Young Readers League 2018 Writing Contest 2nd place Category 2 (ages 12-14) Anni Guo Age 12 (Grade 7), Blair Middle School “Syria to Europe” Two young refugees seek a safe haven. “I’m scared. Where’s Mommy?” Nasir asked. “Shh! She’ll be right back.” Fatima, an eleven year old […]
“No Looking Back” by Olivia Barrios
Published on :Young Readers League 2018 Writing Contest 3rd place Category 2 (ages 12-14) Olivia Barrios Age 12 (Grade 7), Blair Middle School “No Looking Back” The narrator and her Mami escape to California. I take one last look inside the house, take a deep breath, then close the door […]
“Trapped” by Amber Elias
Published on :Young Readers League 2018 Writing Contest Honorable Mention Category 2 (ages 12-14) Amber Elias Age 12 (Grade 7), Blair Middle School “Trapped” I had always thought that there was no other way. That I would stay in this dull, repetitive loop until I died. But something happened that […]
“Who Reads the Waterfall on the Other Side” by Hannah Cahalan
Published on :Young Readers League 2018 Writing Contest Honorable Mention Category 2 (ages 12-14) Hannah Cahalan Age 12 (Grade 7), Blair Middle School “Who Reads The Waterfall On The Other Side” The mage stared at the waterfall as it glinted in the sun The water rushing down as it filled […]
Whisper — Teen Review
Published on :review by John Chon, age 16 Whisper by Lynette Noni Whisper, by Lynette Noni, is a science-fiction book, one of many that have proliferated the scene as of late. This book is set in modern day, and it really puts the fiction in science fiction, with magical science that does not check out. […]
Young Readers League Contest Winners
Published on :We’re pleased to announce the Young Readers League 2018 Contest winners! This year we received 226 entries. Thank you everyone who participated. Writing Contest This year, young writers were challenged to tell us a ghost story in 300 words or less. Special thanks to our judges: Allison Hill (Vromans), Shauna Redmond, Jean […]
A Conspiracy of Stars — Teen Review
Published on :review by Jacob Chon, age 15 A Conspiracy of Stars by Olivia Cole Olivia Cole’s A Conspiracy of Stars is an immersive novel of humans stranded on a distant planet. Much like colonists from earlier eras, these people must learn how to survive and thrive in their new world. The book centers around […]
A Stranger Things Murder Mystery
Published on :Every year at the Pasadena Public Library, a show of sorts is put on display. This year’s Murder Mystery theme is based on the Netflix is Stranger Things. As always, teen volunteers are both cast and crew for the event. Teen Advisory Board members were interviewed about their experience planning […]
Hooper — Teen Review
Published on :review by John Chon, age 15 Hooper by Geoff Herbach Hooper, by Geoff Herbach, is unique in many ways, especially in its subject matter. The book follows an awkward, young high schooler, who centers his entire life around basketball. To quote the protagonist, Adam, “Basketball is a passport.” He is very adept at […]
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives — Teen Review
Published on :review by Nina Dinan, age 15 I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda, with Liz Welch The story of how a middle school, pen pal assignment became a life-changing correspondence and friendship begins with two students, Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda. She […]