Story Tags

This month’s selections feature materials on the subject of inclusion and exclusion. It’s a topic that everyone can relate to regardless of age, race, or gender: feelings of being uncomfortable, that one does not belong, or that one does not simply “fit in” are universal. Perhaps because of this sentiment, this subject matter has been explored by several authors, although the topic has assumed a number of different forms in the Young Adult (YA) genre.

Suicide and Depression in Young Adult Literature

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-24 year olds and 90% of those who died by suicide had an underlying mental illness such as depression. Suicide and depression can be difficult subjects to approach, but fortunately, many young adult novels dealing these topics have been written in recent years. Books may provide an excellent way to reach out to teens struggling with depression or dealing with it in their family or friends.

Summer Lovin'

Now that the weather is finally catching up to the time of year, I feel an urge to break out all my favorite YA summer reads! Even though I am technically an adult, I love reading realistic and fantasy teen novels. And summer ones are especially fun reads as they play on the possibility and freedom that summer brings to teenagers! It seems like the perfect time to fall in love, and you can fall in love with some of these fantastic reads below:

No Means No

Rape and Sexual Assault in Fiction and Nonfiction

Sexual assault affects hundreds of thousands of people every year. According to the CDC nearly 1 in 5 people in the United States have reported that they experienced rape. However, sexual assault is one of the most under-reported crimes (68% according to statistics compiled by RAINN: Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) and only 2 of 100 rapists will be convicted and serve a jail sentence.

Teen Summer Reads

May is almost over and that means summer is right around the corner! As we remember what the sun looks like, this list of teen books will inspire you to take that summer road trip, make the best summer jams playlist, or help you get summer reading prizes from the library. Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera

Tough Topics in YA: Turning Points

As the genre of YA continues to push new boundaries, there are a variety of tough topics explored in young adult literature. But what usually interests me as a reader is not so much the subject itself, but what happens in those moments when the problem a protagonist encounters can allow them to move forward in multiple ways.

PKL Youth Advisory Now Forming

Earn Community Service Hours as a Library Youth Advisor

Teens! Are you a respectful, responsible young adult aged 13-19 and interested in sharing your ideas about how the Parklands-Turner Library can meet your needs and the needs of other young people in our community? Visit the library today or phone 202-645-4532 and ask to speak with Ms. Auset for more information on how you can be a part of this exciting new group.

Teens

Tough Topics in Young Adult Literature

Mental Health

Young adult literature (YA, as it is commonly known), is not just for teens anymore, as this category continues to push the boundaries of interesting and informative material. More than just science fiction or fantasy, YA broaches serious issues. Inspired by several of my colleagues who have discussed touch topics in children’s literature, I decided this month’s selections in YA should feature mental health issues.

Girls Rock and Read!

Picks for music-loving teens

Every year, DC Public Library staff give the campers over at Girls Rock! DC camp a book list to rock out to. Here are a few of our top picks of Young Adult fiction that features music as a main character or theme... for the young music lover in your life, or just for you!