Book Review of Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles: Not Your Average Problem Novel

*This book review contains spoilers* In fast-paced gripping prose that will keep readers turning pages, Jo Knowles tells the story of an unplanned pregnancy from the alternating perspectives of 4 high school students. All Ellie wants is to be loved. All Josh wants is to lose his virginity. Their miscommunication introduces the novel, and results… Read More Book Review of Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles: Not Your Average Problem Novel

March 31, 2014 Karissa Fast - LibrarianLeave a comment

10 Poems That Teenagers Might Actually Love

Let’s just admit it: not everyone thinks poetry is as great as we do. Is poetry in danger of dying out? Not a chance. Poetry has stood the test of time, and remains one of the most powerful, evocative forms of communication. Poetry challenges the social norm, and helps people feel like they’re part of something… Read More 10 Poems That Teenagers Might Actually Love

March 12, 2014May 7, 2020 Karissa Fast - Librarian14 Comments

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 Karissa Fast - LibrarianLeave a comment

Who reads Orca Soundings books?

Earlier this week a teen at the library saw me with an arm full of Orca Soundings books and asked if I’d recommend them. As I wrote about in a previous blog post, I told her I wasn’t sure yet, and had an interesting conversation about teen fantasy/romance instead. Now that I have read a… Read More Who reads Orca Soundings books?

January 29, 2014June 20, 2019 Karissa Fast - LibrarianLeave a comment