Young teens with a soft spot for sarcasm will love The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen.

Former Degrassi script writer, Susin Nielson, creates vivid and engaging characters in The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen. While older teens may be reluctant to read a story that focuses on a thirteen-year-old trying to restart his life after a tragedy, older children and younger teens (aged 11-14) will appreciate the depth of emotion… Read More Young teens with a soft spot for sarcasm will love The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen.

March 4, 2014 Ontarian LibrarianLeave a comment

“A Good Book For Every Teen?”

When I was a tweenager, I won a copy of Monster by Walter Dean Myers as part of a summer reading program at my local public library. A year later I donated it to Goodwill. Unread. Is this a good book for teens? Absolutely. It’s written in a uniquely captivating screenplay format, it has tense… Read More “A Good Book For Every Teen?”

February 24, 2014June 20, 2019 Ontarian LibrarianLeave a comment

Eleanor & Park, or, How To Fall In Love Without Facebook

In a time when teens can barely imagine a world without texting and Facebook, and where people are more likely to send a smile on Snapchat than on the bus, Eleanor & Park provides interesting commentary on what has now become “old-fashioned” romance, and the temporary nature of first love. There are a lot of… Read More Eleanor & Park, or, How To Fall In Love Without Facebook

February 4, 2014June 20, 2019 Ontarian LibrarianLeave a comment

Where Does Judy Blume’s Forever Fit In the Teen Section?

“Sybil Davison has a genius I.Q. and has been laid by at least six different guys.” So many realistic fiction teen novels seem to be one of two types: either the quirky misfit protagonist clumsily makes his/her way through the journey of highschool, while stumbling upon love (Speak, Eleanor & Park, Thirteen Reasons Why, Looking… Read More Where Does Judy Blume’s Forever Fit In the Teen Section?

January 19, 2014June 20, 2019 Ontarian LibrarianLeave a comment

Should Myers-Briggs Affect Readers’ Advisory?

“Feburary by Lisa Moore,” I said as I handed it to her. “Okay! But why?” “Because you have the right personality for it.” Matching the right person up with the right book is one of my favourite ways of showing people that I care about them. I think in order to confidently recommend a story… Read More Should Myers-Briggs Affect Readers’ Advisory?

October 24, 2013June 20, 2019 Ontarian LibrarianLeave a comment