On your way to completing our 100 Books Before Graduation challenge, but not sure what to read next? Our teen librarians have some recommendations for you! Give one (or a few) of these a try to help you complete the challenge!
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson (also on Libby and Hoopla)
Recommended by Kelley
Review: Fans of Jackson's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series will love this standalone mystery thriller about 18 year-old Bel, who is determined to uncover the truth about her missing mother, Rachel, while filming a documentary on the unsolved case. The book takes a wild turn when Rachel reappears with an unbelievable story about what happened the last 16 years. Holly Jackson’s writing is so good, it will keep you hooked until the end and then make you wish there was more.
Funeral Girl by Emma K. Ohland (also on Hoopla)
Recommended by Kelley
Review: The story centers on 16 year-old Georgia, whose family owns a funeral home. Since she was young, she’s had the ability to summon the ghosts of the deceased and help them with their final wishes. This ability takes a toll on her and her relationship with the family business, especially when one of her classmates dies unexpectedly and she has the opportunity to help him with his final wish… This is a truly heartwarming story full of likable and relatable characters. I would recommend it to anyone looking to try something new. A great spooky season read.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (also on Libby and Hoopla)
Recommended by Max
Review: The latest addition and prequel to The Hunger Games is a heartbreaking and thought-provoking look into the greater universe of the series, but also darkly mirrors a lot of what happens in today's world regarding tyranny and suppression.
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (also on Libby and Hoopla)
Recommended by Max
Review: A cool exploration of what happens to kids when they come back from their fantasy adventures, and how the magical (and sometimes, not-so magical) challenges can still come back to haunt them. The first part in a series of bite-sized novellas that are quick and easy to read through.
The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer (also on Libby and Hoopla)
Recommended by William
Review: Ambrose wakes up on a ship with no recollection of taking off. He notices signs that someone else has been on the ship. He cannot quite figure out what is going on especially when the only other person on the ship is refusing to talk to him. They are going to need to work together if they want to save Ambrose’s sister, and figure out what is happening on this ship.
This book is a fantastic sci-fi queer romance. Do not look more into this book before reading it. If the premise sounds interesting give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
Witch Hat Atelier Vol. 1 written and illustrated by Kamome Shirahama (also on Libby)
Recommended by William
Review: Coco has always wanted to be a witch, but she knows that she cannot just become one. Witches are born, not made. This all changes when she meets a witch named Qifrey. He asks her to make sure nobody sees him performing magic, but a little peek never hurt anyone. Right? Coco sneaks in and peeks down from the rafters thus learning the secret behind magic and changing her life forever.
This is one of the best manga series I have read in a while. The art is gorgeous, the magic system is fascinating, and the cast of characters are all great. This story is a cozy fantasy romp with something darker hiding beneath the surface.
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson (also on Libby and on Hoopla en Español)
Recommended by Justina
Review: A fun magical adventure between a sword-wielding librarian and a mildly pretentious wizard. Elisabeth grew up in a magical library, and she knows the power of books. When she accidentally witnesses her mentor's death at the hands of the enchanted tomes, she begins a journey to try to fix things. It was refreshing to see a protagonist who both loved books and could swing a sword, and valued both equally, and I sped through this book wanting more.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (also on Libby and Hoopla)
Recommended by Justina
Review: A lyrical supernatural story about found family amid enchanted woods, unfortunate fortunes, and high school. Blue's future was foretold: she will kill her true love when she kisses him. Good thing she knows better than to kiss anyone. But when she gets caught in a mystery the so-called Raven Boys, prep students from the good side of town, are exploring and realizes she can help, her future, and the futures of the Raven Boys, opens up more than they ever thought. I love the quirky characters, which all feel larger than life but also completely natural. The prose is gorgeous, and you can tell the author loved writing this story to its conclusion.
Want to share your recommendations with us? Email them to [email protected]!
I’m a sucker for folklore, and I think that Between Worlds: Folktales of Britain and Ireland by Kevin Crossley-Holland delivers! Check out this blurb:
The definitive collection of British and Irish folktales from master storyteller and poet Kevin Crossley-Holland.
