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Laser Tag on June 15th, 2018
Posted on June 1, 2018 June 4, 2018 by Your Friendly Neighborhood Teen Librarian
In two weeks from this posting, we'll be having laser tag in the library!
To kick off summer reading, we have an evening of fun planned on June 15th. First, we'll have a Beatles tribute concert featuring New England's best Beatles tribute band, 4EverFab, on the library lawn starting at 6:30 PM.
Then, at 9 PM, forty teens—that's anyone going into 6th grade and up in the fall—will be invited to play laser tag in the library. Two teams at a time will compete for glory among the stacks, and there will be snacks, pizza, and soda. All participants will win a door prize! The fun will go until midnight.
But if you want to be one of the laser warriors, you'll need to do a couple of things. First, you need to sign up on the library website. Then, you'll need to returned a completed Laser Tag Liability Release to the reference desk.
Register online, turn in those forms, and we'll see you on the battlefield!
New Books This Week (July 16th, 2018)
Posted on July 16, 2018 July 12, 2018 by Your Friendly Neighborhood Teen Librarian
Summer reading, week four! It's never too late to sign up and earn prizes, so click here to do so.
The Button War, by Avi.
Candlewick Press, 2018.
"Patryk and Jurek are as much friends as rivals in the small Russian-occupied Polish village where they live. When in August 1914, Patryk finds an old button on the forest floor. Jurek becomes wildly jealous.
"Not long after, World War I comes to Poland, bringing one invading army after another to the village. Jurek devises an exciting dare among the seven boys in their pack: whoever steals the best military button will be Button King. The boys agree. The contest is on.
"The competition escalates from stealing uniform buttons on a wash line to looting the bodies of dead soldiers to setting up an ambush. Leading the charge is Jurek, who will do anything to be Button King. It's only Patryk who tries to stop Jurek's increasingly dangerous game before it leads to deadly consequences.
"Master of historical fiction Avi delivers a fierce account of boys in a war-torn village who are determined to prove themselves with a simple dare that blurs the line between a button war and a real war." From the publisher.
Thief of Happy Endings, by Kristen Chandler.
Viking, 2018.
"The first rule of riding horses is, when you fall off, you get back on. Cassidy Carrigan has literally and figuratively fallen off the horse in her life, and she's using everything in her power to not get back on.
"After her parents separate and her best friend deserts her, Cassidy reluctantly agrees to attend summer camp at a remote ranch in Wyoming. She figures that the change of scenery may help her face her escalating fears. But she didn't figure on how huge that change would be—the forever-wide Wyoming skies, the wild mustangs that capture her heart, and the cowboy who ends up stealing it. She also didn't realize that being brave could feel so good and cause so much trouble.
"Set in the wild, beautiful west, here is a story that tells the unvarnished truth about falling in love when the odds are against you. Alternatingly heart-stopping and heartbreaking, Thief of Happy Endings is a story that will stay with you, like a summer you'll never forget." From the publisher.
Crossing the Line, by Simone Elkeles.
HarperTeen, 2018.
"To escape his abusive stepdad, bad boy Ryan Hess runs from his tiny Texas border town to Mexico. But his plans to keep his head down and stay out of trouble are shattered the minute he starts to fall for the beautiful and totally out of his league Dalila Sandoval.
"Dalila Sandoval shouldn't even know someone like Ryan Hess. The daughter of one of the wealthiest lawyers in Mexico, Dalila is focused on studying and planning for her bright future. Ryan is only a distraction from her dreams, but she's never felt more alive than when she's by his side.
"Ryan and Dalila are wrong for each other in every way. And yet they can't resist the sparks that fly when they're together. But their love is like a flame burning too close to the fuse. Something is going to explode. Will their love be strong enough to survive? Or will it burn them both?" From the publisher.
My Plain Jane, by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows.
"Jane (best friends with a ghost) has endured years of hardship and misery, and is ready to embark on a new life as a governess at Thronfield Hall. She's rather poor. She's rather plain. Also, she has terrible taste in men.
"Charlotte (just try to tell her no) is an aspiring novelist (Yes, she's that Charlotte.) And she's determined to capture her friend Jane's story even if it means worming her way into the most epic ghost hunt this side of Wuthering Heights.
"Alexander (ghost hunter extraordinaire) is an agent for the Society for the Relocation of Wayward Spirits. He's about to discovery something very disturbing going on at the little place called Thornfield…
"Reader, there will be murder. Mayhem. Conspiracy. And, of course, romance. Prepare for an adventure of Gothic proportions, in which all is not as it seems, and a certain gentleman, Mr. Rochester, is hiding more than skeletons in his closet." From the publisher.
Now You See Her, by Lisa Leighton & Laura Stropki.
Katherine Tegen Books, 2018.
"Amelia has always felt like a happy life is just out of reach. Having moved every few years with her mom and sister, she's had a hard time making and keeping friends; there's never enough time and never enough money to stay in one place. And now, in her senior year, right before tennis season, Mom wants to move again.
"Sophie has a perfectly curated, Instagram-ready life, from her first singles win to her cute, long-term boyfriend to the beautiful, landscaped home where she lives with her parents.
"Though they're tennis teammates, the two girls almost never speak—until one night changes everything. When Amelia's car breaks down in the side of the road in a rainstorm, a man she thinks is a Good Samaritan pulls over to help her.
"But then he tries to abduct her instead, and she escapes into oncoming traffic.
"In one inexplicable moment, Amelia and Sophie switch bodies. Amelia wakes up in Sophie's body. Amelia's body is in a coma. Now Amelia needs to find a way to switch back into her own life—but before she can do that, she must retrace her steps. Who tried to abduct her? Is her family safe? And who is Sophie Graham, really?" From the publisher.
