I can’t get enough of this book. I get tingles every time I even think about it. That kind of story deserves to be read, re-read, and recommended until I go senile and can’t even remember my own name– but will probably still remember how amazing this book was.

 Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth Wein, is the story of two young women who meet while working for the British war effort during World War II. Before the war, Maddie trains as a a pilot and a mechanic, and is able to fly planes for the Air Transport Auxiliary. Along the way she meets Julie, a bright Scottish lass with a lot of spirit and a talent for persuasion. Their paths cross again and again, and the two become the closest of friends.

After crossing over into Nazi-occupied France on a mission, the girls become separated, each facing different kinds of danger; each left to wonder what has happened to the other.

I could say this book is about a lot of things: World War II! Espionage! 1940s feminism! Not to mention courage, loyalty, truth. But at its heart, Code Name Verity is about friendship– a friendship fierce enough, brave enough, strong enough to survive all the above.

This book is for you if you like historical fiction, stories about World War II, airplanes, or danger; and also if you are human and have a beating heart. (But let’s be honest, robots and zombies would probably like this book, as well. Yes, it’s that good.)

Reserve the book at your local library by clicking here, or on the photo.

If you don’t already know, the most rad site out there for teens (mostly teen girls, but the content is relevant for guys, too) is Rookie Mag.

Rookie was started by Tavi Gevinson, a fashion blogger from Illinois whose blog got international attention when she was– get this– thirteen years old. Now she’s sixteen and in her infinite wisdom decided that teens needed something written for them that was by people their own age– people who GET IT.

Check out Rookie’s website for articles, photography, DIYs, reviews, and advice on everything from dating to politics to religion to watching obscure films from the 1970s. Also check out my favorite feature, “Ask a Grown Man” (also a grown woman, occasionally), where they wrangled some cool comedians, actors, and influential people like Tavi’s dad and got them to answer readers’ questions about life as a teen.

Also, last fall, Rookie celebrated their one-year anniversary with a book that you can get through Clevnet. I received my own copy as a gift, and I’m pumped because I get to keep it forever. If you want to do that, buy it here at Rookie Mag or here on Amazon.

Rookie has lots of contributors– YOU can even submit stuff (check out next month’s theme on the right side of the page when you’re on the site). It’s basically the coolest thing ever, and I wish I had it when I was a teenager. Take advantage.

Take a trip back to the ’90s with Tenderness by Robert Cormier (published in 1997). 15-year-old Lori becomes obsessed with an 18-year-old serial killer who preys on girls and was just released from a juvenile detention center. It gets interesting when she sneaks into his van and ends up on a road trip with him. Lucky for her, she isn’t the kind of girl he normally goes for … or is she? Spoiler alert: this doesn’t end well.

Check here to see where it’s on the shelf. Also, Tenderness was turned into an awesomely bad movie with Russell Crowe.

Robert Cormier, who had a thing for writing teen books with sad, disturbing endings, is probably best known for The Chocolate War, which was banned by many schools and libraries.

Check out this list of other frequently banned books.

Teen Readers Advisory Super Heroes bring you our picks for august!

Check out these books about … kids who don’t fit in at school; kidnappings; old people who rent the bodies of young people; a boy soldier turned humanitarian; a girl who pretends to be pregant; and lots of other crazy things.

TRASH picks for June are here.

Looking for a good book or graphic novel?  The Teen Readers Advisory Super Heros (TRASH) meet once a month to bring you the latest and greatest teen reads.

Games, crafts, and more will be offered at our next program – The Winter Wonderland Party. Stop by on Thursday, December 22nd at 4 PM to take part in the festivities!

Our TAB (Teen Advisory Board) is currently seeking new members. TAB is responsible for suggesting ways that teen services can be improved, both through programming and in our collection. They also volunteer to help out at special events and act as the voice for our teen patrons.

Stop by for our next meeting on Tuesday, December 13th at 4 PM if you’re interested in learning more. See you there!

Marc Sumerak has written for Marvel, DC and has been nomited for Eisner and Harvey awards!

Marc will be sharing his experience in the comic world on Monday, October 17th at 4pm at the Lee Road Library, meeting room B.