Hilary Duff writing a YA novel

Hilary Duff, who I still remember from the Disney show Lizzie McGuire has signed a deal with Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers to publish a young adult (YA) series.

The first book will be called Elixer and is currently on track to be published in October of 2010.  They also grouped this in with a nonfiction book that will be about the challenges faced by children of divorce.  From the press release we have the description of the book

Clea Raymond is a talented young photojournalist who has spent her entire life in the spotlight as the daughter of a Washington politician and a renowned surgeon. Haunted by the strange appearance of a mysterious young man in her photographs, Clea travels the globe with her best friends, Rayna and Ben, in a race against time to unravel a centuries-old mystery that could unlock the key to her soulmate’s true identity and the secret of her father’s disappearance–and ultimately save all their lives.

Duff says “I’ve always loved the escape of a great book, especially one that features a strong, inspiring female character you feel you really understand, someone who could be you, but living a more fascinating life. I’m hoping Elixir will be that kind of book–a novel that will transport readers and open new worlds for them.”

I think this is a great idea when we have famous role models getting more kids interested in reading.  I kind of dig the story going on as well, the daughter kind of gets lost in the limelight of her father and who does not love centuries-old mystery stuff.