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Teen Room
• News & Updates •
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• WHAT'S COMING UP FOR TEENS IN DECEMBER •
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LHS Origami Club is returning again this school year to Cary Library! Join us to learn how to create fun folded pieces of art. Registration not required, but space is limited.
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• FALL & WINTER BOOK CLUBS•
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Our fall book clubs are wrapping up this month, but registration for our winter sessions opens on Monday Dec 12 @9AM. |
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Winter Teen Book Club Schedule |
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We just unpacked lots of new books including these nonfiction ones! |
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What is Alissa reading these days? |
Alissa Lauzon is the Head of Youth Services at Cary Library (as well as actually a Disney villain in disguise). She reads pretty broadly both in the Between and Teen collections. She isn't a big fan of mysteries or heavy sci-fi, but she would love to talk about fantasy, contemporary realistic fiction, or historical fiction with you! She loves a story with a good villain - especially a good villain backstory. This month, she reviews All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman, and Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander.
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The Blood Moon rises - The Blood Veil falls - The Tournament begins. Every 20 years in Ilvernath, the magical families send their chosen one behind the veil to represent them in a tournament that will decide who retains control of the regions high magick until the next tournament. This year, however, a tell all book has revealed to everyone the secrets of the tournament and so what was once a deeply guarded secret has become a major public spectacle complete with paparazzi. This year the champions will face more than they bargained for - including a champion who was never meant to be a champion at all and is determined to bring and end to the tournament once and for all. If you enjoy morally gray stories of ambition and survival and believe that villains are always complex characters with interesting backstories - this is the book for you. If you enjoy books will well-crafted magical worlds or you loved The Hunger Games - give this one a try. It's a duology - both books are out. Gr 8+
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Love really feels like the wrong word to describe this compelling and utterly haunting story - but it is probably hands down my favorite teen book of 2022. Kwame Alexander is a master of word and he has spun an epic and unforgettable tale in Door of No Return. A story of adventure, family, betrayal, and bravery and follows a young boy in western Africa as he gets caught up in the transatlantic slave trade. It ends with a powerful cliff-hanger that will leave you anxious for the next installment and continuation of Kofi's story. Readers sensitive to violence, particularly sexual violence and suicide should read with caution. Gr 5+
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What is Alicia reading these days? |
Alicia is a Youth Services Library Associate, an avid YA fiction reader, and a great resource for book recommendations. This month, she offers her thoughts on the Shveta Thakrar's YA novel, The Dream Runners.
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Tanvi is a dream runner who can't remember a time before living in Nagalok, traveling back and forth to the human realm to collect dreams; Venkat is a dream smith, who, along with his teacher, Nayan, takes those dreams that are collected and sells them to the naga nobles. They are both caught in this cycle and world until one day Tanvi starts to get her memories back and slowly loses her grip on reality, and Venkat, trying to help her, begins to question everything he knows. This is a dreamy, jewel box of a book; Thakrar's writing is so immersive and descriptive, I had no problem imagining this alternate world of the mythological naga in my mind. This is a book about dreams, hope, belief, truth, and illusion. There is mystery, adventure, and a cute romance. I closed the book feeling satisfied and a bit mesmerized! Gr 8+ |
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Youth Services staff member, Justin Wang, highlights three great graphic novels for tweens and teens. |
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A wonderful coming of age story about three foreign exchange students coming to Japan and living together. Nao is half Japanese half American, participating in a foreign exchange program in Japan and is trying to reconnect to her Japanese culture after having lived in the US for most of her life. Nao's struggle of feeling too foreign to fit in with American culture and vice versa when she is in Japan resonated with me. A fantastic read for anybody who is a fan of her previous contribution to They Called Us Enemy and Almost American Girl. I'd easily put it in my top 10 for the year! Gr 8+
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An interesting take that merges African mythology, video game sci-fi vibes and the immigrant experience. Toba is a Nigerian immigrant who has just moved to a small town in the USA. Upon arriving at school, he discovers a weird video game that's kind of like part Matrix and part Jumanji/Tron that has replicated their town. There's mysterious men in black floating around town and people are going missing. Can Toba and his new friends figure out these odd machinations before it's too late? The artwork is quite exceptional and I loved this simulation, conspiracy theory sci-fi puzzle story! If you're looking for something outside the box, check this one out. Gr7+ |
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Based on the hit video game, Goggles and his friends team up to compete in the Turf Wars, a giant tournament where players leave their mark by inking the most ground to be the champion. Goggles is a lower ranked team, but they're a determined group and just might surprise everyone! You don't need to have played the game to jump into the story and you might be enticed to try it out with these quirky characters. I found plenty of funny moments with its lighthearted tone while also enjoying the competitive sports moments throughout the series. All ages. |
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More Happenings for Teens |
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For our December Page Turners, Michelle shared staff favorites for 2022. Her teen selection I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman. This coming-of-age book explores the world of celebrity and celebrity worship; and of navigating internet and ‘in real life’ friendships. While the topics are complex and serious, Oseman’s cheeky British sense of humor ensures that it is also a totally delightful read. Fans of her Heartstopper graphic novels might want to check out all of her YA novels.
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Thank You, Lexington!
The Friends of Cary Library want to thank everyone who contributed to the success of our November Book Sale. We were excited to see so much enthusiasm from the community and are truly grateful for your generous and ongoing support.
We also want to invite you to check out the Holiday Gift Idea Table in our Book Store. It’s stocked with a nice selection of holiday items and a mix of other things we think would make great gifts. Prices are low, and every purchase will go to support Cary Library. Come by whenever you’re in the library, as we will add new items almost every day.
Happy Holidays and all the best from the Friends of Cary Library!
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