All posts by Sara Dempster
Drop in Today at 2:00 PM for Cupcake Wars! (Friday, 12/28)
Good morning everyone! I hope you’re ready to bring out your decorating skills, because Winter Wonderland Cupcake Wars is TODAY! The program is drop-in while supplies last for middle and high schoolers–be sure to show up at 2:00 sharp to make sure that you get a spot. Prizes will be awarded to the most original, the tastiest-looking, and the best overall cupcakes.
1st Prize (Best Overall): $20 Amazon Gift Card
2nd & 3rd Prizes (Most Original & Tastiest Looking): Prize Jar
Black YA Authors to Watch in 2018
Authors of color are publishing year round despite the odds. Did you know that even though 37% of people in the United States are people of color, but in 2016 only 6% of children’s books published in the United States were written by Black, Latinx, and Native authors combined?
In celebration of Black History Month, we want to elevate these Black authors and their books that will be published in 2018. Keep reading diverse books, and keep showing the publishing industry that #ownvoices narratives are powerful and have value. Comment below with the releases you’re most excited about in 2018!
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Release Date: February 6, 2018 Dhonielle Clayton, The Belles The Author: Dhonielle Clayton is the co-author of the Tiny Pretty Things series. A former teacher and middle school librarian, Dhonielle is co-founder of CAKE Literary—a creative development company whipping up decidedly diverse books for a wide array of readers—and COO of We Need Diverse Books. The Book: Camellia Beauregard is a Belle. In the opulent world of Orléans, Belles are revered, for they control Beauty, and Beauty is a commodity coveted above all else. In Orléans, the people are born gray, they are born damned, and only with the help of a Belle and her talents can they transform and be made beautiful. But it’s not enough for Camellia to be just a Belle. She wants to be the favorite—the Belle chosen by the Queen of Orléans to live in the royal palace, to tend to the royal family and their court, to be recognized as the most talented Belle in the land. |
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Release Date: March 6, 2018 Ashley Woodfolk, The Beauty that Remains The Author: Ashley Woodfolk graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in English and her life-long love of books led her straight to the publishing industry. She’s a member of the CBC Diversity Committee and markets books for children and teens. In her abundance of “spare” time, she writes contemporary YA. The Book: Autumn always knew exactly who she was—a talented artist and a loyal friend. Shay was defined by two things: her bond with her twin sister, Sasha, and her love of music. And Logan always turned to writing love songs when his love life was a little less than perfect. But when tragedy strikes each of them, somehow music is no longer enough. Now Logan can’t stop watching vlogs of his dead ex-boyfriend. Shay is a music blogger struggling to keep it together. And Autumn sends messages that she knows can never be answered. |
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Release Date: March 6, 2018Tomi Adeyemi, Children of Blood and Bone The Author: Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian-American writer and creative writing coach based in San Diego, California. Her debut novel, CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE, comes out March 6th, 2018 and the movie is currently in development at Fox with the producers of Twilight and The Maze Runner attached. After graduating Harvard University with an honors degree in English literature, she received a fellowship that allowed her to study West African mythology and culture in Salvador, Brazil. The Book: Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zelie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls. But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were targeted and killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope. Now, Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for the enemy. |
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Release Date: March 13, 2018 Tami Charles, Like Vanessa The Author: Former teacher. Wannabe chef. Debut author. Tami Charles writes picture books, middle grade, young adult, and nonfiction. She loves anything written by Kwame Alexander, Rita Williams-Garcia, Edwidge Danticat, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Meg Medina. The Book: In this semi-autobiographical debut novel set in 1983, Vanessa Martin’s real-life reality of living with family in public housing in Newark, New Jersey is a far cry from the glamorous Miss America stage. She struggles with an incarcerated mother she barely remembers, a grandfather dealing with addiction and her own battle with self-confidence. But when a new teacher at school coordinates a beauty pageant and convinces Vanessa to enter, Vanessa’s view of her own world begins to change. Vanessa discovers that her own self-worth is more than the scores of her talent performance and her interview answers, and that she doesn’t need a crown to be comfortable in her own skin and see her own true beauty. |
