All library locations will be closed December 24 & 25 as well as December 31 & January 1.
Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 by Dana
Let’s be honest, one of the very best things about the holiday season is the food.
Whether it is feasts of family favorites, traditional specialties, or taking the time to experiment with something new, the ultimate foodie time is upon us.
Check out this list of cookbooks and stories centered around food and recipes or swing by the Teen Display at the Columbia branch and find a book to devour!
Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 by Stellan Harris
2021 Teens’ Top Ten Winners (PDF)
The votes have been cast and counted, and now it’s time to reveal the winners of the Teens’ Top Ten book awards! The Teens’ Top Ten award list is a teen choice list where young adults nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year to be highlighted. This project is sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association. Fifteen young adult book clubs from school and public libraries nationwide came together to share the responsibility of determining a list of nominees for teens to consider, and now we can see what books made cut and what books got cut. . (Does your book club want to get involved? Do you want a chance to make your mark on this award list for next year? Learn how.)
Below you’ll find all ten of this years winners, as well as a short annotation to give you some information to help you find out if a book might be for you or not. Happy Reading!
1. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson explores his childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia. From the memories of getting his teeth kicked out by bullies at age five, to flea marketing with his loving grandmother, to his first sexual relationships, this young-adult memoir weaves together the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys.
2. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.
3. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can’t get rid of him.When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.
4. Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Camino Rios lives for the summers when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic. But this time, on the day when his plane is supposed to land, Camino arrives at the airport to see crowds of crying people…In New York City, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal’s office, where her mother is waiting to tell her that her father, her hero, has died in a plane crash. Separated by distance—and Papi’s secrets—the two girls are forced to face a new reality in which their father is dead and their lives are forever altered.
5. Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards
She thought being stranded was the worst thing that could happen. She was wrong. Mira needs to get home for the holidays. Badly. But when an incoming blizzard results in a canceled connecting flight, it looks like she might get stuck at the airport indefinitely. And then Harper, Mira’s glamorous seatmate from her initial flight, offers her a ride. Harper and her three friends can drop Mira off on their way home. But as they set off, Mira realizes fellow travelers are all total strangers. And every one of them is hiding something.
6. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why – or even who Tobias Hawthorne is.
7. Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer
Chronic overachiever Prudence Daniels is always quick to cast judgment on the lazy, rude, and irritating residents of her coastal town. She dreams of a world in which people might actually get what they deserve… Pru’s dreams of karmic justice are fulfilled after a night out with her friends, when she wakes up with the sudden, wondrous ability to cast instant karma on those around her. Though it seems almost too good to be true, Pru is not one to ignore such obvious signs from the universe. She giddily starts to make use of the power, but there is one person on whom her powers consistently backfire: Quint Erickson, her slacker of a lab partner.
8. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab
France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever—and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.
9. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn. Margaret K
After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants nothing to do with her family memories or childhood home. A residential program for bright high schoolers at UNC–Chapel Hill seems like the perfect escape—until Bree witnesses a magical attack her very first night on campus.
10. One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus
A ton of copycat gossip apps have popped up since Simon died, but in the year since the Bayview four were cleared of his shocking death, no one’s been able to fill the gossip void quite like he could. The problem is no one has the facts. Until now. This time it’s not an app, though—it’s a game.
Posted on Monday, November 1, 2021 by Stellan Harris
The month of November is recognized as American Indian Heritage Month, a month dedicated to honoring important contributions of the first Americans to our society and celebrating the rich
variety of cultures, traditions, and histories of Native people. Having origins in 1976 with a proposal for “Native American Awareness Week”, and subsequent efforts to spread awareness of the history of the indigenous experience in this country, and finally being codified into the month-long celebration that we have today in 1990. Though Missouri still bears the names of some of its Native tribes, this state has a long history of mistreating the first people who lived here, so take a chance this November to learn about more about the Native American experience!
Posted on Friday, October 29, 2021 by Stellan Harris
Attention Citizen: it is the designated time for your state-supplied dose of TeenTober Book Reviews! For any rebel spies who might just be joining us, all throughout the month of October we’ve been celebrating our teen users by highlighting some of the reviews we received from them during our Teen Summer Reading program. This week’s theme, as decided by The Shadowy Government Council, is all about highlighting books with a dystopian theme, whether they are fantasy, science fiction, or maybe a little bit closer to our reality. So gather your tributes, plan your rebellions, and break free of your chains with this week’s reviews!
