Was it a year and a half ago that a rude, drunken psychic named Madame Sosostris gave Kelly a reading telling her she would be selling soon? I suppose Madame S will try to take credit for this wonderful writer's success, when we all knew it was going to happen. We're proud of you, Kelly!
Graffiti art. It's bold. It's thrilling. And it can get a girl into serious trouble....
Raised by her single mom (who's always dating the wrong kind of man) in a struggling California neighborhood, Angel Rodriguez is a headstrong, independent young woman who channels her hopes and dreams for the future into her painting. But when her entry for a community mural doesn't rate, she's heartbroken. Even with winning artist Nathan Ramos -- a senior track star and Angel's secret crush -- taking a sudden interest in Angel and her art, she's angry and hurt. She's determined to find her own place in the art world, her own way.
That's when Miguel Badalin -- from the notorious graffiti crew Reyes Del Norte -- opens her eyes to an underground world of graf tags and turf wars. She's blown away by this bad boy's fantastic work and finds herself drawn to his dangerous charm. Soon she's running with Miguel's crew, pushing her skills to the limit and beginning to emerge as the artist she always dreamed she could be. But Nathan and Miguel are bitter enemies with a shared past, and choosing between them and their wildly different approaches to life and art means that Angel must decide what matters most before the artist inside of her can truly break free.
"With characters as bold and exciting as the art they love, and an honesty that keeps them raw and real, Graffiti Girl shows us that the only thing better than discovering your talent is finding yourself along the way." ~ Jenny O'Connell, author of Plan B and The Book of Luke
"Graffiti Girl is a fast-paced story that boldly looks dreams and temptations in the eye. 16 year-old Angel Rodriguez steals your heart as she tries to find her place in the world--artistically, socially, and even inside her own family. Don't miss this one!" ~ Tina Ferraro, author of Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress
"Breaking into the YA market with the edgy debut novel Graffiti Girl, Kelly will surprise readers with her hip yet mature voice." ~ RITA Award-winning author, Dianna Love Snell
"This book blew me away. Kelly Parra writes with the keen eye of an artist. Graffiti Girl is warm, gutsy, and true-to-life -- an unflinching, honest portrayal of young adults. A seamless and impressive debut." anne frasier
available now! Amazon
Kelly's blog
15 comments:
wow, this one sounds really good...and kind of like where i grew up! i'll look for it. where is 'madame' by the way?! maybe she can tell ME what to do next!
Yes, Madame S and I have a very cool relationship! I owe her big for that reading. haha!
Thanks so much, Anne!! You've been a really great friend these past couple of years. I can't believe I'm really going to have a book out. It's freaking crazy and great at the same time. hehe
you're the best!
cinderelly, madame seems to be on a loooong vacation (rehab). maybe once i get moved she'll resurface!
kelly, you're welcome! i truly loved the book. i can't wait to see the feedback you get from young adult readers.
I realize that as Kelly's critique partner, that I am biased...but believe me when I say that GRAFFITI GIRL is one great read! I have loved it in all its versions, but the last one knocked my socks off!
Thanks, Anne! I actually got my first reader feedback from a teacher who picked it for a small book club, and she really thinks it's a book her kids could relate to. I couldn't believe it, it actually really touched my mushy heart. :)
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I paid Tina to write that. ;) haha! Thanks, Tina!
I can't wait to read this - time to do a little amazon shopping...
It's the next book on my list to buy/read/spread the word...
(And I love purple.)
I just spotted 5 copies at the nearby B&N! woo-hoo!
I know Kelly has waited a long time for this and I'm really happy for her.
Woo-hoo!! You know what's funny? I kept focusing so much on the official release day, like the 15th was going to be the big day to party, but it's been weird that the books have sort of trickled out on different days. haha.
Thanks, Everybody!!
kelly, that's what make book releases so odd. no solid day to celebrate and say this is it. it can span a period of about 3 weeks.
You know me. I'm in a buyin' mood.
Woohoo for Kelly!! What a great moment.
Kelly, it sounds so exciting! I'm going to trot over to my Borders to see if they have it. :P
Congratulations on a job well done, Kelly, and thanks for the great rec, Anne.
Madame S is da bomb.
I'm late to this party also, but congrats, kelly!
i will say she makes a wicked gin enema.
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