The Life and Death Parade, by Eliza Wass.
Hyperion, 2018.
"One year ago, Kitty's boyfriend, Nikki Bramley, visited a psychic who told him he had no future. Now he's dead.
"With the Bramley family grieving in separate corners of their home, Kitty sets out to find the psychic who read Nikki's fate. Instead, she finds Roan, an enigmatic boy posing as a medium who belongs to the Life and Death Parade, a group of supposed charlatans who explore—and exploit—the thin veil between this world and the next. A group whose members include Nikki's psychic… and Kitty's late mother.
"Desperate to learn more about the group and their connection to Nikki, Kitty convinces Roan to return to the Bramely house with her and secures a position for him within the household. Roan quickly ingratiates himself with the Bramleys, and soon enough it seems like everyone is ready to move on. Kitty, however, increasing suspects Roan knows more about Nikki than he's admitting. And when they finally locate the Life and Death Parade, and the psychic who made that fateful prophecy to Nikki, Kitty uncovers a secret about Roan that changes everything.
"From rising star Eliza Wass comes a sophisticated, mesmerizing meditation on the depths of grief and the magic of faith. After all, it only works if you believe it." From the publisher.
Piecing Me Together, by Renée Watson.
Bloomsbury YA, 2017.
"I am learning to speak. To give myself a way out. A way in.
"An inspiring and powerful story of a girl who believes she must get out of her poor neighborhood if she's ever going to succeed. Jade's mother tells her to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way: every day she rides the bus away from her friends and to the private school where she feels like an outsider, but where she has plenty of opportunities. But Woman to Woman, a mentorship program she joins on the promise of a scholarship, makes her feel tired of being singled out as someone who needs support, someone people want to fix. Jade wants to speak, to create, to express her joys and sorrows, her pain and her hope. Maybe there are some things she could show other women about understanding the world and finding opportunities to be real, to make a difference.
"Be bold. Be brave. Be beautiful. Be brilliant. Be (your) best." From the publisher.
Goodbye Days, by Jeff Zentner.
Ember, 2017.
"'Where are you guys? Text me back.'
"That's the last message Carver Briggs will ever send to his best friends, Mars, Eli, and Blake. He never thought it would lead to their deaths.
"Now Carver can't stop blaming himself for the car crash that resulted from his friend's [sic] looking down to read those seven simple words. And even worse, a powerful judge is calling for a criminal investigation.
"Luckily, Carver has some unexpected allies: Eli's girlfriend, the only person to stand by him at school; Dr. Mendez, his new therapist; and Blake's grandmother, who asks Carver to spend a Goodbye Day with her to share memories and say a proper farewell.
"Soon the other families are all asking for a Goodbye Day with Carver, but will they be able to make peace with their losses, or will these Goodbye Days bring Carver one stop closer to a complete breakdown or—even worse—prison?" From the publisher.
Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me, by Lily Collins.
Harper,2017.
"As young women, there are many topics we just don't talk about: our bodies, our relationships, our greatest fears.
"Actress Lily Collins wants to put an end to that. She wants there to be open, honest conversation about the things we all struggle with. Beginning now, with herself.
"Lily shares her life and her own deepest secrets, proving that every single one of us experiences pain and heartbreak. Every single one of us understands what it's like to live in the light and in the dark. For Lily, it's about making it through to the other side, where you love what you see in the mirror and where you embrace yourself as strange, vulnerable, and wonderful. And she knows that all it takes is one person standing up and saying something for everyone else to realize they're not alone.
"By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Lily's debut essay collection will inspire you to be who you are and say what you feel. It's time to claim your voice! And live your life unfiltered." From the publisher.
Girl Code: Gaming, Going Viral, and Getting It Done, by Andrea Gonzales & Sophie Houser.
Harper, 2017.
"When teenage coders Andrea 'Andy' Gonzales and Sophie Houser decided they'd had enough of how women are shamed for having periods, they created a video game called Tampon Run to fight the taboo. The game went viral, and Andy and Sophie were thrown into the spotlight, their faces splashed across all the biggest media outlets. They quickly gained exclusive access to the tech industry, attending major events like hackathons and visiting high-profile companies and icons. Andy's and Sophie's lives, careers, and futures were changed forever. All thanks to the power of coding.
"Now Andy and Sophie share how their knowledge of coding and gaming—not to mention their unique perspectives as women in a male-dominated industry—has transformed their outlooks. They give straightforward advice on everything you need to know to change your own world: from a clear, concise guide to coding, to the lowdown on the inner workings of the tech industry, to insider tips from female tech founders on how they managed to use incredible, innovative ideas to answer social problems.
"Empowering and laugh-out-loud funny, Andy and Sophie's story will inspire you to think strategically about how you can inspire change—one project, one idea, one creation at a time." From the publisher.
Batgirl and the Birds of Prey: Source Code, by Julie Benson.
DC Comics, 2017.
"Oracle's secrets—unlocked at last?
"The origin of the new Oracle—the super-hacker who has become an invaluable ally to the Birds of Prey—is revealed in the newest collection of BATGIRL AND THE BIRDS OF PREY! But will Oracle's connection to the mastermind known as Calculator end his relationship with Batgirl, Black Canary and the Huntress? And how to Catwoman and another villain figure into the calculation?
"Plus, Black Canary goes undercover to discover the secrets of the woman called Blackbird, who can unlock any super-being's true potential. But Blackbird doesn't just enhance powers—she takes them for herself, making her an army of one who threatens the Birds of Prey's biggest secrets. Can guest-stars Green Arrow and Nightwing turn the tide against this incredible new foe? Or will they be Blackbird's newest victims?" From the publisher.
Batman: The Rules of Engagement, by Tom King.
