Teenagers are often an underserved minority in the library world. Most of them don’t want to spend a lot of time somewhere they have to be quiet, and even more of them are so involved with school and extra-curricular activities that reading for pleasure is an alien concept. But for those who still love the idea of a good book, there are plenty to read!
Meinders Library has a new section, geared specifically towards teenagers (9-12 grade) and the fiction they would enjoy. If you can get your teenager, or any teenager, into the library, tell them to ask for the Young Adult section and we will find them something they simply *have* to check out. The books reviewed in this column are all excellent books, geared toward the teenage reader (though I must admit to wanting to read several of them myself).
The Book Thief, by Marcus Zusak
This book received a star review by the School Library Journal and centers around a girl named Liesel during the 1930s and 40s. Liesel steals books, though she begins before she even knows how to read, and those books become her refuge. The book is actually narrated by Death, an is a striking, original story that chronicles Liesel and her friends and their stolen books.
Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher
A relatively heavy book that begins with Clay Jenson receiving a series of cassette tapes from a classmate who has committed suicide. 12 others also receive cassette tapes, detailed the reasons behind the self-inflicted death of Hannah Baker, who is not held blameless in the events that unfold. Though the book is rather serious, mystery readers will adore it and the book has an important message about the consequences of how we treat each other.
Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld
At 16, everyone in Westerfeld’s visionary story receives a surgical operation that conforms them all to an ideal standard of perfection. Before 16, the children are referred to as “uglies” and they dream of the time they can become as “pretty” as everyone else. Tally Youngblood gets caught up in trying to find some rebel “uglies” for the Department of Special Circumstances – if she finds them and betrays them, she can have her operation. Will Tally have a change of heart?
Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
This book received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly. In a society obsessed with reality television, this book really hits home. Following an apocalypse, a country similar to the United States demands that two kids be taken from each territory for a fight to the death, televised. Katniss and Peeta, both from what was once Appalachia, struggle to win the competition but also fight to keep their humanity in a game that strips humanity away. The book is intense and filled with meaning, for any who read it.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth, by Carrie Ryan
Mary is trapped in her village, surrounded by a chain-link fence – and beyond that chain-link fence is a forest filled with zombies that will eat any villager who dares to step outside. The zombies came into existence over 100 years ago, during a period of history called the Return, and the cities and wonderful technology were completely wiped out. No Mary lives in a restrictive society, controlled entirely by a faction called the Sisterhood. Is there such a thing as an ‘ocean?’ Is there a way out through the forest? Mary intends to find out.
Graceling, by Kristin Cashore
Katsa is a warrior girl, with one blue eye and one green eye marking her as a Graceling – a person born with a particular Grace. In Katsa’s case, her Grace is fighting and there is no one who can beat her. Despite her power, Katsa is forced to serve as a henchman though she manages to form a secret society with others who believe in truth and justice. Filled with fantasy and a little romance, this book is sure to win the hearts of fantasy lovers everywhere.
Also, Teen Read Week is coming up from October 18 – 24! Stop in with a teenager for a prize and a book!
If you have any questions, or have a book to reserve or renew, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 507-825-6714. The hours for Meinders Library are Monday through Thursday, from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
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