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Release Date: March 20, 2018 Jay Coles, Tyler Johnson Was Here The Author: Jay Coles is a middle grade and YA author. He lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with two dogs nicknamed Bonnie and Clyde. Also, Jay is a teacher, blogger, composer/musician and a proud member of ASCAP! The Book:When Marvin Johnson’s twin, Tyler, goes to a party, Marvin decides to tag along to keep an eye on his brother. But what starts as harmless fun turns into a shooting, followed by a police raid. The next day, Tyler has gone missing, and it’s up to Marvin to find him. But when Tyler is found dead, a video leaked online tells an even more chilling story: Tyler has been shot and killed by a police officer. Terrified as his mother unravels and mourning a brother who is now a hashtag, Marvin must learn what justice and freedom really mean. |
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Release Date: April 3, 2018 Justina Ireland, Dread Nation The Author: Justina Ireland enjoys dark chocolate, dark humor, and is not too proud to admit that she’s still afraid of the dark. She lives with her husband, kid, and dog in Pennsylvania. She is the author of Vengeance Bound and Promise of Shadows. The Book: Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead. Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education, Jane is set on returning home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose. But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy. |
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Release Date: May 1, 2018 Angie Thomas, On the Come Up The Author: Angie Thomas was born, raised, and still resides in Jackson, Mississippi as indicated by her accent. She is a former teen rapper whose greatest accomplishment was an article about her in Right-On Magazine with a picture included. She holds a BFA in Creative Writing from Belhaven University and an unofficial degree in Hip Hop. She can also still rap if needed. She is an inaugural winner of the Walter Dean Meyers Grant 2015, awarded by We Need Diverse Books. The Book: The highly anticipated second novel from Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give, returns to the world of Garden Heights in a story about an aspiring teen rapper and what happens when you get everything you thought you wanted. |
Most Anticipated YA Books of 2018!
New year, new books! Check out these series continuations and stand-alones from our favorite authors and see what we’re most excited to read in 2018.
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Release Date: January 2, 2018 The Cruel Prince (Folk of the Air #1), by Holly Black Summary: Jude, seventeen and mortal, gets tangled in palace intrigues while trying to win a place in the treacherous High Court of Faerie, where she and her sisters have lived for a decade. Why we’re excited: After The Coldest Girl in Coldtown and The Darkest Part of the Forest, Holly Black became one of our favorite authors, and we can’t wait to read her latest book! |
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Release Date: January 2, 2018 Batman: Nightwalker, by Marie Lu Summary: The Nightwalkers are terrorizing Gotham City, and Bruce Wayne is next on their list…. Bruce will walk the dark line between trust and betrayal as the Nightwalkers circle closer. Why we’re excited: It’s Batman plus author of the Legend trilogy, Marie Lu… Need we say more? |
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Release Date: January 30, 2018 S.T.A.G.S., by M.A. Bennett Summary: Nine students. Three bloodsports. One deadly weekend. Why we’re excited: This twisty thriller, previously published in the UK, is coming to the States–and it will have you on the edge of your seat until the end! |
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Release Date: January 30, 2018 The Hazel Wood, by Melissa Albert Summary: Alice’s grandmother, the author of a book of dark fairy tales, dies alone on her estate, the Hazel Wood, and her mother is stolen away by a figure who claims to come from the Hinterland, the cruel supernatural world where her grandmother’s stories are set. Alice’s only lead is the message her mother left behind: “Stay away from the Hazel Wood.” Why we’re excited: This is Melissa Albert’s debut novel, but the summary and rave reviews already have us dying of anticipation! |
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Release Date: February 6, 2018 Shadowsong (Wintersong #2), by S. Jae Jones Summary: Six months after the end of Wintersong, Liesl is working toward furthering both her brother’s and her own musical careers. When troubling signs arise that the barrier between worlds is crumbling, Liesl must return to the Underground to unravel the mystery of life, death, and the Goblin King—who he was, who he is, and who he will be. Why we’re excited: Early reviews are showing this sequel to Wintersong is every bit as good as the first book–and just look at that gorgeous cover! |
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Release Date: February 27, 2018 The Traitor’s Game (The Traitor’s Game #1), by Jennifer Nielsen Summary: Kestra has spent three years in exile, but that won’t stop her from being drawn back into her father’s palace politics. He’s the right hand man of the cruel king, Lord Endrick, which makes Kestra a valuable bargaining chip. A group of rebels snatch Kestra from her carriage as she reluctantly travels home. They want her to retrieve the lost Olden Blade, the only object that can destroy the immortal king, but Kestra is not the obedient captive they expected. Why we’re excited: Nielsen’s The False Prince trilogy is one of our favorites, and we can’t wait to read her latest series opener. |
