Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood

Andromeda is a debtera, trained to rid homes of the Evil Eye. But her teacher cares little for her, so she leaves at nineteen, penniless and desperate. Desperate enough to take on a job from Magnus Rochester, whose home has already killed or driven away numerous others. Andromeda quickly realizes she is not qualified to deal with his house’s secrets. But she has fallen for Magnus, and she refuses to leave him to his fate. A retelling of Jane Eyre.

The Brontës of Haworth Moor by Diane Browning

After their mother and two sisters die, Anne, Emily, and Charlotte Brontë–along with their brother Branwell–let their imaginations run wild as they roam across the moor, create stories, and write poetry. Diane Browning explores how their lives, including their time at boarding school and working as governesses, influenced their fiction.

Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne

Spaceship engineer Stella longs to leave her home, which has been stuck orbiting Earth for the past 200 years. So she’s thrilled when offered the opportunity to work as a governess on the private spaceship the Rochester. Its captain is nineteen-year-old Hugo Fairfax, known for being annoying and drunk. But he’s hiding secrets, as well, and Stella thinks someone is out to kill him. A retelling of Jane Eyre.

My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand

Spaceship engineer Stella longs to leave her home, which has been stuck orbiting Earth for the past 200 years. So she’s thrilled when offered the opportunity to work as a governess on the private spaceship the Rochester. Its captain is nineteen-year-old Hugo Fairfax, known for being annoying and drunk. But he’s hiding secrets, as well, and Stella thinks someone is out to kill him. A retelling of Jane Eyre.

K-Jane by Lydia Kang

Jane Choi, named after Jane Eyre, is determined that this will be the year she learns more about her Korean heritage. All her classmates seem to be into Korean culture and she feels embarrassed that she knows so little. So, she starts a private social media channel to share her journey with her friends and family. But then she accidentally goes viral, and now she has pushed everyone away. Including, potentially, her crush Edward.

Escaping Mr. Rochester by L. L. McKinney

Eager to be independent, Jane accepts a position as a governess at Thornfield Hall. But though the owner, Edward,is charming, Jane senses he can also be dangerous. Jane does not yet realize that he has locked away his wife Bertha for withholding her inheritance from him. But Jane and Bertha are destined to meet and to help each other escape, in more ways than one. A retelling of Jane Eyre.

Jane Eyre: The Graphic Novel by Joe Sutliff Sanders, et al.

Orphaned Jane Eyre grows up mistreated by her aunt. Eventually, she becomes the governess for the brooding Mr. Rochester’s ward. Sparks fly between Jane and Mr. Rochester. But he has a terrible secret that could tear them apart. A graphic novel adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s novel.

What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix by Tasha Suri

Abandoned by his father, a sailor from India, Heathcliff is taken in by a family living on an estate on the Yorkshire moors. His new life, however, feels alienating, and he attempts to cling to his heritage. Catherine, one of the estate’s children, also feels like she does not quite belong. Her father wants her to be a part of society, but rumors swirl about her real mother. The two find understanding and passion in each other. But they might not have a happily ever after. A retelling of Wuthering Heights.

Cages:

The cage should mainly be a sleeping spot and a safe place to stay when no one is home. Budgies should spend as much time out of it as possible. When choosing a cage, get the biggest one you can, and make sure it’s longer than it is tall. This will let them fly and get exercise even when they’re cooped up! Even though we used to think they were okay, round cages aren’t good for any birds. They can hurt them and make them feel scared. Get a rectangular or square one instead! The cage should be cleaned once a week, too. This includes perches, toys, grates, and bedding.

Food

Budgies need a varied diet of pellets, fruit, vegetables, and a bit of seed. They’re picky eaters, and it can be very hard to change what they’re eating, even if it’s unhealthy. They won’t eat something just because it’s in a food dish, so the trick is to slowly show them new foods. Mixing with their current food, hanging it in the cage as a toy, wetting it, then pressing it into a mash, and even pretending to eat some yourself are all ways to get a budgie to eat. This can take time, and that’s okay. Remember to be patient and not give up!

Toys

They love to play like anyone else! Budgies need plenty of toys to keep themselves occupied! Their favorite toys are colorful  things they can chew! Anything made of wood, cork, or paper is perfect! It gives them a way to take care of their beaks and engage their minds! Plastic is okay, but it doesn’t satisfy their chewing needs in the same way. Toys with small loops or chains aren’t recommended, because there is a chance they could get tangled and not be able to get out. Anything reflective is not good either. We used to think it was cute to see a bird playing with a mirror, but it can actually confuse and frustrate them when their “friend” in the reflection doesn’t respond the way another bird would.

Health

Budgies need to go to the vet like any other animal! Six-to-twelve-month checkups are important to make sure they’re healthy, but not just any vet will do. Birds are considered exotics, and they all need a specialized avian vet to look after them. Taking them to the doctor if anything seems wrong is a good idea too. Budgies pretend not to be sick, so they look strong in the wild and don’t get eaten, but it also means that when they start acting sick, they’re really sick. A good avian vet will make sure your budgie lives a long life!

Fun Budgie Facts/Did You Know?

Parakeets by Catherine Smith

Discusses choosing and caring for pet parakeets, including information about their physical characteristics, behaviors, and health requirements.

The Parakeet Handbook by Annette Wolter

Budgies: A Guide to Caring For Your Parakeet by Angela Davids

In nature and as pets — Is a budgie right for you? — Selecting a great budgie — Basic care — Proper feeding — Training time — For better health — Breeding basics — Color mutations.

Playful Parakeets by Katie Kawa

Introduces parakeets and describes how pet parakeets live.

Parakeets by Nikki Moustaki

Introduces parakeets and describes how pet parakeets live.

Beaky’s Guide to Caring For Your Bird by Isabel Thomas

“In this book, Beakie the Budgie reveals how readers should go about choosing a pet bird, what supplies they will need, how to make a new pet bird feel at home, and how to properly care for a pet bird, including feeding, exercising, and keeping a bird cage clean. Text is accompanied by clear, labeled photographs to further reinforce key concepts, and the use of an animal narrator also allows the book to be used to teach perspective.”

– Provided by Publisher

Parakeets by Kelley MacAulay

“In this book, Beakie the Budgie reveals how readers should go about choosing a pet bird, what supplies they will need, how to make a new pet bird feel at home, and how to properly care for a pet bird, including feeding, exercising, and keeping a bird cage clean. Text is accompanied by clear, labeled photographs to further reinforce key concepts, and the use of an animal narrator also allows the book to be used to teach perspective.”

– Provided by Publisher

Book: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Film starring Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe.

Hazel has terminal cancer. She knows how her story ends…or does she? When a miracle shrinks her tumor enough to buy her a few more months of life, she joins a cancer survivors group for teens, and that’s when everything changes. Namely, her outlook on life thanks to hunky fellow patient Augustus. The two strike up a bond and go on a quest to find and meet the author of Hazel’s favorite book before her time runs out (and of course fall in love in the process). Definitely have your box of tissues ready if you add this one to your list!

Book: A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Film starring Shane West, Mandy Moore, Daryl Hannah, Peter Coyote

When a high school prank goes wrong, Landon and his friends end up on their principal’s bad side. He decides to let them choose their punishment: expulsion or several tasks to help out around the school. This includes joining the school play, where Landon becomes reacquainted with an old friend from elementary school, Jamie. Jamie isn’t popular and she doesn’t wear make up or dress flashy, so popular Landon never really noticed her…until he hears her sing in the school play. Will Landon fall in love with the “uncool” girl in spite of his friends? Will Jamie break down her walls to give Landon a chance, or does her awful secret keep her from loving anyone? If you have any tissues leftover from A Fault in Our Stars, trust us, you’ll need them.

Book: The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Film starring Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Andre the Giant, Fred Savage

If you’ve ever seen this movie, you probably have a favorite quote that you can break out at the drop of a hat. And if you’ve never seen it, you’re in for a ride! But did you know that it was also a book first? Written in 1973, the novel was written by author William Goldman, but instead of writing all the boring parts, he only wrote “the good parts”, and presented it as an abridgement of a fictional author’s work! The movie gets around this by using the framing device of a grandfather reading the book to his sick grandson (who would much rather be playing video games…at first), and so we don’t see the grandfather reading every part of the book. We only see “the good stuff” (which is all that was ever written in the first place). Sound confusing? That’s okay, whether you choose to watch the movie or read the book, there’s plenty of high adventure, sword fights, and “twue wuv” it will all make sense by the time you get to the end. Just look out for the Rodents of Unusual Size! 

Book: Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Film starring Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich, Dave Franco

Okay, stop me if you’ve heard this one: A boy and a girl fall in love, but they can’t be together because their families absolutely hate each other, so they plot and scheme to find a way to make their love work despite their obvious differences. Romeo and Juliet, right? Well…yes. But also Warm Bodies, a modernized retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tale using everyone’s favorite trope: zombies! In this version, set in a zombie apocalypse, Julie and her friends are sent on a supply run. When they enter a mall, Julie meets R (who can’t remember his full name, of course), who is immediately drawn to her. This attraction only increases when R eats Julie’s boyfriend (in self-defense, we swear) and experiences his memories by eating his brains. This leads R to save Julie from a pack of zombies. She’s suspicious of his intentions, but slowly begins to learn to trust him, and possibly even…love him? Will these two star-crossed lovers find a way for their love to blossom, or will the zombie horde consume everything in its path? The shocking twist ending will definitely surprise you (or maybe not, it’s a romance book after all)!

