Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope -- Tour Blog

Jenna in Peru

Jenna & Mia — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:21:00 +0000

Jenna & Mia are currently visiting UNICEF programs in Peru and blogging for Unicef from the field.

World AIDS Day, California

Jenna & Mia — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:46:00 +0000

Jenna reads prayer cards on a wall in World Vision's travelling show for AIDS education

Purple ribbons and photographs of children living with HIV/AIDS are part of the youth summit's interactive education on AIDS

A participant at the youth summit on AIDS in California

World AIDS Day in Orange County, California

Colorado

Jenna & Mia — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 23:20:00 +0000

I can finally declare my favorite bookstore in the nation. Located in historic LODO in Denver, Colorado, this unique independent bookstore has charm, comfort and efficiency, plus a giant tree house affect that makes roaming it's antiquated wooden shelves absolutely wonderful. In a chestnut-brown room filled with portraits of past author's visits, we sat among a pleasant and attentive audience to share Ana's Story.

Saludos,
Mia

Ten-year-old best friends and Denver natives

Staff recommendations located throughout the book shelves

Jenna with a plack of Ana's Story made by a local artist in Colorado

An evening event with Sam Wellers Bookstore and 15 inches of white, fluffy snow in Salt Lake City Friday.

Ohio

Jenna & Mia — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 22:55:00 +0000

About 570 students, grades 7-12, joined us at Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati Tuesday. The event took place in the school’s beautiful Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel. Afterwards, we went to a lovely U.S. Fund for UNICEF fundraiser at the home of Mercer and Lindsay Reynolds, followed by a bookstore event at Joseph-Beth Booksellers.

Jenna speaking at Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati.

Wednesday morning we drove 45 minutes to Dayton--a college and industrial town within the Miami Valley region of Ohio. First stop, Fox 19 Morning News for a live televised interview. Next, we were met by MTV News correspondent, John Norris, and crew at Kettering Fairmont High School. MTV followed the day's events–including the evening event at Books and Company. The segment will run within the next few weeks, so tune in to see a day in the life of Ana's Story book tour!

MTV at the Kettering Fairmont High School event

Kettering Fairmont High RTF students

Books and Company Bookstore event

Baby on the loose at Books and Company (for a few seconds, anyway).

Books and Company Bookstore event

Saludos,
Mia and Jenna

Pennsylvania

Jenna & Mia — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:08:00 +0000

We made our way to Pennsylvania Monday morning, starting off at Council Rock High School North in Newtown. Along the road we have seen many schools participate in AIDS awareness projects in connection with the book and our visit. Here, the auditorium was lined with posters hand-crafted by students regarding HIV/AIDS. This is great as the more we educate ourselves, the more we can educate others and break the cycle of this growing epidemic.

HIV/AIDS Awareness posters created by Council Rock students

Much to our great surprise, we entered the school and there stood our wonderful and brilliant publishers--Kate Jackson, Editor-In-Chief of Children’s books, and Toni Markiet, Editor for Ana's Story. They came from New York to support the project and see how truly remarkable the book tour--with its school and bookstore visits--has been.

Jenna, Susan Whitson and Kate Jackson (from left to right), along with Council Rock High School students, back stage before the presentation

In the evening, we all set off to Pennsbury High School in Fairless Hills for a Barnes & Nobles event.

Jenna (with Kate Jackson, Toni Markiet and Susan Whitson) carting pre-signed books to the auditorium for the Barnes & Nobles Fairless Hills evening event

Saludos,
Mia and Jenna

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jenna & Mia — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:14:00 +0000

We are home for the holidays and back on tour Monday, November 26. Stay tuned for details covering the last leg of the tour--and THANK YOU for partaking in Ana's Story!

Saludos,
Mia and Jenna

Mia at the Jacksonville, FL Museum of Modern Art

Florida

Jenna & Mia — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:20:00 +0000

From Tuesday, November 6 through Thursday, November 8 we were in Miami for the International Book Fair, visited three different high schools (two in Miami and one in Tampa), and worked with two great book stores: Books-A-Million and Barnes & Nobles in Gainesville. We are now on our way North to Jacksonville and then North Carolina.

Stay tuned for more photos and details...

Saludos,
Mia and Jenna

New Orleans, LA

Jenna & Mia — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:27:00 +0000

The halls of KIPP Believe College Prep in New Orleans radiate with the rhythm and soul of the city. Purple and green beads dangle from a paper maché tree with words like "love" and "compassion" in bold presented on every branch.

As we walked through the school's interior, we stopped in for a spontaneous performance of jive and song done by one of the math classes. What reigned clear throughout the visit was the matching enthusiasm by both teachers and students--the math teacher was adorably charismatic and participated with loud claps and stomps to the beat of the dance.

In the cafeteria we met with about 125 students for a reading and later engaged in an excellent discussion regarding the themes of the book. It was inspiring to be present among such passionate leaders and students!

Before the evening Octavia Bookstore event we meandered through the historic French Quarter to capture more of the essence of New Orleans. The street names are scribed on Spanish style tile and live music can be found on practically every street in the district. New Orleans was alive and vibrant for our less than 24 hours visit.

