Today, I came across an interesting survey online. Precious Voices was created by Crittenton Services of Greater Washington’s Youth Advisory Board after members read the teen novel Push by Sapphire, which inspired the recent film Precious. Members found themselves asking how many young women in the United States experience abuse, neglect, or other issues that lead to low self esteem and lack of motivation.The survey found that, among the 99 teen women surveyed
59% have felt voiceless at one time in their lives
54% have been subjected to physical force from someone in their home
40% do not trust that when they tell a teacher about an issue, that they really care and will help
37% have witnessed their parents/guardians hitting each other
31% have been touched in an unwelcomed way by someone close to them
18% have been in a relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend who used physical force with them
See the full survey here. The website offers links to resources for young women experiencing such problems. Reading the survey made me think about teenage boys, too. What issues do boys face at home and in the community that might cause them to struggle with self esteem? A websearch led me to a study conducted by the US Department of Health and Human Services which addresses challenges faced by young men, as well as potential solutions. View that study here.
If you are a teen struggling with abuse, neglect, or plain old dysfunction at home or eslewhere, the libraries offer resources to help you establish goals and grow beyond the struggle! You can find links to a variety of websites for teens at the HDPL Teen Spot: http://www.mypubliclibrary.com/teenspot/itsyourlife.html. The websites provided here offer everything from advice, to information about abusive relationships, and even college and career info. If you don't find what you're looking for there, we have plenty of nonfiction books in the library to help with issues, and we also offer plenty of fiction that might help brighten your day! Check out the catalog here. You could even think about attending a teen event at your nearest library. One of the best ways to develop self esteem and feel better about life is to find new hobbies and meet people! We offer weekly teen events for all kinds of interests. What's the bottom line? The Teen Services Librarians at Henderson Libraries are here to help you find the information you need to improve your life. We'd love to see you in the library.
2/04/2010
Teen Volunteers Recommend
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. Reviewed by Schaller D.
See if it's available at your library!
Summary
Sophie is cursed by the Witch of the Waste. She leaves town and her little hat shop, and she hops aboard Howl's Moving Castle. Unbeknownst to her, Howl has a mysterious past full of wizardry and magic. Sophie meets new friends, has one huge adventure, and has mix ups of her own. Read the book to find out the full story!
Review
Another shnawesome (my personal word) book of mystery, full of puzzles to be figured out and magic. Jones puts it together nicely with lots of "Gotcha!" twists I never expected. I didn't want to put it down! Sophie's adventures are always different, along with the other characters'. Jones is talented and writes a mystery-filled magic book well. I would put it next to Harry Potter.
See if it's available at your library!
Summary
Sophie is cursed by the Witch of the Waste. She leaves town and her little hat shop, and she hops aboard Howl's Moving Castle. Unbeknownst to her, Howl has a mysterious past full of wizardry and magic. Sophie meets new friends, has one huge adventure, and has mix ups of her own. Read the book to find out the full story!
Review
Another shnawesome (my personal word) book of mystery, full of puzzles to be figured out and magic. Jones puts it together nicely with lots of "Gotcha!" twists I never expected. I didn't want to put it down! Sophie's adventures are always different, along with the other characters'. Jones is talented and writes a mystery-filled magic book well. I would put it next to Harry Potter.
Teen Volunteers Recommend
Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne. Reviewed by Sierra L.
Summary
The great professor Hardwigg, his nephew Harry, and their Icelandic, elder duck hunter Hans, go on a perilous adventure hoping to retrace Arne Sakkenasms’ journey to the center of the earth.
How Did You Like It?
Overall, I enjoyed this book by Jules Verne for a variety of reasons. Though I usually tend to avoid sci-fi and fantasy novels, this was quite imaginative and really made you think about their options and situation. Though the beginning was rather slow and monotonously flowing, it picked up and got really creative. This novel also was very factual and any reader could easily see how informed Verne was. At some parts, the plot became too far-fetched to believe, at others, too intriguing to stop. As I said, recollecting on the novel, it was interesting, but at parts I literally fell asleep. If fantasy lands excite or entertain you, testing scientific theories and laws is suspenseful, then “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” by Jules Verne will be perfect for you.
1/15/2010
Glee!