"It was the 'yes' heard round the world.
"When Catwoman accepted Batman's marriage proposal, she changed more lives than just Bruce Wayne's and Selina Kyle's. A union between the World's Greatest Detective and one of Gotham City's fiercest criminals is a shake-up that will rattle everyone in the Dark Knight's life—from the young vigilantes who make up his surrogate 'family,' to his legendary friends in the Justice League, to old demons he'd long hoped to leave behind.
"Now Batman and Catwoman are on a quest for redemption—a mission deep into a forbidden desert fortress to evolve into something better before they say 'I do.' Standing in their way is… well, everybody, including Batman's lethal ex-girlfriend, Talia al Ghul.
"From desert sands to boardwalk lights, will the Bat and the Cat's search lead them to happiness at last?" From the publisher.
Batgirl: Summer of Lies, by Hope Larson.
"Crazy in love!
"Barbara Gordon and Dick Grayson are a very different kind of Dynamic Duo. No matter how far apart their careers as Batgirl and Nightwing take them, they always seem to be drawn back together. But the true nature of their undeniable feelings for each other (shared loyalty to their mentor the Batman, a childhood crush or something deeper?) is a mystery even these world-class crime-fighters can't crack.
"But they'd better figure it out fast. Because when a deadly villain from their past resurfaces, the star-crossed superheroes are forced to remember a time they'd like to forget. And once they realize that they're caught in a trap years in the making, it may be too late for either of them to escape with their lives, let alone their hearts.
"Can Barbara and Dick defeat the powerful enemy behind it all? Or will this case be their last dance?" From the publisher.
New Books This Week (July 9th, 2018)
Posted on July 9, 2018 July 6, 2018 by Your Friendly Neighborhood Teen Librarian
Welcome to week three of summer reading!
The Ruinous Sweep, by Tim Wynne-Jones.
"On the night Donovan Turner is thrown out of a car on a highway in the middle of nowhere, he can barely remember his own name, let alone the details of the past twenty-four hours. Where is he? How did he get here? Where is his girlfriend, Bee? Nothing makes sense on this dark, lonely stretch of highway. In an attempt to flag down the next passing car, he startles the driver, causing a fatal accident.
"With sirens in the distance and the lingering feeling that he is running from something or someone, Donovan grabs the dead man's briefcase and flees. It is filled with cash. Cash he could desperately use.
"Bee thought the worst part of Dono's accident would be that he might not make it through the night. But when the police show up and hint that the unconscious Dono is also the prime suspect in a murder, Bee is determined to put together the pieces of what happened the night of the accident and clear his name." From the publisher.
#NotYourPrincess, edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale.
Annick Press, 2018.
"This is what needs to be said, needs to be shown, and needs to be told…
"What is it like to be an Indigenous woman or girl today? In this compelling collection, over fifty contemporary artists come together to shatter stereotypes, revealing hurt from the past and celebrating hope for the future. With striking honesty, #NotYourPrincess showcases the extraordinary strength, diversity, and talent of Native American girls and women across North America." From the publisher.
A Girl's Guide to Joining the Resistance: A Feminist Handbook on Fighting for Good, by Emma Gray.
William Morrow, 2018.
"So—the presidential election of 2016 happened. You cried, you ranted, you marched. But how do you stay engaged for the long term? How do you keep fighting while also continuing your real life? How do you get involved when you feel far from the action? How do you stay vigilant without being furious? All. The. Time.
"Needing to take action after the election, Emma Gray, Executive Women's Editor at HuffPost, put on her journalist's hat and set out to get answers to these questions from some of the most prominent thought leaders and activists of our time. She spoke with march organizers, senators, and new and longtime activists across political movements to find out the best ways to listen to those who have been doing this for a while, to join in, and to create sustainable action. In all of her conversations, one theme came up again and again: young women are essential to the resistance.
"Interweaving the interviews with her own experiences as a member of the media, reporting and covering resistance events in a time when the media has been under assault, Emma has created a down-and-dirty guide for women of all ages to roll up their sleeves and resist the forces that are a threat to our rights:
"Inside you'll find:
A guide for how to choose reliable news sources to make sure you're getting quality information.
Practical instructions on how to get involved and stay involved, with examples from the author's own experiences organizing the successful Watch Us Run conference.
An exploration of female-centric work spaces and instructions for how to create your own.
Advice for self-care and how to stay involved without exhausting yourself." From the publisher.
New Books This Week (July 2nd, 2018)
Posted on July 2, 2018 June 28, 2018 by Your Friendly Neighborhood Teen Librarian
Hey, it's James's birthday today! Don't worry about getting him a gift—his gift is knowing that you'll check out some of these new arrivals in the teen section. And really, isn't that the gift that keeps on giving?
(Editor's Note: That, and Steam gift cards. -James)
Aftermath, by Kelley Armstrong.
Crown Books for Young Readers, 2018.
"In the aftermath of violence, someone always pays.
"Three years after losing her brother, Luka, in a school shooting, Sky Gilchrist is moving home. There's no sympathy for Skye and her family, though, because Luka wasn't a victim; he was a shooter.
"Jesse Mandal knows all too well that the scars of the past don't heal easily. The shooting cost Jesse his brother and his best friend—Skye.
"When Jesse and Skye reunite, they can't resist reopening the mysteries of the past. But can wounds that deep ever truly heal? Skye can't outrun her brother's shame. And despite being a victim, Jesse's Bengali American family will always be a target.
"But when Skye uncovers evidence that could clear Luka's name, it becomes obvious that someone wants the truth to stay buried. What happened that fateful day? Skye and Jesse are dying to know. And they just might pay that price." From the publisher.
The Language of Thorns, by Leigh Bardugo.
