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| The Secret of a Heart Note by Stacey LeeMagical Realism. The last in a family of talented aromateurs, 16-year-old Mim and her mother use their heightened sense of smell to craft perfectly scented love elixirs. It's a rare talent, and Mim will lose it if she ever falls in love herself. However, resisting romance (and living up to her mom's expectations) isn't so easy for Mim, especially after a mistakenly delivered elixir puts her in the path of her secret crush. If you love the diverse characters and magical realism of Anna-Marie McLemore's books, or the complex mother-daughter relationships of Sarah Dessen's, don’t miss The Secret of a Heart Note. |
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| Carve the Mark by Veronica RothScience Fiction. Though the energy of the Current provides singular powers to everyone in the nearby nation-planets, Cyra's "currentgift" is more of a curse: it plagues her with constant pain that she can transfer to others by touch. Cyra's power-hungry brother, the ruler of the Shotet people, uses her as a weapon, but he also provides relief in the form of Akos, an enemy prisoner from Thuvhe whose gift can stop Cyra's pain. As Akos and Cyra forge an unexpected bond, each has to decide where their true loyalty lies. Blending fantasy and science fiction, author Veronica Roth delivers the immersive world-building her fans expect, this time in a brutal, interplanetary setting. |
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| History is All You Left Me by Adam SilveraFiction. Griffin and Theo are no longer a couple by the time Theo drowns, yet Griffin is still devastated. Already dealing with OCD and the painful fallout from their thorny breakup, Griffin is disoriented by Theo's death, and his confusion colors his understanding of his past, his future, and his relationships -- with Theo, with his friend Wade, and with Theo's last boyfriend, Jackson. With alternating chapters describing "history" and "today," you can watch Griffin's romance and grief unfold at the same time, each making the other more poignant. For another emotionally intense read about love, loss, and big questions, try Shaun David Hutchinson's We Are the Ants. |
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| Ever the Hunted by Erin SummerillFantasy. Imprisoned for poaching and facing execution, 17-year-old archer Britta is offered a deal: a full pardon in exchange for tracking down the person who killed her father, the king's bounty hunter. Naturally, Britta accepts, even after she's told that the alleged murderer is her best friend (and secret love), Cohen McKay. The resulting quest leads her to explore her magical powers, venture into rival kingdoms, and sift through layers of deception in order to uncover the truth about her father's death. First in a duology, this debut fantasy will appeal to readers who love adventures starring fiercely determined heroines. |
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| Love and First Sight by Josh SundquistFiction. In his first novel, Paralympian and YouTuber Josh Sundquist introduces 16-year-old Will, who's proving his independence by transferring from his school for the blind to a mainstream high school. The transition is rough, but it improves after he makes friends, including shy, artistic Cecily. As Will's feelings for Cecily grow, he makes the tough decision to have experimental surgery, giving him eyesight for the first time…and showing him that his new friends have been lying to him about Cecily. Readers who enjoy this thoughtful, compelling book about a blind character grappling with issues of friendship and trust may also like Eric Lindstrom's Not If I See You First. |
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| He Said, She Said by Kwame AlexanderFiction. In both football and dating, Omar is player. He's got a college scholarship in the bag, and he's popular with girls -- except for Claudia, a Harvard-bound activist who isn't impressed by sports or swagger. After Omar's friends bet that he can't win over Claudia ("She's Oprah. You're Flavor Flav."), he commits himself to her latest protest. For her part, Claudia sees through Omar, but she's happy to use his local celebrity status for her cause. As they work together, however, both are surprised by their genuine attraction. Dual narrators allow for plenty of quick banter in this "lighthearted, socially conscious romance" (Horn Book Magazine). |
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| Joyride by Anna BanksFiction. A chance meeting leads to unexpected consequences for two Florida teens in this moving, realistic story. While Carly is responsible and devoted to her family (especially her parents, who've been deported to Mexico), Arden is reckless and loves causing trouble for his overbearing, racist father (who happens to be the sheriff). After a dramatic encounter outside a convenience store, Carly reluctantly becomes Arden's pranking partner, and they strike up a fragile relationship -- one that might be too fragile to withstand the harsh truth about Arden's dad's anti-immigrant activities. For another "relevant, risky, and romantic" (School Library Journal) read, try Marie Marquardt's Dream Things True. |
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| Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel by Sara FarizanFiction. Sixteen-year-old Leila knows that she likes girls, but she's tried to avoid romantic entanglements -- she's just not ready to deal with judgement from her upscale private school classmates or her conservative Iranian American parents. Then daring, flirty new girl Saskia arrives, and Leila is lovestruck…but also frustrated by Saskia's confusing behavior. At a loss to figure out what she really wants, Leila confides in both her theater crew friends and in Lisa, an estranged childhood friend who proves to be surprisingly understanding. Balancing drama, humor, and heartfelt emotion, this romantic read will satisfy those who want more inclusive coming-of-age stories. |