Book: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Film starring Amandla Stenberg, Nick Robinson, Ana de la Reguera, Anika Noni Rose

Maddy Whitier lives in a bubble. She can’t leave the house, and the only people she sees regularly are her mom, her nurse Carla, and Carla’s daughter, Rosa. She can’t interact with anyone who hasn’t been sanitized. That’s because Maddy is being treated for a rare autoimmune disease known as SCID. Maddy longs to see the world (especially the ocean) but doesn’t dare move outside of her bubble, for fear of getting sick or upsetting her mom. But when a new family moves in nextdoor, Maddy is able to start a friendship (and romance, of course) with Olly, the cute neighbor boy. He gives her the friend she’s always wanted, and she supports him as he deals with a rough home life. As the two get closer and closer, Maddy’s mother starts to restrict her ability to contact him. Will Maddy be able to take her life into her own hands and find a way to get her happily ever after with Olly? Or will her mother’s terrible secret ruin everything?

These aren’t the only great romance novels that became movies, of course! It’s just a selection to get you started! Maybe you want to mix and match by watching one of these movies, but reading a different novel, so you get the best of both worlds! Or maybe you have a favorite that we missed! Whatever you decide, here’s to finding the next title that makes your heart skip a beat!

Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Wen

If you love Gossip Girl for its secret romances and high-pressure expectations, Loveboat, Taipei delivers allllll the drama, but in a vibrant new setting. Elite teens spend the summer in Taipei balancing family demands, academic ambition, and forbidden love—proving that no matter the city, rich kids come with complicated secrets.

“When Ever Wong’s parents sent her away for the summer, she was expecting Chien Tan: a strict, educational immersion program in Taiwan. Instead, she finds the infamous “Loveboat.” There, Ever is surrounded by prodigies, like Rick Woo, Chinese American wonder boy and longtime bane of her existence; Ever’s roommate, the confident and clever Sophia Ha, as glamorous as she is sharp; and the intimidatingly cool Xavier Yeh, heir to an international tech empire. But her classmates are more interested in the nonstop Taipei nightlife than anything to do with the curriculum. Hookups abound, snake-blood sake flows, and adult supervision is nonexistent. For the first time ever, Ever is discovering what freedom tastes like, and it’s exhilarating. But summer will end, and Ever will be back to her parents and the future they’ve planned for her. Will she let this glimpse of freedom go – or will Loveboat give her the courage to pursue the future she dreams of, and the Ever Wong she wants to be?”

Anna K – A Love Story by Jenny Lee

This is Gossip Girl energy turned all the way up. Set among Manhattan’s wealthiest teens, Anna K follows a glamorous socialite whose love life sparks scandal across the Upper East Side. If you loved messy romances, designer lifestyles, and watching privilege unravel, this modern retelling is a perfect match.

“At seventeen, Anna K is at the top of Manhattan and Greenwich society (even if she prefers the company of her horses and dogs); she has the perfect (if perfectly boring) boyfriend, Alexander W.; and she has always made her Korean-American father proud (even if he can be a little controlling). Meanwhile, Anna’s brother, Steven, and his girlfriend, Lolly, are trying to weather a sexting scandal; Lolly’s little sister, Kimmie, is struggling to recalibrate to normal life after an injury derails her ice dancing career; and Steven’s best friend, Dustin, is madly (and one-sidedly) in love with Kimmie. As her friends struggle with the pitfalls of ordinary teenage life, Anna always seems to be able to sail gracefully above it all. That is…until the night she meets Alexia “Count” Vronsky at Grand Central. A notorious playboy who has bounced around boarding schools and who lives for his own pleasure, Alexia is everything Anna is not. But he has never been in love until he meets Anna, and maybe she hasn’t, either. As Alexia and Anna are pulled irresistibly together, she has to decide how much of her life she is willing to let go for the chance to be with him. And when a shocking revelation threatens to shatter their relationship, she is forced to question if she has ever known herself at all.”

Influence by Sara Shepard

Fans of Gossip Girl’s anonymous blasts and social manipulation will love Influence. From the author of Pretty Little Liars, this book is a fast, dramatic read for fans who enjoy watching social power games play out, where reputation is everything and one bad move can completely change the game.

“After her family moves to Los Angeles, Delilah Rollins, already a minor Internet celebrity, plunges into the competitive and glamorous world of social media influencers, but can cosmetics and good lighting conceal cheating, manipulation, blackmail, and murder?”

The Ivies by Alexa Donne

If you’re obsessed with Gossip Girl for its cutthroat private school drama, ambition, and scheming teens, The Ivies is right up your alley. It’s perfect for fans who love high-stakes rivalries, secret alliances, and seeing how far people will go to protect their reputation and get what they want. It’s giving if Blair Waldorf wasn’t afraid to commit murder.

“Everyone knows the Ivies: the most coveted universities in the United States. Far more important are the Ivies. The Ivies at Claflin Academy, that is. Five girls with the same mission: to get into the Ivy League by any means necessary. I would know. I’m one of them. We disrupt class ranks, club leaderships, and academic competitions…among other things. We improve our own odds by decreasing the fortunes of others. Because hyper-elite competitive college admissions is serious business. And in some cases, it’s deadly.”

– Amazon

When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk

For Gossip Girl fans who cared as much about friendships as romances and couldn’t get enough of Blair and Serena’s “on again, off again” friendship, this emotional story focuses on what happens when a once-unbreakable bond falls apart. It’s a quieter look at privilege, pressure, and identity, perfect for readers drawn to the personal fallout behind the drama.

“It’s been twenty-seven days since Cleo and Layla’s friendship imploded. Nearly a month since Cleo realized they’ll never be besties again. Now Cleo wants to erase every memory, good or bad, that tethers her to her ex-best friend. But pretending Layla doesn’t exist isn’t as easy as Cleo hoped, especially after she’s assigned to be Layla’s tutor. Despite budding friendships with other classmates–and a raging crush on a gorgeous boy named Dom–Cleo’s turbulent past with Layla comes back to haunt them both.”

– Amazon

Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra

Love watching Gossip Girl characters compete for attention, status, and success? Tiny Pretty Things channels that same intensity into the elite ballet world, where ambition positively fuels betrayals and rivalries. Everyone wants the spotlight—and someone is always ready to take it away.

“Three top students at an exclusive Manhattan ballet academy compete for the status of prima ballerina, with each willing to sacrifice, manipulate, and backstab to be the best of the best.”

The Chandler Legacies by Abdi Nazemian

If you loved Gossip Girl’s mix of elite private schools and scandal, but craved the exploration of heavier topics, The Chandler Legacies will feel like your next obsession. With diverse characters, sharp dialogue, and a slow-burn mystery that keeps you guessing, this is a book for fans who crave both the glamour and the raw, messy truths of teen privilege … and the cruelty dished out to those who are different.

“”Beth Kramer is a “townie” who returns to her sophomore year after having endured a year of tension with her roommate, Sarah. But Sarah Brunson knows there’s more to that story. Amanda Priya “Spence” Spencer is the privileged daughter of NYC elites, who is reeling from the realization that her family name shielded her from the same fate as Sarah. Ramin Golafshar arrives at Chandler as a transfer student to escape the dangers of being gay in Iran, only to suffer brutal hazing under the guise of tradition in the boys’ dorms. And Freddy Bello is the senior who’s no longer sure of his future but knows he has to stand up to his friends after what happened to Ramin. At Chandler, the elite boarding school, these five teens are brought together in the Circle, a coveted writing group where life-changing friendships are born–and secrets are revealed.”

– Provided by Publisher

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Think Gossip Girl—but darker, sharper, and more dangerous. Fans who love messy, rich kid drama will be hooked, but this one takes the stakes up a notch with dark suspense and a fresh look at privilege and power. Unlike the show, it explores how race, identity, and systemic pressure shape the social game, adding a tense, thought-provoking layer to the scandals you already crave.

“At Niveus Private Academy, Devon and Chiamaka are the only students chosen to be Senior Prefects who are also black, which makes them targets for a series of anonymous texts revealing their secrets to the entire student body. Both students were on track toward valedictorian and bright college futures, but this prank quickly turns into a very dangerous game, and they are at more than one disadvantage as it looks like things could turn deadly.”

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee

If you loved the glitz of Gossip Girl, this is like upping the ante in a futuristic Manhattan skyscraper. It’s the same kind of elite teen drama—but with hovercars, virtual parties, and a world where the stakes of reputation reach dizzying heights. It’s all the scandal of the Upper East Side…with a science-fiction twist.

“A thousand-story tower stretching into the sky. A glittering vision of the future where anything is possible — if you want it enough. Welcome to Manhattan, 2118. A hundred years in the future, New York is a city of innovation and dreams. Everyone there wants something … and everyone has something to lose.”

– From dustjacket

This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki

For fans drawn to the darker, pressure-filled side of Gossip Girl, this one goes deeper into the emotional cost of perfection. Plus, it throws in a little murder mystery and a lot more LGBTQ+ representation. What’s not to like?

“At Wilberton Academy, few students are more revered than the members of the elite Wilberton Theatrical Society–a.k.a. the WTS–and no one represents that exclusive club better than Elizabeth Woodward. Breathtakingly beautiful, beloved by all, and a talented thespian, it’s no surprise she’s starring as Juliet in the WTS’s performance of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. But when she’s found dead the morning after opening night, the whole school is thrown into chaos. Transfer student Abby Kita was one of the last people to see Elizabeth alive, and when local authorities deem the it-girl’s death a suicide, Abby’s not convinced. She’s sure there’s more to Wilburton and the WTS than meets the eye. As she gets tangled in prep school intrigues, Abby quickly realizes that Elizabeth was keeping secrets. Was one of those secrets worth killing for?”