Imprint, 2017.
"Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.
"Inspired by myth, folklore, and fairy tale, #1 New York Times-bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.
"Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse." From the publisher.
Summer Skin, Kirsty Eagar.
Feiwel and Friends, 2018.
"Jess Gordon is out for revenge.
"Last year the jocks from Knights College tried to shame her best friend. This year she and a handpicked college girl gang are going to get even.
"The lesson: Don't mess with Unity College girls.
"The target: Blondie, a typical Knights stud, arrogant, cold… and smart enough to keep up with Jess.
"A neo-riot grrl with a penchant for fanning the flames meets a rugby-playing sexist pig—sworn enemies or two people who happen to find each other when they're at their most vulnerable?
"Kristy Eagar expertly handles a searingly honest and achingly funny story about love and sex in today's hook-up culture." From the publisher.
How We Roll, by Natasha Friend.
Farrar Straus Giraux, 2018.
"For Quinn McAvoy, losing her hair the summer before eighth grade was the beginning of the end. Suddenly she was Pluto: a has-been planet, too dwarflike and unimportant to hang with the other celestial bodies.
"But Quinn gets a second chance when her family moves across the country a week before her freshman year. No one in Gull's Head, Massachusetts, knows that Quinn has alopecia, the autoimmune disorder that took the hair she had never really thought about—until it was gone. No one knows that the wig she's wearing isn't her real hair.
"All Quinn wants is to blend in with the crowd. When the popular girls mistake her for one of their own, Quinn plays along until a boy in a wheelchair who's been hurt even more than she has turns Quinn's carefully constructed world on its head." From the publisher.
Give Me Some Truth, by Eric Gansworth.
Arthur A. Levine Books, 2018.
"Carson Mastick is entering his senior year of high school and desperate to make his mark, on the reservation and off. A rock band—and winning the local Battle of the Bands, with its first prize of a trip to New York City—is his best chance. But things keep getting in the way. Small matters like the lack of an actual band, or the fact that his brother just got shot in the butt confronting the racist owner of a local restaurant.
"Maggi Bokoni has just moved back to the reservation from the city with her family. She's dying to stop making the same Traditional artwork her family sells to tourists (conceptual stuff is cooler), stop feeling out of place in her new (old) home, and stop being treated like a child. She might like to fall in love for the first time too.
"Carson and Maggi—along with their friend Lewis—will navigate loud protests, even louder music, and first love in this stirring novel about coming together in a world defined by difference, from the acclaimed author of If I Ever Get Out of Here." From the publisher.
Monday's Not Coming, by Tiffany D. Jackson.
"Monday Charles is missing, and only Claudia seems to notice.
"Claudia and Monday have always been inseparable—more sisters than friends. So when Monday doesn't turn up for the first day of school, Claudia starts to worry. When she doesn't show for the second day, or the second week, Claudia knows that something is wrong. Monday wouldn't just leave her to endure tests and bullies alone. With her grades on the line, Claudia needs her best—and only—friend now more than ever. But Monday's mother refuses to give Claudia a straight answer, and Monday's sister April is even less help.
"As Claudia digs deeper into her friend's disappearance, she discovers that no one seems to remember the last time they saw Monday. How can a teenage girl just vanish without anyone noticing that she's gone?
"In her dark, thrilling, and timely sophomore novel, acclaimed author Tiffany D. Jackson unravels a complex mystery and explores the traumatic effects of the truth." From the publisher.
Every Shiny Thing, by Cordelia Jensen and Laurie Morrison.
Amulet Books, 2018.
"Lauren has always been a good sister. Sierra has always taken care of her mom.
"Both girls feel lost when the person they love most isn't with them anymore.
"Lauren's brother Ryan goes to a therapeutic boarding school for autistic teens, and Sierra has to leave her mom to live in foster care in Lauren's wealthy neighborhood. Both girls feel a little less lost when they become friends.
"But when Lauren recruits Sierra to help with a Robin Hood scheme to raise money for those in need, Sierra has a lot to lose if the plan goes wrong. Lauren and Sierra have good intentions, but that might not matter as much as they think. How far will they go to do what they think is right?" From the publisher.
What You Left Me, by Bridget Morrissey.
Sourcebooks, 2018.
"What if your first chance with someone was also your last?
"Today, Martin McGee is graduating. And tonight he is having a party. And he really wants Petra McGowan to come. Because even though he just met her, he knows this could be something special.
"Today, Petra McGowan is almost graduating. She'll get to walk across that stage, but she won't really be done with high school until she takes the final she's been putting off ever since that horrible moment last year. But she doesn't want to think about that right now. She wants to think about Martin and how she just might go to his party tonight.
"Then a car accident changes everything. Martin's life hangs in the balance, and even though Petra's only known him for one day, she's left picking up the pieces. Using friends, family, and shared dreams, she keeps their connection going while Martin lies unconscious, trapped in the prison of his own mind.
"Together they must unlock the truth of his situation, and with time running out, their bond becomes Martin's best shot at waking up to the life he's left behind." From the publisher.
The Astonishing Color of After, by Emily X. R. Pan.
Little, Brown and Company, 2018.
"Leigh Chen is absolutely certain about one thing: When her mother died by suicide, she turned into a bird.
"Leigh, who is half Asian and half white, travels to Taiwan to meet her maternal grandparents for the first time. There, she is determined to find her mother, the bird. In her search, she winds up chasing after ghosts, uncovering family secrets, and forging a new relationship with her grandparents. And as she grieves, she must try to reconcile the fact that on the same day she kissed her best friend and longtime secret crush, Axel, her mother was taking her own life.
"Alternating between reality and magic, past and present, hope and despair, The Astonishing Color of After is a stunning and heartbreaking novel about finding oneself through family history, art, bravery, and love." From the publisher.
