Recommended Contemporary Realistic Fiction for Teens

December 6, 2017 | jonesw

Contemporary realistic fiction takes place in the present and covers topics that are likely to happen in real life. These novels explore many common issues for modern teenagers. Looking for a funny story? Jump down to the "Humor" section. 

All American boys by Jason Reynolds

When sixteen-year-old Rashad is mistakenly accused of stealing, classmate Quinn witnesses his brutal beating at the hands of a police officer who happens to be the older brother of his best friend. Told through Rashad and Quinn's alternating viewpoints.

American street by Ibi Zoboi

When Fabiola's mother is detained upon their arrival to the United States, Fabiola must navigate her loud American cousins, the grittiness of Detroit's west side, a new school, and a surprising romance all on her own.

Share a Story: Houses and Homes Storytime

December 6, 2017 | jonesw

Did you miss our Houses and Homes Storytime this week? Don't worry, here's what you missed, plus a few more suggestions to inspire a storytime you can do at home.

From Storytime

Home by Carson Ellis

A whimsical tribute to the myriad possibilities of home depicts homes in different real-world environments as well as fantastical settings.

Recommended Historical Fiction for Teens

December 4, 2017 | jonesw

From World War II to the Wild Wild West, step back in time with these fantastic historical fiction titles. 

Burn baby burn by Meg Medina

During the summer of 1977 when New York City is besieged by arson, a massive blackout, and a serial killer named Son of Sam, seventeen-year-old Nora must also face her family's financial woes, her father's absence, and her brother's growing violence.

Code name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

In 1943, a British fighter plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France and the survivor tells a tale of friendship, war, espionage, and great courage as she relates what she must to survive while keeping secret all that she can.

Recommended "New" Classics For Teens

November 10, 2017 | jonesw

Although the first Young Adult book was published over 50 years ago, many titles that have been released in the past 20 years have been cemented as must-reads in the canon. Try a "new" classic and see what all the buzz is about!

The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Budding cartoonist Junior leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.

The book thief by Markus Zusak

Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel--a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.

Teen Service Opportunity: Card Making

jonesw

Looking for a way to give back to your community? Stop in and make greeting cards for our friends at Waltonwood Senior Living Center. This opportunity is available to teens ages 13-18. Please bring any paperwork to be signed with you to the event. 

The image cards by liz west is licensed under CC BY 2.0. 

Upcoming sessions

There are no upcoming sessions available.

Winter Solstice Lantern DIY

jonesw

The winter solstice is December 21 and brings the longest evening of the year. Stop in to learn about winter solstice traditions around the world and make your own lantern to brighten up the dark night. 

Recommended for ages 9 & up. 

The image Lit Lanterns by Ann is licensed under CC BY 2.0. 

Upcoming sessions

There are no upcoming sessions available.

Celebrate Native Heritage

November 4, 2017 | jonesw

Over 500 tribes of Native Americans are recognized in the United States. Learn more about Native American tribes, their cultures, and famous figures using one of the books below. 

Tribes

Apache by Wren Richmond

Introduces the Apache people, discussing their history, traditions, and daily life.

If You Liked Stranger Things

November 4, 2017 | jonesw

The much-anticipated second season of Netflix's Stranger Things dropped last week. If you've already binge-watched all 9 episodes and are missing the supernatural 80's vibe, check out a book or movie below.  

Books

The boy who drew monsters : a novel by Keith Donohue

Ever since he nearly drowned in the ocean three years earlier, ten-year-old Jack Peter Keenan has been deathly afraid to venture outdoors. Refusing to leave his home in a small coastal town in Maine, Jack Peter spends his time drawing monsters. When those drawings take on a life of their own, no one is safe from the terror they inspire.

Chills and Thrills in YA

October 26, 2017 | jonesw
Asylum by Madeleine Roux

"Three teens at a summer program for gifted students uncover shocking secrets in the sanatorium-turned-dorm where they're staying--secrets that link them all to the asylum's dark past"--.

The dead house by Dawn Kurtagich

Told through journal entries, a psychotherapist's notes, court records, and more, relates the tale of Carly, a teen who was institutionalized after her parents' death but released to Elmbrige High School, where she is believed to have a second personality or soul named Kaitlyn, and/or be possessed by a demon.

The girl from the well by Rin Chupeco

Okiku has wandered the world for centuries, freeing the innocent ghosts of the murdered-dead and taking the lives of killers with the vengeance they are due, but when she meets Tark she knows the moody teen with the series of intricate tattoos is not a monster and needs to be freed from the demonic malevolence that clings to him.

Red Queen Read Alikes

September 29, 2017 | jonesw

Did you love Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard? Looking for another fantasy book? Try one of the titles below!

Crimson bound by Rosamund Hodge

"Rachelle must protect the king's bastard son while searching for the weapons that will save her world from endless night"--.

An ember in the ashes : a novel by Sabaa Tahir

"Laia is a Scholar living under the iron-fisted rule of the Martial Empire. When her brother is arrested for treason, Laia goes undercover as a slave at the empire's greatest military academy in exchange for assistance from rebel Scholars who claim that they will help to save her brother from execution"--.

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