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| Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn BarnesWhat it's about: When her estranged grandmother offers her half a million dollars to become a debutante for a season, 18-year-old car mechanic Sawyer can't refuse, and not just because of the money -- it's also a chance to find the father she's never known.
Read it for: a sharp, page-turning peek at the ball gowns, back-stabbing, mysteries, and scandals of Southern high society. |
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| An Assassin's Guide to Love & Treason by Virginia BoeckerFeaturing: Katherine (aka Kit), a girl who disguises herself as a boy as part of a plan to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I; and Toby, the spy who's tasked with foiling the assassination.
What happens: Suspicions (and sparks) ignite when Toby and Kit are cast in an exclusive royal performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
For fans of: the delicious historical detail and inclusive attitude of A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee. |
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| This is Kind of an Epic Love Story by Kheryn CallenderStarring: Nate Bird, who swears off dating after his father dies (leaving his mom heartbroken) and his romance with best friend Florence fails.
What happens: Nate's childhood friend Ollie moves back to town, and their rekindled connection challenges Nate's anti-relationship resolve.
Why you might like it: This will-they-or-won't-they romance offers authentically awkward situations and a diverse, well-rounded group of characters. |
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| Phantom Wheel by Tracy DeebsWhat it's about: After being tricked into creating a data-stealing virus for greedy tech company Jacento, six teen hackers join forces to destroy the virus before it unleashes digital devastation.
Why you might like it: Pairing complex characters with a pulse-pounding pace, this cyberthriller is "a must-read for every aspiring hacktivist" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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| Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha NganWhat it's about: At age 17, Lei, a member of Ikhara's lowly Paper caste, is forced into training to become one of the brutal Demon King's concubines. Despite living in constant fear, she soon finds herself drawn into an unexpected romance -- and a treacherous plot.
Who it's for: Though the disturbing themes of oppression and violence may not be for everyone, mature fantasy fans will appreciate the intricate world-building, gripping pace, and captivating love story in this debut novel. |
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| Never Always Sometimes by Adi AlsaidFeaturing: Best friends Julia and Dave, creators of the Never List, an outline of all of the clichéd teen activities -- such as life-changing road trips, hair dye experiments, and running for prom king -- that they'll never, ever do.
What happens: For senior year, Julia and Dave decide to break their own rules and see how many "nevers" they can accomplish. The results are hilarious, poignant, and surprising.
For fans of: Stephanie Perkins and John Green. |
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| Top Ten by Katie CotugnoWhat it is: A charming and realistic collection of flashbacks highlighting the top ten moments in the odd-couple friendship between popular hockey player Ryan and anxious introvert Gabby.
Why you might like it: Alternating perspectives let you see both characters' points-of-view as they support each other through health issues (both mental and physical), grapple with their growing attraction (a problem, since they both have girlfriends), and approach the end of high school. |
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| Since You've Been Gone by Morgan MatsonWhat it's about: Two weeks after she disappears without saying goodbye, Emily's best friend Sloane mails her a list of challenges for the summer. With the help of attractive overachiever Frank Porter, Emily tackles the list -- which includes "go skinny-dipping," "dance until dawn," and "ride a horse" -- and hopes that they'll lead her back to Sloane.
Is it for you? If you loved Maureen Johnson's 13 Little Blue Envelopes, you'll fall for this sweet and funny read. |
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| Side Effects May Vary by Julie MurphyWhat it's about: Facing terminal leukemia, Alice enlists her friend Harvey to help her complete her revenge-fueled "Just Dying To-Do" list -- a plan that backfires when she goes into unexpected remission.
Who it's for: readers looking for honest stories about not-so-saintly cancer survivors.
About the author: Go back to the start with this first book from Julie Murphy, the popular author of Dumplin' (which is soon to be a Netflix movie). |
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| A Semi-Definitive List of Worst Nightmares by Krystal SutherlandWelcome to: the Solar family, where each member is cursed to live with (and die from) one great fear.
What happens: Seventeen-year-old Esther Solar doesn't yet know which fear will kill her, but she keeps a long list of contenders, carefully avoiding them all...until her childhood crush Jonah convinces her to confront and conquer them instead.