– Provided by Publisher

Although some of the language or circumstances surrounding the birth of the Constitution may seem unrelatable or old-fashioned, the themes and hopes still resonate. These ideals are still tirelessly fought for and maintained today.

Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmare by Laini Taylor

In the aftermath of a war between gods and men, a hero, a librarian, and a girl must battle the fantastical elements of a mysterious city stripped of its name.

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin and A Psalm of Storms and Silence by Roseanne A. Brown

When a vengeful spirit abducts his younger sister, Malik strikes a deal to kill Karina, the crown princess, to get her back. But Karina is trying to make her own deal, one to resurrect her mother, the Sultana. The price is the heart of a king, and she knows just how to obtain one: by  

offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition. When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a heart-pounding course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?

A Magic Steeped in Poison and A Venom Dark and Sweet by Judy I. Lin

Ning enters a cutthroat magical competition to find the kingdom’s greatest master of the art of brewing tea, but political schemes and secrets make her goal of gaining access to royal physicians to cure her dying sister far more dangerous than she imagined.

The Wrath & the Dawn and The Rose & the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh

In this reimagining of The Arabian Nights, Shahrzad plans to avenge the death of her dearest friend by volunteering to marry the murderous boy-king of Khorasan, but discovers not all is as it seems within the palace.

The Sunbearer Trials and Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas

Transgender demigod Teo is unexpectedly selected for the Sunbearer Trials, a fierce competition among demigod heroes where the winner sacrifices the loser to Sol, their blood fueling the Sun Stones that protect Reino del Sol.

This Savage Song and Our Dark Duet by Victoria Schwab

As the heirs to opposing sides in a warring city, Kate Harker and Augustus Flynn should never have met. A Romeo and Juliet-esque fantasy about the difference between good and evil and the blurry gray area in between.

Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction–if they don’t kill each other first.

Witches Steeped in Gold and Empress Crowned in Red by Ciannon Smart

Two enemy witches must enter into a deadly alliance to take down a tyrant who threatens both their worlds-with unpredictable results.

We Hunt the Flame and We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

In a world inspired by ancient Arabia, seventeen-year-old huntress Zafira must disguise herself as a man to seek a lost artifact that could return magic to her cursed world.

Everless and Evermore by Sarah Holland

In the kingdom of Sempera, rich aristocrats like the Gerling family tax the poor to the hilt, extending their own lives by centuries. No one resents the Gerlings more than Jules Ember; she and her father were once servants at their estate, Everless, until an accident drove them away. After discovering her father is dying, Jules returns to Everless to earn more time with him. 

Caught in a tangle of violent secrets, Jules must change her fate– and perhaps the fate of time itself.

Dance of Thieves and Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

When an outlaw leader meets a reformed thief, a cat-and-mouse game of false moves ensues, bringing them intimately together in a battle that may cost them their lives–and their hearts.

All of Us Villains and All of Our Demise by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman

Every generation, seven families select a champion to compete in a tournament to the death for control of high magick–the most powerful resource in the world–but this year, a salacious tell-all book draws reporters, tourists, and government agents to Ilvernath to watch the bloody curse unfold and some of the champions are determined to thwart their destinies and rewrite their stories.

3444 Rockefeller Ct
Waldorf, MD 20602
301-932-8555
thearnoldhouse.org

3000 Huntington Circle
Waldorf, MD 20602
301-645-1561
childrens-aid-society.org

101 Catalpa Dr. Suite 103
P.O. Box 1794
La Plata, MD 20646
lifestylesofmd.org

ourplacewaldorf.com

22A Irongate Drive
Waldorf, Md 20602
301-274-0695
catholiccharitiesdc.org/program/southern-maryland-food-bank/

PO Box 2141
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-4844
unitedwaysouthernmaryland.org

Doing Small Things with Great Love by Sharon Eubank

From Goodreads:  Drawing from decades of experience in humanitarian service, Sharon Eubank offers a wisdom-packed guide on how to enact impactful aid in the world and especially in your own backyard. Whether you’re inspired by compassion or looking to enrich your life through meaningful service, this book will change how you approach helping others… Start making an impact today in your own community through 12 service principles that can spark anyone into action.

Teen Guide to Volunteering by Stuart A. Kallen

From Goodreads: One of those benefits is that volunteers make peoples’ lives better. And a second benefit is people who help others help themselves. Volunteers feel personal satisfaction when they see how their efforts are making the world a better place. This is a powerful tool for reducing stress, combating depression, and providing a sense of purpose.Volunteer work can be challenging but those who tackle problems or aid strangers meet like-minded people of all ages from a wide variety of backgrounds. This reduces feelings of loneliness. It can also help you widen your social circle beyond [your] immediate family while forming bonds that last a lifetime.

