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In observance of Memorial Day all Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh locations will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2012.

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My Life: Memoirs for Teens
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Cracked by K.M. Walton


Cracked by K.M. Walton

Victor hates his life. His only friend is his dog, Jazzer, he is tormented by the school bully and is constantly criticized by his cold and unloving parents. After Victor’s parents punish him for his “poor SAT scores” by forbidding him to come on their summer vacation to Europe, he takes a bottle of his mother’s sleeping pills and wakes up in the psych ward of a hospital.

The school bully, aptly named Bull, is always angry and, from the second grade on, has taken his rage out on Victor. Life is not easy for Bull though. He lives with his neglectful mother and alcoholic and abusive grandfather. Then Bull tries to defend himself with a loaded gun. When he opens his eyes, he is in the same psych ward as Victor.

Against all odds, Bull and Victor end up as roommates and are mandated to attend the same therapy group. To make matters worse, Victor is assigned to help Bull get around in his wheelchair. Forced to live together there is no escape for Victor and Bull—from their problems or each other. Tensions continue to mount and the story culminates in an expected ending.

I really enjoyed this book, though the subject matter made it a challenging read. K.M. Walton illustrates both perspectives very well, so it’s not that easy to write off bull as just the “bully” and Victor as just the “bullied.” Pick up this book and prepare yourself for an emotional journey.

Review by Maddie, CLP-Squirrel Hill

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Teen Review: How to Make Books by Esther K. Smith


How to Make Books by Esther K. Smith

I was at the library today in the stacks when I noticed the book How to Make Books, with a simple cover but intriguing title I decided to look inside. The simple craft guide book ended up being a great choice! Smith uses fun little narratives as she introduces each book. There are clear directions, both in cook-book style and illustrations. I tried making two of the books inside and they were lots of fun! The materials needed are things you have around the house and the books themselves don’t take too long to make. It is just up to you to decide how you will decorate your book! So next time you are at the library looking for a good craft book you should check out How to Make Books.

Review by Samantha, Teen Advocacy Committee member

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Book Reviews

Click here to see all reviews.
Book Name Date Rating
Heist Society Starbookreader 9/22/2011
Seventeen Magazine Ashley 8/23/2011
warriors: forest of secrets woanling 8/23/2011
Cruel Love(Priviledge Series) Ashley 8/23/2011
the tale of two castles woanling 8/23/2011
Breathless Ashley 8/23/2011
The Amazing Srew - On Head and Other Curious Objects Hadiyah 8/23/2011
Hellblazer / Hooked Hadiyah 8/23/2011
Hellblazer / Scab Hadiyah 8/23/2011
100 Bullets / First Shot Last Call Hadiyah 8/23/2011
100 Bullets / Hang Up On The Hang Low Hadiyah 8/23/2011
100 Bullets / Dirty Hadiyah 8/23/2011
100 Bullets / Split Second Chance Hadiyah 8/23/2011
Marvels Hadiyah 8/23/2011
Hellblazer Hadiyah 8/23/2011
ranger's apprentice: iceboundland woanling 8/23/2011
the music lesson woanling 8/23/2011
fablehaven: keys to the demon prison woanling 8/23/2011
the faceless ones woanling 8/23/2011
Maximum Ride: school's out forever woanling 8/23/2011
TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY Ashley 8/23/2011
The Fulminate Blade Hadiyah 8/23/2011
Promethea / Book 2 Hadiyah 8/23/2011
Promethea / Book 3 Hadiyah 8/23/2011
Promethea / Book 4 Hadiyah 8/23/2011
justin bieber oh baby!! Tamia 8/23/2011
Dark Fire Mathieu 8/23/2011
The House of the Scorpion Mathieu 8/23/2011
Darke Karolin 8/23/2011
Warriors: The New Prophecy: Moonrise Jessica 8/23/2011
Wrecked Ashley 8/23/2011
Preacher Salvation Hadiyah 8/23/2011
100 Bullets Hadiyah 8/23/2011
PREACHER ALL HELL'S A-COMING Hadiyah 8/23/2011
THE FAMILY MAN Hadiyah 8/23/2011
LOCKE & KEY Hadiyah 8/23/2011
Secrets of my hollywood life; there's no place like home Ruth 8/23/2011
Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean ASMARA 8/23/2011
The Secret Life of Prince Charming ASMARA 8/23/2011
13 Little Blue Envelopes ASMARA 8/23/2011
Warriors: The New Prophecy: Midnight Jessica 8/23/2011
Maximum Ride woanling 8/23/2011
Crookedstar's Promise Karolin 8/23/2011
How to Train Your Dragon Karolin 8/23/2011
Hamlet Brandon 8/23/2011
Paper Towns Brandon 8/23/2011
Of Mice And Men Brandon 8/23/2011
Push Daniel 8/23/2011
The Luxe:Rumors (Series, 2nd Book) Marie 8/23/2011
it's all about me leah 8/23/2011
lemonade mouth leah 8/23/2011
justin beiber: first 2 forever: my story leah 8/23/2011
4 kids in 5e and 1 crazy year leah 8/23/2011
princess mia leah 8/23/2011
reckless woanling 8/10/2011
The Hunger Games: Book one larissa 8/10/2011
Never Have I Ever larissa 8/10/2011
Something Wicked This Way Comes Mathieu 8/10/2011
captain underpants and the attack of the talking toilets nakya 8/10/2011
captain underpants and the invasiuon of the incredibly naughty cafeteria ladies nakya 8/10/2011
the jaguars jewel nakya 8/10/2011
the ninth nugget nakya 8/10/2011
THE LUCKY LOTTERY nakya 8/10/2011
THE Haunted Hotel nakya 8/10/2011
the talkin t rex nakya 8/10/2011
the quick sand question nakya 8/10/2011
Purple Princess Wins the Prize nakya 8/10/2011
Pink Princess Rules the School nakya 8/10/2011
SANTA clause dont mop floors nakya 8/10/2011
THE DEADLY SISTER nakya 8/10/2011
Dramarama Kimberly 8/10/2011
Juicy Writing Kimberly 8/10/2011
Unearthly Kimberly 8/10/2011
Partly Cloudy Kimberly 8/10/2011
Then I met my sister Ashley 8/10/2011
Stolen Ashley 8/10/2011
Every Little Thing In The World Anna 8/10/2011
Serafina67 *urgently requires life* Anna 8/10/2011
10 Things I hate About Me Anna 8/10/2011
The Luxe Anna 8/10/2011
But I Love Him Anna 8/10/2011
The Bungalow Mystery Tikva 8/10/2011
Harry Potter 3 Jake 8/10/2011
Harry Potter 2 Jake 8/10/2011
Harry Potter 1 Jake 8/10/2011
Pure Sin( Privledge series) Ashley 8/10/2011
Warbreaker Aharon 8/10/2011
The Second Summer of the Sisterhood Leah 8/10/2011
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Leah 8/10/2011
Mockingjay Leah 8/10/2011
The Hunger Games Leah 8/10/2011
The Yellow Fever Leah 8/10/2011
24 Girls in 7 Days Leah 8/10/2011
The Outsiders Leah 8/10/2011
Gemini Night( Star Crossed Series) Ashley 8/10/2011
The Night My Sister Went Missing Erica 8/10/2011
eldest woanling 8/10/2011
pendragon: the rivers of zadaa woanling 8/10/2011
Tempted Sarah 8/10/2011
Copper Sun Sarah 8/10/2011
Awards
Books
Writing
Magazines
Comics

Every year, teens, librarians and other experts select the best books and other media in various categories. This section will help you locate the best of the best.

  • Alex Awards
    Each year ten books that are published for adults but are great for teens are honored.
  • Coretta Scott King Awards
    These awards honor the best works by African-American authors and illustrators.
  • Eisner Awards
    Get graphic! These annual awards honor comic books and graphic novels.
  • Odyssey Award
    Do you like to listen? The Odyssey Award honors the best audio books each year.
  • Printz Award
    The Michael L. Printz Award is given each year to the best work of literature published for young adults.
  • William C. Morris Award
    A new award that honors the best book by a first-time author for teens.
  • YALSA Selected Booklists
    These booklists, selected annually, recognize great works for teens in a variety of categories, including paperbacks; graphic novels; and best books.

Looking for more great books? Try one of these resources.

