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Graphic Novels
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Non-Fiction Graphic Novels
Staff Review
Teen Review
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Saenz

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Saenz

“The problem with my life was that it was someone else’s idea.” — Aristotle, 15

Aristotle and Dante are the most unlikely pair to form a friendship. Aristotle, or Ari, has a hard time articulating his feeling and is withdrawn and angry. Dante is self-assured, artistic, and open. Ari and Dante, both 15, meet on a typical summer afternoon at the local swimming pool, when Dante offers to teach Ari how to swim. During their lessons, the two learn that they have much in common and form special bond.

As Dante and Aristotle grow older and are separated by schools — and distance, when Dante moves away at one point — their friendship perseveres. Both boys are on the cusp of becoming men and are facing their own particular demons. While both are Mexican-American, they have very different realities. Ari has a brother in jail and a Vietnam veteran for a father, and he is a loner at heart. Dante’s father is an English professor, and his parents are openly affectionate and loving. However, Dante struggles with his own sexual identity and worries about the repercussions of revealing the truth to those closest to him.

Aristotle and Dante is a beautifully written coming-of-age tale that will resonate with any reader, regardless of age, gender, religion, or ethnicity. Ari and Dante discover and share a friendship that transcends time and distance and changes their lives forever. This is an extraordinary novel that will restore your faith in humanity. Pick it up and be prepared to laugh, cry, and share with a friend.

Review by Maddie, CLP-Squirrel Hill

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and The Olympians Series by Rick Riordan

These five books are all about a teenager from New York who discovers that he is the demigod son of Poseidon.  Through the books he finds that he is the child of prophecy and that he must take down the titan Kronos.

Percy is the title character who never fails to get a good joke in.  Annabeth is that one girl that you can never really figure out.  The one thing I thought was cool about this series was how Greek mythology was tied into modern-day society.  I recommend these books to everyone, it’s a great series!

Review by RJ.

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Book Reviews

Click here to see all reviews.
Book Name Date Rating
bras and broomsticks Mychael 1/8/2013
Reached Jess 1/8/2013
Fire From The Rock Mychael 1/8/2013
The Hobbit Cody 1/8/2013
The Selection Nicole 1/8/2013
Hoot katie 8/30/2012
The Penultimate Peril katie 8/30/2012
bart simpson son of homer katie 8/30/2012
The Simpsons Tree House of Horror Dead Mans Jest katie 8/30/2012
Z katie 8/30/2012
Scott Pilgram's Precious Little Life katie 8/30/2012
Scott Pilgram vs. the World katie 8/30/2012
Scott Pilgram and the Infininte Sadness katie 8/30/2012
Scott Pilgram Gets it Together katie 8/30/2012
The End katie 8/30/2012
The Hunger Games rachel 8/30/2012
Runaway Kelly 8/30/2012
Teeth Ameret 8/30/2012
Blue Exorcist Ameret 8/30/2012
Bleach Ameret 8/30/2012
Teen Idol anne 8/30/2012
Lush Tyraea 8/30/2012
"Ghost Camp" kceira 8/30/2012
"Vampire Breath" kceira 8/30/2012
"Dead House" kceira 8/30/2012
"You Cant Scare Me" kceira 8/30/2012
"Night of the Living Dummy" kceira 8/30/2012
"The Werewolf of Fever Swamp" kceira 8/30/2012
"The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight" kceira 8/30/2012
"The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena kceira 8/30/2012
Lush Tyraea 8/30/2012
The Girl is Murder Tyraea 8/30/2012
the clique Rianna 8/30/2012
the wave Rianna 8/30/2012
Shiver Kelly 8/30/2012
goddess girls the girl games Kikira 8/30/2012
the frog princess Kikira 8/30/2012
pollyanna Kikira 8/30/2012
james and the giant peach Kikira 8/30/2012
the bremen town musicians Kikira 8/30/2012
bueberries for sal Kikira 8/30/2012
a gift for tia rosa Kikira 8/30/2012
my friend jacob Kikira 8/30/2012
skating for a gold medal Kikira 8/30/2012
kate can skate Kikira 8/30/2012
buster's job Kikira 8/30/2012
mandy's grandmother Kikira 8/30/2012
alexander and the wind up mouse Kikira 8/30/2012
all of a kind family Kikira 8/30/2012
regards to the man in the moon Kikira 8/30/2012
harriet and william and the terrible creature Kikira 8/30/2012
the adventure of theo, space cowboy Kikira 8/30/2012
amelia's flying machine Kikira 8/30/2012
hot-air henry Kikira 8/30/2012
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry Lucy 8/30/2012
the big balloon Kikira 8/30/2012
the kite-makers Kikira 8/30/2012
sumi's prize Kikira 8/30/2012
commander toad and the planet of the grapes Kikira 8/30/2012
rina's rainy day Kikira 8/30/2012
raggedy ann learns a lesson Kikira 8/30/2012
raggedy ann and the kite Kikira 8/30/2012
Squish # 2 Mia 8/30/2012
Squish Mia 8/30/2012
Wonder Lauren 8/30/2012
the Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict Mia 8/30/2012
City of Glass Joseph 8/30/2012
Fear Brian 8/30/2012
Plague Brian 8/30/2012
Lies Brian 8/30/2012
Hunger Brian 8/30/2012
Gone Brian 8/30/2012
catching fire Josh 8/30/2012
Thirteenth Child Tikva 8/30/2012
raggedy ann's new sisters Kikira 8/30/2012
raggedy ann and the chickens Kikira 8/30/2012
raggedy ann and the kittens Kikira 8/30/2012
raggedy ann and the strange dolls Kikira 8/30/2012
raggedy ann rescues fido Kikira 8/30/2012
Skeleton Man Haniya 8/30/2012
National Geographic Kids Magezine Mia 8/30/2012
Pandora Hearts Ameret 8/30/2012
Ink Exchange Ameret 8/30/2012
Diabolical Ameret 8/30/2012
Black Bird Ameret 8/30/2012
The reformered Vampire Support Group Ameret 8/30/2012
Future Dairy Ameret 8/30/2012
Maximum Ride Ameret 8/30/2012
D. Gray-Man Ameret 8/30/2012
Bakuman Ameret 8/30/2012
"Why I'm Afraid of Bees" kceira 8/30/2012
"The Blob That Ate Everyone" kceira 8/30/2012
"The Ghost Next Door" kceira 8/30/2012
Sonic Select Book One Will 8/30/2012
The Earth, my Butt, and other Big Round Things Ashley 8/30/2012
middle school get me out here Katarina 8/30/2012
Speak Lexxus 8/30/2012
The Little Prince Jacob Hill, Jr 8/30/2012
Maximum ride schools out forever Zaraya 8/30/2012
The Things They Carried Breynne 8/30/2012
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: Games
    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!