Volunteering: Insights and Tips for Teenagers by Jean Rawitt

From Goodreads: Insights and Tips for Teenagers provides a complete guide to the world of volunteerism. It shows you how to become engaged in what will be among the most gratifying and worthwhile experiences of your life. In this book you’ll learn why volunteerism is so important both to volunteers themselves and to those they serve and explore different types of volunteer opportunities and how to find and secure a rewarding volunteer placement. With advice from professionals and first-hand accounts from teen volunteers, including a fifteen-year-old girl who started a foundation that now helps hundreds of new parents, this book will help you make the most of your volunteer experience. You will learn [with] helpful tips for success and a resource list of volunteer opportunities, this book provides everything you need to understand the vital and vibrant world of volunteerism.

No Good Deed by Goldy Moldavsky

From Goodreads: He’s not asking for much. All Gregor Maravilla wants to do is feed all of the starving children on the planet. So when he’s selected to join Camp Save the World, a special summer program for teenage activists from all over the country to champion their cause, Gregor’s sure he’s on the path to becoming Someone Great.

But then a prize is announced. It will be awarded at the end of summer to the activist who shows the most promise in their campaign… Plus, the prize has an unforeseen side effect, turning a quiet summer into cutthroat warfare where campers stop focusing on their own campaigns and start sabotaging everyone else’s.

Lemons and Lies by Alexis Castellanos

From Goodreads: Valeria Morales’ senior year is not off to a great start. Her twin brother Adrian isn’t talking to her, she’s realizing all of her friends were actually his friends, and now she’s failing math. Enter Gage Magnussen. Gage isn’t looking to take on any tutoring gigs now that his standing as valedictorian is at risk after letting a catastrophic breakup distract him–not to mention his demanding parents expect Gage to coordinate their yearly charity auction alongside his cheating ex. So Valeria offers him a If he helps her pass, she’ll take over event planning AND pretend to be his girlfriend. A win-win-win!

But as their study sessions move to deep conversations and their fake dates begin feeling realer and realer, is it possible the lemons they’ve been dealt will turn to lemonade? Or will this arrangement only sting?

Lost in Taiwan by Mark Crilley

While on a trip to Taiwan with his brother, Paul finds himself hopelessly lost. His first instinct is to panic–he doesn’t even have a GPS! But a new friend offers to show him the way and show him the beauty of Taiwan. A graphic novel.

Meet Me on Love Street by Farah Heron

Sana is a romantic. Miles does not believe in love. But the two must work together to plan a festival to save their gentrifying neighborhood. Sana believes she can change Miles, too. All she has to do is find him the perfect partner. But her plan for Miles’ new love life might be working a little too well–which is a problem when she starts to fall for Miles herself.

Pumpkinheads by Faith Erin Hicks

Deja and Josiah have worked every year together at the same pumpkin patch. Since this is their last year, Deja insists that  Josiah has to talk to the cute coworker he has had a crush on forever. Thus begins a wild night of adventure as the two abandon their jobs to find Josiah’s crush before the pumpkin patch closes. A graphic novel.

If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal

Rochelle has big plans to be valedictorian and get into her dream college. She just has two problems. The first is her academic rival, Amira. The second is that her college applications would look better if she had a job. So she gets one at a local movie theater–only to realize that Amira is now her boss. Things are looking bleak, but as Rochelle starts to get to know Amira better, she starts to realize that Amira isn’t as bad as she thought.

We Could Be Magic by Marissa Meyer

Growing up, Tabitha dreamed of acting as a princess as the Sommerland theme park. However, she quickly realizes that she is not quite what the park is looking for–they would prefer actors who have the same body type as their animated characters. Assigned to work a food cart instead, Tabitha determines not to give up. With the help of her friends and a new crush, she plans to show everyone that she’s worthy of being a princess, too. A graphic novel.

With a Little Luck by Marissa Meyer

Jude has always preferred to stay out of the limelight. But then he suddenly finds himself gifted with extraordinary luck. His art is accepted by favorite fanzine. He even wins concert tickets that he uses to ask out the popular girl he has long had a crush on. But then he loses his luck. And he finds himself wondering why he keeps thinking about his best friend Ari. Has he been in love with the wrong girl the whole time?

Just Another Meet Cute by Jenn P. Nguyen

After being rescued by a cute boy during a hike, Nina is determined to find him, even if she has barely anything to go on, except for his name–Ian. Strangely, however, when she finds him again, he doesn’t remember her–and his name is Ryan. But a meet-cute is a meet-cute, so Nina starts dating him. Only to realize that he has a twin brother named Ian.

