Story Tags

The Lake

Read Around the World: Japan

Japanese literature that isn't by Haruki Murakami

Expand your literary horizons by reading literature from other countries. Haruki Murakami is one of the most well-known authors in Japanese literature. Yet he is only one of many modern Japanese writers whose works are accessible in translation. A wide variety of genres and styles are represented in the selections below (all of which can be accessed through DC Public Library's stellar and diverse collection). Young Readers (Pre-K to 3rd Grade)

The Here and Now

Moving Through Time and Space

Young Adult Fiction With Time and Inter-Dimensional Travel

Some of the most thrilling books involve characters operating in multiple time periods to accomplish a personal goal or rectify a dire circumstance. Whether going backward in history, or forward in time, stories that use this literary device become exciting with each layer of anticipation. The following titles feature teens traveling through time or other dimensions to initiate a chain of compelling events. 

StrangerintheWoods

Solitude

A Life Apart From The World

Everyone, at some point or another, seeks out some alone time—to get away from the noise, to escape the pressures and stress of everyday life. Solitude has a healing quality that renews, strengthens and fortifies. There are some people that choose a life of solitude for any number of reasons and others that find themselves alone through no choice of their own. The following are some recent and classic accounts of the solitary life.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

#MeToo

Young Adult Fiction about Sexual Assault and Abuse

*Warning: This selection of books (and therefore, descriptions) will include discussion of sexual assault, abuse and other sensitive topics.

Wuthering Heights

Gothic Fiction for the Whole Family Part 2 (Teens and Adults)

A celebration of old-world-style scares

It's never too late to develop a taste for Gothic reads. This glorious genre explores negativity in a manageable package. With supernatural elements and an exploration of feelings like unhappiness and loneliness, both Gothic and Modern Gothic literature provide a unique opportunity for readers to explore and discuss some of the more challenging and gruesome aspects of life, and in such, to find ways to cope with scary and negative feelings in their day-to-day lives. Find a comfy chair and get ready for some shocking, fearsome and morose reads.

long way down

The Choice is Yours

Young Adult Books with Characters Making Important Decisions

What would you do?  The growth of a young person is often tested by the decisions they make. When the outcome of a choice could have long lasting effects, the question of "What Would You Do" becomes an interesting one. The following young adult books feature lead characters in decision making scenarios where the outcome greatly impacts their lives moving forward. 

The Memory of Light by Francisco X Stork

For Those Blue Days

How Young People Experience Depression

We all have bad days. We all get down sometimes. For some of us however, those days might seem to outnumber the good ones, or those down periods might be particularly low. So many folks experience depression in ways that are unique to them. It’s not just adults who go through depression diagnoses and have to cope in a world that seems uninviting; children and teens, too, can feel low and sad and blank inside, even if they might not have the word "depression" to describe how they’re feeling.

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brandon Kiley

Teens Getting Involved with Social Justice Issues

Get inspiration for how to make an impact

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a great time to reflect on social justice actions that we can adopt in our daily lives. It’s never too early or too late to start exploring your relationship with causes that are important to you. Here are some books that can help you determine causes to care about and the language to help you explore your feelings.

Madapple by Christina Meldrum

'Riverdale' Read-Alikes

Young Adult Novels for Fans of the Hit TV Show

From origins in comic books to a television show and back to the printed word, everything comes full circle in this list of "Riverdale" read-alikes. Inspired by characters from the Archie Comics universe, the CW’s "Riverdale" has a strong fan following. Its grim, nostalgic style reflects common themes in both young adult and adult fiction.

the doubtful guest

Gothic Fiction for the Whole Family (Part 1: Children)

A celebration of old-world-style scares

It's never too early to introduce your child to Gothic and Modern Gothic literature (or to develop a taste for it yourself). This glorious genre explores negativity in a manageable package. With supernatural elements and an exploration of feelings like unhappiness and loneliness, both Gothic and Modern Gothic literature provide a unique opportunity for readers to explore and discuss some of the more challenging and gruesome aspects of life, and to find ways to cope with scary and negative feelings in their day-to-day lives.

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