Pasadena Public Library
review by Jacob Chon, age 16 Devils Unto Dust by Emma Berquist Devils Unto Dust is a zombie novel set in a post-Civil War era. Willie is just a girl trying to survive in the harsh, Midwestern desert. She lives in constant fear of the shakes—zombies who have lost every shred of […]
Pasadena Public Library – Teen Advisory Board, 12/17/18 Present: Aminda, Carolyn, Chris, Emilie, John, Jonathan, Lauren, Liam, Mckenna, Naomi, Sophie, Taleen Focus of December meeting: winter event, spring event Assignment: holiday meeting Agenda Debrief YA Book Club Youth Network meeting Writing meetups Teen zine Discuss […]
review by Aminda Zou, age 14 Now Is Everything by Amy Giles Now Is Everything by Amy Giles is an emotional and compelling novel. The story of Hadley McCauley’s senior year is told in alternating then and now chapters. The protagonist of this story, Hadley, comes from a wealthy and seemingly-perfect family, […]
review by John Chon, age 16 The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis is a somewhat true story of a teenager growing up, trying to blend in. Evan Panos is a Greek Christian, with a mother who is very strict and traditionalist. […]
review by Nina Dinan, age 15 Before I Had the Words is the memoir of Skylar Kergil, an artist, activist, and YouTuber who is a transgender man. This book details the struggles he faced, both with his identity and later with his transition, as a young adult in a […]
review by Aminda Zou, age 14 Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens Courtney Stevens narrates a thrilling story in the novel Dress Codes for Small Towns. It takes place in the small town of Otters Holt from the perspective of a young girl named Billie McCaffrey (and occasionally from Davey). The […]
Age 12-14 Category First Place Camille Echeverri Age 14, California School of the Arts Untitled Pen, ink, watercolor; 9 x 12 inches Beautiful. Great composition and details, color and control, use of the various mediums. It’s clean, imaginative, interesting, creative, and humorous. The traveler is ready for a new journey […]
Young Readers League 2018 Writing Contest 1st place Category 2 (ages 12-14) Isaac Rishwain Age 12 (Grade 7), Blair Middle School “A New Beginning” Gabriel reminiscences about his hometown as he leaves for a new life in the U.S. In a land, promised to bring something magnificent, beyond […]
review by Jacob Chon, age 16 The Final Six by Alexandra Monir Naomi, an Iranian-American high schooler, and Leo, an Italian orphan, have barely anything in common. Although both experience the firsthand tragedies of climate change, they live on opposite sides of the globe. That is, until they are selected into an elite […]
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 […]