XOXO by Axie Oh

Jenny only cares about entrance into a prestigious music conservatory–until the night she meets Jaewoo in a karaoke bar, and gets swept off her feet. Then he disappears. But three months later, she arrives in South Korea only to realize that not only is Jaewoo a student at her school, but he is also a member of a famous K-pop band. Unfortunately, his job means he is forbidden to date. Can true love find a way despite the obstacles?

Maya in Multicolor by Swati Teerdhala

After her freshman romance doesn’t work out, Maya plans to begin again. And the perfect way to do that is to host an amazing Holi festival on her college campus. But the student council assigns Nishant, a notorious playboy, as her co-planner. Maya knows she shouldn’t fall for Nishani. But it’s increasingly difficult not to.

The Sticky Note Manifesto of Aisha Agarwal by Ambika Vohra

For her Stanford admissions essay, straight-A student Aisha Agarwal needs to discuss a time she has left her comfort zone–except she never has. Then a boy pulls up in front of her house, telling her to hop in. So she does. It turns out the driver, Quentin, is failing math. So they strike a deal. Aisha will tutor him, and he will create a bunch of sticky note dares to help Aisha expand her horizons and write that essay.

Heartbreak Boys by Simon Green

When their ex-boyfriends get together and start Instagramming a disgustingly perfect summer of love, Jack and Nate decide to concoct a mutual Insta-worthy summer adventure of their own to prove they’re just fine, and everything’s great.

Of course, it’s hard to have an epic summer road trip when they’re stuck in a van with Nate’s midlife crisis-bound parents and his annoying younger sister. And it’s been years since Jack and Nate have said more than a few sentences to each other. But their followers don’t have to know any of that.

How hard could faking the high life be? Posting as @TheHeartBreakBoys, the duo stumbles into one hilarious situation after another—and each discovers that maybe the cure for heartbreak has been the boy riding next to him all along. 

How To Date A Superhero (And Not Die Trying) by Cristina Fernandez

Falling for a superhero is dangerous. You have to trust that they’ll catch you.

Astrid isn’t a superhero, not like the ones she sees on the news, but she has something she thinks of as a small superpower: She has a perfect sense of time. And she’s not going to waste a single second.

Her plan for college is clear—friends, classes, and extra-curriculars all carefully selected to get her into medical school.

Until Max Martin, a nerdy boy from high school, crashes back into her life. Things with Max were never simple, and he doesn’t keep to her schedule. He disappears in the middle of dates and cancels at the last minute with stupid excuses.

When a supervillain breaks into her bedroom one night, Astrid has to face the facts: Her boyfriend, Max Martin, is a superhero. Double-majoring as a pre-med was hard, but now Astrid will have to balance a double life. This wasn’t part of her plan.

This Will Be Funny Someday by Katie Henry

Sixteen-year-old Izzy is used to keeping her thoughts to herself—in school, where her boyfriend does the talking for her, and at home, where it’s impossible to compete with her older siblings and high-powered parents.

When she mistakenly walks into a stand-up comedy club and performs, the experience is surprisingly cathartic. After the show, she meets Mo, an aspiring comic who’s everything Izzy’s not: bold, confident, comfortable in her skin. Mo invites Izzy to join her group of friends and introduces her to the Chicago open mic scene.

The only problem? Her new friends are college students—and Izzy tells them she’s one, too. Now Izzy, the dutiful daughter and model student, is sneaking out to perform stand-up with her comedy friends. Her controlling boyfriend is getting suspicious, and her former best friend knows there’s something going on.

But Izzy loves comedy and this newfound freedom. As her two parallel lives collide—in the most hilarious of ways—Izzy must choose to either hide what she really wants and who she really is, or finally, truly stand up for herself.

– Provided by Publisher

My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand

Welcome to Renaissance France, a place of poison and plots, of beauties and beasts, of mice and . . . queens?

Mary is the queen of Scotland and the jewel of the French court, except when she’s a mouse. Yes, reader, Mary is an Eðian (shapeshifter) in a kingdom where Verities rule. It’s a secret that could cost her a head—or a tail. 

Luckily, Mary has a confidant in her betrothed, Francis. But things at the gilded court take a treacherous turn after the king meets a suspicious end. Thrust onto the throne, Mary and Francis face a viper’s nest of conspiracies, traps, and treason. And if Mary’s secret is revealed, heads are bound to roll

– Provided by Publisher

Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June

There’s one thing Jay Collier knows for sure—he’s a statistical anomaly as the only out gay kid in his small rural Washington town. While all his friends can’t stop talking about their heterosexual hookups and relationships, Jay can only dream of his own firsts, compiling a romance to-do list of all the things he hopes to one day experience—his Gay Agenda.

Then, against all odds, Jay’s family moves to Seattle, and he starts his senior year at a new high school with a thriving LGBTQIA+ community. For the first time ever, Jay feels like he’s found where he truly belongs. But as Jay begins crossing items off his list, he’ll soon be torn between his heart and his hormones, his old friends and his new ones . . . because after all, life and love don’t always go according to plan.