Saludos,
Mia and Jenna

A KIPP Academy 7th grader reads along with Jenna during her reading

Hallway decorations on the upper level of the KIPP Academy

The KIPP Academy, New Orleans

Students preform a spontaneous thematic jive routine

Students wait in line to return to class after having their books signed

Texas Book Festival

Jenna & Mia — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 21:32:00 +0000

The book tour placed us back home in Austin over the weekend for the annual Texas Book Festival. The festival was established in 1995 by Jenna’s mother, First Lady Laura Bush, to promote Texas authors and to strengthen literacy in the state.

The Texas State Capitol in Austin

Over 200 authors from across the nation participated in the event. Jenna was introduced by her former University of Texas professor, Don Graham, inside the historic pink limestone walls of the Capitol. The reading and video was followed by a book signing in a tent outside the capitol grounds.

Austinites watching the bat show along the Congress Avenue Bridge

I lingered about the festival after our signing was over—the cool autumn grass was occupied by families having picnics and individuals engaged in their new signed books. The beautiful autumn weather lent its way to a perfectly wonderful event and many happy faces.

The star lined iron gate surrounds what is the largest state capitol in the USA

Saludos,
Mia and Jenna

Birmingham, Alabama

Jenna & Mia — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 05:42:00 +0000

We arrived in Birmingham in the evening and headed directly through the tree-lined streets of the seemingly tranquil Southern city to Books-A-Million for an event. There began the familiar routine of pre-signing books, an interview with FOX, a reading, and finally the book signing.

The next day's event took place at Hoover High School--in what appeared to be the largest school event thus far. The mayor closed the reading by presenting Jenna with a key to the city.

Saludos,
Mia and Jenna

Halloween

Jenna & Mia — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:37:00 +0000

Feliz dia de la Bruja ja ja! That's what we said last year trick-or-treating as Mother Earth and Izzy Stardust in Panama. This Halloween, we were met by an enthusiastic student body at Eagle Rock High School in Los Angeles. Most of the students were dressed up for the occasion. The auditorium where the event took place was decorated with spiders, posters and lines of Trick-Or-Treat for UNICEF orange boxes along the stage.

Eagle Rock High School students dressed up for Halloween

The event began in a discussion with 100 Key Club members regarding Ana's Story. Then, about 1,000 students took part in the video and reading.

Jenna speaks with 100 Key Club members at Eagle Rock High School

We closed the day's events with a fundraiser luncheon for U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

Los Angeles, CA

Jenna & Mia — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:23:00 +0000

We have been driving through Orange County for the past three days--Los Angeles to Burbank, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Pasadena and so on--avoiding the devastating wild fires that struck the state just about a week ago.

Ana’s Story should not only inspire readers to educate themselves about the myths and facts about HIV/AIDS and abuse, but it should also encourage people to get involved in their own communities, to lend a hand.

We hope that in speaking here in California we have motivated people to get involved in helping those who have lost their homes in the fires--to donate clothing and food or to volunteer for such organizations as the Red Cross. Especially in the case of natural disasters, through small efforts from each of us a united America can make a big difference for those in need.

Saludos,
Mia and Jenna

Here are a few organizations where you can donate your money or time:

American Red Cross: Cash donations can be made through www.redcross.org or through a local Red Cross chapter. Volunteers also are needed. Information on shelter locations can be found on Red Cross websites for Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange and San Diego counties and the Inland Empire. Donations of clothing can be made at Goodwill locations.
Information: (800) REDCROSS or (800) 257-7575 for Spanish speakers.

Governor's Office of Emergency Services: Businesses wishing to donate large quantities of goods for distribution to fire victims can call (800) 750-2858 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Pacific time. Individuals wanting to donate items or volunteer to help with local disaster response efforts should contact the Red Cross or go to the governor's California Volunteers website at www.californiavolunteers.org.

The Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Cash donations are needed to support efforts to provide emergency shelter for animals displaced by the fires. Contributions can be made through www.spcala.com or by calling (888) SPCALA1. Food supplies also are needed.

Los Angeles Times Family Fund and KTLA Charities Fire Relief Campaign: 100% of all donation plus match funds will be granted to organizations supporting disaster response and recovery in Southern California. Official site.

New Leash on Life: The animal rescue group needs help caring for evacuated pets at its Newhall facility. The group can be contacted at (661) 255-0097.

Salvation Army: Cash contributions can be made through its website www.salvationarmy-socal.org or by calling (800) SALARMY.

United Health Group: Southern Californians coping with the emotional consequences of the fires can call a counseling hotline at (866) 342-6892. The free service provided by the insurance company will be available around the clock for as long as needed.

Houston, TX area

Jenna & Mia — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:56:00 +0000

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

Jenna & Mia — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:33:00 +0000

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

Jenna & Mia — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:48:00 +0000

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

Jenna & Mia — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 02:27:00 +0000

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

Jenna & Mia — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:00:00 +0000

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.

Jenna & Mia — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:25:00 +0000

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

Jenna & Mia — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 14:31:00 +0000

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

Second stop: New York City

Jenna & Mia — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:23:00 +0000

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

First stop: Borders Annapolis

Jenna & Mia — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 14:11:00 +0000

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

Jenna & Mia — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 13:07:00 +0000

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

Jenna & Mia — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:17:00 +0000

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!

Jenna & Mia — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 22:55:00 +0000

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

Jenna & Mia — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:08:00 +0000

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