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"But when I really think about it,
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| Julia Vanishes by Catherine EganFantasy. Ever since her mother was drowned in one of the Cleansings designed to rid Spira City of witches, Julia has lived with a motley gang of thieves and con artists. Her unusual ability to make herself unnoticeable makes Julia an ideal candidate for undercover jobs like her current assignment: posing as a maid in order to learn the secrets of the wealthy Och household. What she discovers there is more shocking than she could have suspected, leading Julia to question what she believes and who she can trust, and setting up a conflict that will unfold far beyond this page-turning trilogy-starter. |
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| Outrun the Moon by Stacey LeeHistorical Fiction. Ambitious Mercy Wong has both the intelligence and the drive to become a businesswoman, even though 1906 San Francisco doesn't offer many opportunities for a lower-class Chinese American girl. Undaunted, Mercy poses as an heiress and bribes her way into St. Clare's, an upper-crust boarding school. Maintaining the deception isn't easy, but just when it looks like things might fall apart, an earthquake rocks the city, forcing Mercy to focus on a new goal: survival. Presenting real-life events through the eyes of a sympathetic heroine, Outrun the Moon is a must-read for historical fiction fans. |
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| Draw the Line by Laurent LinnFiction. Sixteen-year-old Adrian's comic book superhero, Graphite, is a lot braver (and more openly gay) than his creator. But Graphite gets to live in a Renaissance-art-inspired fantasy world, while Adrian is stuck at a Texas high school packed with stereotypical, homophobic "Bubbas." Only his art, his diverse crew of misfit friends, and his obscurity keep Adrian sane…and that obscurity vanishes after Adrian impulsively rescues another gay student from a violent attack. Illustrated with Adrian's comics and filled with fully realized characters, this satisfying coming-out drama will appeal to readers who love Becky Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. |
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| Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew QuickFiction. From the moment she opens The Bubblegum Reaper, Nanette is changed. The cult classic novel speaks directly to her uneasiness about the comfortable conformity of her life. Desperate for more insight, Nanette reaches out to the reclusive author, who connects her with Alex, a troubled teen poet and fellow die-hard fan. As Nanette and Alex's relationship deepens, her feelings about the book (and about herself) develop as well, and in equally unexpected ways. Similar to Natalie Standiford's How to Say Goodbye in Robot, Every Exquisite Thing is a provocative look at big questions and the (possibly futile) search for answers. |
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| The Crown's Game by Evelyn SkyeHistorical Fantasy. There can only be one Imperial Enchanter. But in 1825, when the tsar needs magic to protect Russia from threats from all sides, two young enchanters rise to the challenge: fierce, powerful Vika and well-trained, determined Nikolai. The two meet in St. Petersburg for the Crown's Game, a magical duel in which the winner gains "unimaginable power" and the loser faces swift death. Underneath their intensifying competition, however, simmers an attraction that's as passionate as it is doomed. If you're captivated by the high-stakes magic and Russian-influenced atmosphere in this debut novel, be sure to try Leigh Bardugo's Grisha trilogy as well. |
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| Some Assembly Required: The Not-So-Secret Life of a Transgender Teen by Arin AndrewsMemoir. It was through YouTube that Arin Andrews first learned the term to describe how he'd always felt: transgender. After struggling for years because his identity didn't match up with his (biologically female) body, Arin was finally able to seek out support -- from family, friends, and a therapist -- and pursue gender transition. Here, Arin describes not only his transition process, but also his high-profile high school romance and the breakup that followed. To hear the other side of that story, you can check out Katie Rain Hill's Rethinking Normal; for yet another open, friendly memoir about growing up trans in the spotlight, try Jazz Jennings' Being Jazz. |
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| Laughing at My Nightmare by Shane BurcawMemoir. From the first scene -- in which the author's brother helps him pee into a travel urinal on a minibus -- you'll see that this memoir by blogger Shane Burcaw is no soft-focus inspirational read. With a combination of "snark, swagger and self-deprecation" (Kirkus Reviews), Shane invites readers into an unflinching look at life with spinal muscular atrophy, a degenerative (and potentially fatal) disease. Whether he's sharing his childhood discovery that wheelchairs make great getaway vehicles or describing his young adult exploration of sex and relationships, Shane's gleefully profane, live-to-the-fullest perspective is both thought-provoking and uproariously funny. |
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| Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina by Michaela DePrince with Elaine DePrinceMemoir. Her movements onstage may appear effortless, but Michaela DePrince's journey to a successful ballet career was far from easy. Born in Sierra Leone, she lost her loving parents at a very young age. While living in an orphanage, she saw a photo of a ballerina that ignited her passion for dance -- a passion she pursued after being adopted by a supportive American couple. Despite grueling training and prejudiced American attitudes, Michaela persevered, finding success with several prestigious dance companies (not to mention a cameo in Beyoncé's Lemonade). Both candid and lyrical, Taking Flight is a must-read for dance lovers, as well as anyone looking for an uplifting true story. |
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| Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy KnisleyGraphic Memoir. Have a snack handy before you read Relish, because it's sure to make you hungry. In this "nostalgic and funny food-centric memoir" (Booklist), cartoonist Lucy Knisley serves up mouthwatering recipes alongside memories about growing up with her chef mother and foodie father. While many people are snobby about gourmet food, Lucy's upbeat attitude and slightly retro illustrations are refreshingly unpretentious, giving her stories a friendly, intimate flavor. Whether you're an accomplished cook or you'd need instructions just to boil water, you'll savor this delicious read. |
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| The Pregnancy Project: A Memoir by Gaby Rodriguez with Jenna GlatzerMemoir. As "The Girl Who Faked Her Own Pregnancy as a Senior Project," Gaby Rodriguez changed overnight from being "just another unknown 17-year-old girl [...] to an international media sensation." In this impassioned and thought-provoking memoir of her revealing social experiment, Gaby describes her family history, her observations about how she was treated when she pretended to be pregnant, her conclusions, and the emotional costs of the project (both for Gaby and for her family, teachers, and friends). Also presented as a Lifetime TV movie, Gaby's story is sure to fascinate anyone interested in the way stereotyping affects behavior. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books! |
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Events for Teens: After School Zone
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Fashion Forward
Wednesdays,
1:30 PM
Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning
Is your closet looking a bit behind the times? Bring in a few outdated pieces of your wardrobe and redesign them using library supplies or your own odds and ends. Put your fashionable foot forward during this program as you practice your creative designer skills.
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Spot
Mondays-Fridays,
1:00 PM
Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning
Looking for some summer fun? Join us for a variety of engaging activities and a chance to hang out with friends. Video games, movies, and hands on programs are just some of the activities offered.
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Events for Teens: Arts & Crafts
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Art Club
Wednesday, July 13,
2:30 PM
Central Library
Van Gogh, da Vinci, and why not you? Explore talented artists and try your hand at mimicking their signature styles to create your own work of art. This week, we'll learn about downtown Houston's public art.
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Teen Craft
Thursdays,
2:30 PM
Central Library
Get your craft on at the library with other teens! Geared for teens ages 13-18. 7/7 - practicing mental yoga through drawing doodles; 7/14 - using found objects to create collages; 7/21 - sock monkeys; 7/28 - jewelry
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Teen Craft
Saturday, July 9,
2:00 PM
Robinson-Westchase 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. Teen Craft: Doctor Who Comic Day Celebration
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Teen Craft Tuesdays, 4:00 PM Kendall Neighborhood Library Wednesdays, 4:00 PM Collier Regional Library Wednesday, July 6 & 20, 2:00 PM Heights Neighborhood Library Thursday, July 7, 4:00 PM Scenic Woods Regional Library Thursdays, 2:30 PM Meyer Neighborhood Library Thursdays, 4:00 PM McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library Wednesday, July 13, 4:00 PM Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library Friday, July 15, 2:00 PM Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library Tuesday, July 19, 2:30 PM Looscan 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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Yarn People
Saturday, July 9 & 23,
10:30 AM
Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library
Join us every other Saturday for knitting and crocheting sessions. Bring your own needles, crochet hooks, patterns, and yarn. Teens and Adults.
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Events for Teens: Book Clubs
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Graphic Novel Book Club
Wednesday, July 6,
2:30 PM
Central Library
Enjoy comic books? This is the book club for you. DC, Marvel, Dark Horse – all comic readers welcome to join the discussion on this month’s selection: Spiderman and the X-men by Elliott Kalan. Geared for ages 13-18.
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Graphic Novel Book Club
Wednesday, July 6,
4:00 PM
Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library
Enjoy comic books? This is the book club for you. DC, Marvel, Dark Horse – all comic readers welcome to join the discussion on this month’s selection: Marvel: Civil War, Secret Wars, Amazing Spider-man, Avengers. DC: Batman, Action Comics. Geared for ages 13-18
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Teen Book Club
Wednesday, July 13,
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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Events for Teens: Cultural Event
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Anime Club Wednesday, July 20, 2:30 PM Central Library Wednesday, July 20, 4:00 PM Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library Calling all otaku! Let's meet up and share our love of Japanese anime, manga, and pop culture.
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Events for Teens: Games & Gaming
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Retro Games Tuesday, July 5 & 12, 2:30 PM Looscan Neighborhood Library Thursdays, 4:00 PM Stanaker Neighborhood Library Fridays, 2:30 PM Central Library Wednesday, July 20, 3:00 PM Scenic Woods Regional Library Friday, July 22, 2:00 PM Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library Wednesday, July 27, 4:00 PM Robinson-Westchase 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!
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Video Game Tournament Wednesday, July 13, 2:00 PM Heights Neighborhood Library Wednesday, July 13, 4:00 PM Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood 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. Registration is required for this event. To register, call or come by 24 hours prior to event. Attendance is limited.
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Video Gaming Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10:00 AM Stanaker Neighborhood Library Mondays, 11:00 AM & Fridays, 1:00 PM Stanaker Neighborhood Library Mondays & Wednesdays, 2:00 PM Morris Frank Library an HPL Express Location Tuesdays-Thursdays, 2:00 PM Hillendahl Neighborhood Library Wednesdays & Thursdays, 3:00 PM Moody Neighborhood Library Wednesdays, 4:00 PM Walter Neighborhood Library Wednesday, July 6 & 20, 3:30 PM Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library Wednesday, July 13 & 27, 3:30 PM Ring Neighborhood Library Thursday, July 14 & 28, 4:00 PM Hillendahl 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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Teen Movie Tuesday, July 26, 2:30 PM Looscan Neighborhood Library Friday, July 29, 2:00 PM Freed-Montrose Neighborhood LibraryAngst, adventure, and romance! Movie time with teen appeal. Now showing: Insurgent.
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Teen Movie Wednesday, July 6 & 20, 3:30 PM Ring Neighborhood Library Thursday, July 7 & 21, 4:00 PM Hillendahl Neighborhood Library Thursday, July 21, 4:00 PM Scenic Woods Regional Library Angst, adventure, and romance! Movie time with teen appeal. All films rated G-PG13.
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Vocal Poetry
Wednesday, July 13,
3:00 PM
Scenic Woods Regional Library
Raise your voice and speak your verse! Join us for a spoken word poetry event for a chance to share a poem you love. Poems can be written by your favorite poet, or original works.
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Lego Robotics
Wednesday, July 6,
2:00 PM
Morris Frank Library an HPL Express Location
LEGO my Robo! Strengthen your programming and engineering skills as you work in teams to create non-traditional machines and devices with LEGO.
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STEM @ Your Library Tuesdays, 2:30 PM Central Library Thursday, July 21, 2:30 PM Kendall Neighborhood Library Explosions, gadgets, and pulleys, OH, MY! Join us for exploratory activities that make Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math FUN! Today we are creating holograms.
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Events for Teens: Summer Food Program
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Lunch @ the Library Mondays-Thursdays, 11:00 AM Morris Frank Library an HPL Express Location Mondays-Thursdays, 11:00 AM Stanaker Neighborhood Library Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 11:00 AM & Thursdays, 12:00 PM Walter Neighborhood Library Tuesdays-Thursdays, 11:00 AM Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning Mondays-Thursdays, 12:00 PM Collier Regional Library Mondays-Thursdays, 12:00 PM Mancuso Neighborhood Library Mondays-Thursdays, 12:00 PM Park Place Regional Library Mondays-Thursdays, 12:00 PM Scenic Woods Regional Library Tuesdays-Thursdays, 12:00 PM Collier Regional Library Tuesdays-Thursdays, 12:00 PM McGovern-Stella Link Neighborhood Library Tuesdays-Thursdays, 12:00 PM McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library FREE summer 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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Snacks @ the Library Mondays-Wednesdays, 3:00 PM Stanaker Neighborhood Library Tuesdays-Thursdays, 3:00 PM McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library Tuesdays-Thursdays, 3:00 PM Walter Neighborhood Library FREE summer snacks are available for youths ages 1-18. No registration is required to eat; just show up at a site near you! The nutritious snacks are prepared to USDA standards and delivered daily by the Houston Parks Department. First come, first served. Children must consume food on site.
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Events for Teens: Teen Program
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Code Park: Coding in Minecraft
Thursday, July 14,
3:00 PM
Kendall Neighborhood Library
This class is an introduction to coding for students aged 12-18 using Minecraft: Pi Edition and Python. With Coding in Minecraft, students will learn real world programming skills through guided lessons, creating their own in-game content along the way. For tweens and teens age 12-18. Please note that registration is required.
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HMNS Docents to Go
Thursday, July 28,
3:00 PM
Kendall Neighborhood Library
Ancient Egypt presentation, complete with real artifacts and specimens!
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Henna Workshop
Wednesday, July 27,
2:00 PM
Heights Neighborhood Library
Students will learn the history of henna, mendhi and body art, as well as the fundamentals to mixing and creating their own henna paste, cone applicator and designs. The age for this class is 13 and up. Parental consent is required. Permission slips will be provided and parents can sign immediately before class.
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Life Hacks for Teens
Thursday, July 14 & 28,
4:00 PM
Scenic Woods Regional Library
Adulting is HARD! Learn tips, tricks, and life skills to ease the transition from teen to independent adult in this practical skills workshop.
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Spot Thursdays, 2:00 PM Morris Frank Library an HPL Express Location Thursdays, 3:00 PM Moody Neighborhood Library Looking for some summer fun? Join us for a variety of engaging activities and a chance to hang out with friends. Video games, movies, and hands on programs are just some of the activities offered.
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Events for Teens: Workshops & Training
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Write On! Friday, July 8, 2:00 PM Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library Wednesday, July 27, 2:30 PM Central Library Get your creative juices flowing as you explore the art of creative writing. Poetry, character development and short stories are just some of the writing elements you’ll develop in this program.
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Young Writers Workshop
Saturdays,
10:30 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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