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| Like No Other by Una LaMarcheFiction. In a meet-cute worthy of a rom-com, Devorah and Jaxon share a promising flirtation while they're trapped together in a stuck elevator. The challenges to their relationship don't begin until after they're back in the real world of Crown Heights, Brooklyn: Devorah's devout Hasidic faith (not to mention her family) forbids her from dating, especially dating someone like Jaxon, who isn't even Jewish. Still, the spark between them is undeniable, leaving Devorah searching for a way to make her own choices without abandoning her beliefs. Fans of Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor and Park are sure to fall for this realistic, heartfelt tale of star-crossed love. |
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| Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire SáenzFiction. In the summer of 1987, Aristotle meets Dante. Both are 15 years old and Mexican American, but otherwise they're nothing alike: artistic Dante is an only child of intellectual parents who don't believe in secrets, while brooding Ari's family never talks about his brother in prison or his father's traumatic experiences in the Vietnam War. Nevertheless, the boys become close friends, and Dante's open attitudes start to crack Ari's carefully constructed shell. Award-winning author Benjamin Alire Sáenz's "lyric prose and pitch-perfect dialog" (Library Journal) honestly portrays the inner life of a frustrated teen guy figuring out who he is and who he wants to be. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books! |
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After School Meal Program Mondays-Fridays, 3:00 PM Park Place Regional Library Mondays-Thursdays, 3:30 PM Henington-Alief Regional Library Mondays-Thursdays, 3:30 PM Morris Frank Library an HPL Express Location Mondays-Fridays, 3:30 PM Mancuso Neighborhood Library FREE after school meals are available for youths ages 1-18. No registration is required to eat; just show up at a site near you! The nutritious packed lunches are prepared to USDA standards and delivered daily by the Houston Parks Department. First come, first served. Children must consume food on site. Please contact your library for further details.
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After School Zone Mondays-Fridays, 3:00 PM Mancuso Neighborhood Library Mondays-Fridays, 3:00 PM Stanaker Neighborhood Library Mondays-Thursdays, 3:30 PM Henington-Alief Regional Library Mondays-Thursdays, 3:30 PM Morris Frank Library an HPL Express Location Mondays-Thursdays, 4:00 PM Heights Neighborhood Library Tuesdays-Thursdays, 3:15 PM Lakewood Neighborhood Library Tuesdays-Thursdays, 4:00 PM Oak Forest Neighborhood Library Looking for some fun after school? Join us at 1 of our 15 After School Zone locations for a variety of engaging activities and a chance to hang out with friends, weekdays after school hours. Video games, homework help, and hands on STEAM programs are just some of the activities offered. Intended for youth ages 7-18. Please see our unattended children policy for guidelines. Contact your library for further details.
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Anime Club
Tuesday, February 14,
4:30 PM
Henington-Alief Regional Library
Calling all otaku! Let's meet up and share our love of Japanese anime, manga, and pop culture. Please contact your library for further details.
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Coloring Club
Wednesdays,
4:00 PM
Walter Neighborhood Library
Embrace the coloring craze! Coloring relaxes the mind while tuning fine motor skills and encouraging creativity. We provide the coloring pages and tools, you bring your imagination.
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Computer Craze Mondays-Thursdays, 3:00 PM Park Place Regional Library Wednesdays, 4:00 PM Dixon Neighborhood Library Open computer lab time for youth to explore databases, work on homework, play online games and more. Check out all of the digital resources that HPL has to offer.
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Creative Knitting
Thursday, February 9 & 23,
6:30 PM
Bracewell Neighborhood Library
Learn knitting with beginners. Bring your own knit project or start a new one with us. All skill levels are welcome. Supplies not provided. Call Bracewell Library at 832-393-2580 for more details.
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LEGO Mania
Wednesdays & Fridays,
3:00 PM
Flores Neighborhood Library
LEGO maniacs wanted! Let your imagination run wild and explore your skills as you play with LEGO.
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Listening In
Tuesdays,
6:00 PM
Central Library
Say what?! Join us for a listening party of your favorite comedy, science, and pop culture podcasts.
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Makerspace
Thursdays,
3:30 PM
Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning
Make STUFF! Hands on DIY activities that inspires kids to create, invent, and learn. Activities may include circuit exploration, stop motion animation, repurposing found objects- the sky’s the limit! Please contact your library for further details.
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Minecraft!
Thursdays,
3:30 PM
Central Library
Do you minecraft? Are you interested in trying out the game that has millions playing with blocks? Come join us and let's start building! Sharpen your survival skills by exploring, building, gathering resources, and crafting in this 3D pixelated world.
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Retro Games Tuesdays, 4:00 PM Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning Wednesdays, 2:00 PM Flores Neighborhood Library Wednesdays, 4:00 PM Stanaker Neighborhood Library Whether you're feeling nostalgic or love the thrill of competition, come and enjoy your favorite classic board games, card games, party games and more at the library! Please contact your library for further details.
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Sew Cool Textile Classes
Tuesdays,
5:30 PM
Ring Neighborhood Library
Join HPL and Creativity Shell at the for sewing/textile classes that are too cool for school. This class can teach you a cool new hobby or help you refine your sewing skills. Industry professionals will guide you as you create sewing projects, such as garments, quilts, and textile art. What makes this class even cooler is that you're able to highlight your accomplishments in a fashion show and upon completion, share your sewing projects with those less fortunate. Available for ages 13 to 18.
