Lorrie Palczynski, certified yoga instructor, helped participants relax into summer in this beginner-friendly yoga class for teens. Everyone wanted to try meditation at the end, so we also had a brief guided meditation session. See some photos below:
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Mystery Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin, revolves around the death of millionaire Samuel W. Westing and the unusual circumstances that follow. Sixteen heirs, who are all unconnected, are gathered to solve the mystery of Westing’s death to inherit his vast fortune. They are divided into pairs and given clues to unravel the mystery. Throughout the book, secrets are revealed, alliances … Read more
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse Historical Fiction Novel in Verse Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse tells the story of Billie Jo, a young girl growing up in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl. Through a series of free-verse poems, Billie Jo narrates her struggles with the harsh environment, the death of her mother, her physical and emotional scars, and rebuilding her life and family back … Read more
Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Named for the sea, since, after all, both of their parents are. Fish (Fisher) Byrne, Dory (Doris) Byrne, and Pike Byrne are siblings living in Manhattan at the time of World War II. This is nothing new, yet there is something very distinct about these siblings. 1) Their father is away, fighting in the war. 2) They are … Read more
Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) It’s at the end of the school year, and all of the exciting events are occurring. There’s the Junior-Senior dance, dresses to be made, the parade, and of course, Commencement day in which orations are given, and the seniors are officially graduated. Emily Webster is a quiet, shy, and socially awkward girl who … Read more
Check out the amazing henna art created by our visiting henna artist, Rebecca Huston (of Heathen Ink Tatoo), and program participants!
Teens painted tiny canvases and wooden tiles to create these tiny masterpieces. Several were going to special dads to celebrate Father’s Day! Enjoy some photos from the event below:
Michelle Nichols from the Adler Planetarium visited the library and presented her talk on the planets in our solar system to an enthusiastic group of teens and adults. We love Michelle’s passion for the stars! Here are a few photos from the event, but we highly recommend catching Michelle in person, if you can!
Teens learned how to fly and steer kites on a particularly blustery afternoon – we had 20mph+ winds at times! It was challenging with some of the kite designs, but participants had fun, and our instructor, Eric, was kept busy running back and forth as he helped people get airborn again. Enjoy some photos from the event below:
A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) “A Very Large Expanse of Sea” tells the story of a teenage Muslim American girl dealing with racism and Islamophobia after 9/11. The story follows the protagonist, Shirin, and takes place in 2002. Shirin is tired of being stereotyped and is never surprised by how horrible people can be. She endures many comments … Read more