Not the Girls You're Looking For, by Aminah Mae Safi.
"Lulu Saad doesn't need you advice, thank you very much. She's got her three best friends, and nothing can stop her from conquering the known world—or at least junior year at her Texas prep school. Sure, for half a minute she thought she'd nearly drowned a cute guy at last week's house party, but he was totally faking it. True, it was also a little harsh when she told one of those best friends to stop dating a scumbag. And fine, yes, she caused a scene during Ramadan.
"It's all under control. Ish.
"Except maybe this time she's done a little more damage than she realizes. And if Lulu can't find her way out of his mess soon, she'll have to do more than repair friendships, family alliances, and wet clothing. She'll have to go looking for herself.
"In this gorgeously written coming-of-age novel, debut author Aminah Mae Safi tells a fresh, funny, and real story of angry, messy teenage girls, complex relationships, and how easy it can be to hurt those around you, even if—especially if—you love them." From the publisher.
Girling Up: How to be Strong, Smart and Spectacular, by Mayim Bialik.
Philomel Books, 2017.
"Growing up as a girl in today's world is no easy task. Juggling family, friends, romantic relationships, social interest and school… sometimes it feels like you might need to be a superhero to get through it all! But really, all you need is a little information.
"Want to know why your stomach does a flip-flop when you run into your crush in the hallway? Or how the food you put in your body now will affect you in the future? What about the best ways to stop freaking out about your next math test?
"Using scientific facts, personal anecdotes and wisdom gained from the world around us, Mayim Bialik, the star of The Big Bang Theory, shares what she learned from her life and her PhD in neuroscience to tell you how you grow from a girl to a woman biologically, psychologically, and sociologically.
"Want to be strong? Want to be smart? Want to be spectacular? You can! Start by reading this book." From the publisher.
Giant Days, vol. 4, by John Allison.
Boom! Box, 2017.
"It's springtime at Sheffield University—the flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and fast-pals Susan, Esther, and Daisy continue to survive their freshman year of college. Susan is barely dealing with her recent breakup with McGraw, Esther is considering dropping out of school, and Daisy is trying to keep everyone and everything from falling apart. Combined with house hunting, indie film festivals, and online dating, can the girls make it to their second year?" From the publisher.
Paper Girls, vol. 4, by Brian K. Vaughan.
Image Comics, 2018.
"It's the girls' biggest, strangest adventure yet, as Tiffany and her fellow newspaper deliverers Erin, Mac and KJ are launched from prehistoric times into the year 2000, where they finally get some answers about what the hell is happening.
"In this harrowing version of our past, Y2K was even more of a cataclysm than experts feared, and the only person who can save the future is a 12-year-old girl from 1988." From the publisher.
Lumberjanes: A Bird's-Eye View, by Shannon Watters.
"Wing it on!
"The high council is coming to camp and Counselor Jen is determined to make everything perfect, even though a storm is brewing and kittens from the boys' camp are manifesting magical powers. It's every Lumberjane on deck as the girls do their best to prep the grounds for inspection… but there are some storms no one can prepare for.
"This New York Times bestseller and multiple Eisner Award-winning series is a story of friendship, hardcore lady-types, and kicking a lot of butt. Don't miss out on the continued adventures of the Lumberjanes written by Shannon Watters and Kat Leah (SUPER CAKES) and illustrated by Carey Pietsch (ADVENTURE TIME: MARCELINE GONE ADRIFT) and newcomer Ayme Sotuyo." From the publisher.
New Books This Week (June 25th, 2018)
Posted on June 25, 2018 June 22, 2018 by Your Friendly Neighborhood Teen Librarian
The summer reading program is now live! Sign up here and start logging your time to be entered to win prizes all summer long! If you're looking for something to read, consider these new arrivals in the teen section, but remember: all reading counts. That includes print books, e-books, audiobooks, and graphic novels of all stripes.
What Girls Are Made Of, by Elana K. Arnold.
Carolrhoda Lab, 2017.
"This is NOT a story of sugar, spice, and everything nice.
"When Nina Faye was fourteen, her mother told her there was no such thing as unconditional love. Nina believed her. Now Nina is sixteen. And she'll do anything for the boy she loves, just to prove she's worthy of him. But when he breaks up with her, Nina is lost. What is she if not a girlfriend? What is she made of?
"Broken-hearted, Nina tries to figure out what the conditions of love are. She's been volunteering at a high-kill animal shelter where she realizes that for dogs waiting to be adopted, love comes only to those with youth, symmetry, and quietness. She also ruminates on the strange, dark time her mother took her to Italy to see statues of saints who endured unspeakable torture because of their unquestioning devotion to the divine. Is this what love is?
"Raw, compelling, and unflinching, Elana K. Arnold's newest novel explores the darkest crevices of femaleness. What girls are made of might just surprise you." From the publisher.
War Storm, by Victoria Aveyard.
"Victory comes at a price.
"Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal's betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart—and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her—Mare resolves to destroy the kingdom of Norta once and for all… starting with the crown on Maven's head.
"But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to destroy the boy who almost broke her. Cal's powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means destroying everything—and everyone—in his path.
"War is coming, and all Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?
"In the epic conclusion to Victoria Aveyard's stunning series, Mare must embrace her fate and summon all her power… for all will be tested, but not all will survive." From the publisher.
Lies You Never Told Me, by Jennifer Donaldson.
Razorbill, 2018.
"Gabe and Elyse have never met. But both made the mistake of falling for the wrong person, and falling hard.
