There are so many new experiences, emotions, and responsibilities as you move from childhood to adulthood. Sometimes it feels like you're all alone or that no one really understands what you're going through. For teens that are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or maybe still questioning, it can be even harder to navigate through adolescence due to ignorance, bullying, and exclusion. No matter what you may encounter on your journey to self-discovery, don't forget to be true to yourself and love who you are.

Check out these novels featuring LGBTQ characters coming to terms with their identity, falling in love, grappling tough issues, and more. Whether you're gay, straight, or still not sure, reading stories like these will open your eyes to the experiences of others.

Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher

The Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge

Bait by Alex Sanchez

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

Down to the Bone by Mayra Lazara Dole

Empress of the World by Sara Ryan

How They Met, and Other Stories by David Levithan

Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters

Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger

Skim by Mariko Tamaki

Tips on Having a Gay (Ex) Boyfriend by Carrie Jones

The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd

What They Always Tell Us by Martin Wilson

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan

If you're seeking additional support, the DeFrank Youth Space is an excellent local resource in San Jose that offers counseling, support groups, classes, volunteer opportunities, and fun events just for teens, such as their annual Masquerade Ball for Halloween.

Thirteen 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.

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.

.....Nathan Verdonk, age 13. Congratulations Nathan!!!

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!

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