Teen Photo Contest: 2022 Winners

Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 by Megan

We are excited to announce that we have the winners of this year’s Teen Photo Contest! We had 33 entries and they were all outstanding! The teens have submitted their photographic interpretations of this year’s Summer Reading theme “Oceans of Possibilities” and after much deliberation, we have selected this year’s winners. Below are the top three winners. Continue reading “Teen Photo Contest: 2022 Winners”

The Selector’s Selections: July 2022

Posted on Thursday, July 21, 2022 by Brianna

How’s that To Be Read pile looking? Dangerously low? Now’s your chance to squeeze in as much reading as you can before school starts back up, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Not gonna lie, most of my picks this month have some romance, but if that’s not your thing I’ve also got a thriller with an unreliable narrator.

Into the Sublime” by Kate A. Boorman

In case you couldn’t guess from the cover, this is the thriller. The story begins at the ending, as three girls emerge from a cave. Two are immediately rushed to the hospital, one is covered in blood that isn’t hers, and begins to tell their story to the police. And one girl is missing. The four of them were part of a thrill-seeking group that was following local legends about an underground lake. Rumor says that anyone who faces their greatest fear at the lake will have something big changed for them. The story unravels as it unfolds, with an increasingly untrustworthy narrator and claustrophobic psychological and supernatural horror. Pair this book with a trip to the Devil’s Icebox trail and Connor’s Cave if you really want the full experience. Continue reading “The Selector’s Selections: July 2022”

Reader Reviews: Fantasy Edition

Posted on Thursday, July 7, 2022 by Megan

Summer reading is in full swing and we are getting tons of recommendations from our teen readers! Here are a few books highlighting our teens’ favorite fantasy novels. Warning: Some of these books may be part of a series so you may need to do some catch-up reading before you dive into one of these recommended reads.

Image of "Song of the Current" book cover with 5 stars and a pink and purple cloud background. Continue reading “Reader Reviews: Fantasy Edition”

Merperson Makeup Tutorial

Posted on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 by Megan

Person with long blue hair and blue scales on face and shoulders

Summer Reading is upon us!  With a theme like “Oceans of Possibilities,” how could we not think of merpeople?

We are so lucky to have our very own siren, Dana! She loves cosplay and makeup effects, so we wanted to share her talent with you in this video tutorial so you can play along at home.

Here is what you’ll need to get started.

  • Eyeshadow pallet. Any colors or brand you want to use, but the higher the pigmentation, the better.
  • Brush or sponge. Dana used a makeup sponge in the tutorial, but a large makeup brush would work, too!
  • Wig cap or fishnets. The wig cap is what gives you the scale pattern effect.

If you feel like going all out, combine a costume and a watery location! 

We would love to see your finished look! Snap a pic and send it to us at teen@dbrl.org.

The Selector’s Selections: May 2022

Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 by Brianna

Summer is almost here! I hope that means you’ll have some more time to read for fun. Or maybe you already have lots of time to read for fun! Or maybe you’re like me and read while you’re walking to your car because you don’t actually have time to read but still really want to. Anyway. These May new releases are books you’ll want to make time for!

Love Radio” by Ebony Ladelle

Dani Ford is a senior in high school, focused on her dreams with no time for love. She wants to be the next great Black writer, but lately, she’s been struggling to write anything. After a traumatic experience at a party last year, Dani has closed herself off from everything and everyone—which doesn’t bode well for finishing her college essays. Prince Jones is also a senior, with dreams of working professionally as a radio DJ. He has his own segment on the popular “Love Radio” where he gives relationship advice to listeners. But with a little brother and mom with advanced multiple sclerosis to take care of at home, Prince hasn’t had time for his own romance. He’s had a crush on Dani since middle school though, so when he gets the chance to ask her out, he has to follow his own advice. Prince bets Dani that he can get her to fall for him in just three dates. It could be that this support is just what they each need to tackle the problems in their lives. This is a heartwarming and genuine love story, with a focus on family and self-love as well as romantic love.

Continue reading “The Selector’s Selections: May 2022”

What to Read if You Loved “Our Flag Means Death”

Posted on Monday, May 16, 2022 by Dana

“Our Flag Means Death” is a runaway success on HBO Max and they have not, at the time of this writing, announced a renewal.

Which is madness.  Unacceptable.  Unfathomable.

So, if you’re desperate for news of a second season and looking to fill the void, I have some suggestions!

There are a host of reasons to love OFMD, and whatever your fancy is, there are books to match. Continue reading “What to Read if You Loved “Our Flag Means Death””

Books to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month!

Posted on Monday, May 9, 2022 by Stellan Harris

Firework SparklerHappy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! It is that time of year where we look at all the contributions and achievements of our friends and family in the AAPI community, both past and present. In the face of the recent marked increase in violence against Asian Americans it is more important than ever to recognize the many ways that they have helped to shape our modern world for the better. With that in mind, DBRL has created a list of titles that feature AAPI characters and stories, including some graphic novels and memoirs from a variety of voices and backgrounds. You can click here to access that books list. We’d also like to bring attention to a number of other events and resources provided by the Library of Congress and related organizations, which will be hosting a number of talks and events related to notable figures and events in honor of the heritage month. You can find the website and schedule for those events at the link here, and we hope that your May is beautiful, enjoyable, and full of great books!

May the Fourth Be With You!

Posted on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 by Megan

Two people dueling with lightsabers.

Happy May the Fourth! I love just about everything Star Wars has to offer — from the amazingly independent Princess Leia to the fierce, but cuddly Chewbacca, to the adorable Porgs, and don’t get me started on my obsession with Grogu (aka The Child or Baby Yoda)! Here are some fun things you can do at home to celebrate May the Fourth and the Revenge of the Fifth.

We’d love to see what you make, so send us pictures or videos to teen@dbrl.org.

Woman holding many Baby Yoda items.
How many Baby Yoda’s do you see in this picture? The correct answer is not enough.

Continue reading “May the Fourth Be With You!”