| The Silence Between Us by Alison GervaisWhat it’s about: After unwillingly transferring from a Deaf school to a hearing school, 17-year-old Maya has to deal with lip-reading, working with an interpreter, and stereotyped assumptions of her classmates -- including Beau, the popular guy who seems interested in her.
Why you might like it: whether Maya’s experiences feel familiar to you or offer new insights, her coming-of-age story (inspired by the author’s own) is both honest and absorbing.
Try this next: Whitney Gardner’s You’re Welcome, Universe. |
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| The Downstairs Girl by Stacey LeeWhat it’s about: Witty, opinionated advice columnist “Miss Sweetie” has 1890 Atlanta buzzing, and nobody suspects that she’s really 17-year-old Jo Kuan, a sharp-minded, Chinese American lady’s maid who’s begun to wonder if it’s time to leave her anonymity behind.
Why you might like it: Jo is a compelling character with a lot to say about race and gender in the post-Civil War South, as well as a lot of questions about her hidden family history. |
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| The Merciful Crow by Margaret OwenWhat it’s about: When a routine job takes an unexpected turn, Fie -- future chief of the Crows, Sabor’s lowly caste of undertakers and mercy-killers -- has to decide if the promise of protection for the Crows is worth the risk of a dangerous quest.
Read it for: diverse characters, pulse-pounding adventure, and an intriguing system of magic.
Series alert: This debut fantasy is the 1st in a duology. |
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| Wilder Girls by Rory PowerWhat it’s about: Ever since the Tox infected the Raxter School for Girls, killing some and leaving others distorted, the survivors have been under strict quarantine -- but that doesn’t stop student Hetty from venturing into the Tox-ravaged woods in search of a missing friend.
Is it for you? The gruesome mutations and brutal violence of the Tox might be too much for some readers, but those who like things dark and disturbing will be hooked by this dystopian/horror hybrid. |
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| Shatter the Sky by Rebecca Kim WellsWhat it’s about: Maren ben Gao never wanted any trouble, but after her girlfriend Kaia is kidnapped and forced to become one of the Emperor’s prophets, Maren hatches a reckless plan to steal one of Emperor’s dragons and rescue Kaia.
For fans of: the dragon lore, politics, and diverse characters in Rachel Hartman’s Seraphina books.
Series alert: This gripping fantasy will leave you longing for the planned sequel. |
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| The Closest I've Come by Fred AcevesWhat it's about: Stuck living in a poor neighborhood with his mom and her abusive boyfriend, it's hard for 15-year-old Marcos Rivas to see any way out. He's got solid friends and a surprising new crush, but when an unexpected opportunity arises, Marcos is afraid to let himself hope.
Author alert: Get in on the ground floor with this authentic, gritty debut from author Fred Aceves.
For fans of: Jason Reynolds and Matt de la Peña. |
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| American Road Trip by Patrick Flores-ScottStarring: Teodoro “T” Avila, who’s only just started getting his life on track when his golden-boy brother, Manny, returns from the Iraq War with PTSD.
What happens: T’s take-charge sister Xochitl tricks her brothers into joining her on road trip that might help Manny find himself again.
Why you might like it: You won’t soon forget this unvarnished yet hopeful look at mental illness and the importance of family. |
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| Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemoreFeaturing: the Nomeolvides women, keepers of the garden at La Pradera estate and bearers of both a gift and a curse: they can make flowers grow with their bare hands, but if they fall in love, their beloved is doomed to disappear.
What happens: Estrella Nomeolvides finds a mysterious boy in the garden, prompting the family to unearth some long-buried secrets.
You might also like: Lana Popović’s Wicked Like a Wildfire, another lush and leisurely paced tale of magical realism. |
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| Burn Baby Burn by Meg MedinaThe setting: New York City, 1977, when disco music wafts from radios, a serial killer called Son of Sam is on the loose, and high school grad Nora López is trying to hang on to her family and her hopes for the future.
What happens: Money is tight and her delinquent brother's behavior is getting more frightening, but Nora’s relationship with co-worker Pablo is getting hotter than the sizzling summer weather.
Read it for: intense emotions and vivid atmosphere. |
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| The Education of Margot Sanchez by Lilliam RiveraWhat it’s about: After getting caught with her Papi’s credit card, “Princesa” Margot Sanchez has to give up partying with her prep school friends in order to work at her family’s Bronx grocery store, which leads to a new understanding of herself, her family, and her Puerto Rican heritage.
Who it’s for: readers who enjoy characters who aren’t always likable, but are just as flawed, messy, and fascinating as real people. |
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Tween and Teen Advisory Board
Tuesday, September 3,
4 p.m.
Clemmons Branch
Want to have a say in your library? Join us at the Clemmons Branch Library on the first Tuesday of the month if you're interested in joining a Tween/Teen Advisory Board. Snacks will be provided. Must have signed waiver to participate in snacks.
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Teen Central's Teen Advisory Board
Tuesday, September 3,
4:30 p.m.
Teen Central, Central Library
The Teen Advisory Board is a group of teens who meet once a month with the Teen Services Librarian. This meeting is for teens already picked for the 2019-2020 board. Interested in becoming a member, fill out the form and return it to Teen Central.
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3Doodler Workshop
Wednesday, September 4,
4:30 p.m.
Teen Central, Central Library
Learn the ins and outs of using a 3D pen. A 3D pen is a pen that extrudes heated or warm plastic from the pen’s nozzle. You don’t need any software. With a 3D pen you can draw a raised graphic on a piece of paper or any flat surface.
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Chess Club
Thursday, September 5,
4 p.m.
Clemmons Branch
Come join us at the Clemmons Library to play the game of kings. Chess sets will be provided so bring your moves. Open to beginners and players with all levels of expertise.
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Teen Writers Group
Thursday, September 5,
4 p.m.
Paddison Memorial Branch
Join other teen writers as you share story ideas, give and receive feedback, and learn more about the publishing process. Open to writers with any experience level between the ages of 12 and 18. For more information, call 336-703-2930.
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Saturday Movie Matinee: Avengers: End Game
Saturday, September 7,
1:30 p.m.
Teen Central, Central Library
What's in it for them?
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Anime Club: Japanese Snack Off
Monday, September 9,
4:30 p.m.
Teen Central, Central Library
Japan probably has one of the most interesting cultures of any country in the world. And when it comes to snacks, you can bet they have something for everyone. This month we are going to taste a few and rate the good, the bad and the strange. Program waiver is required. Stop by Teen Central to pick up a waiver.
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Kola Nuts Anyone?
Wednesday, September 11,
4:30 p.m.
Teen Central, Central Library
What are Kola nuts? What do you do with them? Why are they important? Teens will learn the answer to all these questions as they see and handle objects from the Igbo people in the museum’s collections. Registration is required.
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"Kola Nuts Anyone?" presented by the Museum of Anthropology
Thursday, September 12,
4 p.m.
Clemmons Branch
What are Kola nuts? What do you do with them? Why are they important? Teens will learn the answer to all these questions as they see and handle objects from the Igbo people in the museum’s collections.Registration is required. Please call the Clemmons Branch Library at 336-703-2920 or stop by the circulation desk to register.
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Rural Hall's Teen Anime Club
Friday, September 13,
4 p.m.
Rural Hall Branch
Watch "Pokémon Detective Pikachu" (PG) while making Pokémon-themed crafts to take home.
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Service Saturday
Saturday, September 14,
11 a.m.
Clemmons Branch
Need to earn service hours? Join us at the Clemmons Branch Library for our Service Saturdays. Complete a service project for the community and earn an hour of service time for school. September is all about the animals. Bring your gently used T-shirts and mismatched socks and learn how to turn them into fun toys for cats and dogs. All toys made will be donated to Animal Adoption Rescue Foundation (AARF) to bring joy to homeless cats and dogs.
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Teen Self-Defense Workshop
Saturday, September 14,
2:30 p.m.
Reynolda Manor Branch
Come and observe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu self-defense techniques at Reynolda Manor. The practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goes back over a hundred years and teaches that even a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a larger, stronger attacker through a combination technique and leverage! Learn with local BJJ instructors from The Kraze Fitness and Martial Arts.
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Want to Wrestle?
Monday, September 16,
4:30 p.m.
Teen Central, Central Library
Want to be the best man in town? Are you the best wrestler? Why is wrestling so important? Using objects from the museum’s collections, teens will learn about the Igbo people of Nigeria. Registration is required.
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STEAM for Teens: Kindness Rocks
Tuesday, September 17,
4 p.m.
Paddison Memorial Branch
Join us for crafts, technology, science experiments, and more in our monthly STEAM program for teens. This month we are spreading joy by making kindness rocks. For more information, call 336-703-2930. For grades 6-12.
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Coiled Basket Weaving
Wednesday, September 18,
4:30 p.m.
Teen Central, Central Library
Basket making in Africa is an ancient skill that has survived to this day. There is hardly a country in Africa that does not have an indigenous group of people that exhibit some form of basket craft. Teens will get a chance to learn basic weaving skills and create their own small basket. This program is part of this year's On The Same Page roster of programs.
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Gaming Club
Monday, September 23,
4:30 p.m.
Teen Central, Central Library
Gaming club is for those living that #gamelife. Perks of Gaming club? Be one of the first to play this month's new games. Be a part of choosing which games Teen Central purchases. Meet and play with other gamers. Gaming club is for all kinds of gamers and all levels.
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Drop-in Crafts: Banned Books Week Jewelry
Tuesday, September 24,
4:30 p.m.
Teen Central, Central Library
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. Drop in to Teen Central to create your one of a kind Banned Books Week jewelry piece in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
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Tween and Teen Chef: Nigeria and West Africa
Wednesday, September 25,
4 p.m.
Clemmons Branch
Join us at Clemmons Branch Library on Wednesday, September 25 at 4 p.m. for our first ever Tween/Teen Chef. Expand your taste buds and explore a new culture at the same time. Make a traditional Nigerian dish and try snacks from West Africa. This program is for ages 10-17 and waivers and registration are required to participate. Please call 336-703-2920 or visit the Clemmons Branch Library to register.
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Wednesday Night Film Screening: Pokémon Detective Pikachu
Wednesday, September 25,
4:30 p.m.
Teen Central, Central Library
Ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son, Tim, to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry's former Pokémon partner, wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth Detective Pikachu. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to work together, as Tim is the only human who can talk with Pikachu, they join forces to unravel the tangled mystery. PG . Program waiver is required. Stop by Teen Central to pick up a waiver.
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Nigerian Cultural Celebration
Friday, September 27,
4 p.m.
Rural Hall Branch
Teens (ages 12-17) can taste samples of popular Nigerian foods with other teens to celebrate "On the Same Page." Space is limited, so please call to register at 336-703-2970.
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OTSP: LGBTQIA: The Next Generation
Monday, September 30,
6 p.m.
Teen Central, Central Library
What is it like to be young and identify as LGBTQ in Winston-Salem? A panel moderated by Nyles Claire Suer, director of North Star LGBTQ Community center in Winston-Salem.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 14 and up!
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