  • Novelist
    Can't remember a book but can describe the plot? Looking for something to read that's similar to your favorite book? Novelist can help! Library card barcode number required to access Novelist outside the library.
  • Pittsburgh Public Schools: Books for Relaxing Reading... Summer Reading Lists
    Check here for some classic entertainment!
    Grades 6 to 8
    Young Adult (9-12)
  • Reading Rants: Out of the Ordinary Teen Booklists
    Reviews and booklists developed by teens and teen librarians!
  • Teen Resources
    Resources for teens from New York Public Library, including their annual "Stuff for the Teen Age" booklists.
  • TeenReads
    Reviews, interviews and more.
  • YALSA Selected Booklists
    These booklists, selected annually, recognize great works for teens in a variety of categories, including paperbacks; graphic novels; and best books.

Do you express yourself through writing? These resources will help you improve your writing, get published or even win prizes for your work.

Ralph Munn Creative Writing Workshop and Contest
Don't forget the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's own annual writing contest. Get your entry ready for next April & May!
 
  • AdLit Writing Contests
    Although this is written as if it were for your parents or teachers, don't let that stop you from entering these contests.
  • Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
    You can't get any more prestigious than this. Writers like Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath and Joyce Carol Oates had their beginnings in this contest. Acclaim, scholarships and more for students in grades 7 to 12.
  • CyberTeens Creativity
    Publishes poetry, fiction and non-fiction by teens from all over the world.
  • A Girl's World
    Opportunities to send articles and creative writing and to find a pen pal for girls 7-17.
  • Gurl
    Show off with comics, poetry, stories and personal essays on this site for girls with a bit of an edge
  • HSJ.org: High School Journalism
    Check out high school newspapers from around the nation and see if yours is among them.
  • National Gallery of Writing
    Share your writing in this online gallery by the National Council of Teachers of English.
  • Pomegranate Words
    Writing tips plus a chance to publish poetry, fiction, literary essays and drama for anyone under 19.
  • Push Novel Writing Contest
    If you're in 7th to 12th grade and have written a novel or are in the process, submit it to PUSH, edited by none other than David Levithan. The novel you submit could be published in PUSH!
  • TeenInk
    The magazine and website depend on submissions from teens like you. Send in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or your art/photographs. See what other teens are saying, thinking, and writing.
  • TeenSpace
    From the Internet Public Library: booklists, zines and other sources to read or to consider for submitting work.
  • TeenVoices
    Like the print magazine version, this site is written by, for and about teen girls and young adult women. Includes articles, creative writing and an activist of the month.
  • Western Pennsylvania Writing Project Summer Young Writers Institute
    The Young Writers Institute is open to students entering grades 4 through 12. Students can develop the craft of writing in a variety of genres while being mentored by University of Pittsburgh writing instructors. Events also include visiting writers, field trips, and publication of polished pieces.

Online or in print, magazines are a great way to learn about new things or entertain yourself.

  • The Book of Zines
    Whether you want to read zines, buy zines, or make your own, this site has all the info you need.
  • Discover
    Interested in science and technology? Check out this magazine with articles, blogs, videos, and more.
  • Game Informer
    All the video game news, reviews, and previews you need.
  • J-14
    A magazine "just for teens" with celebrity news, quizzes, and polls.
  • New York Times Upfront
    Stay up-to-date with current events and trends around the world with this news magazine just for teens.
  • PC World: Game Pro
    Video game review, trailers, news, cheats, and more.
  • Rolling Stone
    The definitive music magazine for over 40 years. Reviews, artist info, articles, and more
  • Seventeen
    Articles, quizzes, games, and more to keep you in the know about beauty, fashion, and celebrities.
  • Shojo Beat
    Manga from the heart.
  • Shonen Jump
    The world's most popular manga magazine!
  • Spin
    Music reviews, news from the music world, free downloads, coverage of festivals and more.
  • Sports Illustrated for Kids
    Sports news, photos, and videos, along with games, contests, and more.
  • LàTeen
    El mundo es tuyo - The world is yours.
  • TeenVoices
    Written by, for, and about teen girls and young adult women, the site includes articles, creative writing, and entertainment reviews.
  • Teen Vogue
    Fashion starts here. Get info on new styles, celebrity fashion, beauty tips, and careers in fashion.
  • Thrasher
    Feature articles, videos, and info on skateboarding events.
  • Transworld Skateboarding
    Skateboarding news, videos, how to's and more.

Comics, graphic novels and more!