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Menlo Park author's work in anthology benefiting refugees

Jeanne DuPrau of Menlo Park is one of 18 well-known authors whose work appears in "What You Wish For," a new collection of stories and poems for ages 12 and up.

The book was published by Penguin/G.P. Putnam's Sons, and 100 percent of its proceeds will be donated to the United Nations Refugee Agency to fund libraries in Darfur refugee camps.

The charity organization, the Book Wish Foundation, has organized the book, which features an all-star roster including bestselling authors R.L. Stine ("Goosebumps"), Ann M. Martin ("The Baby-sitters Club"), and Alexander McCall Smith (The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency). The roster also includes Newbery medalists Karen Hesse ("Out of the Dust"), and Cynthia Voigt ("Dicey's Song").

The authors' contributions explore the theme of wishes in the context of friendship, love, family, bullying and other topics teens care about, according to a press release.

Jeanne DuPrau is best known for her Ember series, which recounts the adventures of two children in a fictional underground city after a catastrophic event alters life on Earth. The first book in the series, "The City of Ember," was made into a movie in 2008.

"What You Wish For," in hardcover ($17.99), is available at Kepler's bookstore in Menlo Park.

Posted by Lorraine K, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on Nov 17, 2011 at 3:29 pm

There's an Essay Contest for Aspiring Writers connected to "What You Wish For." It includes 6 of the stories in the collection, including Jeanne DuPrau's. Please see Web Link for details.