First stop: Borders Annapolis

We met a plethora of Ana enthusiasts—and others simply enthusiastic about beginning the ‘Journey of hope’—at our first book store event in Annapolis, Maryland. It is wonderful for us to see young adults (and their parents and grandparents) with the book in hand, as Ana changed our lives and we just know she will inspire amazing things in yours!

One 13-year-old girl came to the event with her mother and friends to celebrate her birthday, and wearing a “Birthday Princess” sash. Another woman picked up copies of the book for each of her three grandchildren. She spoke of her 30-year-old daughter’s troubling childhood after having been molested by a neighbor. Like Ana, her daughter kept this a secret, and through Ana’s story, she hopes to pass on the message of strength and resilience to her grandchildren.

Tune in for our next stop—New York City!

Saludos!
Mia & Jenna

Make a Difference with UNICEF

Our work with UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, changed our lives. UNICEF has saved the lives of more children around the world than any other humanitarian organization and a portion of proceeds from Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope will benefit the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

There are so many ways you and your friends can help make a difference with UNICEF. You can start small, but start any way you can. Check out their informative website at www.unicefusa.org to sign-up for their e-newsletter, participate in their Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program, learn how to create your very own fundraiser, or just read through their “What’s New” section to get educated about events happening around the world.

-Jenna and Mia

Ana’s Story special on TV

Tomorrow’s the big day! Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope officially goes on-sale in bookstores everywhere Friday, September 28th. We also want to let everyone know about an important television special that will air on TV that same night. This special about Ana’s Story further discusses the important topics raised in the book and helps raise awareness of the millions of kids around the world who share similar experiences and living conditions as Ana and who need your help.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to talk with Diane Sawyer and share details of our experience meeting Ana and writing about her life in Ana’s Story. ABC-TV (check your local listings for the exact channel in your area) will air an hour-long “20/20” special featuring my interview and never-before-seen footage of our time in Latin America and the Caribbean. We hope you have the chance to watch it with your friends and family.

-Jenna and Mia

Thanks for your feedback!

Here are some early reviews and comments that we received directly from teens who had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Ana’s Story. The book was offered online in June as part of HarperTeen's First Look Reader Review Program which allows you to read and review new books before they’re available in stores. Here are our favorite responses. We hope you’ll read Ana’s Story too!

-Jenna and Mia


When reading this novel, it is almost as if Ana is in the room, the words coming from her rather than from the book. Her story is enlightening and inspirational. Ana’s Story will bring you to tears and lift up your heart. —Caroline

Ana’s Story has opened my eyes to how some people live. I will try to help kids like Ana in any way I can and never lose hope just because I think a bad situation will never get better just like Ana did. —Lakira

I wasn't expecting anything so raw and honest, but that is exactly what Ana's Story was. I kept thinking how amazing it was that Ana has gone through all of this in her life, yet she still remains positive in her attitude and hopeful for the rest of her life. I have never read anything like Ana's Story before, and although it was different, I would definitely recommend it. —Lia

The story part of the book ends about three quarters of the way through the book and moves on to suggestions of ways to help. This was an awesome way to motivate readers to take a closer look at the possibilities out there to give others a better life. —Elliot

This book is shocking; it makes a person realize how good they have it compared to people like Ana. This story touched my heart and I would recommend it for anyone wanting to read an eye-opening book. In my opinion, 5 stars! —Hailey

Welcome to ANA'S STORY

While we were interning for UNICEF last year in Latin America and the Caribbean, it was our job to document the lives of children excluded from basic care and education and write their stories for UNICEF. But after meeting so many amazing children, and especially after meeting Ana, we wanted to bring these kids to the attention of as many people as possible. Ana's story is also the story of millions of children around the world who are marginalized, neglected and mistreated but still hope for a better life.

Please help us build a Wall of Hope to inspire and motivate change for kids like Ana. Share your messages and stories about how you've already helped or plan to help others in your community or around the world.

Join the discussion, take action and make a difference!

Jenna & Mia