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Release Date: February 27, 2018 Heart of Iron, by Ashley Poston Summary: Ana and the crew of outlaws she calls family search the lost corners of the universe for a cure for her glitching robot and oldest friend. The secrets they uncover will change not only their lives but the fate of the kingdom as well. Why we’re excited: We challenge you to look at the beautiful cover of this Anastasia-inspired sci-fi novel and not feel excited to read it! |
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Release Date: March 6, 2018 The Case for Jamie (Charlotte Holmes #3), by Brittany Cavallaro Summary: Charlotte is on the run, from Lucien Moriarty and from her own mistakes. No one has seen her since that fateful night on the lawn in Sussex. She knows she isn’t safe to be around. She knows that her Watson can’t forgive her. Holmes and Watson may not be looking to reconcile, but there is someone who wants the team back together. Someone who has been quietly observing them both. Making plans. Biding their time. Someone who wants to see one of them suffer and the other one dead. Why we’re excited: We’re a sucker for anything related to Sherlock Holmes, and Cavallaro’s bestselling Charlotte Holmes series is no different. |
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Release Date: March 6, 2018 Restore Me (Shatter Me #4), by Tahereh Mafi Summary: Juliette Ferrars thought she’d won. She took over Sector 45, was named the new Supreme Commander of North America, and now has Warner by her side. But when tragedy strikes, she must confront the darkness that dwells both around and inside her. Why we’re excited: After four years, Mafi has returned to her popular Shatter Me series for an epic conclusion. |
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Release Date: March 13, 2018 Time Bomb, by Joelle Charbonneau Summary: They couldn’t be more different, but before the morning’s over, they’ll all be trapped in a school that’s been rocked by a bombing. When they hear that someone inside is the bomber, they’ll also be looking to one another for answers. Why we’re excited: With her Hunger Games-like trilogy The Testing, Charbonneau proved that she is a master of thrillers, and we’re sure this one will be no different. |
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Release Date: March 13, 2018 Obsidio (The Illuminae Files #3), by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff Summary: Kady, Ezra, Hanna, and Nik narrowly escaped with their lives from the attacks on Heimdall station and now find themselves crammed with 2,000 refugees on the container ship, Mao. With time running out, a final battle will be waged on land and in space, heroes will fall, and hearts will be broken. Why we’re excited: The mixed-media sci-fi series The Illuminae Files is both thrilling and unique, and the conclusion looks like it’s going to be explosive! |
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Release Date: April 10, 2018 The Fates Divide (Carve the Mark #2), by Veronica Roth Summary: As Lazmet ignites a barbaric war, Cyra and Akos are desperate to stop him at any cost. For Cyra, that could mean taking the life of the man who may—or may not—be her father. For Akos, it could mean giving his own. In a stunning twist, the two will discover how fate defines their lives in ways most unexpected. Why we’re excited: How could we not be excited to read the follow-up to the controversial series opener from Divergent author Veronica Roth? |
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Release Date: April 24, 2018 Leah on the Offbeat, by Becky Albertalli Summary: Leah’s an anomaly in her friend group: the only child of a young, single mom, and her life is decidedly less privileged. She loves to draw but is too self-conscious to show it. And she hasn’t mustered the courage to tell her friends she’s bisexual—not even her openly gay BFF, Simon. It’s hard for Leah to strike the right note while the people she loves are fighting—especially when she realizes she might love one of them more than she ever intended. Why we’re excited: We loved Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, and we can’t wait to read this sequel focusing on Simon’s best friend. |
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Release Date: May 1, 2018 The Burning Maze (The Trials of Apollo #3) Summary: The formerly glorious god Apollo, cast down to earth in punishment by Zeus, is now an awkward mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos. In order to regain his place on Mount Olympus, Lester must restore five Oracles that have gone dark. But he has to achieve this impossible task without having any godly powers and while being duty-bound to a confounding young daughter of Demeter named Meg. Why we’re excited: Beloved author Riordan has released hit after hit, and we love Apollo just as much as we loved Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus! |
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Release Date: May 1, 2018 On the Come Up, by Angie Thomas Summary: Return to Garden Heights in a story about an aspiring teen rapper and what happens when you get everything you thought you wanted. Why we’re excited: This is the highly anticipated second novel from the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling The Hate U Give, set in the same town where we met Starr and her family. |
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Release Date: May 8, 2018 Puddin’ (Dumplin’ #2), by Julie Murphy Summary: Millie Michalchuk has gone to fat camp every year since she was a little girl. Callie Reyes is the pretty girl who is next in line for dance team captain and has the popular boyfriend. When circumstances bring the girls together over the course of a semester, they surprise everyone (especially themselves) by realizing that they might have more in common than they ever imagined. Why we’re excited: Murphy’s Dumplin’ was both heart-warming and laugh out loud funny, so we’re eagerly awaiting the second book in the series! |
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Release Date: May 15, 2018 War Storm (Red Queen #4), by Victoria Aveyard Summary: Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal’s betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart—and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her—Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all… starting with the crown on Maven’s head. Why we’re excited: War Storm is Aveyard’s conclusion to her popular Red Queen series, and it looks like it’s going to be as exciting (and surprising) as the first three. |
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Release Date: May 22, 2018 A Reaper at the Gates (An Ember in the Ashes #3), by Sabaa Tahir Summary: Beyond the Empire and within it, the threat of war looms ever larger. Why we’re excited: An Ember in the Ashes had a slow start, but it hasn’t slowed down since then–we can’t wait to see what happens to Elias and Laia in the newest book in the series. |
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Release Date: May 29, 2018 Legendary (Caraval #2), by Stephanie Garber Summary: Unbeknownst to Scarlett, she and her sister, Tella, won the game of Caraval because Tella made a desperate bargain with a mysterious stranger. And now Tella’s debt is due. What Tella owes, no one before her has ever been able to able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name. Why we’re excited: Caraval was a stand-out hit in 2017, and we hope Legendary will follow in its footsteps. |
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Release Date: December 4, 2018 Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices #3), by Cassandra Clare Summary: Innocent blood has been spilled on the steps of the Council Hall, the sacred stronghold of the Shadowhunters. In the wake of the tragic death of Livia Blackthorn, the Clave teeters on the brink of civil war. One fragment of the Blackthorn family flees to Los Angeles, seeking to discover the source of the disease that is destroying the race of warlocks. Why we’re excited: The Dark Artifices is the best series yet from bestselling author Cassandra Clare, and Queen of Air and Darkness is sure to be another winner. |
Holiday Gift Giving Guide for the YA Book Lover
Do you know a teen (or adult?) who loves to read young adult books? Check out these amazing new reads that any book lover will adore as a gift–or from the library!
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by Leigh Bardugo
Travel to Grishnaverse, a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid’s voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy’s bidding but only for a terrible price. Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times-bestselling author Leigh Bardugo (The Grisha Trilogy) has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.
Perfect for: Fantasy and fairy tale fans, romance lovers
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by Robin Benway
Being the middle child has its ups and downs. But for Grace, an only child who was adopted at birth, discovering that she is a middle child is a different ride altogether. From award-winning author Robin Benway (Emmy & Oliver), this National Book Award Winner (2017) is about three teenagers, biological siblings separated by adoption, and explores the meaning of family in all its forms–how to find it, how to keep it, and how to love it.
Perfect for: Fans of contemporary fiction, readers looking for a moving story
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by Sarah Rees Brennan
Sarah Rees Brennan has finally published In Other Lands (originally serialized online) in novel form! It is at once a celebration and satire of traditional fantasy and coming-of-age novels, starring Elliot Schafer. Who is Elliot? He’s smart and just a tiny bit obnoxious. Sometimes more than a tiny bit. When his class goes on a field trip and he can see a wall that no one else can see, he is given the chance to go to school in the Borderlands.
Perfect for: Fantasy fans, readers who want to laugh out loud, older readers who loved Harry Potter
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by Kristin Cashore
After five years, Kristin Cashore(Graceling) has published a new book! Without Aunt Magnolia, Jane is directionless. Then an old acquaintance, the glamorous and capricious Kiran Thrash, blows back into Jane’s life and invites her to a gala at the Thrashes’ extravagant island mansion called Tu Reviens. What Jane doesn’t know is that at Tu Reviens her story will change; the house will offer her five choices that could ultimately determine the course of her untethered life. But every choice comes with a price.
