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| The Upside of Unrequited by Becky AlbertalliFiction. After 26 crushes and not a single kiss, Molly Peskin-Suso is ready to take a chance…or at least she wants to be ready. Though she's backed by loyal friends and her caring, multiracial family, her confidence is undermined by anxiety, not to mention a society which claims that "chubby girls don’t get boyfriends." As her twin sister Cassie pulls away to spend time with her girlfriend, Molly's friendship with geeky co-worker Reid deepens -- could this be a relationship that's worth the risk of rejection? If you loved the warmth and offbeat humor of author Becky Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, you'll be charmed by The Upside of Unrequited. |
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| Overturned by Lamar GilesMystery. Nikki learned about gambling from her dad, Nathan "The Broker" Tate, though she couldn't have guessed that at age 16 she'd have to use those skills to keep the family casino in business while her dad does time for murder. After bolstering her college fund through back-door poker, Nikki is nearly ready to get away from her messy family when Nathan's conviction is overturned -- and that's just the first of many shocking events that lead a reluctant Nikki into a risky search through the Las Vegas underworld. If you're hooked by this "dark and twisty thriller" (Publishers Weekly) starring a daring African American teen, be sure to try author Lamar Giles' debut, Fake ID. |
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| The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire SáenzFiction. Adopted as a child by a caring gay father from a huge Mexican American clan, Salvador knows from experience that biology isn't what defines a family. Yet after he uses his fists to respond to a classmate's slurs, Sal begins to wonder if he inherited violent tendencies from the birth father he never knew. Struggling with his anger, Sal also grapples with heartbreak over his grandma's terminal cancer and worry for Sam, his sharp-tongued best friend (who's got painful problems of her own). Readers who relish introspective writing and realistically flawed characters will want to follow Sal and his loved ones throughout a year of life-altering change. |
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| Strange the Dreamer by Laini TaylorFantasy. After 200 years without communication, the lost city of Weep has passed into legend. It's an unusual area of study for young librarian Lazlo Strange, but his passion pays off when he joins an expedition to the desert city, which isn't as lost as it seemed. In Weep, Lazlo discovers realities even more astonishing than the stories he loves: ghosts, gods, lingering trauma from a vicious war, and a beautiful blue girl with nightmarish powers. If Strange the Dreamer leaves you longing for book 2 in this duology, you might want to fill your wait with the dream magic and post-war recovery in Melina Marchetta's Lumatere Chronicles or the lush, mythic world-building in Roshani Chokshi's The Star-Touched Queen. |
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| Gem & Dixie by Sara ZarrFiction. How would finding a bag full of cash change your life? For 17-year-old Gem, it's a chance to reconnect with her 14-year-old sister, Dixie. They've been growing apart, even though Gem has spent most of her life trying to shelter Dixie from the drug-induced neglect of their manipulative mother and long-absent father. Their dad's recent return brings even more instability -- and a stash of money, which the sisters find and use to fund a three-day trip around Seattle. Fans of poignant, character-driven stories will be fascinated by how Gem and Dixie's temporary escape turns into a make-it-or-break-it test of their relationship. |
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| Let's Get Lost by Adi AlsaidFiction. Seventeen-year-old Leila is driving across the U.S. to Alaska, determined to see the Northern Lights. Why? That depends on who's asking. Leila gives a different answer to each person she meets on the way: mechanic Hudson, hitchhiker Bree, lovesick Elliot, and grieving Sonia. Though Leila boldly encourages each of them to live honestly, she keeps readers guessing about her own past until the very end. Fans of books like John Green's Paper Towns or Nina Lacour's The Disenchantments, as well as anyone who longs for the open road, will enjoy this "achingly beautiful" (School Library Journal) ride. |
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| Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie CoyleDystopian Fiction. The cultish Church of America has prophesied that the Rapture is coming, and though her parents have converted, 16-year-old Vivian Apple doesn't buy it. Not even the overnight disappearance of thousands of Believers -- including Vivian's parents -- can convince her that the Rapture is real. Determined to find out what's really happening, Vivian and her friends take off on a road trip through a dangerous new America populated by those left behind. Similar to Jeri Smith-Ready's This Side of Salvation, this satirical tale (which is followed by a sequel, Vivian Apple Needs a Miracle) is driven by thorny questions of doubt and faith. |
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| The Porcupine of Truth by Bill KonigsbergFiction. Carson hasn't seen his alcoholic father in years, but now that the guy is dying, 17-year-old Carson is forced to spend the summer with him in Billings, Montana. There, Carson meets Aisha, who's been sleeping at the local zoo since her ultra-conservative father kicked her out for being a lesbian. The two quickly become friends, and after they discover some surprising clues regarding Carson's long-absent grandfather, they take off on a road trip to learn the truth and bring Carson's dad some closure. If you prefer realistic fiction that's both funny and unflinching, don't miss this bittersweet story about prejudice, forgiveness, and family. |
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| The Disenchantments by Nina LaCourFiction. With high school finally over, Colby joins his best friend (and long-time crush) Bev and her all-girl band, The Disenchantments, for one last tour. Then Bev and Colby will finally set off on the European adventure that they've been planning for years. Once they hit the road with the band, however, Bev reveals that she's abandoning the Europe trip -- and Colby -- in favor of going to art school. Stung and confused, Colby spends the rest of the tour learning to let go of old dreams and embrace unexpected possibilities. Quirky characters and musical references (both popular and obscure) round out this vibrant, exciting coming-of-age story. |
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| Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan MatsonFiction. Following her father's death in a car accident, high school senior Amy refuses to get behind the wheel. Since it's up to her to get her mom's car from their old home in California to the new one in Connecticut, family friend Roger is recruited as her driver. The parent-approved schedule soon goes out the window as Amy and Roger try to find their own way across the country and through their own issues. With relatable characters, a slow-burn romance, and a scrapbook-like sprinkling of playlists, pics, and notes, this is one detour you'll want to take. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books! |
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After School Meal Program Mondays-Fridays (through May 9), 3:30 PM Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning Mondays-Fridays, 3:30 PM Henington-Alief Regional Library Mondays-Fridays (through May 19), 3:30 PM Mancuso Neighborhood Library Mondays-Thursdays (through May 18), 3:30 PM Morris Frank Library an HPL Express Location Neighborhood Library FREE after school meals are available for youths ages 1-18. No registration is required to eat; just show up at The SPOT! 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 (through May 9), 3:00 PM Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning Mondays-Fridays (through May 26), 3:00 PM Pleasantville Neighborhood Library Tuesdays-Thursdays, 3:00 PM McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library Tuesdays-Fridays (through May 25), 3:00 PM Park Place Regional Library Tuesdays & Wednesdays (through May 24), 3:15 PM Lakewood Neighborhood Library Mondays-Fridays, 3:30 PM Henington-Alief Regional Library Mondays-Fridays (through May 25), 3:30 PM Mancuso Neighborhood Library Smith Neighborhood Library Mondays-Thursdays (through May 24), 3:30 PM Morris Frank Library an HPL Express Location Mondays-Fridays (through May 26), 4:00 PM McGovern-Stella Link Neighborhood Library Mondays-Thursdays (through May 18), 4:00 PM Heights 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
Saturday, May 13,
3:30 PM
Bracewell Neighborhood Library
Calling all otaku! Let's meet up and share our love of Japanese anime, manga, and pop culture. Please contact Bracewell Neighborhood Library for further details. 832-393-2580.
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Coloring Club
Friday, May 5 & 19,
3:15 PM
Lakewood 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-Fridays, 3:00 PM Park Place Regional Library Wednesdays, 4:00 PM Dixon Neighborhood Library Thursday, May 4 & 18, 4:00 PM HPL Express Southwest 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, May 4 & 18,
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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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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Manga Mania
Saturday, May 13,
2:30 PM
Bracewell Neighborhood Library
Meet up and share your love of Japanese comics with fellow enthusiasts. Please contact Bracewell Neighborhood Library for further details. 832-393-2580
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May the Forth
Thursday, May 4,
4:00 PM
Central Library
A celebration of all things Star Wars, including a screening of the most recent movie available, crafts, and cosplay.
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Minecraft! Thursday, May 4, 3:00 PM Moody Neighborhood Library 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 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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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 Craft Tuesdays, 4:30 PM Kendall Neighborhood Library Thursday, May 18, 6:00 PM Meyer Neighborhood Library Saturday, May 20, 12:00 PM Lakewood Neighborhood Library Saturday, May 20, 2:00 PM Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library Saturday, May 27, 1:00 PM HPL Express Discovery Green 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, May 9,
4:30 PM
Henington-Alief Regional Library
Come and get your craft on at the library with other teens! Learn Japanese Book Binding! Geared for teens ages 13-18. Please contact Henington-Alief Regional Library for further details.
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Teen Craft
Wednesday, May 10,
4:00 PM
Fifth Ward Neighborhood Library
Get your craft on at the library with other teens! Geared for teens ages 13-18. Teen/Tween Craft: Origami Craft.
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Teen Craft
Thursday, May 11,
4:00 PM
Heights Neighborhood Library
Get your craft on at the library with other teens! Today's craft: Aloha Charm Bracelets.
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Teen Craft
Tuesday, May 30,
3:30 PM
Collier Regional Library
Get your craft on at the library with other teens! Geared for teens ages 13-18. We will be creating our own journals from scratch using a traditional Japanese binding method.
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Teen Movie Thursday, May 4, 5:00 PM Jungman Neighborhood Library Thursdays, 4:00 PM Flores Neighborhood Library Angst, adventure, and romance! Movie time with teen appeal.
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Teen Movie
Friday, May 5,
2:00 PM
McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library
Sit back, relax, and enjoy watching a movie that's fun for the whole family! Now showing: The Karate Kid. All films rated G-PG.
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Teen Movie
Saturday, May 20 & 27,
1:30 PM
Johnson Neighborhood Library
Angst, adventure, and romance! Movie time with teen appeal. Now showing 5/20 - The Karate Kid & 5/27 - Passengers. All films rated G-PG13.
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Teen Movie Saturday, May 6, 11:00 AM Young Neighborhood Library Monday, May 22, 3:15 PM Lakewood Neighborhood LibraryAngst, adventure, and romance! Movie time with teen appeal. Now showing Moana. All films rated G-PG13.
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Tutoring Lab
Thursday, May 18,
5:00 PM
Jungman 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
Thursdays,
4:00 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. All games rated E-T. Please contact your library for further details.
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Video Gaming Mondays, 2:00 PM; Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 3:30 PM; Thursdays, 5:30 PM Young Neighborhood Library Mondays, 4:00 PM Jungman Neighborhood Library Wednesdays & Thursdays, 3:00 PM Moody Neighborhood Library Wednesdays & Fridays, 3:00 PM Tuttle Neighborhood Library Wednesdays (through May 24), 3:30 PM Tuttle Neighborhood Library Wednesdays, 3:30 PM Looscan Neighborhood LibraryWednesdays, 4:00 PM Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library Walter Neighborhood Library Thursdays, 4:00 PM Dixon Neighborhood Library Thursdays, 6:00 PM Hillendahl Neighborhood Library Fridays, 2:00 PM Flores Neighborhood Library Friday, May 12 & 26, 3:15 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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Yarn People
Saturday, May 13 & 27,
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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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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Zombie Disaster Survival
Saturday, May 20,
2:00 PM
Central Library
Hurricane and disaster preparedness through the lens of an undead uprising.
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