Rock County Reads
One Book, Many Views
September 15 - November 6, 2004
Rock County's First Community Read Project


The Book: STUCK IN NEUTRAL by Terry Trueman


Introduction | The Book | The Author & Events | Book Discussions & Programs | Reader's Guide
Contact Us | Printable Calendar of Events | More Resources about tolerance

 

Sponsored by Arrowhead Library System, the Rock County Public Libraries, Independent Disability Service with support from the Janesville Gazette.


Introduction
Rock County Reads is an exciting reading program hosted by the Arrowhead Library System and the 7 public libraries of Rock County, Wisconsin.

The driving force behind this project is the desire to encourage reading and bring communities together through literature, reading, and discussion.  Individuals read the same book, participate in discussions and programs centered on the book, and have the opportunity to meet the author. 

This year's selection is Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman, a wonderful book for families, co-workers, and friends.  It will captivate people of all ages and backgrounds.


The Author - Terry Trueman

08/24/04 - Terry Trueman called project coordinator, Martha Gammons, to say how much he liked the Rock County Reads website and his appearance schedule.  He also told Martha that he is very excited about coming to Rock County.
A Brief Bio

A Sneak Peek:
Terry's upcoming October 2004 New Release - "Cruise Control"






Author Events


Meet the Author: Terry Trueman

Terry is a warm and engaging person who is looking forward to his time in Rock County. 
In fact he told us to book him solid because he wants to see as many people as possible.
All events are free.


Friday, November 5
On Friday, throughout the day, Terry will be visiting schools including:
Beloit Memorial High School, Milton High School, and the Janesville School District.

Evansville Public Library - 7 p.m.
Everyone is welcome.
882-2260, 39 W. Main St.

Saturday, November 6

Books and Brew Coffeehouse - 10 a.m.
An informal discussion - Reservations only
613 W. Madison Ave, Milton - Limited space.
Reserve your spot by calling Maureen at 868-3371

UW-Rock County Campus- 1:30 p.m.
Public Appearance
AP room, Hyatt-Smith Hall, 2909 Kellogg Ave.


Book Discussions at the Rock County's Public Libraries:

Unless noted the book discussion leader will be Jonathan Ivry, assistant professor of English at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he teaches a variety of courses in English and the general humanities. Ivry received his Ph.D. from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California in 2000 with a specialization in twentieth-century American poetry. He lives in Madison with his wife, Simone, and their two children.

Eager Free Public Library, Evansville - 882-8860
Tuesday, September 21 at 7 p.m. - Bridget Rolek, discussion leader

Clinton Public Library - 676-5569
Wednesday, September 22 at 10 a.m., Clinton Senior Center - Michelle Dennis, discussion leader

Edgerton Public Library - 884-4511
Thursday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Clinton Public Library - 676-5569
Tuesday, October 5 at 7 p.m.

Orfordville Public Library - 879-9229
Thursday, October 7 at 6:30 pm, - Priscilla Grittner, discussion leader

Beloit Public Library - 364-2905
Thursday, October 14 at 7 p.m.

Milton Public Library - 868-7462
Thursday, October 21 at 1 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 715 Campus Lane, Milton - Pat Conrad, discussion leader

Hedberg Public Library, Janesville - 758-6588
Thursday, October 21 at 7 p.m.

Milton Public Library - 868-7462
Thursday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m.
 


Special programming
sponsored by Independent Disability Services, partnering with Arrowhead Library Services
by assisting with programs about disabilities. 

