Aurora author hooks $100 donation for West Aurora

Flying in tandem with Peter Pan and the West Aurora thespians, "Hook & Jill" author Andrea Jones of Aurora donated $100 to the West High Auditorium Fund. The money was raised from books sold through the high school musical's program ad.

The school performed "Peter Pan" last May, featuring Tyler Bachman as the incomparable Captain Hook and Jessica Navarro as Peter. Jones was on the scene to promote her first novel, "Hook & Jill," a "grown-up" vision of the classic children's story by J.M. Barrie. She recently presented a check to Ken Ruffalo, director of the show and West High English teacher.

Jones holds a degree in oral interpretation of literature from the University of Illinois. A 21-year resident of Aurora, Jones watched her oldest son, Duncan, graduate from West last May. Her son Casey is currently a sophomore there, and a member of the school's auditorium stage crew. When she has time, Jones performs at the Riverfront Playhouse in downtown Aurora. She hints that a stage version of "Hook & Jill" may hit the boards, too.

"Hook & Jill" was released by the Reginetta Press on Aug. 1, and can be purchased at local bookstores such as Town House Books in St. Charles. It's also available at major bookstores and online booksellers. Jones will be featured at Borders in Naperville on Saturday, Sept. 12, and at Waldenbooks in the Fox Valley Mall on Saturday, Sept. 26. Other upcoming appearances are listed on her Web site, www.HookandJill.com.