This is so exciting! Teens and young adults, ages 16-26 can submit video auditions to participate in an open casting call for a few new roles on Glee! I am about one month too old to participate, and I certainly don't sing well enough to compete with the existing cast members, but you might just fit the bill. Check out the details and submit your tape here:
http://www.fox.com/glee/audition/
I think it would be awesome to see a library teen on one of my favorite shows!!
http://www.fox.com/glee/audition/
I think it would be awesome to see a library teen on one of my favorite shows!!
12/15/2009
What are the librarians reading?
Splendor: a Luxe Novel by Anna Godbersen. 391 pages. 2009.
This final installment of The Luxe ties a tidy bow around the series, fit for one of those dazzling dresses that adorn the covers. Godbersen takes us on a final wild ride with the characters we love, as well as those we love to hate.
Carolina Broad, who graces the cover in her lavender gown, has finally established herself among New York’s social elite; however, she still longs for the love of Leland Bouchard. When Carolina finds herself in Leland’s arms, she believes her wildest dreams have come true, but her lies and social blunders along the way to engagement may yet cost Carolina more than her newfound wealth can buy.
Penelope Hayes has been trapped in the Schoonmaker mansion under the pretense of miscarriage while her husband travels to Cuba with dashed hopes of serving his country. Bitter and alienated, Penelope crashes back into the social scene and discovers that she may yet assume a title grander than Mrs. Henry Schoonmaker. The Prince of Bavaria is even more scandalous and seductive than Penelope, and she agrees when he asserts that she would be happier if she were a princess. Poor Penelope has finally met her match!
Elizabeth’s belly continues to swell, and she feels utter gratitude for Mr. Cairns, who has not only married her despite her condition, but has also purchased a lovely house for her. While arranging her husband’s office, Elizabeth finds a document that links her name to Will Keller. When Elizabeth recognizes a man at the door, she realizes that Mr. Cairns may not be her savior after all. Only one person can save her from this new-found horror, but will he return from war in time?
Diana has traveled the world looking for Henry. She finally reunites with him in Cuba, but the pair’s blissful reunion ends when an officer discovers Diana in Henry’s bed. As soon as Diana returns to New York, she knows that she has outgrown the city and its stifling rules. An escape to Paris with Henry is all that Diana can hope for, but a shocking turn of events at the Schoonmaker mansion may prevent Henry from joining her.
If you're looking for a light, but well written book to get lost in for the weekend, give this on a try! Ultimately, the women emerge strong and independent. Godbersen leaves us with a satisfying conclusion to this wonderful series for readers who love historical fiction, romance, and intrigue.
This final installment of The Luxe ties a tidy bow around the series, fit for one of those dazzling dresses that adorn the covers. Godbersen takes us on a final wild ride with the characters we love, as well as those we love to hate.
Carolina Broad, who graces the cover in her lavender gown, has finally established herself among New York’s social elite; however, she still longs for the love of Leland Bouchard. When Carolina finds herself in Leland’s arms, she believes her wildest dreams have come true, but her lies and social blunders along the way to engagement may yet cost Carolina more than her newfound wealth can buy.
Penelope Hayes has been trapped in the Schoonmaker mansion under the pretense of miscarriage while her husband travels to Cuba with dashed hopes of serving his country. Bitter and alienated, Penelope crashes back into the social scene and discovers that she may yet assume a title grander than Mrs. Henry Schoonmaker. The Prince of Bavaria is even more scandalous and seductive than Penelope, and she agrees when he asserts that she would be happier if she were a princess. Poor Penelope has finally met her match!
Elizabeth’s belly continues to swell, and she feels utter gratitude for Mr. Cairns, who has not only married her despite her condition, but has also purchased a lovely house for her. While arranging her husband’s office, Elizabeth finds a document that links her name to Will Keller. When Elizabeth recognizes a man at the door, she realizes that Mr. Cairns may not be her savior after all. Only one person can save her from this new-found horror, but will he return from war in time?
Diana has traveled the world looking for Henry. She finally reunites with him in Cuba, but the pair’s blissful reunion ends when an officer discovers Diana in Henry’s bed. As soon as Diana returns to New York, she knows that she has outgrown the city and its stifling rules. An escape to Paris with Henry is all that Diana can hope for, but a shocking turn of events at the Schoonmaker mansion may prevent Henry from joining her.
If you're looking for a light, but well written book to get lost in for the weekend, give this on a try! Ultimately, the women emerge strong and independent. Godbersen leaves us with a satisfying conclusion to this wonderful series for readers who love historical fiction, romance, and intrigue.
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