FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 26, 2008

CONTACT: Diane Nevill, (623) 930-3554, Public Information Officer

GLENDALE, Ariz. – For the seventh year, Arizona readers can enjoy reading and discussing the same book during the month of April. This year’s selection, chosen by the public, is Nancy E. Turner’s “These Is My Words.”

Begun in 2002, OneBookAZ brings communities together through literature. Discussion groups, author talks and book signings and other programs happen all over the state.

“These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine” was inspired by the author’s original family memoirs. Sarah Prine is one of the most memorable women ever to survive and prevail in the Arizona Territory of the late 1800s. As a child, a fiery young woman, and, finally, a caring mother, Sarah forges a life as full and as fascinating as one’s deepest needs, most secret hopes and grandest dreams. She rides Indian-style and shoots with deadly aim, greedily devours a treasure trove of leather-bound books, and downs fire, flood, Comanche raids and other mortal perils with the unique courage that forged the character of the American West.

The book is rich in authentic details of daily life and etched with striking character portraits of very different pioneer families. This action-packed novel is also the story of a powerful, enduring love between Sarah and the dashing cavalry officer Captain Jack Elliot. Neither vast distances traveled nor harsh and killing terrains could quench the passion between them, and the loss and loneliness both suffer only strengthen their need for each other.

Turner, a Tucson native, will be making two appearances in Glendale on Wednesday, April 16 to talk about her writing, her books and her illustrious great-grandmother at the following free appearances:

      2 p.m. – Glendale Main Library. “An Afternoon with OneBookAZ Author Nancy Turner.” Call Melanie at 623-930-3549 for more information. Reservations are not necessary.

      7 p.m. – Foothills Branch Library. “Nancy Turner: OneBookAZ Author Appearance.” Call Sarah at 623-930-3844 for more information. Reservations are not required.

Turner’s books will be available for purchase and signing at both of these events. “Sarah’s Quilt” and “The Star Garden” reveal more about Sarah Prine’s life in Territorial Arizona.

In addition to the author’s visits, two other OneBookAZ programs are taking place:

      Thursday, April 17, 2 p.m. – Glendale Main Library. “Afternoon Readers Group and OneBookAZ Look Back at the Women Who Settled the West.” Join the Afternoon Readers Group as they celebrate Nancy Turner’s These Is My Words." Special guest Reba Wells Grandrud, Ph.D., presents “In Their Own Words: Diaries of 19th Century Women.” Find out more about the women who settled the West in this fascinating visual presentation. The Arizona Humanities Council is co-sponsoring the program. Reservations are not required. Call 623-930-3549 for more information.

      Monday, April 21, 10 a.m. – Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave. The 58th Ave. Book Club will discuss “These Is My Words” by Nancy E. Turner. Call Bette at 623-930-3431 to RSVP.

Previous OneBookAZ winners were:

2007 - Going Back to Bisbee by Richard Shelton

2006 - An Unfinished Life by Mark Spragg

2005 - Sunk Without a Sound: The Tragic Colorado River Honeymoon of Glen and Bessie Hyde by Brad Dimock and Grand Ambition by Lisa Michaels

2004 - Life of Pi by Yann Martel

2003 - Plainsong by Kent Haruf

2002 - Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver

Starting in 2003, OneBookAZ Kids has been delighting youngsters with a youth version of OneBookAZ. This year’s selection is “Danger in the Desert” by Terri Fields. It is the exciting adventure of two brothers who try to survive in the desert outside Scottsdale, Arizona, after they are abandoned following a carjacking.

Terri Fields is an award-winning children’s author of 17 books geared to children from kindergarten through high school. Besides her writing, Fields has been a teacher who has won numerous awards, including being named to the All USA Teacher Team of the nation’s top 20 teachers. She recently retired from teaching English at Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix.

Theater Works has made a theatrical production of “Danger in the Desert” and will present it at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, March 22 in the Storytime Room of the Main Library. The hour-long production is free and no RSVP is required.

On Monday, April 7, youths, ages 8-12, can join the “Danger in the Desert” Book Discussion from 7-8 p.m. in the Storytime Room at the Main Library. Registration is required and books will be available to participants. Call 623-930-3537 for more information and to sign up.

Previous OneBookAZ for Kids winners were:

2007    Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata

2006    Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath

2005    Frindle by Andrew Clements

2004    The Warm Place by Nancy Farmer

2003    Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos