Woodland Hills High School was honored to welcome New York Times best-selling author Julie Berry to the high school library and media center for the first event in this year's edition of the Woodland Hills Interaction Series.
Julie Berry is an award-winning author of children's books and young adult fiction. She received the Michael L. Printz award, which recognizes the best book written for teens based on literary merit, for her 2017 novel "The Passion of Dolssa." Her 2019 book "Lovely War" was critically acclaimed, made the New York Times bestseller list, and was named to numerous lists recognizing the best books of 2019. It was also the recipient of the Golden Kite Award for best young adult fiction.
Her newest book is "If Looks Could Kill," which just landed in bookstores and online stores on Tuesday. The novel plays with multiple genres, as it focuses on the mythology of an awakened Medusa and the true crime horror Jack the Ripper, all set in the Gilded Age of the Bowery in 19th century New York City. The two notorious figures see their lives intertwined with Tabitha and Pearl, two Salvation Army volunteers determined to rescue a friend from New York's seedy underbelly.
Berry spoke with the students about the inspiration behind "If Looks Could Kill," highlighting the excitement and the challenge of blending genres and timelines. She explained how both Medusa and Jack the Ripper have been portrayed historically in culture, including in modern media, and explored how she could merge their characters and mythology into critical historical elements of the late 19th century New York City.
Students received a copy of the book and were able to have it personalized. Interaction Series organizers Mr. Jason Coleman and Mr. Kevin McGuire also unveiled a display created by student volunteers in honor of Berry's visit. Cleverly titled "If Books Could Kill," the display includes a number of popular and critically acclaimed horror, paranormal, and mystery titles that fit right in with the atmosphere within Berry's latest book.
Thanks to White Whale Books & Coffee for helping to arrange this visit, and thank you to Julie Berry for visiting Woodland Hills, meeting with our students, and helping to kick off the 12th year of the Woodland Hills Interaction Series!