Young Adult Services

The Young Adult collection includes fiction and non-fiction materials, as well as magazines and audio books on tape. An up-to-date reference collection is also available.  The Young Adult section is located downstairs in the Teenscape area.





Join us for a Teen Workshop

with Big Jim from the Cartoon Factory

"The 60 Minute Cartoonist"





Monday,  June 30, 2008

7:00 - 7:45pm in the Assembly

Ages 12 and Up

Space is limited so sign up in the Young Readers' Room or

call (909) 798-7674

Nim's Island by Wendy Orr

Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi

The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Into the Wild by John Krakauer

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

TEEN PROGRAMS

A. K. Smiley Public Library Presents:


"Metamorphosis at Your Library"

April 28th  - May 25th

                                 

Teens 7th - 12th grade

Check out two books a week and receive a prize.


YOUNG ADULT BOOK REVIEWS

Do you remember when you first learned to read?  The feeling of recognition, “I know that word means ‘this." Often I have spent a night turning the words of a good novel into a movie in my mind.  I could not afford the stories I get for free here at A.K. Smiley Library, if I had to view them at the movie theatre.  Here are some recent reads I had the pleasure to view:

“Red Glass” by Laura Resau is a novel about finding beauty within a harsh environment.   This novel illuminates the vibrant cultures of Latin America and also the brutal realities of militant regimes.  I found the story compelling, written well and age appropriate.

“The Hearts of Horses” by Molly Gloss (Wild Life: a novel) is a tale about a young woman in 1917 trying to work breaking horses with her unconventional methods and shy demeanor.  It is definitely a recommendation and an engrossing easy read.

“Falling from Grace” by Jane Godwin is a tale told from varying points of view about the disappearance of a twelve year old girl during a fierce storm on Australia’s Coast.  It began as a game of hide-and-seek but now no one can find Grace. A captivating storyline, believable characters and anticipation all in one.

“Tallgrass” by Sandra Dallas (The Persian Pickle Club) is the account of how a thirteen year old girl’s life changes when a Japanese internment camp is built near her town.  The murder of a classmate escalates this tale and keeps you hooked until the end.

“Love, Stargirl” by Jerry Spinelli (Stargirl) is a quiet reflective sequel that satisfies and charms the fans of this openhearted and endearing character.  I must encourage new readers to start with the first novel so as to fully appreciate this tale.  I am afraid that I am now tapping my foot in anticipation of more…

"Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli (YA Fiction) is a tale of innocence and the conformity we all face under the pressure of peers.  The narrator is a sixteen year old boy spellbound by Stargirl’s (her self given name) bravery and independence.  Stargirl’s ability to remain positive when encountering the negative reactions of her    peers is very noteworthy.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J. K. Rowling is the concluding novel of the Harry Potter Series. I read through this novel with rip-roaring speed so that no one's spoilers could ruin the surprises bound in its' cover.  Thus, I will not spoil it for you either.  It is a definite recommendation.

"Hattie Big Sky” by Kirby Larson (YA Fiction) was a wholesome and refreshing look at homesteading in Montana in the early 1900’s.  The main character is a sixteen year old orphaned girl who is left a claim to fulfill in one year. With nothing to lose she sets out to accomplish herself.  I found myself cheering her on and yet very appreciative of our beautiful Redlands climate.

“Sparrow” by Sherri L. Smith (YA Fiction) is the story of a seventeen year old girl who is orphaned when her grandmother dies and must find her own way in  the world. Her journey leads her to New Orleans where she finds that family isn’t always blood and home is where you make it.  This could have been a rather bleak story with all the tragedy entailed; instead it was warm and engaging.

“Education of Little Tree” by Forrest Carter (Classic Fiction) is the memoir of Forrest Carter when he was simply the orphaned Cherokee child, Little Tree.  This novel is of his boyhood in the 1930’s, in the, being raised by his unconventional grandparents who try to teach him to live “the.”  Every few years I return to this book and read it again, and each time I love it.

"Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder (Classic Juvenile Fiction) is a refreshing look at pioneer life in the late 1800s (now I know what  Johnny-cake is). This classic novel was easy to read, yet so full of details and amusement.

SOME TEEN GEARED WEBSITES TO VISIT:                   

http://www.teenreads.com/

www.kidshealth.org/teen/

www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists