Teen's Corner
Book Reviews and Recommendations
Recommendation List: Books About Difficult SubjectsLibrary intern DenaJah Wilson recommends the following books that tackle topics such as race, mental health, and self-esteem
Celebrating AAPI Month: The Poppy War Book Review
by Toni Jackson
In the spirit of Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re exploring the life and works of the powerhouse-poet, Ocean Vuong.
Recommendation List: Action-Packed Classics
Temitope's recommendations for classic literature that isn't a snooze
Recommendation List: Best MangaJames Hill lists his top four favorite manga series
Book Review: The House on Mango Street
Jobe Jennings found this modern classic to be a quick, yet evocative, read.
Top 5 Non-Boring Nonfiction Books
Toni Jackson shares that "nonfiction" isn't synonymous with "dry" or "dull"
Book Review: Snow & Rose
Destiny was enchanted by this literary retelling of the Snow White and Rose Red fairy tale
Book Review: To All the Boys I Loved Before
Liyah Tyner reviews the first book in this teen romance favorite, which has a movie series on Netflix
Book Review: Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Noble Hunter-Gale reviews a local author's multiple award-winning novel written in verse.
Book Review: Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow
What's next for humankind? Maia Nehme reviews this nonfiction title that seeks to answer that question
Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Charlotte Beers gives this retelling of Beauty of the Beast a 9 out 10
Book Review: The Language of Thorns
The collection of fantasy short stories is one of Destiny Hardy's favorites
Book Review: Kamisama Kiss
Jobe Jennings recommends this supernatural romance to new readers of manga
Book Review: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Temitope Johnson discusses the themes of slavery and superstition in one of Mark Twain's most well-known novels
Book Review: Simon and the Homosapiens Agenda
Liyah Tyner recommends this award-winning coming of age novel
Book Review: Between the World and Me
Selam Weimer, Teen Council member, reflects on race relations and historical context while reading Ta-Nehisi Coates' book.
Kortney Little, 2020 MBSYEP employee, highly recommends this zany read that touches on serious issues for younger readers.
Book Review: New Kid
Jason Johnson, 2020 MBSYEP employee, reviews this summer's DC Family Reads title.
Sophia Hackett, MBSYEP employee, writes about identity and friendship in her review of this contemporary YA novel
Author Interviews
Author Interview: Will Kostakis
Destineé Coburn talks with the Australian YA author about his personal journey, LGBTQ+ in YA, and writer's block
Toni interviews a local author whose YA historical fantasy novel will be published by Simon and Schuster this fall
Author Interview: Rosanne Tolin
Blair Mushala interviews the author of "More Than Marmalade: Michael Bond and the Story of Paddington Bear"
Author Interview: Amy Trueblood
Sheridan Waters, Teen Council employee, interviews historical fiction writer Amy Trueblood.
Movie Reviews and Recommendations
Celebrating AAPI Month: The Split Horn Movie Review
by Blair Mushala
Movie Review: The Witch
Toni recommends watching this nontraditional witch story as we head into Halloween season
Movie Review: Captain America Civil War
Jerell King, Teen Aide at Anacostia Library, reviews this smash-hit Marvel film.
Movie Review: The Hate U Give
Maggie Hankins, Teen Aide at Petworth Library, reviews the film adaptation of The Hate U Give
Movie Review: Spirited Away
Elijah Butts, SYEP employee, shares his thoughts on one of the most popular Miyazai films
Movie Review: The Farewell
SYEP employee, India Wilson, gives her insights on this 2019 dramedy
Career Corner
Career Corner: How to be a Software Engineer
Temitope Johnson interviews Emily Kodl, a software engineer at a shipbuilding company who has done with work with VR and other emerging technologies
Career Corner: How to be a Licensed Architect and Environmental Consultant
Sheridan Waters interviews Jaspreet Pahwa, D.C. Public Library’s Interim Director of Capital Planning and Construction.
Career Corner: How to Be a Radio Host
Sheridan Waters talks to local radio personality Elizabethany
Career Corner: How to Be a Civic Engagement Coordinator
The Library's civic engagement coordinator, Diana Veiga, talks to Ginger about fighting voter suppression and making sure D.C. citizens are counted
Career Corner: How to Be a Graphic Designer
Michal Tucker interviews Kevin Gomes, a local graphic designer and animator
Career Corner: How to be a Poet
Pages in, pages out: Selam learns from award-winning poet Sarah Crossland the secret to being a good writer
Career Corner: How to be a Marketing Coordinator
Toni Jackson interviews Morgan Elwell, a local marketing coordinator who has also worked in TV and publishing
Career Corner: How to be a Children's Book Editor
Ginger interviews Kathryn Williams, an associate editor at National Geographic Kids Books
DC Local
Snapshots: Black Women's Stories
Selam Weimer presents microinterviews of local Black grandmothers
Know Your Power: Talented Teens Show Off at Open Mic
Tiara reports on the words and music spoken on MLK Library's open air rooftop earlier this summer
Passion for Fashion: DC's Unique Style
Tiara writes about notable fashion brands created in D.C.
Eastern Market is a gem in the Capitol Hill Neighborhood.
Favorite Neighborhood Spots: Fort StevensTiara Crutchfield writes about a historical landmark practically in her backyard
Favorite Neighborhood Spot: Old Stone House
Toni writes about a historical landmark in Georgetown with a spooky background.
Destineé writes about this spot perfect for learning about history, nature, or just taking some awesome Instagram photos
Get Counted: In Conversation with YouthCount DC
Toni Jackson, Teen Council member, talks with Molly Vetter about the importance of D.C.'s youth-specific homeless census.
Our World, Our Passions, Our Goals
Learning New Skills Online with your Library Card
Blair shares all that she's learned during quarantine thanks to online library resources
So You Want to Be a Poet
Selam gives advice to aspiring poets
6 Ways to Get Politically Involved if You're Under 18
Not able to vote, but want to impact the election? Ginger has six suggestions on how you can make your voice heard
Teen Changemaker: Maya Grebowsky
Learn more about a local teen who is distributing free toiletries to women experiencing homelessness.
Teen Plant Parents
Ginger explores the love for growing and taking care of plants.
College Applications: What I Wish I Knew Then
Maggie Hankins, now college-bound, shares what she wishes she knew during her high school years.
Interview with Zikora of GenZHER
Michal Tucker, Teen Council member, interviews the 15-year-old founder of a digital publication all about amplifying youth voices
Library Resources You Should Be Using
How To: Use FreegalFree music? Temitope Johnson teaches you how to download and stream music using Freegal.
Between the ages of 13 - 19 and interested in submitting a post? Email Teen Services Coordinator Joanna Harris at joanna.harris@dc.gov.