Perfect for: Fans of thrillers and suspense with just a hint of the supernatural
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by Michael Grant
The sequel series to Michael Grant’s Gone series is here! When new meteorite strikes introduce an alien virus, humans develop unique superpowers that trigger a battle between teen hero defenders and supermonsters.
Perfect for: Fans of the Gone series, superhero comic lovers
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by John Green
John Green has penned another winner in 2017, and it is sure to please all his many fans. Solving the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett would bring a hundred-thousand-dollar reward, so Aza and her best friend, Daisy, are eager to investigate. But Aza is living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts. Still hurting from the death of her father years ago, she’s crippled by ‘thought spirals’ and the irrational, obsessive fear she has of microbes and bacteria.
Perfect for: Fans of John Green’s other books, lovers of contemporary fiction
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by Marie Lu
Marie Lu’s newest sci-fi thriller will certainly satisfy fans of her Legend series. When teenage coder Emika Chen hacks her way into the opening tournament of the Warcross Championships, she glitches herself into the game as well as a sinister plot with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire. Perfect for: Fans of the Legend series, video game lovers |
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by Sarah J. Maas
This sixth book in Sarah J. Maas’s popular Throne of Glass series follows Chaol and Nesryn as they visit Antica hoping the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme can enable Chaol to walk again, and to persuade the rulers to ally with them to save Erilea.
Perfect for: Fans of the Throne of Glass series, fantasy lovers
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by Marissa Meyer
The Renegades are human, but with extraordinary abilities. They emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone… except the villains they once overthrew. Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and is on a mission for vengeance. Adrian is a Renegade boy who believes in justice–and in Nova. But Nova’s allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both. This is the latest novel from Marissa Meyer, who penned the popular Lunar Chronicles series. Perfect for: Fans of superhero comics and anti-heroes, sci-fi lovers |
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by Phillip Pullman
Return to the world of Lyra from Pullman’s classic series His Dark Materials. When Malcolm finds a secret message inquiring about a dangerous substance called Dust, he finds himself embroiled in a tale of intrigue featuring enforcement agents from the Magisterium, a woman with an evil monkey daemon, and a baby named Lyra. Perfect for: Fans of The Golden Compass, steampunk lovers, fantasy fans |
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All the Crooked Saints
by Maggie Stiefvater
Any visitor to Bicho Raro, Colorado, is likely to find a landscape of dark saints, forbidden love, scientific dreams, miracle-mad owls, estranged affections, one or two orphans, and a sky full of watchful desert stars. At the heart of this place you will find the Soria family, who all have the ability to perform unusual miracles. This is the latest book by Maggie Stiefvater, who wrote the popular Wolves of Mercy Falls and Raven Boys series. Perfect for: Fans of magical realism, lovers of unique and whimsical fantasy |
Top YA Horror Reads
Check out these brand new thrilling, chilling, and paranormal reads for October 2017! Click on the the book cover or title to reserve them at the library.
Recommended for Middle School:
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by William Alexander
In a world full of ghosts, Rosa and Jasper live in the only unhaunted town–but they must spring to action when they realize the ghosts are lying in wait to take the town back.
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by Jessica Miller
When timid Elizabeth’s father takes her and her fearless friend, Zenobia, to his family home, Zenobia becomes obsessed with finding a ghost there, and then Elizabeth learns she had an aunt who disappeared from the house years ago.
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by Amy Plum
Seven insomniac teenagers participate in an experimental sleep study and find themselves thrown together in a shared dreamworld where their worst nightmares come to life.
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by Madeleine Roux
After escaping a harsh school where punishment was the lesson of the day, seventeen-year-old Louisa is thrilled to find employment as a maid. But soon after her arrival at Coldthistle House, Louisa begins to realize that the house’s mysterious owner, Mr. Morningside, is providing much more than lodging for his guests. The house is a place of judgment, and Mr. Morningside and his unusual staff are meant to execute their own justice on those who are past being saved. In this house of distortions and lies, how can Louisa be sure whom to trust?
