The readers of today are the voters of tomorrow–at least that’s the hope of YA for Obama, a social networking site for Young Adult Authors which launches Monday, and hopes to give "readers who are under 18 a place in the process." Founder Maureen Johnson writes:

"Those are our people, and they want to be a part of this election. While they can’t vote, they can certainly use their energy and talents to get others to do so — putting up signs, making videos, or badgering their family members to the polls." 

Other charter members of YA for Obama include  YA grande dame Judy Blume, Princess Diaries author Meg Cabot, Spiderwick Chronicles author Holly Black and the woman who gave us Gossip Girl, author Cecily von Ziegesar.

YA author Mary Herczog, whose Figures of Echo was adapted for a Lifetime Original Movie comments:

In many ways, the Obama part of this project is the least important. Instead of partisan bickering, what is important is what involves young people–emphasis on the word "people"–in the process of politics, that helps them understand this election isn’t a game show but real life, and they should and must be participants. To borrow from saintly Pete Seeger, what will save the human race is participation. As an author writing for young adults, my hope is that my readers will become informed and active adults.