Read it for: a dark, moving, magical realist story about the thorny bonds of mental illness and family history. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for age 14 and up! |
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After School Meal Program Mondays-Fridays, 3:30 PM (until December 21st) Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning Mondays-Fridays, 3:30 PM (until December 21st) Henington-Alief Regional Library Mondays-Thursdays, 3:00 PM (until December 20th) Jungman Neighborhood Library Mondays-Thursdays, 3:30 PM (until December 20th) Morris Frank Library an HPL Express Location Mondays, December 17-Thursday, December 20, 4:00 PM Smith Neighborhood Library Mondays-Thursdays, 4:30 PM (until December 20th) Young 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 (until December 21st) Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning Mondays-Thursdays, 4:00 PM (until December 20th) Collier Regional Library Mondays-Thursdays, 4:00 PM (until December 20th) Heights Neighborhood Library Mondays-Fridays, 3:30 PM (until December 21st) Henington-Alief Regional Library Mondays-Thursdays, 3:00 PM (until December 20th) Jungman Neighborhood Library Mondays-Fridays, 3:00 PM (until December 21st) Mancuso Neighborhood Library Tuesday-Fridays, 3:30 PM (until December 21st) Moody Neighborhood Library Mondays-Thursdays, 3:30 PM (until December 20th) Morris Frank Library an HPL Express Location Tuesdays-Thursdays, 3:30 PM (until December 20th) Oak Forest Neighborhood Library Mondays-Fridays, 3:00 PM (until December 21st) Pleasantville Neighborhood Library Mondays-Fridays, 3:00 PM (until December 21st) Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library Mondays-Fridays, 4:00 PM (until December 14th) Smith Neighborhood Library Mondays-Fridays, 3:00 PM Stanaker Neighborhood Library Mondays-Thursdays, 3:30 PM Stimley-Blue Ridge Neighborhood Library Mondays-Thursdays, 4:30 PM (until December 20th) Young Neighborhood Library Looking for some fun after school? Join us at The SPOT 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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After School Zone Wednesdays-Fridays, 3:00 PM Lakewood 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. All Lakewood Neighborhood Library programs are occurring temporarily at the Northeast Multi-Service Center at 9720 Spaulding St, Houston TX, 77016.
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After School Zone
Tuesdays-Thursdays,
3:00 PM (until December 20th)
McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library
Looking for some fun after school? Join us at 1 of our 18 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. All McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library programs are occurring temporarily at the Kashmere Multi-Service Center at 4802 Lockwood Dr, Houston, TX, 77026.
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Anime Club Wednesday, December 12 & 26, 5:00 PM Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning Saturdays, 2:00 PM Vinson Neighborhood Library Calling all otaku! Let's meet up and share our love of Japanese anime, manga, and pop culture. We will have fun activities, crafts, and games to help us comprehend Asian culture. Please contact your library for more information.
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Beginner Guitar
Mondays,
5:00 PM
Henington-Alief Regional Library
We’re strumming along at the library! Join us to learn guitar basics, including the principles of playing tabs, strumming, and guitar maintenance. Participants are invited to bring their own guitars or use library instruments as available. Ages 10 - 17.
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Board Games
Fridays,
1:30 PM
Johnson 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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Club Yarnia
Tuesday, December 4,
3:30 PM
Henington-Alief Regional Library
It’s time to break out the needles and hooks, we’re crafting up a storm! Bring your own project or learn basic knit, crochet or embroidery skills with simple beginner projects. Crafters of all skill levels welcome. Please contact library for details. Teens 13-18.
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Coloring Club
Mondays,
4:00 PM
Johnson 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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Coloring Club
Fridays,
3:00 PM
McCrane-Kashmere Gardens 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. All McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library programs are occurring temporarily at the Kashmere Multi-Service Center at 4802 Lockwood Dr, Houston, TX, 77026.
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Computer Craze Thursdays, 4:00 PM Johnson Neighborhood Library Friday, December 7 & 21, 3:30 PM Oak Forest Neighborhood Library Open computer lab time for youth to explore databases, work on homework, and more. Check out all of the digital resources that HPL has to offer.
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LEGO Mania Saturday, December 8, 10:30 AM Heights Neighborhood Library LEGO maniacs wanted! Let your imagination run wild and explore your engineering skills as you play with LEGO at the library.
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Makerspace
Thursdays,
4:00 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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Retro Games 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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STEM @ Your Library
Saturday, December 15,
10:30 AM
Heights Neighborhood Library
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. Today's STEM Activity: K'NEX
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STEM @ Your Library
Tuesdays,
3:00 PM
Lakewood Neighborhood Library
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. All Lakewood Neighborhood Library programs are occurring temporarily at the Northeast Multi-Service Center at 9720 Spaulding St, Houston TX, 77016.
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STEM @ Your Library
Thursday, December 27,
4:00 PM
Scenic Woods Regional Library
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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Teen Book Club Monday, December 17, 4:30 PM Oak Forest Neighborhood LibraryImmerse yourself in a good book! Share your passion for reading with fellow readers during a lively discussion featuring a different book each month. Geared for ages 13-18. December - Anger Is A Gift by Mark Oshiro
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Teen Book Club
Thursday, December 6,
5:30 PM
Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library
Engage your inner reader and join us for a lively discussion of novel elements as we explore a different book each month. Geared for ages 13-18. Please call the library for the title.
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Teen Craft Saturday, December 15, 2:00 PM Central Library Saturday, December 15, 11:30 AM HPL Express Discovery Green Monday, December 10, 5:30 PM Jungman Neighborhood Library Faux Stained Glass Window: Let's get crafty at the library with your friends! Geared for tweens ages 9-12 and teens ages 13-18. Get your craft on at the library with other teens! Please contact your local library for further details.
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Teen Craft
Monday, December 17,
3:30 PM
Collier Regional 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. Today we will be making stained glass window clings.
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Teen Craft Saturday, December 29, 4:00 PM Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library Thursday, December 6, 5:30 PM Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library Thursdays, 4:00 PM (until December 20th) Scenic Woods Regional 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, December 11 & 18, 4:00 PM Heights Neighborhood Library Get your craft on at the library with other teens! Geared for teens ages 13-18. This craft takes place in the After School Zone. Please contact your local library for further details. Today's craft: 12/11 - Shrinky Dink; 12/18 - Paracord Bracelets
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Teen Movie Thursdays, 3:30 PM (until December 20th) Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning Thursday, December 20, 4:00 PM Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library Thursdays, 2:30 PM HPL Express Southwest Saturday, December 15 & 29, 1:30 PM Johnson Neighborhood Library Thursday, December 6 & 13, 4:00 PM Walter Neighborhood Library Saturdays, 11:00 AM (until December 15th) Young Neighborhood Library Angst, adventure, and romance! Movie time with teen appeal. All films rated G-PG13.
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Teen Movie Wednesday, December 12 & 19, 4:00 PM Heights Neighborhood LibraryMovie time with teen appeal. Come to the After School Zone and join us for a fun film! Now showing 12/12 - Addams Family Values (1993); 12/19 - Batman Returns (1992). All films rated G-PG13.
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Teen Movie Monday, December 17 & 31, 3:00 PM McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood LibraryAngst, adventure, and romance! Movie time with teen appeal. Now showing 12/17 - A Madea Christmas; 12/31 - New Year's Eve. All films rated G-PG-13. All McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library programs are occurring temporarily at the Kashmere Multi-Service Center at 4802 Lockwood Dr, Houston, TX, 77026.
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Teen Movie
Friday, December 21,
2:00 PM
McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library
Angst, adventure, and romance! Movie time with teen appeal. Now showing Last Holiday. All films rated G-PG13. All McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library programs are occurring temporarily at the Kashmere Multi-Service Center at 4802 Lockwood Dr, Houston, TX, 77026.
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Video Gaming Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:00 PM (until December 19th) Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning Wednesdays, 4:00 PM Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:00 PM (until December 19th) Heights Neighborhood Library Fridays, 3:00 PM Henington-Alief Regional Library Wednesdays, 3:30 PM (until December 19th) Looscan Neighborhood Library Fridays, 3:30 PM Scenic Woods Regional Library December 15 & 29, 2:00 PM Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library Wednesdays, 3:30 PM Vinson Neighborhood Library Mondays & Thursdays, 5:00 PM & Fridays, 3:15 PM Young 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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Video Gaming
Thursday, December 6,
3:00 PM
McCrane-Kashmere Gardens 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. All McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library programs are occurring temporarily at the Kashmere Multi-Service Center at 4802 Lockwood Dr, Houston, TX, 77026.
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Young Writers Workshop
Saturdays,
10:30 AM (until December 22nd)
HPL Express Discovery Green
For more information, please contact the Programming department at 832-393-1560. 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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Yule Ball Thursday, December 13, 4:30 PM Henington-Alief Regional Library Thursday, December 13, 5:30 PM Jungman Neighborhood Library Join us for a magical experience filled with dancing, games, trivia, and more. Dressing up is encouraged so put on some semi-formal wear or formal wear! Ages 7 and up.
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