Posted on Monday, March 31, 2025 by DBRLTeen
Today, March 31, is “Transgender Day of Visibility.” Everyone is welcome in the library – today and always! To celebrate, we are amplifying transgender books, characters and authors! Here are some of our new favorites! Continue reading “Transgender Day of Visibility”
Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 by Dana
You don’t have to be a woman to be angry with the current state of…*gestures vaguely at everything*
As we come to the end of Women’s History Month and you’d like some feminine rage and empowered girls to carry you through, check out some of the titles below. Continue reading “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves”
Posted on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 by Megan
Are you looking for your next great read? Do you think the books on book tok are overrated? Have you read EVERY book at your school? Have you asked your friends and family for recommendations, but they have questionable taste in books and now you have trust issues? Do you find it annoying when blogs start with a bunch of rhetorical questions as a gimmick to keep you reading? Well look no further – we have something just for you! Continue reading “Ask Book Oracle”
Posted on Monday, February 10, 2025 by Dana
Every genre has its tropes, or a commonly used theme or device. Fantasy has the “chosen one” or “lost royalty” and horror/thrillers have the “haunted house” and the “final girl” trope. Part of why tropes are used so routinely is that there is comfort in knowing how the story will probably play out, especially in romance. But then, we also enjoy it when a predictable formula gets a fun twist.
Angst – Whether they are star-crossed or hit by some other tragedy, happily ever after may not be possible.
Why We Love It: Sometimes, you just want to be in your feelings. See also: Sad People Music
Give It a Try: Songlight by Moira Buffini
Posted on Friday, January 31, 2025 by Megan
It’s finally here! It’s award season … for books! Early every year, the American Library Association (ALA) hosts its annual Youth Media Awards Press Conference. At this time, authors and illustrators of children’s and young adult literature are honored for the outstanding works they have published over the last year.
These books are selected by judging committees of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work. Below are the awards honoring distinguished books for young adult readers. Be sure to check out the book lists for the complete list of winners and honorees! Continue reading “2025 Youth Media Award Winners”
Posted on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 by DBRLTeen
“To anyone out there:
I only ask that you care before it’s too late,
That you live aware and awake,
That you lead with love in hours of hate.
I challenge you to heed this call,
I dare you to shape our fate.
Above all, I dare you to do good
So that the world might be great”
-Amanda Gorman, “An Ode We Owe”
If the world feels too cold, everything is too much, or problems are too heavy come to the library! Libraries welcome everyone! We are here for each other and especially for you. Your library is here to help and books are a great place to start. Before you know it you’ll be a social justice warrior. 
Continue reading “Social Justice & Activism for Teens ”
Posted on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 by Megan
No, you aren’t seeing double! We are highlighting books that were so nice our readers reviewed them twice. It looks like our readers agree about these faves this time, but we’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget you can fill out our review form any time for a chance to be featured on our blog! Continue reading “Teen Reader Reviews: Double Vision”
Posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 by Megan
Young Adult books aren’t just for teens! In fact, many of our staff regularly read YA so we asked them what their favorites were this year. We asked them to describe their favorite books in three words and to rate them on a scale from 1 to 5 stars. Check out some of their picks below or you can check the full list here! Continue reading “2024 Staff Picks”
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 by Megan
We’ve had several staff blogs about J. R. R. Tolkien (read them here, here and here) but now it’s time to hear from our patrons! Check out what our readers had to say about this beloved book series. Whether you are reading them for the first time or for the umpteenth time now is the perfect time to roast some potatoes, light the fires of Gondor and curl up with these classics! Continue reading “Teen Reader Reviews: J. R. R. Tolkien Books”
Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 by Megan
Ugh. It’s fine. Not every book you read will change your life. Not every book on BookTok is earth-shattering. Sometimes the movie IS better. These are all books our readers thought were ok. We’re sharing them in November because it’s probably dreary or whatever. Read these books or don’t. They’re probably better or worse books out there. *shrugs and pulls hoodie over face*
Continue reading “Meh Teen Reader Reviews: Books with ★★★ or less”