Looking to read more diversly in 2026? Black History Month is right around the corner, which is a great prompt to try one of these awesome teen reads by Black authors.
And lastly, Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson are mystery/thrillers very likely to keep you up at night, turning the pages way past your bedtime.
Be sure to browse the whole list and choose a few new favorites.
https://www.ecpubliclibrary.info/teens/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/student-reading.jpg6331200Andriahttps://www.ecpubliclibrary.info/teens/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/logo_teens-300x137.pngAndria2026-01-06 19:09:082026-01-06 19:09:08Great Teen Reads for Black History Month
Teen Advisory Board is set to start up again this month, and I’m so excited to begin working with this great group. Last term, TAB members worked on a variety of projects, including decoration of the Teen Study Rooms, creation of many book displays (including Blind Date with a Book – a fav!), a monthly newspaper (The TABloids – check it out!), and a Summer at the Library promotional video. Each term’s board is different, with new ideas and passions. I can’t wait to see what board members do this year!
What is Teen Advisory Board (TAB)?
The Teen Advisory Board is a volunteer-based group comprised of teens that love the library and an adult facilitator. The group works to make the library a better place for their peers in middle and high school.
What do TAB members do?
Attend monthly meetings, trainings, or events
Suggest books and other materials for the library to purchase
Promote the library to peers
Assist library staff in creating events, displays, and projects for teens and kids
Work with the TAB group to achieve set goals
Learn to communicate effectively through email and other tools
Help the library grow and improve
Who can join?
Anyone currently in grades 7-12 and 12-18 years old. You must also be a L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library cardholder (Don’t have one? Don’t worry. They are easy to get and are free!)
An Impossible Thing To Say by Arya Shahi is a beautiful book written in verse. As you read this book it has you questioning things about your own culture and language that you wouldn’t have thought about before . This book is all about self discovery and unveiling all the questions around having a first crush and learning how to understand your culture and language in a world that doesn’t understand it to begin with. This book is quite the journey but its very beautiful and realistic at the same time.
Book Synopsis
Omid needs the right words to connect with his newly met grandfather and distant Iranian heritage, words to tell a special girl what she means to him and to show everyone that he truly belongs in Tucson, Arizona, the only home he’s ever known. Neither the school play’s Shakespearean English nor his parents’ Farsi seems up to the task, and it’s only when Omid delves into the rhymes and rhythms of rap music that he starts to find his voice. But even as he does so, an act of terrorism transforms familiar accents into new threats. Then a family member disappears, and it seems everyone but Omid knows why. When words fail altogether and violence takes their place, what will Omid do next?
Members of our Teen Advisory Board tend to really enjoy books and reading, which is pretty convenient for me. I love recommending books to local teens, but doesn’t it mean a little bit more if teens are doing the recommending? (I think so.)
https://www.ecpubliclibrary.info/teens/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/TAB-2023.jpeg7861200Andriahttps://www.ecpubliclibrary.info/teens/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/logo_teens-300x137.pngAndria2023-05-30 22:00:222023-05-30 22:00:22Book Recs from Teen Advisory Board
Juliet Takes A Breath is a book about racism, feminism, sex, gender, and size-ism. It is a book about a gay, black girl, who interns with a feminist author. But her internship isn’t all it she plans it to be. Juliet meets a nice librarian, and the friendship blossoms. But after her internship goes awry, she must try to figure out what it means to be Juliet.
This was an amazing book! I would recommend this book to any teen hoping to learn more about LGBTQ+, and racism. My favorite parts of this book were the way the author centers on different identities, and how Juliet is a role model to other teens. Overall, I loved this book!
Great Teen Reads for Black History Month
in read/by AndriaLooking to read more diversly in 2026? Black History Month is right around the corner, which is a great prompt to try one of these awesome teen reads by Black authors.
See the full list here: Teen Books for Black History Month
A Few Highlights
If you’re looking for an epic fantasy series starter, Legendborn by Tracy Deonn is your jam. Mystery, magic, and secrets await…
Kings of B’more by R. Eric Thomas and You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson are more lighthearted, rom-com reads that warm the heart.
And lastly, Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson are mystery/thrillers very likely to keep you up at night, turning the pages way past your bedtime.
Be sure to browse the whole list and choose a few new favorites.
Click here to see the full Teen Books for Black History Month list
Teen Advisory Board Gets Going
in yaab/by AndriaTeen Advisory Board is set to start up again this month, and I’m so excited to begin working with this great group. Last term, TAB members worked on a variety of projects, including decoration of the Teen Study Rooms, creation of many book displays (including Blind Date with a Book – a fav!), a monthly newspaper (The TABloids – check it out!), and a Summer at the Library promotional video. Each term’s board is different, with new ideas and passions. I can’t wait to see what board members do this year!
What is Teen Advisory Board (TAB)?
The Teen Advisory Board is a volunteer-based group comprised of teens that love the library and an adult facilitator. The group works to make the library a better place for their peers in middle and high school.
What do TAB members do?
Who can join?
Anyone currently in grades 7-12 and 12-18 years old. You must also be a L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library cardholder (Don’t have one? Don’t worry. They are easy to get and are free!)
How do I join?
Fill out this quick form. Easy peasy!
An Impossible Thing to Say (Book Review)
in read, tab/by Bridget MAn Impossible Thing To Say by Arya Shahi is a beautiful book written in verse. As you read this book it has you questioning things about your own culture and language that you wouldn’t have thought about before . This book is all about self discovery and unveiling all the questions around having a first crush and learning how to understand your culture and language in a world that doesn’t understand it to begin with. This book is quite the journey but its very beautiful and realistic at the same time.
Book Synopsis
Omid needs the right words to connect with his newly met grandfather and distant Iranian heritage, words to tell a special girl what she means to him and to show everyone that he truly belongs in Tucson, Arizona, the only home he’s ever known. Neither the school play’s Shakespearean English nor his parents’ Farsi seems up to the task, and it’s only when Omid delves into the rhymes and rhythms of rap music that he starts to find his voice. But even as he does so, an act of terrorism transforms familiar accents into new threats. Then a family member disappears, and it seems everyone but Omid knows why. When words fail altogether and violence takes their place, what will Omid do next?
Place a hold on a library copy of An Impossible Thing to Say here!
Bridget is a member and past President of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB). To learn more about TAB, click here.
Book Recs from Teen Advisory Board
in read, tab, yaab/by AndriaMembers of our Teen Advisory Board tend to really enjoy books and reading, which is pretty convenient for me. I love recommending books to local teens, but doesn’t it mean a little bit more if teens are doing the recommending? (I think so.)
I’ve included a few of their recommendations below. To see their full list, click here!
Bridget recommends…
How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Lucy recommends…
Go with the Flow by Lily Williams
Eva recommends…
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White
August recommends…
Loveless by Alice Oseman
Owen recommends…
Nyxia by Scott Reintgen
Ella recommends…
Even If We Break by Marieke Nijkamp
Book Review: Juliet Takes a Breath
in read/by AndriaThis was an amazing book! I would recommend this book to any teen hoping to learn more about LGBTQ+, and racism. My favorite parts of this book were the way the author centers on different identities, and how Juliet is a role model to other teens. Overall, I loved this book!
-Lucy, Teen Advisory Board member