Young Adult Services Librarian Susan Paley always finds great picks for teen-readers.
Looking for more picks for teens? Try downloading this FREE book finder app from YALSA! Watch the Youtube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mLS1mUJQUA
Also - keep your eyes peeled, as Valentine's Day nears, for a reading pamphlet offering more teen-titles (particularly in the romance-genre).
Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Set in 1920s New York, at the height of night club raids, gangsters, séances, and magicians, seventeen year-old Anna Van Housen has been her mother’s assistant for as long as she can remember. Anna’s mother makes money as a medium, or spirit guide, holding séances and performing illusions. At least that’s what it says on the theater marquees she headlines. The real truth is that she’s a swindler and that Anna has the true ability to do what her mother pretends to do. Also, Anna just happens to be the illegitimate daughter of Harry Houdini…or is she? When Anna meets Cole, her mysterious neighbor from downstairs, he senses what her powers can do, and warns her of others who might try to exploit her. When another boy, Owen Winchester starts vying for Anna’s attention, she is caught in a dangerous love triangle. Then, she’s caught in the middle of a kidnapping mystery. Who can she trust? What happens when her abilities to foretell the future become stronger and stronger? Is she finally ready to break away from her mother and lead her own life?
The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls By Anton Disclafani Location: [FIC DISCLAFANI]
Florida 1930: Thea Atwell and her twin brother Sam have a seemingly perfect life on their family’s sprawling orange groves. The Great Depression has not yet affected their way of life. At 15, Thea is starting to feel isolated with only Sam, her parents, and her cousin George for company. Riding her horse, Sasi, is the only activity that brings her solace. When a secret friendship exposes long-buried hostility within her family, and her brother Sam is questioned by the police, Thea is sent away to The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Far from home, Thea discovers another world of debutante balls, old money, and fierce competition both for friendships and riding. She also meets the Headmaster of the School, Mr. Holmes. Over the course of the year and a half Thea stays at the boarding school, she becomes aware of much more than the girls at the school and the turn of events that exiled her from Florida. Part thriller, part romance, and part mystery Thea’s voice will stay with you long after you have finished her story. For adults, but definitely has teen appeal.
Thousand Words By Jennifer Brown [Location YA BROWN]
Taking a dare won’t hurt anyone, right? That’s what Ashleigh thinks at the hottest party of the year, when her best friends dare her to send a picture of herself to her boyfriend…naked. Yes, it’s sexting, but it’s not like anyone other than Kaleb will see it. Except she’s wrong. Everyone (her classmates, teachers, parents, and local news media) sees it, and everyone knows it’s her in the photo. Told from Ashleigh’s point of view, and switching between Before when she sent the photo and everyone found out, and After when Ashleigh was court-ordered to complete community service, this is a powerful story about actions and consequences, friendships, and lies. There was one boy in school who got the text and didn’t look and that makes Ashleigh realize she can still learn a lesson from a mistake she thought would haunt her forever.
Cartwheel By Jennifer DuBois [Location: FIC DUBOIS]
Lily Hayes arrives in Argentina for her study abroad semester and is immediately swept up in the intensity of her new surroundings: the food! the sights! the locals! Oh, yes, also, studying. When her roommate Katy is found murdered in their shared living space five weeks after their arrival, Lily becomes the prime suspect, is arrested, and is forced to stay in an Argentinian jail. Overnight, the case becomes a media circus. Lily is alternately vilified and adored by the media and the attorneys involved in the case, depending on who is interviewing whom and which person thinks they have all the answers to the puzzle. Told in the voices of Lily, her father Andrew, and Lily’s reclusive boyfriend Sebastien, you won’t have all the answers until you finish reading the book. Lily is caught on camera doing a cartwheel while she waits for police to interrogate her. No one knows if this means she is guilty, but it certainly doesn’t give her a badge of innocence. Or does it? Inspired by the real-life crime drama involving Amanda Knox, who reportedly cartwheeled while waiting to be questioned, Cartwheel is a novel that is emotionally charged and slightly sinister, and overall a great read from an author listed in the 5 under 35 by the National Book Foundation. For adults, but definitely has teen appeal.
Database Review: Learning Express Library
[Accessible from library computers or computers at home with Internet access]
Need to study for a test like the SAT or ACT? How about write a resume, learn to use popular computer programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint? You can even practice different academic subjects for elementary, middle, high school, or college. Adults can also take workplace occupation tests. Visit our library website at www.ferndalepubliclibrary.org and click on the purple MEL icon. Click the MEL databases link, and look for Learning Express Library in the database list. You can log into the database from the library or, if you are at home you’ll need to log in with your Michigan Driver’s license or State ID number. You won’t be charged, the numbers are used to confirm you are a resident of Michigan. You can register for a free account or log in to the website if you have previously registered. Then, you will have access to practice SAT and ACT tests, test preparation material, computer help tutorials, resume resources and more. Visit the reference desk if you have questions or take home one of our flyers to help you use the database.
