Arizona: Day 1

I realize that it's redundant to say that it's hot in Arizona in August and, further, that it's pathetic to complain about it.

Still.

It's friggin' hot here, people.

Yesterday, I drove to my first stop here -- Sun Valley Charter High School. It wasn't yet ten in the morning and yet the temperature was already 100º.

That's just ridiculous.

So, at Sun Valley I spoke to a group of about sixty tenth and eleventh graders. The assistant principal was generous enough to buyt forty-five copies of The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, which I signed for the school. Brandi from Changing Hands (a truly phenomenal bookstore here in the Phoenix area) was on hand to handle the books. English teacher Michelle Mushkin put on a great spread, with cookies, fruit, crackers, etc. It was a festive event for the kids...and for me!

Then I hied myself to Excalibur Charter School. This was the first time in my life I'd ever seen a school in a shopping center! Check it out:

I spent an hour there, talking to the kids, answering questions. Brandi was once again on hand and I signed plenty of books. Here are some more pics...

After Excalibur, I headed back to the hotel to cool off. Then I got to see my best writing bud in the world: Robin Brande! Robin's book -- Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature -- launches on Tuesday and I was in town for the launch party (at Changing Hands). Robin and I met up with Faith from Changing Hands for dinner:

After dinner (long day, right?), we all went to Changing Hands, where Robin and I sat on a panel about writing and publishing children's literature. Joining us were Chris Gall and Janette Rollison, with Faith moderating. It was a terrific panel -- lots of good questions and lots of fun answers. Here's Robin and me with Michelle and Daanon...

And here's me with Shannon Bailey, an eighth grade teacher at a local school: 

OK, it was a long day. We left Changing Hands at close to ten at night...and it was still hot as hell outside! "Come on!" I screamed to the sky. "I get it! It's hot here! You've made your point."

Then off to bed and on Tuesday... Robin's party!

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1

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By: Shannon on Sat September 01, 2007, 21:27:45

I feel special :) hee hee! Glad you had fun in AZ..come back soon!
Shannon

2

Re: Arizona: Day 1
By: Barry on Sat September 01, 2007, 22:29:57

Had a terrific time, Shannon! I'd love to come back...in the winter!

3

Re: Arizona: Day 1
By: Michelle on Tue September 04, 2007, 22:32:35

Winter in Phoenix is SO much better. February is my favorite month here. Thanks for toughing it out to participate on the panel! It was fun. Hope to see you when the weather is cooler.

4

Re: Arizona: Day 1
By: Barry on Wed September 05, 2007, 23:46:57

Hi, Michelle -- I'll be happy to come back. Heck, maybe even in the heat after all. I might just be willing to make that sacrifice -- I really did have a good time!