lives in New City, NY with her husband Mat and their children, Lissie, Josh and Eric. Change of Heart is her first young adult novel.
When researching Change of Heart, I spoke to many transplant recipients. In addition, my husband cares for people waiting for transplant and there is a big organ shortage and long waits. We are encouraging everyone to register to be an organ donor (may you never need it!). To find out more about the procedure in your state, go to http://www.donatelife.net
Please find me on Facebook and Twitter.
Thanks Shari for being here. BE SURE TO BUY SHARI’S BOOK. Change of Heart can be found at Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.
Bish Denham says
Oh yes,learning what is truly important in one's life. Sounds like a great read, Sheri.
Thanks for sharing Lee.
Marcia says
This sounds excellent. I know I've seen the cover before, but now I'm going to look closer. Thanks.
Deana says
My kind of book! I'll have to check this out:)
Christopher Wills says
Sounds like a box of tissues book. That would be an interesting marketing ploy; a free pack of tissues with every book; just an idea. Good luck Shari.
Catherine Stine says
Sounds like a page-turner with a serious message. WestSide has done a real service being there for realistic writers while the trend has swayed toward fantasy. Something for everyone, right?
khashway says
Oh wow, this sounds good and like a real tear jerker. Best of luck to Shari!