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STEM @ Your Library
Wednesdays,
4:00 PM
Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning
Explosions, gadgets, and pulleys, OH, MY! Join us for exploratory activities that make Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math FUN! Please contact your library for further details.
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Tabletop Games
Tuesdays,
4:30 PM
Central Library
Strategy, role-playing and twenty-sided dice – join us and pick your vice! Teens will engage in long and short form RPG games, building character, cooperation and leadership skills in the process.
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Teen Book Club
Wednesday, February 8,
4:30 PM
Kendall Neighborhood Library
Engage your inner Book Nerd! Join us for a fun discussion of a different book each month. Geared for ages 12-18. 3rd Floor Meeting Room.
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Teen Craft Tuesdays, 4:30 PM Kendall Neighborhood Library Saturday, February 11, 2:00 PM Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library Thursday, February 16, 6:00 PM Meyer Neighborhood Library Saturday, February 18, 12:00 PM Young Neighborhood Library Get your craft on at the library with other teens! Geared for teens ages 13-18. Please contact your local library for further details.
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Teen Craft Tuesday, February 7, 4:00 PM McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library Wednesdays, February 15, 4:00 PM Tuttle Neighborhood Library Thursday, February 16, 4:00 PM Scenic Woods Regional Library Get your craft on at the library with other teens! Geared for teens ages 13-18. Use text to create a unique piece of Silhouette Art.
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Teen Craft
Thursday, February 9,
4:00 PM
Heights Neighborhood Library
Get your craft on at the library with other teens! Today's craft: Valentine Bracelet.
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Teen Movie Wednesday, February 22, 2:00 PM Heights Neighborhood Library Thursdays, 4:00 PM Flores Neighborhood Library Thursdays, 5:30 PM Walter Neighborhood Library Angst, adventure, and romance! Movie time with teen appeal.
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Teen Movie
Tuesday, February 7,
4:00 PM
Oak Forest Neighborhood Library
Angst, adventure and romance! Movie time with teen appeal. Now showing Malcolm X. All films rated G-PG13.
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Teen Movie Tuesday, February 7, 4:00 PM Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood LibraryAngst, adventure and romance! Movie time with teen appeal. Now showing 42. All films rated G-PG13.
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Teen Movie Thursday, February 9, 5:30 PM & Saturday, February 11, 1:30 PM Johnson Neighborhood LibraryAngst, adventure, and romance! Movie time with teen appeal. Now showing 2/9 - The Blind Side; 2/11 - Furious 7. All films rated G-PG13.
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Teen Movie Fridays, 2:30 PM HPL Express SouthwestAngst, adventure, and romance! Movie time with teen appeal. Now showing: 2/10 - Sherlock Holmes; 2/17 - Secretariat; 2/24 - San Andreas. All films rated G-PG13.
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Teen Movie
Saturday, February 11,
1:30 PM & Saturday, February 25, 2:00 PM
Looscan Neighborhood Library
Angst, adventure, and romance! Movie time with teen appeal. Now showing 2/11 - 10 Things I Hate About You; 2/25 - Remember the Titans. All films rated G-PG13.
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Tutoring Lab
Thursdays,
4:30 PM
Young Neighborhood Library
Need some help mastering math, refining your reading, or studying science? Come utilize Brainfuse online homework help, test prep, and skills building services in our open lab to get ahead in your studies.
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Video Game Tournament Wednesday, February 8 & 22, 5:00 PM Central Library Thursday, February 9 & 16, 3:00 PM Park Place Regional Library Think you have what it takes to win? Test your skills, meet new friends, and compete against fellow gamers in this video game tournament, while playing: Super Smash Brothers. All games rated E-T. Please contact your library for further details.
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Video Gaming Tuesdays, 4:00 PM Jungman Neighborhood Library Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 4:30 PM & Thursdays, 5:30 PM Young Neighborhood Library Wednesdays & Thursdays, 3:00 PM Moody Neighborhood Library Wednesdays, 3:30 PM Looscan Neighborhood Library Wednesdays, 3:30 PM Vinson Neighborhood Library Wednesdays, 4:00 PM Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library Thursdays, 4:00 PM Dixon Neighborhood Library Thursdays, 4:00 PM McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library Thursdays, 6:00 PM Hillendahl Neighborhood Library Fridays, 3:00 PM Lakewood Neighborhood Library Consider yourself a gamer? Meet new friends, and compete against fellow players in popular video games! Refine your hand-eye coordination and problem solving skills while exploring unique digital worlds. All games rated E-T. Please contact your library for further details.
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Young Adult Book Club Monday, February 13, 6:30 PM Heights Neighborhood LibraryJoin in a lively book discussion. February selection: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.
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Young Writers Workshop
Saturday, February 25,
11:00 AM
HPL Express Discovery Green
Writers in the Schools, HPL Express and Discovery Green, team up to offer Houston's only free and open writing workshop for kids. Funded in part by a grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, HPL Express, Writers in the Schools, and Discovery Green. Class is limited to 25 students on a first-come, first-served basis.
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