"Elyse is shocked when she's cast as the lead in her Portland high school's production of Romeo and Juliet. Her best friend is usually the star, and quiet, shy Elyse isn't sure she's up to the task. That is, until she catches someone's eye at rehearsals—someone she knows she should never be with. But never say never…
"In Austin, Texas, Gabe is contemplating the unthinkable—breaking up with Sasha, his impulsive popular girlfriend. She's always had a fiery temper, so she's not going to let him slip through her fingers, even if it means destroying him.
"With breathtaking twists, forbidden romances, and deadly secrets, Jennifer Donaldson's scandalous, thrilling novel reveals how one bad choice can blaze out of control, burning everything—and everyone—in its path." From the publisher.
Furyborn, by Claire Legrand.
Sourcebooks Fire, 2018.
"Two young women, centuries apart, hold the power to either save their world… or doom it.
"When assassins ambush her best friend, the crown prince, Rielle Dardenne risks everything to save him, exposing her ability to perform all seven kinds of elemental magic. The only people who should possess this power are a pair of prophesied Queens: a queen of light and a queen of blood. To prove she is the Sun Queen, Rielle must endure seven trials to test her magic. If she fails, she will be executed… unless the trials destroy her first.
"A thousand years later, the legend of Queen Rielle is a mere fairy tale to bounty hunter Eliana Ferracora. When the Undying Empire conquered her kingdom, she embraced violence to keep her family safe. Now, she believes herself untouchable—until her mother vanishes. To find her, Eliana joins a rebel captain on a dangerous mission and discovers that the evil at the heart of the empire is more terrible than she ever imagined.
"As Rielle and Eliana fight in a cosmic war that spans millennia, their stories intersect, and the shocking connections between them will ultimately determine the fate of the world—and of each other." From the publisher.
Reflection, by Elizabeth Lim.
Disney Press, 2018.
"Fa Mulan has a warrior's heart. She would do anything to protect her loved ones, including go to war in her ailing father's place disguised as a soldier called Ping. And when the captain of her regiment, Li Shang, takes a grievous blow meant for her, Mulan knows she must do everything she can to help him survive his life-threatening injury… even if that means accepting a harrowing mission to the Underworld, Diyu.
"King Yama, the ruler of Diyu, is not about to make things easy for her. With the help of Shang's great lion guardian, Mulan must traverse the Underworld, face near-impossible obstacles, and bring Shang back before sunrise—or stay in Diyu forever. As if that weren't enough, Mulan is still posing as Ping and grappling with the decision to reveal her true identity, especially as she and Shang grow closer.
"Time is of the essence. Will Mulan be able to save Shang—and herself—before it's too late?" From the publisher.
Sparrow, by Sarah Moon.
"They find her on the edge of the roof of her school. No one believes that she wasn't about to jump.
"But then again, no one knows Sparrow very well.
"She keeps good grades. She keeps to herself. Though she wishes she had a friend, she has no idea how that might happen.
"So sometimes she goes where the birds gather and she waits, waits for them to come get her, gather her up, take her with them, take her high above the school, above the city, above the crowds. For those few moments she's not alone, closed in.
"But Sparrow becomes to discover something else inside her—a music, a song that grows in power, if only she can let it be a bridge.
"Sparrow's voice is beautiful, funny, and heartbreakingly direct. Her journey is a quest for connection, for survival, that will leave no reader unmoved." From the publisher.
Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe, by Preston Norton.
"Cliff Hubbard is a huge loser. Literally. His nickname at Happy Valley High School is Neanderthal because he's so enormous—6′ 6" and 250 pounds, to be exact. He has nobody at school, and life in his trailer-park home has gone from bad to worse ever since his older brother's suicide.
"There's no one Cliff hates more than the nauseatingly cool quarterback, Aaron Zimmerman. Then Aaron returns to school after a near-death experience with a bizarre claim: while he was unconscious he saw God, who gave him a list of things to do to make Happy Valley High suck less. And God said there's only one person who can help: Neanderthal.
"To his own surprise, Cliff says he's in. As he and Aaron make their way through the List, which involves a vindictive English teacher, a mysterious computer hacker, a decidedly unchristian cult of Jesus Teens, the local drug dealers, and the meanest bully at HVHS, Cliff feels like he's part of something for the first time since losing his brother. But fixing a broken school isn't as simple as it seems, and just when Cliff thinks they've completed the List, he realizes their mission hits closer to home than he ever imagined.
"Razor-sharp, moving, and outrageously funny, Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe is an unforgettable story of finding your place in an imperfect world." From the publisher.
Fadeaway, by Maura Ellen Stokes.
Yellow Jacket, 2018.
"Sam and Reagan are basketball fanatics and best friends. It's the summer before their freshman year of high school, and they are busy practicing for basketball tryouts, building their new wardrobes, and enjoying their last bit of freedom. But when tragedy strikes and Reagan's heart gives out, Sam is left to grieve her best friend while navigating a new school and new friends in a world that no longer makes sense. That is, until she hears Reagan's voice.
"In a world full of broken forevers and what should have beens, Sam searches for a purpose and comes to discover that even when you can't possibly believe things will get any better, they always do." From the publisher.
Little Do We Know, by Tamara Ireland Stone.
"Next-door neighbors and ex-best friends Hannah and Emory haven't spoken in months. Not since the fight—the one where they both said things they couldn't take back.
"Now Emory is fine-tuning her UCLA performing arts application and trying to make the most of the months she has left with her boyfriend, Luke, before they head off to separate colleges. Meanwhile, Hannah's strong faith is shaken when her family's financial problems come to light, and she finds herself turning to unexpected places—and people—for answers to the difficult questions she's suddenly facing.
"No matter how much Hannah and Emory desperately want to bridge the thirty-six steps between their bedroom windows, they can't. Not anymore.
"That is, until their paths cross unexpectedly when, one night, Hannah finds Luke doubled over in his car outside her house. In the aftermath of the accident, all three struggle to understand what happened in their own ways. But when a devastating secret about Hannah and Emory's argument ultimately comes to light, they must reexamine the things they hold true.
"In alternating chapters, a skeptic and a believer piece together the story of their complex relationship with help from the boy caught somewhere in the middle. New York Times best-selling author Tamara Ireland Stone deftly crafts a moving portrait of faith, love, and friendship." From the publisher.
My Name is Victoria, by Lucy Worsley.
"Miss V. Conroy is good at keeping secrets. She likes to sit as quiet as a mouse, neat and discreet. But when her father sends her to Kensington Palace to become the companion to Princess Victoria, Miss V soon finds that she can no longer remain in the shadows.
"Miss V's father, Sir John Conroy, confidant and financial advisor to Victoria's mother, has devised a strict set of rules for the young princess, which he calls the Kensington System. It governs her behavior and keeps her locked away from the world. He says it is for the princess's safety, but Victoria herself is convinced that it is to keep her lonely and unhappy.
"Torn between loyalty to her father and her growing friendship with the willful and passionate princess, Miss V has a decision to make: to continue in silence or to speak out.
"By turns thrilling, dramatic, and touching, this is the story of Queen Victoria's childhood as you've never heard it before." From the publisher.
The 57 Bus, by Dashka Slater.
"One teenager in a skirt. One teenager with a lighter. One moment that changes their lives forever.
"If it weren't for the 57 bus, Sasha and Richard never would have met. Both were high school students in Oakland, California, one of the most diverse cities in the country, but they inhabited different worlds. Sasha lived in the middle-class foothills and attended a small private school. Richard lived in the economically challenged flatlands and attended a large public one. After school each day, their paths overlapped on the bus for a mere eight minutes. Bot one afternoon, a single reckless act left Sasha severely burned and Richard charged with two hate crimes and facing life imprisonment. The case garnered international attention, thrusting both teenagers into the spotlight. But in The 57 Bus, author Dashka Slater shows that what might at first seem like a simple matter of right and wrong, justice and injustice, victim and criminal is something more complicated—and far more heartbreaking.
"This story, first chronicled in The New York Times Magazine by Slater and artfully, compassionately, and expertly expanded upon here, is a riveting exploration of race, class, gender, identity, morality, and forgiveness. Told with honesty and insight gleaned from both teens' lives, The 57 Bus will invite you to rethink all you know about crime, punishment, and empathy." From the publisher.
Wonder Woman: Heart of the Amazon, by Shea Fontana.
"For Wonder Woman, being a hero is in the blood.
"She is the greatest warrior the world has ever seen—a guardian of peace and justice with the power of a goddess. But even Diana of Themyscira—the superhero better known as Wonder Woman—is entitled to a little down time. And after the incredible trials she's just endured, she could use it.
"But when she goes to a wedding with her best friend Etta Candy, all hell breaks loose. A madwoman's attack on the reception ignites an all-out war for Wonder Woman's most precious resource: the DNA that makes her an Amazon. It could be a miracle cure… or a doomsday weapon.
"Soon the planet's most powerful bounty hunters are on her trail, out to acquire her genetic makeup by any means necessary. Can Wonder Woman fend off this ruthless attack? Or will the heart of the Amazon be exposed for the world to see?" From the publisher.
The Girl from the Other Side, vol. 4, by Nagabe.
Seven Seas Entertainment, 2017.
"A fate worse than death.
"Shiva's little white lie has had devastating consequences. While she reels from the shock of the horrific events that have unfolded, Auntie reveals to Teacher how Shiva came to live under her roof—and the cruel fate that awaits all who are afflicted by the curse." From the publisher.
To Your Eternity, vol. 5, by Yoshitoki Oima.
Kodansha Comics, 2018.
"Monstrous killers from many lands are banished to Jananda Island.
"There, Fushi must win the island's fighting tournament to save Pioran and gain their freedom.
"While immersed in the brutality and the tyranny of Jananda, Fushi further learns what it means to be human." From the publisher.
The Devil is a Part-Timer, vol. 11, by Satoshi Wagahara.
Yen Press, 2018.
"Maou versus the angels!
"When Chiho collapses, Maou and the others conclude it must be the work of an angel. All that's left is to figure out whether their assailant is holed up in Tokyo Tower or the Skytree before dispatching the Maou/Alciel dream team to take them down! Meanwhile, will the tiny Devil's Castle be able to make the transition to a digital television?!" From the publisher.
Summer reading sign-ups have begun! While you're filling out your registration, check out some of these new arrivals in the teen section. Just remember: you can't count your time spent reading until June 25th!
We Are All That's Left, by Carrie Arcos.
"Zara and her mother, Nadja, have a strained relationship. Nadja doesn't understand Zara's passion for photography. And Zara doesn't know how to reach beyond their differences and connect with a closed-off mother who refuses to speak about her past. But when a bomb explodes as they're shopping at a local farmers market, Zara is left with PTSD—and Nadja is left in a coma. Without the opportunity to get to know her mother, Zara is faced with questions—not just about her mother, but about faith, religion, history, and her own path forward.
"Told in chapters that alternate between Zara's present-day Providence, Rhode Island, and Nadja's childhood in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 1990s Bosnian War, We Are All That's Left is a beautifully written, heartrending nvoel that shows the power of struggle and tragedy—across decades, generations, and borders—to provide connection, healing, and love." From the publisher.
The Gone Away Place, by Christopher Barzak.
Alfred A. Knopf, 2018.