Rich and strange, these eerie and magical folktales from across Britain and Ireland have been passed down from generation to generation, and are gathered together in a definitive new collection from the master storyteller and winner of the Carnegie Medal, Kevin Crossley-Holland. Dark and funny, lyrical and earthy, these fifty stories are part of an important and enduring historical tradition that dates back hundreds of years. Described by Neil Gaiman as the "master", Crossley-Holland's unforgettable retellings will capture the imagination of readers young and old alike.
Was this your favorite read of 2020? Let us know here! You can vote for the Top Ten Reads of 2020 until October 15th! Between Worlds is on order for the library, so check back soon to read it if you already haven’t!
TeenTober is a new way to celebrate your teenage patrons, promote and create services for teenagers, and fuel their passions. We dropped the ball a bit this year, but we’re coming out swinging! Follow our Teen tag (#duncanlibraryteens) for all teen content. We’re going to be pushing out some of the nominees for Top Ten Teen Reads of 2020 and the link to go vote for those! Keep an eye out next week for some writing prompts for week two as well!
Every October, libraries across the nation celebrate TeenTober, a special month dedicated to teens. It's a time to showcase teen services and highlight innovative ways to learn new skills, pursue their passions and have fun.
Start the month off with diving into some great reads!
Non-Fiction
The Unboxing of a Black Girl / Angela Shanté
Shackled / Candy J. Cooper
Represent: The Unfinished Fight for the Vote / Michael Eric Dyson & Marc Favreau
Bless the Blood: A Cancer Memoir / Walela Nehanda
Homebody / Theo Parish
Stealing Little Moon: The Legacy of the American Indian Boarding Schools / Dan Sasuweh Jones
Rising from the Ashes: Los Angeles. 1992, Edward Jae Song lee, Latasha Harlins, Rodney King, and a City on Fire / Paula Yoo
A Greater Goal: The Epic Battle for Equal Pay in Women's Soccer - And Beyond / Elizabeth Rusch
Fiction
Twenty-Four Seconds from Now... A Love Story / Jason Reynolds
I don't usually post about work but today I'm gonna!
I'm a Youth Librarian and honestly, I'm still confused on how I got here because I just can't believe my luck! This is such a dream job!
ANYWAY!
Teentober is in October and its a month dedicated to teen programming at libraries. Its one of my favorite times of year for so many reason; I can test run programs, do spooky things and help teens create or do things I wish I could have done in my teens. Which is so important now a days! Teens don't have many places to socialize that are free aside from school. This year I've got 4 craft nights, 3 henna nights and a Halloween party planned for them. Wish me luck!
But overall, I feel like I've peaked? They know my name, they want to tell me all about what they are reading, what their hyperfixation is, they show me their drawings AND they feel safe enough to test out new names or pronouns.
Guys, it makes me want to cry. Like, have I made it? My bank account disagrees but I feel fulfilled? In this day and age? I'm just like, is it all gonna go down hill from here?
Regardless, I've made a positive impact that is pretty difficult to achieve in teen programming and I'm overwhelmed by such a realization.
It’s Tech Week for TeenTober, so take a look at this video on how to search the Duncan Public Library’s catalog. It’s quick and it’s simple, but it’s something that library patrons need to know!
I am also willing to bet that your library likely has similar filtering abilities in their catalog, so it’s worth a watch!
It’s week three of TeenTober, and we’re celebrating technology! Keep an eye out for videos about your databases and tech services, some Google Searching tips, and maybe even a tutorial on making movie book cover videos. It’s gonna be a fun week!
Today is the last day to vote for the Top Ten Teen Reads of 2020! Click this link (VOTE HERE!) to go vote.
Some of the books we already have in the library or on an app, but some are still on back order, so we’ll keep you updated on some of our new reads when they start coming in.
In other news, this week is TeenTober Writing week so check out some of the prompts we’ve re-blogged or send us some new ones!
