Houston, TX area

There was some wonderful energy in the auditorium at Klein Forest High School Friday morning. Before Jenna appeared on stage to speak, the principal asked all the teachers in the room to stand in recognition of their excellent work. Students clapped and cheered with great enthusiasm. Jenna was met with parallel appreciation during the event.

After a lovely U.S. Fund for UNICEF fundraiser event at the Farb residence, we drove to Conroe, Texas.

Hastings Bookstore event at Peet Junior High in Conroe.


There is something magical about the Texas countryside at dusk, with it's flat planes and varying shades of green from the dry hay to the lush dark hued leaves dangling from the trees. Living in Manhattan, I must admit it shocked me to see a man on horseback on the side of the highway in Conroe. Jenna and I saw a lot of this in Latin America--namely Panama, Paraguay, and Argentina--but I had forgotten how common it is to see this in our home state.

Saludos!
Mia and Jenna

Austin, TX

Austin welcomed us home with great big arms.

First stop was Saint Andrews Episcopal Middle School where Jenna attended 7th and 8th grade. We were so impressed by the intelligent questions many of the students asked after Jenna spoke of the kids we met in Latin America. And, of course, she was able to thank some of her old teachers for inspiring her to love to write from such a young age.



Next, I must mention Whole Foods here--the beautiful, exquisite grocery Mecca that we love dearly--and on a tight schedule, we managed to swing by the market's first location (a larger space, but yes, we are very proud) for a kombucha tea and snack before heading to the next event at O. Henry Middle School. Here, a room full of 8th graders took part in Ana's journey and had their books signed after. We just so happened to be there on the school's "twin day" which we found quite fitting as Jenna is a twin.



Finally, the day closed at Book People independent book store where we were met by the Austin community, friends, family, and even our old running coach, Gilbert, who we had many inspiring runs with before graduating from college. Thanks to everyone who came out!

The Woodlands, Texas next...

Saludos!
Mia and Jenna

College Station, TX

President George H.W. Bush announced Jenna at the presidential library in College Station, Texas. Jenna’s call-to-action speech was followed by a book signing and then a drive south to the home of the Alamo in San Antonio.

Alpharetta, Georgia

Thirty minutes from Atlanta is Alpharetta, Georgia. We made two stops here today, the first being Alpharetta High School where 500 9th-12th graders welcomed Ana's Story in their school's auditorium.

Jenna giving a presentation at Alpharetta High School and the sunrise in Atlanta, Georgia


Maria and Alexa at Alpharetta High School


In the evening, books were signed at Barnes & Noble.

Jenna (left) speaking with the crowd (right) at Barnes & Noble Alpharetta




Just about an hour of signatures later, we returned to the city--down Peach Tree street(yes)--to rest up for another great day in Georgia!

Saludos!
Mia and Jenna

Politics & Prose Bookstore

On the border of Maryland and Washington D.C. stands Politics and Prose independent bookstore. Today, 170 school children and a handful of locals came to listen to Ana's Story. In this cozy space amongst wooden shelves complete with books, we shared the inspiring tale of Ana and were truly inspired by the questions and feedback from the readers.



Saludos!
Mia and Jenna

SEED School, Washington D.C.

Students at the Seed School charter school in Washington D.C. visit with Jenna while she signs their copies of Ana's Story.


Sierra, 11th grade

Jenna on The Early Show

Harry Smith speaks with Jenna Bush about Ana's Story: A Journey Of Hope:

Second stop: New York City

Jenna presented Ana's Story Monday morning to a compassionate Ann Curry on the Today Show.

On set at the Today Show in New York City


Jenna and Ann Curry on set


Watching Jenna's interview on the outdoor screens


After having jump started the day with Ana's strong messages to a nation wide audience, we celebrated with a UNICEF event at the UN. Friends and family, our inspiring co-workers from UNICEF in Latin America, the book publishers and many more joined together under one roof to pay tribute to Ana and celebrate the book. The energy in the room was phenomenal—as if each person, at the same time, withdrew from any personal burdens and instead felt uplifted and inspired by the true journey of hope that Ana so courageously shared with us!

Saludos!
Mia and Jenna