"A little after eight in the morning, Ellie Frame picked a fight with her boyfriend, Noah, in the parking lot of their high school. A little while later, the high school, the town of Newfoundland, and much of the surrounding counties were obliterated by a series of tornadoes. In the wake of the storms, more than ninety people were dead, among them most of Ellie's friends, dozens of people she'd known since childhood… and Noah.
"They were all gone, just like that.
"Now, in the broken days and weeks that follow, Ellie begins to play a game called 'I'm fine' with anyone who asks how she's doing. Because in addition to the horror of losing so many, she is now seeing people she knows are no longer there: the boy next door who had a secret crush on her; her best friend, Becca, whose complicated relationship with her mother has grown even darker; and Ingrid, the strange, reclusive girl whom Noah always took the time to be kind to.
"The one person she can't find, however, is Noah.
"Capturing the voices of those who lived and those who died, Ellie's account of the tragedy's aftermath traces her journey from the pain of loss to the heartbreaking guilt of survival to the quiet hope that she'll one day find herself again." From the publisher.
Out of the Blue, by Sophie Cameron.
Roaring Book Press, 2018.
"Ten days after Jaya Mackenzie's mum dies, mysterious Beings start falling from the sky. Smashing down to earth at extraordinary speeds, wings bent, faces contorted—not a single one has survived.
"Eight months later, Jaya's father uproots the family to Edinburgh, intent upon catching one of the Beings alive. But Jaya can't stand his obsession and refuses to join him and her little sister in their hunt for a miracle.
"Until the day a miracle happens to Jaya: a Being falls right at her feet and is still alive. Now she must make a decision: call her dad and notify the authorities, or hide the Being and try to nurse her back to health.
"Together with her friends, Jaya embarks on a journey of empathy and compassion to save a Being from another world—even as she struggles to accept herself and learn to live in this one." From the publisher.
The Handsome Girl & Her Beautiful Boy, by b. t. gottfred.
Henry Holt and Company, 2018.
"Everyone assumes that Zee is a lesbian. Her classmates, her gym buddies, even her so-called best friend. Zee is starting to wonder herself. Could they be onto something?
"Everyone assumes that Art is gay. They take one look at his nice clothes and his pretty face and think: Well, obviously.
"But there's more to Zee and Art than anyone realizes.
"What develops is a powerful connection between two people who are beautiful in all the ways they've been told are strange. As they explore their own complex relationships to gender, sexuality, and identity, they fall for the complexities they find in each other. With his trademark frankness, b. t. gottfred delves inside both characters' heads in this story about love and living authentically." From the publisher.
Amal Unbound, by Aisha Saeed.
Nancy Paulsen Books, 2018.
"Twelve-year-old Amal's dream of becoming a teacher one day is dashed in an instant when she accidentally insults a member of her Pakistani village's ruling family. As punishment for her behavior, she is forced to leave her heartbroken family behind and go work at their estate.
"Amal is distraught but has faced setbacks before. So she summons her courage and begins navigating the complex rules of life as a servant, with all its attendant jealousies and pecking-order woes. Most troubling, though, is Amal's increasing awareness of the deadly measures the Khan family will go to in order to stay in control. It's clear that their hold over her village will never loosen as long as everyone is too afraid to challenge them—so if Amal is to have any chance of ensuring her loved ones' safety and winning back her freedom, she must find a way to work with the other servants to make it happen." From the publisher.
Legend Found, by Charles Soule.
Marvel Worldwide, 2018.
"General Leia Organa gave Poe Dameron an important task: locate the mysterious Lor San Tekka. And our hero may be closer than he thinks—but can he get the job done in time? Black Squadron faces their next assignment, but is it mission impossible? Not for Poe's crew—which means it's prison break time! Plus: Poe has never been one to follow the rules. So when he disobeys a direct order from General Organa and gets stranded in First Order space—with no ship and little oxygen—how will he survive? Meanwhile, Terex sets plans in motion to finally free himself from the grasp of the First Order! And the end of an era approaches as the force of Poe's destiny draws him toward an awakening." From the publisher.
New Books This Week (June 4th, 2018)
We're just two weeks away from the start of summer reading! While we get ready (and you sign up for laser tag) we have a couple new books to show off. Consider one of these as your inaugural read for the summer!
How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation, edited by Maureen Johnson.
Wednesday Books, 2018.
"Stand up and speak out!
"Now, more than ever, young people are motivated to make a difference in a world they're bound to inherit. But with much to stand up and shout about, where do they begin?
"How I Resist is the way to start the conversation. An all-star collection of essays, songs, illustrations, and interviews about activism and hope, How I Resist features personal, sometimes funny, often irreverent, always instructive stories that will inspire reflection—and action.
"This guide will remind you that you are not helpless, and that you can be the change you wish to see in the world, in the news, and for your future." From the publisher.
Animus, by Antoine Revoy.
First Second, 2018.
"Tucked away in a quiet Japanese neighborhood lies a peculiar playground.
"There, Hisao and Sayuri meet a masked ghost named Toothless. And there, one of their friends gets hurt.
"Now they must race against the clock to solve the mystery of who Toothless really is—and break the playground's curse.
"Beautiful and eerie, Animus weaves an entrancing spell out of childish curiosity, folklore, friendship, and fears that lie deep in the human heart." From the publisher.
Welcome to the Rodgers Memorial Library Teen Blog!
Our teen blog features postings on events, programming, new books, magazines, manga, graphic novels, comic books, and video games available to all teens with a Hudson, NH library card. What a deal!
Event and programming names link to our calendar, where you can register for upcoming teen and tween events.
Titles link to the entry in our catalog, where you can read more about the book, its author, and (if applicable) the series. You can also place a hold, provided you have your library card number and PIN. Don't know your PIN? Give us a call at the library at 603-886-6030 to find out how to get a new PIN. See you in the library!
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