"Signing as a Tool for Communication"  - Speaker, Harriet White   
Thursday, October 14 - 1:30 p.m. at Milton Public Library

"Accessibility: Accommodating people with disabilities in our communities" - Speaker, Grace Burns
Tuesday, October 5 - 6:30 p.m. at Milton Public Library
Wednesday, October 6 - 6:30 p.m. at Edgerton Public Library
Tuesday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Orfordville Public Library
Thursday, October 14 at 7 p.m. at Hedberg Public Library, Janesville
Wednesday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Clinton Public Library
Thursday, October 21 at 7 p.m. at Beloit Public Library - CANCELLED

Independent Disability Services provides temporary relief for families of children and adults who may be at risk of neglect and or abuse or who are medically fragile.  Services include:  complete management of finances for adults with disabilities; Independent Living program allows people with disabilities to live in a non-restrictive setting such as a house, duplex, apartment, or mobile home;  Services including help with paying bills, daily living skills, and recreation.  Community Integration provides recreational, vacation and other activity opportunities with the goal of getting disabled adults out into the public.  Transportation is provided when not available.
Gail Shumate, Executive Director, 608-754-1117, ucpscwi@aol.com


The Book

Shawn McDaniel is an enigma and a miracle--except no one knows it, least of all his father. His life is not what it may seem to anyone looking at him. Not even those who love him best have any idea what he is truly like. In this extraordinary and powerful first novel, the reader learns to look beyond the obvious and finds a character whose spirit is rich beyond imagining and whose story is unforgettable. - Harper Collins

Information and reviews from Amazon.com

News about Stuck in Neutral

Awards for "Stuck in Neutral": 
Books for the Teen Age 2001 (NYPL),  Books for Youth Editor's Choice 2000 (Booklist),
Top 10 Youth First Novels 2000 (Booklist),  2001 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA),  2001 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers (ALA),  and the 2001 Michael L. Printz Honor Book


Reader's Guide

Reading guides help enrich your reading and discussions of "Stuck in Neutral".
Watch for the downloadable Reader's Guide coming on Wednesday, September 1.
A two page PDF. Click here
 


Book Clubs

Saturday, November 6 - A special meeting the author event for book club members
and others who would like to meet the Terry Trueman in a more informal setting.

10 a.m. - An informal discussion - reservations only
Books and Brew Coffeehouse, 613 W. Madison Ave, Milton - Free. Limited space. 

If your book club would like to participate in Rock County Reads
or if you would like to register for event in Milton

please contact Maureen at 608-868-3371


Get the Book

Stuck in Neutral is available in paperback and book on tape at your local public library. 
Rock County Public Libraries:

Beloit | Clinton | Edgerton | Evansville | Janesville | Milton | Orfordville


The bookstores of Rock County are offering the book at a 20% discount for those who
prefer to own the book, or find that all the books are checked out at the library.

Rock County Bookstores:
Books & Brew - 868-3371
Hours: After Labor Day: Tuesday-Saturday from 9a.m.-6:00p.m. and Sunday from 12-5p.m.
The Old Junction Mill, 613 W. Madison Ave., Milton

Book World
- 756-4331
Hours: Monday - Saturday from 9a.m. - 7p.m. and Sunday from 12-5p.m.
2451 Milton Ave., Janesville

Turtle Creek Bookstore - 363-2375
Hours: Monday-Friday 9a.m.-7p.m. and Saturday  9a.m.-5p.m.
444 E. Grand Ave., Beloit

Waldenbooks - 756-3493
Hours: M-S 10a.m.-9p.m.  Sunday 10a.m.-9p.m.
Janesville Shopping Mall 2500 Milton Ave., Janesville
 

CONTACT US:
Arrowhead Library System
210 Dodge Street, Janesville, WI 53548
608-758-6690

Rock County Reads: One Book, Many Views
Project Coordinator:  Martha Gammons
608-758-6695 /
gammons.martha@als.lib.wi.us


Additional Resources for those who want more...
Tolerance in our Society: Articles

l My Students, My Teachers, Myself by Deborah Straw.
Community College Week, 5/27/2002, Vol. 14, Issue 21, p. 4.


l Tolerance and Understanding? Students and Teachers Reflect on Differences at School by Elina Lahelma.
Educational Research and Evaluation, Feb. 2004, Vol. 10, Issue 1, p. 3.

l Noteworthy NorthEastWestSouth - Taking Action.
Skipping Stones, Nov/Dec 2003, Vol 15, Issue 5, p. 31.


Books from Amazon.com: Titles similar to Stuck In Neutral
l Fat Kid Rules the World by K. L. Going
l Inside Out by Terry Trueman
l Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson