Hi Teens!
This page is just for you…we’re really glad you’re here.
You probably already know about our glorious young adult collection downstairs (a.k.a. UNDERGROUND) in the library – fiction, graphic novels, audio books, magazines, nonfiction…we’ve got a little of everything, and something just for you. And if there is a title you wish we had, or an idea you’d like to share, please let us know! We love suggestions! You can reach us anytime by email at yrr@akspl.org, or give us a call at 909-798-7674.
Oh, and be sure to follow us on Instagram at akspl_teens!
While you’re here, explore some of the virtual resources the library has to offer…
For fun:
Click here to read great books online.
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Remote user login: 14 digit library card number and pin…pin is the last four digits of your phone number)
Teens, how can I convince you to click this link? There are SO MANY amazing Young Adult titles on the OverDrive/Libby App that you can check out IMMEDIATELY FROM YOUR PHONE OR OTHER DIGITAL DEVICE. Titles like Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give, Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Karen M. McManus’ One of Us is Lying, Jack Heath’s The Truth App, and more, more, more. There’s horror, fantasy, nonfiction, historical fiction, thrillers, sci-fi, romance, humor, graphic novels, audio books…you WILL find something you want to read, guaranteed or your money back (did I mention this is totally free with your library card?).
Click here to read cool magazines online.
(Remote user login: 14 digit library card number)
Do you love reading magazines but don’t have the ten million dollars it takes to buy one?? Then read them virtually here! Magazines like Rolling Stone, Glamour, Essence, People, Marie Claire, Sports Illustrated and more can be found through this link…click it and get your (free) magazine fix.
Click here to access teen health and wellness info.
(Remote user login: smiley / password: smiley; OR use your 14-digit library card number using the “Log in with your library card” link)
Are you looking for trustworthy information about your own health or that of someone you love? Teen Rosen Health & Wellness is here for you. Learn more about your physical and mental health, relationships, nutrition, eating disorders, sexuality, grief and loss, drugs and alcohol, diseases and infections, and more.
For school:
Gale in Context: Biography
(Remote user login: 14 digit library card number)
From contemporary world leaders to singers and scientists, Gale in Context: Biography has you covered. Reliable information about personalities from the past and present is just a click away.
Gale in Context: High School
(Remote user login: 14 digit library card number)
Great research begins here. Access newspapers, periodicals, images, videos and more to add reliable scholarship and depth to your school research projects.
Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints
(Remote user login: 14 digit library card number)
Explore hot-button issues from multiple perspectives and form your own conclusions. From energy and the environment to culture and politics, find reliable statistics, viewpoints, primary sources, infographics and more.
Job/Test Prep Resources:
Click here to access the library’s eResources for career development, job searching skills, test prep and to even take cool creative courses via Skillshare (learn things like “DJing for Beginners,” “Pet Portraits,” “Write Your Own Screenplay,” “Art Journaling,” “A Beginner’s Guide to the Wooly World of Needle Felting,” “Stop Motion for Beginners,” and more!).
What to read:
January recommended reading…
Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos
This book knocked my socks off.
The premise is straightforward. Featherlite is a camp for overweight kids, and Vivian, Allie, Sheldon, Paul and Rachel have all been sent there to take advantage of an incredible new scientific method for losing weight. The problem? The miracle cure seems to be turning the campers into flesh-eating zombies.
While this book is full of electrifying action—every chapter ends in cliff-hanger fashion—it’s also a profound social commentary on the business of diet culture and the damaging, dehumanizing effects of what the author calls “fat-phobia.” The characters are deep, complicated, and they kick butt. Each takes a turn narrating the heart-pumping story, which results in a fast-paced, insightful ride that will leave you turning pages well past your midnight snack time. Warning: if you love happy endings, you may want to pass on this one.
Printz Award Winners – for excellence in Young Adult Literature…in other words, the best of the best YA books.
YALSA Teens’ Top Ten – umm, I think you’ve got this one figured out. (“YALSA” = Young Adult Library Services Association)
Alex Awards – the year’s ten best adult books that appeal to teen audiences (a.k.a. you).
Stonewall Book Award – exceptional kids and YA books relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience.
Bored? We’ve got you covered…
As with all of the media you consume (books, movies, music, websites, podcasts…you get the point), we encourage you to talk to your parents and families about what’s right for you.
Make your escape.
Escape (or at least try to) from the underbelly of the Sydney Opera House with this free virtual escape room. We hope you make it out, but if not, we’ll miss you.
Young Voter’s Guide to Social Media and the News
Being an educated voter can be tough. Use this resource to access unbiased info to help you cut through the hype.
Code Switch Podcast (NPR)
Fearless conversations about race hosted by journalists of color. From Code Switch: “This podcast makes ALL OF US part of the conversation — because we’re all part of the story.”
Song Exploder Podcast
For music lovers…a podcast where musicians take apart their songs, and share the stories behind how they were made.
Bullet Journaling, Anyone?
Have you ever thought about starting a Bullet Journal? Now may be the perfect time to do it. Watch the clip above to see how it’s done (spoiler alert: there are no rules).
Ciao! Hola! Salut!
Learning another language is cool! Try Duolingo! Japanese, Greek, Hindi, Swedish, Vietnamese and MORE!
Make your own music.
Stay smart.
I dare you…go ahead, click this link. From visual illusions to language and logic brain teasers, this site is sure to make you a genius.
Seeing White Podcast
This podcast takes a deep dive into the notion of “whiteness” and its enduring effects — including racial inequity in schools, housing, criminal justice and hiring — on American life.
Get your facts straight.
If you’re anything like me, you need help figuring out which sources of news to trust. The Media Bias/Fact Check website is incredible at helping you discern the bias each news source brings to their stories and offers daily fact checks on the latest current events.
More reliable fact-checking resources can be found here:
Factcheck.org – A project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center
Snopes.com – The self-proclaimed “definitive resource for researching urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation.”
Tell your story.
Calling all writers! Hang out with Jason Reynolds, the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and try your hand at an electric series of creative writing prompts…from explaining love to a magical pet to writing your own shower song.
Stuff You Missed in History Class Podcast
If you’re into the weirder parts of history they don’t always share with you in the classroom, this podcast is for you.
Take care of your mental health.
Strategies for protecting your mental health during the COVID-19 crises, specifically for teens.
Book tasting, anyone?
Read samples of yummy middle grade titles from Penguin publishers.
Debby Irving’s 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge.
Change is hard. If you care about making social justice issues a priority in your life, Debby Irving’s 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge can help.
Understand the impact of misinformation.
Can our democracy survive in our current toxic news environment? Agggh…give this podcast a listen for answers (or at least some in-depth explorations).