Our first review this week comes to us from Julia, with a 5-star review of “Verify” by Joelle Charbonneau. Set in a near future Chicago, this novel follows the story of Meri Beckley as she recovers from the sudden tragic death of her mother, only to discover that her mother was involved in a secret society dedicated to fighting back against a government bent on censorship and oppression. As Meri learns more about how deeply her society has been warped by government censorship, she decides that she must do whatever it takes to live in a society that is as free as she thought hers was. These themes seemed to really strike a chord with our reviewer, with Julia saying, “I loved this book because right from the beginning there was a page-turning mystery and suspense. This book urges people to not just go along with what everyone says. It urges you to ask questions, investigate, and educate yourself. Then pass on that information to others.” Questioning authority is a sentiment that is certainly important to keep in mind in times like these. If you want to see a book that deals with that directly, as well as being, “urgent, relatable, and insightful” according to our reviewer, put “Verify” on your to-read list.
Next we come to a dystopian novel with a bit more of a fantastical flair, as Addie brings us their 4-star review of “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard. This novel follows Mare Barrow as she navigates her society, divided between the supernaturally gifted Silvers and the lowly Reds, and tries to make a life for herself and her family. Yet when she discovers a secret that threatens to overturn her whole world, she is thrust into a life of secrets, intrigue, and a burgeoning revolution. It seems like this story of a fantastical dystopia had appeal beyond fantasy readers, with Addie saying ,“This is the first fantasy book I’ve ever read and I really liked it! Very interesting plot with fun characters and some romance. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because I don’t know how great the fantasy is compared to other novels.” Sounds to me like it barely missed that five, but made a new fantasy fan! If you’re on the fence about fantasy or just looking for a little bit more of the supernatural in your dystopian stories, consider giving “Red Queen” a shot!
The last review for this week comes from a reviewer, whose identity is kept secret to protect from assassins, who gave a 4-star review to “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins. A distant prequel to the “Hunger Games” trilogy, this novel follows the exploits of a young Coriolanus Snow, future president of the autocratic state of Panem, as he attempts to make a name for himself in the 10th Hunger Games. Through manipulation, deception, and careful plotting, Coriolanus must find a way to raise his disgraced family out of disgrace and carve a place for himself in the world to come, no matter the cost. Our reviewer seemed to greatly enjoy this prequel, saying that they “…liked this book because I am a “Hunger Games” book series fan…One of the things I most like about this book is at the end of every chapter there is a cliffhanger urging readers to read more. You will get so involved in The tenth “Hunger games” that you will find yourself tuning out the world.” For fans of the Hunger Games who are looking for more in that universe, and a pretty good book according to our reviewers, look no further than “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”.
And that brings our series of TeenTober book reviews to a close! We have to thank the many teens who submitted reviews to us and gave us permission to highlight them here. We hope that you have found some great books from these reviews and recommendations, and that you return here for more highlights and articles about all things Teen at DBRL.
Posted on Friday, October 22, 2021 by Stellan Harris
Hail and well-met, adventurer! It’s been another week, and that means another chance to see some TeenTober Book Reviews! For any people who might just be joining us, we at DBRL are celebrating TeenTober and all of the wonderful teen users we have by highlighting a number of the book reviews we received from them during our Teen Summer Reading Program. Fantasy is the name of the game for our reviews this week, and if the amount of reviews is anything to go on it seems like plenty of our reviewers fell in love with a fantastical world this summer. So grab your sword, summon your magic, and get ready to be transported to a fantastical world, so very unlike our own.
This week’s first review, from a reviewer that would prefer to remain anonymous, covers “The Assassin’s Blade” by Sarah J. Maas. A prequel to the very popular “Throne of Glass” series, this novel collects a number of short stories revolving around the titular assassin Celaena Sardothien and her exploits before the events of the first novel in the Throne of Glass series. Yet, based on what our reviewer said about the novel, it is filled with just as much emotion as it is action. “This book was one of the most emotional and heart wrenching books I have ever read…this author had really outdone herself with the writing of this book. It made you feel the characters’ pain, like you were right there with them. I feel this was written beautifully and I will definitely be rereading it after my heartbreak subsides.” That’s one heck of an endorsement! Given that it’s a prequel series, written after the main series, you might want to give “Throne of Glass” and its sequels a shot first. However, if you’ve enjoyed the other “Throne of Glass” novels and are looking for a novel that is “Heart wrenching, beautiful, and emotional” then this is the book for you.
Our second review of the week comes to us from Vasumathi and covers the “Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard” series of novels by Rick Riordan. Our reviewer wrote regarding the entire series, but if you’re looking for a place to start then “The Sword of Summer” is the first book in the series. As for the plot, the series focuses on the life of Magnus Chase, a young person experiencing homelessness after a tragic event left him orphaned at a young age. Yet, after an encounter with a family member, young Magnus learns that his family might not be quite what he thought it was. Our reviewer recommends this series to any readers that “love Percy Jackson or just mythology in general,” while describing the novels as “hilarious, plain and simple… the plot line was epic and the characters are the best! There are tons of twists, and it’s one of the many reasons I adore it!” With a glowing review like that, you’d be missing out not to give this series of books a look.
The third and final review this week comes from another, different reviewer who wished to remain shrouded in mystery while giving us the scoop on “How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories” by Holly Black. Another book coming on the heels of a beloved series, this time the “Folk of the Air” series, this novel gives some background to a major character in those novels, while also re-framing some of the events from the novels through the eyes of this character. I’d advise you to check out the previous novels in the series first, starting with “The Cruel Prince” before you give this novel a shot, largely because of how much our reviewer said that the previous reading improved this novel. “It featured a main character that I adored from the trilogy he originated from, and several scenes from the original Folk of the Air trilogy told from a perspective that I desperately wanted to see. The short stories that make up the book all have their value, whether it’s just fun clips with characters or riveting moments that hold their own weight in emotion. A fun and well needed addition to a good series!” Sounds to me like if you’re looking for a series with some great supplemental books then this is one to follow.
And that brings our quest for another week of Teentober Book Reviews to an end, fellow travelers. Rejoin us at this very spot next week for the final week of reviews this year, and even afterwards for more book lists, resources, and event spotlights for all things Teen offered at DBRL.
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2021 by Stellan Harris
Hello again dear readers and welcome to the second week of our TeenTober book review series! For the uninformed, the Teen Blog will be highlighting some of the reader reviews that we received during our Teen Summer Reading program this year. This week we’ve decided to highlight some of the reviews we got on titles with a historical setting, whether that’s a story from a real period of history or a fantasy with some real historical details. So sit back, relax, and get ready for some books to take you on a journey through time!
The first review this week comes from Caitlin, who gave a 5-star review to “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah. A novel set in the 1930’s Texas before and during the Dust Bowl, this story follows Elsa Martinelli, a girl born into some means but tormented by her family. Determined to follow her heart and make her own destiny, Elsa embarks on a journey that will put her through all of the struggles and turmoil that the Dust Bowl has to offer, which according to Caitlin includes an 11-day dust storm! Speaking of the book, she said it was, “a great book, it is very moving,” and that you should give this title a look if, “You like books that have tension.” If that sounds like you, then consider reading this title.
Our next review comes from a reviewer who wished to remain anonymous and wanted to give their perspective on “Stone Fox” by John Reynolds Gardiner. This story is set in the 1880’s in Wyoming, following the childhood of a boy and his dog on a poor farm. Unfortunately, as his family experiences hardship and his home comes under threat, Willy has to bet it all on a dog race that might save his family or end in tragedy. The reviewer spoke highly of the book, giving it a 4 star review and saying they enjoyed the book, “because it had an ending I was not expecting.” The book isn’t particularly long, so if you’re looking for a period piece about a boy and his dog that is, according to our reviewer, “Unexpected, short, sad” then “Stone Fox” might be the next book for you.
Our last review is from Amelia, who went even further back in time, to the Victorian Era, in order to review “The Vanished Bride” by Bella Ellis. Following a mysterious murder in the English county of Yorkshire, 1845, three sisters and daughters of a local parson decide to apply their skills of observation and investigation to be come “lady detectors” and solve the mysterious case. Coincidentally, these sisters are named, and seemingly modeled, after the Bronte sisters, who are themselves famous poets and novelists of the period. As for the novel itself, Amelia enjoyed it enough to give it a 5-star review, saying, “I loved this book because it was a big mystery…I could write down all the clues,think I have an answer, but then there would be a big twist!” Victorian England, a bloody mystery, and three amateur sleuths modeled after real world authors solving a mystery full of twists and turns? What’s not to love? You can find out by checking out more by checking out “The Vanished Bride” for yourself!
With that we’ve come to the end of our second week of TeenTober book reviews! Thanks again to all the wonderful teens who participated in Summer Reading this year and gave us permission to post their reviews for you all to see. Tune in next week for more reviews and more books that just might be your next favorite.
Posted on Friday, October 8, 2021 by Stellan Harris
Welcome to the first of our TeenTober review posts dear readers! For those of you not in the know, we’re going to be showcasing some of the titles and reviews we got from the teens who participated in the DBRL Teen Summer Reading Program. Our reviews this week focus on some of our reviewers who chose books of the more romantic variety, something that was far from rare in the reviews we received. What can we say, some of you just love a good romance!
Our first review comes from Isabella, who gave a 5-star review for “My Lady Jane” by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. A period romance, with a bit of fantasy thrown in for color, Isabella described the book as “Mystical, Romantic, and Historic” and enjoyed the novel due to a love of “twisted fairytales and a good love tale.” Isabella does warn that there is some questionable language, but that you should definitely check this bok out if “you like history flips with a pinch of magic, and if you love a good love story.” If that sounds like you, then give “My Lady Jane” a look!
