Staff reviews: Books for teens

by Chbosky, Stephen

Book - 1999

The story unfolds in a series of letters. Charlie is a shy high school freshman who talks about his struggles at school and with family through letters he...Show more The story unfolds in a series of letters. Charlie is a shy high school freshman who talks about his struggles at school and with family through letters he addresses to "Dear friend." Still reeling from his friend's suicide the year before, he drifts through life until he lands with a group of much-older friends who help him find out who he is and who he wants to be. What I love about this story is how relatable it is to anyone who has ever felt like they didn't fit in, or were picked on, or has felt overwhelmed by pain. The movie adaptation is great, too.— Jody W., Information Programs & Services Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 16 on 12 copies

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The Thief

by Turner, Megan Whalen

Book - 1996

In a fantasy world that resembles the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean, the young thief Gen is pulled from a dungeon and ordered by a king to steal a...Show more In a fantasy world that resembles the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean, the young thief Gen is pulled from a dungeon and ordered by a king to steal a jewel of great value from a rival kingdom or face certain death. If you have a fondness for tricksters, exciting adventure, and very clever writing, you will love this book. Gen is one of my all-time favorite characters and I take a great deal of pleasure re-reading this book to spot the clues that lead to the surprise ending. It's the first of 3 books set in the same world, and they're all excellent.— Jody W., Information Programs & Services Show less

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Grasshopper Jungle

A History

by Smith, Andrew 1959-

Book - 2014

Austin and his best friend Robby get beat up for being queer (even though Austin's totally not...maybe...it's complicated) and have their stuff tossed ont...Show more Austin and his best friend Robby get beat up for being queer (even though Austin's totally not...maybe...it's complicated) and have their stuff tossed onto the roof of the run-down mall they call Grasshopper Jungle. When they go up to get their stuff they find a some other mysterious stuff on the roof and in the mall itself. What links the weird flamingo to the strange ticking noise Austin's girlfriend starts hearing in her room? Soon the world Austin, Robby and Shann knew is gone, replaced by one where running from giant insects has become a thing. This book is both stunningly, sometimes brutally realistic and also completely out of this world.— Lee B., Eden Prairie Library Show less

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Smoke

by Hopkins, Ellen

Book - 2013

Although this is a sequel to Ellen Hopkins' "Burned," it stands on its own as a powerful novel told in the alternating perspectives of two siste...Show more Although this is a sequel to Ellen Hopkins' "Burned," it stands on its own as a powerful novel told in the alternating perspectives of two sisters. Pattyn, reeling from the deaths of her boyfriend and unborn baby and on the run after her father's murder, and Jackie, left behind in the aftermath and guarding a secret of her own, are both struggling to find their way to happiness and love under impossible circumstances. I was immediately sucked in by the dramatic start and then became too emotionally attached to the characters and their stories to put it down. I really liked that both Pattyn and Jackie were tough and had a lot of spunk. The audiobook really brought the novel (written in verse) and Pattyn and Jackie's individual voices to life. — Baileigh F., Walker Library Show less

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Steve Jobs

Insanely Great

by Hartland, Jessie

Graphic Novel - 2015

I find Steve Jobs fascinating for all his accomplishments, complex personality, and how he changed the world with his determined vision. With simple draw...Show more I find Steve Jobs fascinating for all his accomplishments, complex personality, and how he changed the world with his determined vision. With simple drawings Jessie Hartland created a short biography in graphic form which captures his achievements and personal life from childhood to his premature death. I thought the subtitle was Hartland's phrase but I learned Jobs said "insanely great"often when enthused about new ideas. If you enjoy this quick read, also try Hartland's "Bon Appetit!: the Delicious Life of Julia Childs." It's also delicious and insanely great. — Kim B., Ridgedale Library Show less

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