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Recommended for High School:
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by Kendare Blake
The battle for the crown has begun, but which of the three sisters will prevail? Fennbirn’s deadliest queens must face the one thing standing in their way of the crown: each other. The Quickening is behind them, and with the Ascension Year underway all bets are off. Katharine, once the weakest and feeblest of the triplets, is stronger than ever before. Arsinoe, after discovering the truth about her powers, must figure out how to make her secret talent work in her favor without anyone finding out. And Mirabella, once thought to be the strongest, faces attacks like never before– ones that put those around her in danger she can’t seem to prevent.
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by Jeremy de Quidt
A treasury of scary stories envisions the experiences of a train passenger who becomes subject to the nightmarish elements in stories told by a mysterious stranger, who demands a terrible price to make the stories end.
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by S.M. Parker
Maine-bred, independent Rilla Brae is no stranger to the deep. She knows the rhythms of hard work and harder seas. But when she experiences the sudden death of her father, the veil between the living and the dead blurs and she begins to be haunted by a girl on a nearby, uninhabited island. The girl floats a song over the waves, and it is as beautiful as it is terrifying. Familiar and distant. Then Rilla meets Sam, a University of Southern Maine archeology student tasked with excavating the very island where the ghostly girl has appeared. |
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by Stephanie Perkins
Hawaii-born Makani Young’s new life in Nebraska is thrown into chaos when a serial killer begins to target her fellow high school students. One-by-one, the students of Osborne High are dying in a series of gruesome murders, each with increasing and grotesque flair. As the terror grows closer and the hunt intensifies for the killer, the dark secrets among them must finally be confronted.
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by Sarah Porter
Ruby. Haunted by her dead brother, unable to let him go, Ruby must figure out whether his nightly appearances in her dreams are the answer to her prayers—or a nightmare come true. Everett. He’s always been jealous of his dashing older brother. Now Everett must do everything he can to save his twin sister Ruby from Dashiell’s clutches. Dashiell. Charming, handsome, and manipulative, Dash has run afoul of some very powerful forces in the Land of the Dead. His only bargaining chips are Ruby and Everett. At stake is the very survival of the Bohnacker family, bodies and souls. |
October Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Children’s Room volunteers must have completed the Children’s Room Volunteer Application and have attended training before signing up for volunteer opportunities. Email Sara at sdempster@chelmsfordlibrary.org to sign up for any of the open volunteer opportunities below.
Saturday, October 7, from 10 AM – 12:30 PM (FULL!)
- Saturday, October 14 from 10 AM – 12 PM (2 Volunteers)
- Saturday, October 21 from 9:30 AM – 12:15 PM (1 Volunteer)
Tuesday, October 24 from 4 PM – 5 PM (FULL!)
Thursday, October 26 from 3:30 – 5:30 PM (FULL!)
Saturday, October 28 from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (FULL!)
September Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Children’s Room volunteers must have completed the Children’s Room Volunteer Application and have attended training before signing up for volunteer opportunities. Email Sara at sdempster@chelmsfordlibrary.org to sign up for any of the open volunteer opportunities below. Please note that Sara will be out from Thursday evening (9/1) to Saturday, 9/9 and will not be available to answer questions about the volunteer program during this time.
- Saturday, September 2, from 10 AM – 12:30 PM (1 Volunteer)
Saturday, September 9 from 10 AM – 12 PM (FULL!)
Tuesday, September 26 from 4 PM – 5 PM (FULL!)
Thursday, September 31 from 3:30 – 5:30 PM (FULL!)
August Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Children’s Room volunteers must have completed the Children’s Room Volunteer Application and have attended training before signing up for volunteer opportunities. Email Sara at sdempster@chelmsfordlibrary.org to sign up for any of the open volunteer opportunities below.
Help with set up, encourage creativity, and help with crowd control.
Tuesday, August 1 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (FULL!)Tuesday, August 8 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (FULL!)Tuesday, August 15 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (FULL!)
Wednesday, August 2 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM (FULL!)Wednesday, August 9 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM (FULL!)Wednesday, August 16 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM (FULL!)
Saturday, August 5 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (FULL!)
Thursday, August 10 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM (FULL!)
Saturday, August 12 from 9:30 – 11:30 AM (FULL!)