Our next review comes to us from a reviewer who wished to remain anonymous, but one who gave a 5-star review to “Anna K: A Love Story” by Jenny Lee. A modern retelling of the Russian literary classic “Anna Karenina”, this novel is, as Grace puts it, “all about love, and who we are as people. While we may present a certain image to the public, there’s always something going on behind the scenes. This book follows the romances of multiple people, and how all their lives are tied together.” Sounds like quite the book! If you’re looking for a book that is “hopeful, a tear jerker, broken yet beautiful” and ready for a book that will, according to Grace, “give you all the feels,” give “Anna K: A Love Story” a shot!
Finally, our last 5-star review from Olivia takes us from the Manhattan skyline to the winding streets of Tuscany in “Love and Gelato” by Jenna Evans Welch. The novel focuses on Lina’s trip to Tuscany, as a last wish from her mother, as she seeks to reunite with her estranged father. Yet, as she discovers a diary kept by her mother when she lived in Italy, the trip becomes something much more for Lina. Jasmine picked up the book after “a friend suggested this book to read and it’s one of the best books I’ve read. It has a great plot and you just can’t put the book down.” So maybe pick up “Love and Gelato” for a book that is, according to Jasmine, “full of love, romance, and mystery” to start your TeenTober off right!
And that’s going to conclude our featured reviews for this first week of TeenTober! Come back next week for another batch of reviews from the teens in our Summer Reading program, and keep your eyes peeled for more TeenTober programs and posts.
Posted on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 by Stellan Harris
September 15th through October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month, an annual celebration of the history and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities throughout the history of this country. First introduced as a week-long celebration in 1968, and expanded to a full month in 1989, this celebration of the increasing number of Americans coming from Hispanic and Latino communities was designed to pay tribute to their roles in the history, and future, of this country.
While the date in the middle of September might seem an odd choice, the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with a number of declarations of independence for a number of Central and South American countries. September 15th is the day of celebration for the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua from Spain, while Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16th and Chile does so on the 18th.
In honor of this month’s celebrations the Smithsonian will be hosting a number of virtual events to highlight notable Hispanic and Latnix figures in both history and modernity. The calendar of events can be found here, as well as links to the events on the same page. More information, including further event calendars and other resources, can be found on the website for the celebration here.
In addition, we at DBRL have collected a list of novels by Hispanic and Latinx authors for interested teens, so take this opportunity to celebrate this occasion with a great novel! The list of novels can be found here, with some of my favorites being:
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 by Brianna
Confession time: if it were up to me, I’d probably end up only writing about fantasy books, because I love them so much. BUT I have managed to divide my love into two fantasies, two historical fictions, and two contemporaries. Be proud of my egalitarian blog writing!
“Beasts of Prey” by Ayana Gray
I had to start with the fantasy! Utilizing Pan-African mythology, there is some lush world-building in this jungle-set fantasy. Koffi is an indentured servant at the Night Zoo, home to exotic magical creatures, and dreams of earning her freedom. Ekon hopes to join the elite warrior class, as a Son of the Six in their city of Lkossa. When a fire at the Night Zoo alters both their plans, the pair reluctantly team up to pursue the deadly Shetani—a creature that has been preying on Lkossa for nearly a century. While mistrustful at first, each dangerous encounter in the Greater Jungle leads them to rely on each other more and more. As they uncover secrets about the Shetani, they realize the stakes are much higher than just their own personal quests for redemption and freedom.
Continue reading “The Selector’s Selections: September 2021”
Posted on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 by Stellan Harris
We’ve once again come to the end of a wonderful Summer Reading program at the Daniel Boone Regional Library! We’ve gone through the list of teen book reviews that were submitted (over 200 reviews in total!), as well as the titles that moved the most during summer reading to bring you a list of the most popular titles and trends this year. Thanks again to everyone who submitted a review for the great titles you enjoyed!
This summer fantasy was king for many of our readers, exploring far flung locales and mystical places along with valiant heroes and sinister villains. Leigh Bardugo was a favorite of many of our readers, with both her Six of Crows series and The Grisha Trilogy circulating widely among our readers. Sarah J. Maas was another favorite, with her Throne of Glass series and it’s spin-offs having both favorable numbers and favorable reviews from our summer readers.
For many of our readers who didn’t go the fantasy route, a dystopian setting was their place of choice this summer. Suzanne Collins’ newly released prequel to her Hunger Games trilogy The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was one of our highest circulated titles, with the original novels not being far behind. Authors Neal Shusterman, Kiera Cass, and Joelle Charbonneau were more favorite painters of painful potentials among our readers, so be sure to check them out if that sounds up your alley.
For more book recommendations, be sure to check out our Popular YA Titles of Summer Reading list, composed of some of our top circulating items and some of the highly reviewed summer reading titles. Your new favorite book might just be waiting for you!