– Provided by Publisher

Once Upon A Quinceañera by Monica Gomez-Hira

Carmen Aguilar just wants to make her happily ever after come true. Except apparently “happily ever after” for Carmen involves being stuck in an unpaid summer internship. Now she has to perform as a party princess! In a ball gown. During the summer. In Miami.

Fine. Except that’s only the first misfortune in what’s turning out to be a summer of Utter Disaster.

But if Carmen can manage dancing in the blistering heat, fending off an oh-so-unfortunately attractive ex, and stopping her spoiled cousin from ruining her own quinceañera—Carmen might just get that happily ever after—after all.

– Provided by Publisher

Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey

At Books & Moore, the musty bookstore her family has owned for generations, Madeline knows nothing is going to stop her from coming back after college to take over the store from her aunt. Then, a chain bookstore called Prologue opens across the street and threatens to shut them down. Jasper, the guy who works over at Prologue, seems intent on ruining her life. Not only is he taking her customers, but he also has the unbelievable audacity to be extremely cute! But that doesn’t matter: Jasper is the enemy, and he will be destroyed. Madeline knows: all’s fair in love and (book) wars.

– Adapted from Jacket

You may also check out our CCPL catalog for both entertaining and educational children’s resources on winter and the science of a snowflake, such as:

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder by Mark Cassino with Jon Nelson, Ph.D.

This book about the science of snow features photos of snow crystals in their beautiful diversity and includes how snow crystals are formed into different shapes and snow-crystal-catching instructions in the back of the book.

Click HERE to place a hold request

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

A Caldecott Medal-winning picture biography of a self-taught scientist who photographed thousands of individual snowflakes in order to study their unique formations. Snow in Vermont is as common as dirt. Why would anyone want to photograph it? From the time he was a small boy, Wilson Bentley thinks of ice crystals as small miracles, and he determines that one day his camera will capture for others their extraordinary beauty. Often misunderstood in his time, he took pictures that even today reveal two important truths about snowflakes: first, that no two are alike, and second, that each one is startlingly beautiful. His story gives children insight into a soul who had not only a scientist’s vision and perseverance, but a clear passion for the wonders of nature.

Click HERE to place a hold request

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

A Caldecott Medal-winning picture book detailing the adventures of a little boy in the city, on a very snowy day.

Click HERE to place a hold request

The Mitten by Jan Brett

Several animals sleep snugly in Nicki’s lost mitten until the bear sneezes.

Click HERE to place a hold request

Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell

A Caldecott Medal-winning picture book detailing the story of a wolf cub and a little girl who are lost in a snowstorm, and must find their way home.

Click HERE to place a hold request

Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre

A photographic non-fiction picture book about the wonder of snowfall, and the winter water cycle.

Click HERE to place a hold request

Winter Lullaby by Diane White

Geese are calling, a chilly wind is blowing, and the sky is turning gray. Winter is on its way. For Mama Bear and Small Bear, that means it’s time to tuck into their den for a long sleep. But Mouse is scurrying by, and Chipmunk is still gathering nuts beside the lake. And look at Hare and Skunk, still romping through the leaves! Why can’t Small Bear stay up, too? To each question, Mama Bear responds with the coziest of answers, finally painting a dreamy picture of the brightening colors and new adventures that will greet Small Bear in the spring. But first comes sleep, in this irresistible invitation to drowsy little cubs everywhere.

Click HERE to place a hold request

Winter Lullaby by Diane White

The heartwarming tale of one little lamb’s first snowy adventure.

Click HERE to place a hold request

Winter is Here by Kevin Henkes

Snow falls, animals burrow, and children prepare for the wonders winter brings.

Click HERE to place a hold request

Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London

Rambunctious Froggy hops out into the snow for a winter frolic but is called back by his mother to put on some necessary articles of clothing.

Click HERE to place a hold request

Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak

In a simple, cheerful conversation with nature, two young children witness how the season changes from autumn to winter.

Click HERE to place a hold request

The Secret Life of a Snowflake: An Up-Close Look at the Art & Science of Snowflakes by Kenneth Libbrecht

Describes how snowflakes form, the different types of snowflakes, and how and why they develop their unique shapes.

Click HERE to place a hold request

Mouse’s First Snow by Lauren Thompson

A mouse tries many new things when he and his father go out and play in the snow.

Click HERE to place a hold request

A Thing Called Snow by Yuval Zommer

Best friends Fox and Hare set out into the forest during their first winter to find out what snow is.

Click HERE to place a hold request

Waiting for Winter by Sebastian Meschenmoser

Deer has told Squirrel how wonderful snow is. But Squirrel gets bored with the wait. With his friend Hedgehog they pass the time by singing and waking Bear. Soon things are falling from the sky, but they aren’t snow. But eventually they find what snow is.

Click HERE to place a hold request