Teen Picks: New Opportunity

Teen Picks: A New Volunteer Opportunity

Julian Ingram

One of the things Leanne and I struggled with during the pandemic was telling our teen volunteers that we didn't have many service opportunities for them outside of BTAB at this time. However as summer inched nearer, the hubbub that is Summer of Discovery allowed us to recruit many teen volunteers to man the SoD sign-up tables. Something we didn't anticipate were parents not allowing their teens to volunteer in person as a COVID precaution.

Luckily, our volunteer coordinator Kate Kelsch had shared the many creative teen volunteer opportunities libraries were experimenting with during COVID. One idea that spoke to our patrons' needs was Teen Picks! Teen Picks are teen-written book reviews for our website in exchange for volunteer service hours. And wow, our teens didn't disappoint!

We look forward to continuing to offer this opportunity during the school year, in hopes that it will help teens who may find themselves overcommitted and unable to volunteer more fully. It's a plus that we'll have an opportunity in case COVID ramps up more, too.

We hope you enjoy this sampling of Teen Picks reviews! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for new reviews that publish to the library's Staff Picks blog every Sunday. See what the cool kids are reading these days!

Misery: A Novel by Stephen King

Misery is a manifestation of some of my worst fears. The book follows an author named Paul Sheldon, who has recently been in a serious accident in the mountains. He has also recently been taken captive by his biggest fan, Annie Wilkes. Annie originally "takes care of" Paul, giving him pain meds, but not taking him to a hospital. It then turns into a cycle of torture into getting what she wants. Unable to leave, Paul is trapped with Annie, a raging psychopath, in a place where no one is looking for him. Content warning: Abuse, Gore, Violence.

The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune

Queer romance and sci-fi superhero adventure merge to create the genre crossover of the century in this explosive YA debut. Nick Bell is a fan-fiction writer obsessed with the elusive Extraordinary named Shadow Star. But what will happen when Nick runs into Shadow Star on the street? Featuring laugh-outloud comedy, plenty of secondhand embarrassment, secret identities, captivating superhero action, and an occasionally oblivious protagonist who will steal your heart from page one, The Extraordinaries is a mustread YA book for anyone who needs a pick-me-up in the form of a good laugh. Also be sure to read the incredible sequel, Flash Fire, of which I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader’s copy! Content warning: Drugs.

- Mary, 9th grade teen volunteer

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

This is the type of book you can lose a lot of time reading. The setting for me was an instant hit, though I am a sucker for the "humanity coming back from the brink" trope. The main character, Spensa, is a sympathetic hero out of the gates, viewing everything under the lens of a heroic epic. The setup with the competitive cadets and the futuristic dog fights are like Top Gun in all the best ways. This is a really fun read!

- Oscar, 10th grade teen volunteer

Look Both Ways in the Barrio Blanco by Judith Robbins Rose

I first read this book when I was in 6th grade. More than three years later, the humor and sensitivity and charming, authentic voice that it's written with haven't faded for me. This coming-of-age story about an immigrant family forces the reader to imagine every character complexly. Protagonist Jacinta is determined, loving, and tough, but she's also impetuous, envious, angry, argumentative. The book is not only relevant, but unpredictable, filled with nuance, and utterly unique.

If you have followed current events in any capacity over the last few years or are especially drawn in by complex character development, this book is for you!

- Kylie, 10th grade teen volunteer

It Ain't So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas

In this story about friendship, family, and culture, Cindy moves from Compton to Newport Beach. She is Iranian-American. As Iran appears more in the news for taking American hostages in the 1970's, Cindy can't help but notice the anti-Iranian sentiments among her peers. In this hilarious chapter book, Cindy learns the power of true friendship and family in finding a way to fit in.

- Anonymous, 11th grade teen volunteer

Check out the rest of the Teen Picks book reviews on our website!