teen books

  • Science Fiction Checklist Challenge: YA!

    ~posted by Hayden Young adult science fiction is like, so hot right now. If you are a fan of violent future worlds in which teens struggle against corrupt regimes (but still manage to fall in love), there are plenty of titles to choose from. Perhaps you’ve heard of a little book called The Hunger Games? Or… Continue reading

  • Nightstand Reads: Christopher Barzak, author of “Before and Afterlives,” shares what he’s reading

    Christopher Barzak will be reading from his recent collection of short stories, Before and Afterlives, on Wednesday, June 25th at the Central Library on Level 4, Room 2 at 7:00 p.m. His novel One for Sorrow was recently made into the film Jamie Marks is Dead, starring Liv Tyler and Judy Greer. Christopher was kind enough… Continue reading

  • Genre books for teens starring strong females

    “Seeking recommendations of YA fiction, preferably genre. I’m a fan of Tamora Pierce and Jane Yolen. This totally includes science fiction. 🙂 If you have some non YA recommendations I’m open,” began a Facebook post of a friend looking for book suggestions. When asked what it is she likes about those authors, she said, “What I generally… Continue reading

  • Who Says the Dead Can’t Dance?

    Ok, I’m not usually a big fan of gore and ghosts, but when they come with excellent characters and a great deal of witty dialogue, what’s not to love? I can’t guarantee that everyone will find these books funny, but that was definitely an aspect that kept me turning the pages. After all, I had… Continue reading

  • Nightstand Reads: Author Cory Doctorow tells us what he’s reading

    Cory Doctorow kicks off his book tour for Homeland with a reading at the Central Library on Tuesday, February 5 (at 7 p.m.; doors at 6:30 p.m.). We asked him what he was reading, and he kindly took the time to tell us about five books that are coming out this spring. I happen to… Continue reading

  • Seattle readers’ favorite teen books of 2012

    Last week we asked people on Facebook to tell us their favorite teen novel published in 2012. For those who regularly read teen fiction (and since 55 percent of all young adult fiction is purchased by adults, it seems like there are a lot of us …), it will be no surprise that The Fault… Continue reading

  • Book review: I Am Not a Serial Killer

    I’m not a big reader. I like books, but I simply don’t have the attention span to sit down for hours at a time, plowing through hundreds of pages, when I could be baking, sewing, or casually surfing the internet. However, I recently read a book so exciting and suspenseful that I not only read… Continue reading

  • Books for Giving 2011: Teen Books

    We know how it is: you want to give those teens on your list something to readthis Holiday Season, but don’t want your gift to be tossed aside amongst the socks and sweaters. Librarians Hayden and Jennifer offer some recent favorites that are as captivating as the lastest gadgets, and way more interesting than mere… Continue reading

  • An open mind to reading

    Before working at the library, I admittedly had a narrow mind as far as my book choices. Since I am far beyond my teenage years, I stuck to adult fiction/non fiction. I am happy to report that I have broadened my horizons and now am open to all book collections.  One great surprise was discovering how many “J” (as… Continue reading

  • Personalized teen book lists!

    Going on a road trip? Looking for an audiobook that both you and your teen can enjoy? Our teen services librarians are standing by to help. Use our Next 5 Books service to request suggestions for audiobooks that everyone in the family will enjoy. And of course, we’re also happy to suggest beach reads for… Continue reading

  • Bicycling Everywhere (in the Central Library)

    There have been a lot of blogs about biking, I know, I know. But I hope this one is a little different. It’s about how books on a topic can turn up anywhere. Let’s start at the top of the Central Library and work our way down. Way up on the 9th floor (History, Travel… Continue reading

  • Books for Giving 2010 — Teen Books, Part 2

    Wondering what to get the teen(s) on your list this year? This post is the second in a two-part series of recently published books for teens recommended by three youth services librarians at The Seattle Public Library. Hayden’s picks (continued): Smile by Raina Telgemeier One night, 6th-grader Raina and her friends decide to race to… Continue reading

  • Books for Giving 2010 — Teen Books, Part 1

    Need a last-minute gift for a teenager on your holiday shopping list? Try one of the books recommended by Abby, Hayden and Jennifer, three Teen and Children’s Librarians at The Seattle Public Library, who have selected 10 of their favorite books of 2010 for teen readers of all ages and tastes. This post is the… Continue reading

  • After The Hunger Games

    I just love a good dystopian nightmare.  I’m not sure what this says about me, but some of my favorite books take place in future worlds shattered by environmental apocalypse or ruled by terrifying and mysterious dictators.  What is it about these books that’s so appealing?  I think it might be the fun of seeing bits of our own present in an… Continue reading

  • Move Over, Twilight: Try Vampire Academy

    At this point, there are two kinds of readers (and media consumers) out there: those who can’t get enough of vampires and those who can’t stand to hear the word vampire. That being said, like any genre, there are some fantastic books and some that just don’t quite make the cut. I enjoyed the Twilight series even… Continue reading

  • Tiny people, big adventures

    Sometimes, especially at night when the world is dark and quiet, I hear strange noises in my house. Rhythmic little taps that fade to nothing. The squeak of a cupboard opening in an empty room. A faint sound like distant voices coming from up near the eaves, where no human ought to be. My first… Continue reading