teens

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Suicide? Why?


Book cover of Thirteen Reasons WhyThirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher explores the social effects of suicide. In the story, Hannah Baker, who had killed herself, reaches out to her friends and acquaintances through the mode of a tape recorder, where she speaks to them and explains why she did what she did. Her friends and acquaintances, devastated by the result, can not believe the things they hear and are guilt-stricken by her words. She takes them on a journey to death, both, literally and figuratively, as they wander through the destinations on her map which she planned for them to visit, all the while, hearing her gut wrenching tale of how she felt and what she saw. The story is at once touching and haunting, sure to absorb you.

 

My own reactions to the book at the outset were: "I do not want to read the book" because I already knew what it was all about, but once I started, I could not put it down. After I finished, I could not forget the characters and the story, for it reminded me of my own high school experience--the petty fights, the naivete of youth, the idealism, and the fears and hopes we had for the future. Thirteen Reasons Why is so beautifully written that it haunts you. Now, I know why so many people are talking about and requesting this book.



Teens and Summer Reading


Summer Reading for 2011 is over. This fun program took place from June 18 to July 30. Teens enjoyed the celebration and wanted to join the program next year. Let's hear their thoughts about the summer reading experience.

 



Teen Booktrailer Contest - And the Winner Is.....


Teen booktrailer contest winner Nathan.....Nathan Verdonk, age 13. Congratulations Nathan!!!

 



Special teensReach Meeting at the Joyce Ellington Branch Library!


San Jose Public Library teensReach Logo

Are you a teen that is:

 

  • Looking for a volunteer opportunity to complete your community service hours for school?
  • Interested in giving back to your community by volunteering?
  • Want to meet new friends and work with people of all ages and of diverse backgrounds?
  • Eager to learn new skills and develop leadership skills?
  • Between the ages of 13 and 18?

If you are interested in joining Joyce Ellington's teensReach group, visit our  teensReach page for more information and to apply online to become a member.

 

The Joyce Ellington Library's teensReach group meets on the 3rd Thursday from 4pm-5pm.

 

On Thursday, August 18th from 4pm-5pm, join us for a special Book Buying party at the Joyce Ellington Library Branch, 491 E. Empire St, San Jose, CA . We are asking teens who live in the neighborhood to give us feedback on what type of materials (books, dvds, music & other) they would like to see in the library aimed at teens. Refreshments will be served. Please bring your friends!



Children's Literary Theater


Come to the Edenvale Branch Library Community Room on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 3:30 PM to see some creative teens acting out or interpreting various children's stories. These polished and animated teens have participated in local or national speech competitions. You are welcome to join us for a highly entertaining hour of stories which will be a treat for children and their families.

 

This event will be repeated at the following locations:

 

Almaden Branch Library        Thursday, August 18, 2011 - 3:30pm - 4:30pm

 

Vineland Branch Library        Monday, August 29, 2011 - 3:30pm - 4:30pm

 



Audio Appreciation Month


August is Audio Appreciation Month! Celebrate this event by checking out various audio book and music titles at your library! Here are a few recommendations for children and teens.
* indicates Series

 

Books on CD

The library has audio book versions of many popular titles shown below in audio compact disc format.

 

Children's Audio Books

 

 Cover of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

 

Harry Potter* by J.K. Rowling

One of the most popular fantasy series about a young wizard named Harry Potter. Harry attends the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and makes new friends, learns new magic spells and goes on a quest to defeat the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.  

 

 

Cover of the Chronicles of Narnia

 

The Chronicles of Narnia* by C.S. Lewis

Another popular fantasy and adventure series about various children exploring the mysterious and mythical world of Narnia. 

 

 

 

Cover of 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones

 

39 Clues* by Various Authors

A series of intriguing adventure stories written by today's popular authors such as Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman, Peter Lerangis and more. These audio books will engage readers by combining card collecting, reading and online gaming.

 

 

 

Teen Audio Books

 

 Cover of The Alchemyst

 

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel* by Michael Scott

Sophie and Josh are caught up in a deadly struggle between two rival alchemists over the possession of an ancient and powerful book containing the secret formulas for alchemy and everlasting life. 

 

 

 

Cover of Shiver

 

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

A moving, paranormal romance story about Grace and a mysterious wolf that often watches her from a nearby distance. Later, Grace discovers a wounded boy near her home and makes a shocking discovery that this boy is that same wolf in human form. 

 

 

 

Cover of Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment

 

Maximum Ride* by James Patterson

An exciting adventure and science fiction series about six genetically enhanced children being imprisoned in a laboratory. Eventually, a sympathetic scientist helps them escape and they use their special abilities to survive on their own.   

 

 

 

Digital Audio Books

Besides compact disc, you can also download audio books to your digital audio player, including your iPod, smartphone, or home computer via OverDrive Digital Library or MyiLibrary. Using your digital audio player, you can transition or navigate to other chapters of the book without having to change discs. Here are a few recommended digital audio book titles:

 

Children's Digital Audio Books

 

Cover of Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex

 

Artemis Fowl* by Eoin Colfer

A popular fantasy and action series about a young master criminal named Artemis Fowl. Artemis gradually develops his moral character as he works with the fairies to help defeat enemies and save the world.

 

 

 

Copver of Percy Jackson and the Olympian: The Lightning Thief

 

Percy Jackson and the Olympians* by Rick Riordan

A young boy named Percy Jackson discovers that the legendary Greek Gods still exists and goes on an adventurous quest to prevent a devastating war between the gods. 

 

 

 

Teen Digital Audio Books

 

Cover of Hunger Games

 

Hunger Games* by Suzanne Collins

In a post-apocalyptic world, a powerful government called the Capitol selects a boy and a girl from each district to participate in an annual televised event called the "Hunger Games", where they would fight each other to death. However this time, both participants defy the rules and face dire consequences.

 

 

Cover of Graceling

 

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Katsa, a young warrior lives in a world where some people are born with unique special skills called "Graces". Katsa however has a dreaded skill of killing and in this adventurous story, she goes on a journey of self-discovery and redemption by trying to save her land from a depraved king.

 

 

 

Music

In addition to audio books, the library also has a substantial collection of new music CDs and downloadable new eAudio and eMusic for all ages! Please see a librarian at your library for more details.