July 26, 2007

Book launch and Bhangra Party for ‘First Daughter: Extreme American Makeover’

The Almaden Branch Library is pleased to host a book launch and Bhangra party on Wednesday, Aug. 1 from 2:30-5 p.m. in the large community room. Starting at 2:30 p.m., there will be an opportunity for teens to socialize, listen to Bhangra music, enjoy South Asian karaoke performers and even learn some Bhangra dance steps.

At 4 p.m., guest author Mitali Perkins will read a short portion from her novel, “First Daughter: Extreme American Makeover,” and answer questions.

Mitali’s fast-paced and witty novel is about a Pakistani-American girl, Sameera Righton, whose dad wants to be president. With the race for the presidency in full swing, he is a leading contender. As the pressure builds, his daughter Sameera is forced to choose: will she hide behind a fake persona or speak up for her true self? She decides to reclaim her true identity, even if it costs her father the presidency.

Although the novel touches upon racial profiling, trafficking and prejudice, the book mostly concerns itself with Sameera’s personal transformation and inner growth. Sameera Righton, the main character in the novel, is keeping track of the real first kid wannabes in the ’08 presidential campaign at sparrowblog.com--check it out.

Almaden Branch Library is located at 6445 Camden Ave. Regular hours are Monday from 2 to 7 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. For questions, please call (408) 808-3040 during business hours. E-mail may be sent at any time: ab.sjpl@sjlibrary.org.

Ed Koetitz is a Youth Services Librarian at the Almaden Branch Library.