Volunteers can also sign up to participate in planning and running the Harry Potter Birthday Party and the Elephant and Piggie Party! Regardless of how many other events you sign up for in July, you can also sign up for the planning meeting, the party, or both! We need lots of volunteers to make it a great day! You can also bring friends—they do not have to be trained to volunteer for the planning meeting and party. You can email me to sign up for these events, or you can go to our calendar at www.chelmsfordlibrary.org/calendar to register there.
- Planning Meeting: Thursday, July 13 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
- Party: Saturday, July 29 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Planning Meeting: Friday, July 28 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
- Party: Saturday, August 19 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
July Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Children’s Room volunteers must have completed the Children’s Room Volunteer Application and have attended training before signing up for volunteer opportunities. Email Sara at sdempster@chelmsfordlibrary.org to sign up for any of the open volunteer opportunities below.
Saturday, July 1 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (FULL!)
Wednesday, July 5 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM (FULL!)Wednesday, July 12 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM (FULL!)Wednesday, July 19 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM (FULL!)
Saturday, July 8 from 9:30 – 11:30 AM (FULL!)
Help with set up, encourage creativity, and help with crowd control.
Tuesday, July 11 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (FULL!)- Tuesday, July 18 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (3 Volunteers)
Tuesday, July 25 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (FULL!)
Help with set up and crowd control.
Saturday, July 15 from 9:30 – 11:30 AM (FULL!)
Help with set up and crowd control.
Tuesday, July 18 from 3:30 – 5:30 PM (FULL!)
Thursday, July 27 from 3:30 – 5:30 PM (FULL!)
Volunteers can also sign up to participate in planning and running the Harry Potter Birthday Party and the Elephant and Piggie Party! Regardless of how many other events you sign up for in July, you can also sign up for the planning meeting, the party, or both! We need lots of volunteers to make it a great day! You can also bring friends—they do not have to be trained to volunteer for the planning meeting and party. You can email me to sign up for these events, or you can go to our calendar at www.chelmsfordlibrary.org/calendar to register there.
- Planning Meeting: Thursday, July 13 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
- Party: Saturday, July 29 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Planning Meeting: Friday, July 28 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
- Party: Saturday, August 19 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
April Teen Programming Roundup
At the MIC (Make It! Club) we prepped for Mother’s Day by holding a DIY-Fest where we made embroidered cards and mint chocolate lotion bars! Lotion bars look just like bars of soap, and you use them the same way, too. Just rub the bar between your hands and then rub in the lotion! The bars we made were made with equal parts cocoa butter, coconut oil, and soy wax. These three products are great for your skin, and they smell great, too! Then, teens could choose how much peppermint oil to add. Melt together in the microwave, and then pour into cupcake liners in a standard-sized muffin tin! Let them harden for a day, and then they’ll be ready to use!
Making embroidered cards at home also couldn’t be easier. All you need is a blank card, a pencil, a needle, and embroidery floss. Then, draw a picture or write whatever you like! Next, poke holes all along the outline of your drawing about 1/8 of an inch apart from each other. Erase your lines, and now you’re ready to start sewing! Thread your needle, and sew through the holes you created to make a colorful thread outline.
We also held our first meeting of the Anime Club at the library! We played Anime Candy Pictionary, ate Pocky, and watched episodes of Bleach and Gunslinger Girl. Next month, we’ll be holding Anime Club in the afternoon, and then Anime After Dark for older teens and adults in the evening!
We also held two sessions of Candy Craft Wars, where teens competed to see who could make the best creation out of candy and craft supplies. There were some amazing (and delicious-looking) creations, and it was almost impossible for our teen judges to pick only three winners!
Last, we held our 33rd Annual Intergenerational Poetry Slam, where 21 poets shared their original poetry with a packed audience. Fifth-grader Diya read a poem about finding happiness, and Ranjana read Poppy Cat and her Special Hat, a poem that told a story about a feline thief. 12-year-old student Chloe read her original work titled Generation Z, a poem about being a teenager in today’s society and the struggle to make your voice heard.
MIC meets every month at both the MacKay Branch and the Main Library. In May, we’ll be making s’mores parfaits with chocolate pudding, marshmallow cream, chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows. Gluten free and gelatin free options will be provided. No need to register, so drop in and join us! We’ll be at MacKay on Wednesday, May 3rd and at the Main Library on Thursday, May 25th at 4:00 PM. See you there!