Teen Staff Picks
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Ukraine: Remember Also Me
A collection of vivid and powerful testimonies from the conflict in Ukraine, collated and illustrated by award-winning artist George Butler.
While reporting on the war in Ukraine, George Butler has created striking and intimate illustrations to introduce us to the people behind the headlines. His drawings, made in a variety of places from missile-scarred streets to nursing homes, vividly capture stories of family, tragedy, and perseverance. These powerful portraits of war and conflict are a timely reminder of the humanity we all share and our universal need for peace. A stunning, illuminating, and sensitive look at stories that deserve to be told. Includes a foreword by Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States. -
Adulting Made Easy
This informative and approachable book tackles and answers the questions young adults sometimes don't even know to ask.
- Adulting Made Easy puts at the forefront things young adults are thinking about. It's adulting 101 without having to take the class!Money and Jobs: guidance from budgeting to sample job interview questions
- Communication: Scripts for making phone calls, plus how to navigate social media
- Self-Care: Health insurance, basic grocery staples, and first-aid supplies
- How to Live: Cleaning items and home repair tools to have on hand
- Driving, Voting, and more! Including a chapter on what to do when things go wrong
In the age of sky-high rents and social media, COVID and chaos, it's harder than ever to be an adult. No wonder so many young people have trouble adulting and don't know how to begin.
Being in charge of your own life seems exciting until you realize the so-called real world is a mix of daunting decisions and mundane details. Who knew that health insurance could be a deciding factor for taking or turning down your dream job? What exactly do you say to the doctor's office when you need to make an appointment? And why does laundry have to be separated and done so often?
Chapters in the book are ordered in a way that puts at the forefront the things young people are thinking about right now, with a new generation going into adulthood more likely to be living with family; more politically and civically engaged; and using social media as a communication tool/platform. -
Life Skills for Teens
Congratulations, you are a teenager! The big question is, now what?!
The teenage years are an exciting yet every changing period of your life. New challenges and tasks seem to pop up almost daily, not to mention all the changes your body is going through.
As you get older and take on more responsibilities, you have probably often wondered how to do many of the adult tasks your parents or older siblings seem to breeze through daily. Everything from how to tell if the chicken in the fridge has gone bad to how to get rid of dandruff has likely crossed your mind, and you're not alone. The more you learn and the more new experiences you have, the more questions you'll have too.
While a wonderful tool with a wealth of knowledge, the internet can be overwhelming to navigate at times. I mean, which of the thirteen articles about budgeting and saving money is actually accurate? And yes, you can ask your parents or other trusted adults in your life to teach you specific skills, but sometimes you just want to figure it out on your own. That's where this guide comes into play.
Dive in and start learning life skills for teens! Order yours now.
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Silenced Voices
In this moving intergenerational tale perfect for fans of Messy Roots and Illegal, Eisner-nominated creator Pablo Leon combines historical research of the Guatemalan Civil War with his own experiences as a Guatemalan immigrant to depict a powerful story of family, sacrifice, survival, and hope.
Langley Park, Maryland, 2013
Brothers Jose and Charlie know very little about their mother's life in Guatemala, until Jose grows curious about the ongoing genocide trial of Efrain Rios Montt. At first his mother, Clara, shuts his questions down. But as the trial progresses, she begins to open up to her sons about a time in her life that she's left buried for years.
Peten, Guatemala, 1982
Sisters Clara and Elena hear about the armed conflict every day, but the violence somehow seems far away from their small village. But the day the fight comes to their doorstep, the sisters are separated and are forced to flee through the mountains, leaving them to wonder...Have their paths diverged forever?
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The Art and Making of Arcane
Filled with gorgeous illustrations and concept art from the hit Netflix series, The Art and Making of Arcane is an immersive journey behind the scenes of the Emmy Award-winning Animated Series!
The Art and Making of Arcane takes readers through the visual journey of Riot Games’ and Fortiche's revolutionary animated series. Featuring early art styles, evolving character designs, and jaw-dropping worldbuilding artwork, this volume is the definitive compendium of Arcane’s creative process and vision.
Arcane and League of Legends fans alike will be amazed by the visual development of fan-favorite champions, the breathtaking cityscapes of Piltover and Zaun, and the riveting inventions of hextech and Shimmer.
This book includes early designs showing how characters evolved visually, gorgeous vistas of sprawling background and setting art, and interviews with over 20 key animators, writers, directors, artists, game designers, musicians, and other creators.
EXCLUSIVE ACETATE COVER: The Art and Making of Arcane comes with an acetate jacket exclusive to this edition.
IN-WORLD EXTRAS: This stunning tome will also come with a trove of in-world extras. All editions of the book will include a Jinx poster, a removable map of Piltover, an in-world blueprint, a Vander Letter, fold-out spreads showcasing content from seasons one and two, and more.
ORIGINAL ART: Features beautiful, never-before-seen concept art that helped adapt the global blockbuster video game into a critically acclaimed animated series.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS: Hear from the development teams at Riot Games and Fortiche on the groundbreaking process that brought the world of Runeterra into the cinematic limelight.
GO BEHIND THE SCENES: Filled with both behind-the-scenes looks at the inspiration and iteration of the people and places in Arcane, breakdowns of key scenes, and a deep dive into Fortiche’s artisanal animation style, The Art and Making of Arcane chronicles the incredible work and talent that went into crafting such a dynamic and instantly iconic series. -
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: the Art of the Movie
The instant New York Times bestseller and official behind-the-scenes tie-in book to Sony Pictures Animation's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar(R)-winning Spider-Verse saga, an epic adventure that will transport Brooklyn's friendly neighborhood Spider-Man across the Multiverse to join forces with Gwen Stacy and a new team of Spider-People to face off with a villain more powerful than anything they have ever encountered.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: The Art of the Movie takes readers behind the scenes to showcase the art and artistry of Sony Pictures Animation's beloved sequel to 2018's Academy Award-winning animated feature, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
The ultimate deep dive into the on-screen return of the Spider-Man multiverse, the book features exclusive concept art, sketches, character designs, and storyboards from the visually innovative film, as well as interviews with key creators such as writers/producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who offer insights into their creative process.
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Embrace Your Size
What do you do when your body doesn’t match the ideal shape as dictated by society? What do you wear when sweats seem to be the only clothes that fit you? How do you deal with the constant, overwhelming waves of criticism about your appearance from yourself and others?A love letter to anyone striving to embrace their size, this wonderfully illustrated, uplifting comic essay by a plus-size author chronicles her own journey with body positivity, what inspired her to change her mindset, and how she learned to love herself as she is.
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Love Wars - Clash of the Parents, A True Divorce Story - Memoir
Nate and Vanessa started The War, but only their son Matthew can end it! Young Matthew's world shatters when his parents split up and put him in the middle of their custody battle. Desperate to escape their never-ending conflicts, Matthew imitates his hero, Luke Skywalker, and launches an against-all-odds mission to stop Mom and Dad's war of vengeance! Will Matthew's little brother Thomas Rabbit help blow up the Divorce War Death Star, or will he hide and play with his bunnies? Love Wars: Clash of the Parents is a true story of youthful bravery, and a wacky account of one family's wretched yet hilarious nuclear meltdown . . . with an unexpected and unforgettable ending. Matthew A. Tower's inspirational memoir is a page-turner for readers of all ages, whether or not they have been affected by divorce and family strife. The book is fully illustrated by award-winning artist Tsuneo Sanda, adding an immersive quality to the experience. Alexander McCall Smith, author of the best-selling No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, called Love Wars "courageous, moving, and memorable!" Middle school English teacher Stephanie Berger said, "I stayed up past midnight finishing it. Fantastic!" High school English teacher Philip Halpern said, "It's perfect for young adults. It's a mature story with real, grown-up issues seen through the eyes of a child." Many young people age 9-18 who read the advance reader copy called Love Wars "my favorite book!" BookLife by Publishers Weekly awarded an A in all categories to Love Wars, describing this memoir as a "powerful, expressive rendering of divorce from a child's perspective... Tower's debut is obviously written from the heart. What makes it resonate is the palpable emotion Matthew feels: fear, resentment, grief-and a burning desperation to somehow just be a kid... Animated illustrations by Tsuneo Sanda give powerful voice to Matthew's distress, depicting the weight of his parents' anger and his youthful hope that, with a little inspiration from his childhood heroes, he can right their sinking ship... Tower closes with his long-sought-after peaceful ending, recognizing his years of pain eventually give way to empowerment, closure, and purpose."
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Kill the Villainess, Vol. 1
"Even so, I just can't bring myself to love this world." Eris Miserian knows the fate that awaits her--after losing her promised husband, the crown prince, to Helena, a daughter of a disgraced Count, Eris poisons her rival as an act of revenge. But after her plan is foiled, she is sentenced to death while Helena and the prince get to live their happily ever after. Or that is what happens in the novel Eris was reading in her past life before she woke up in this world. Now, desperate to return to her own world, she'll do everything that she can to escape what the story has laid out for her and find a way back to her real life!
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Gearbreakers
Two girls on opposite sides of a war discover they're fighting for a common purpose—and falling for each other—in Zoe Hana Mikuta's high-octane debut Gearbreakers, perfect for fans of Pacific Rim, Pierce Brown's Red Rising Saga, and Marie Lu's Legend series.
We went past praying to deities and started to build them instead...
The shadow of Godolia's tyrannical rule is spreading, aided by their giant mechanized weapons known as Windups. War and oppression are everyday constants for the people of the Badlands, who live under the thumb of their cruel Godolia overlords.
Eris Shindanai is a Gearbreaker, a brash young rebel who specializes in taking down Windups from the inside. When one of her missions goes awry and she finds herself in a Godolia prison, Eris meets Sona Steelcrest, a cybernetically enhanced Windup pilot. At first Eris sees Sona as her mortal enemy, but Sona has a secret: She has intentionally infiltrated the Windup program to destroy Godolia from within.
As the clock ticks down to their deadliest mission yet, a direct attack to end Godolia's reign once and for all, Eris and Sona grow closer—as comrades, friends, and perhaps something more...
Praise for Gearbreakers:
"An absolute joyride of a story set in a vivid, arresting world. Gearbreakers is sci-fi at its very finest, combining the grandeur of mecha fighting machines with the intimacy of (splendidly feral) found family. Zoe Hana Mikuta is a talent to be in awe of." —Chloe Gong, New York Times-bestselling author of These Violent Delights -
The God and the Gumiho
In this sly and dazzling contemporary fantasy, the most notorious nine-tailed fox in Korea pairs up with a trickster god–turned–detective to track down a wrathful demon . . . before it can destroy the mortal world.
“Enchanting fantasy . . . With an intoxicating mix of action, mystery, and deliciously angsty romance, this reads like the most bingeable K-drama.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Kim Hani has retired from a life of devouring souls. She is, simply put, too full. Once known as the infamous Scarlet Fox, she now spends her days working in a coffee shop and annoying a particularly irritating, if unfairly handsome, trickster god as often as she can.
That god is Seokga the Fallen. Exiled from the heavenly kingdom of Okhwang, he now begrudgingly resides in the mortal realm, working toward his redemption and suffering through his interactions with the particularly infuriating, if sneakily charming, gumiho barista at his favorite café.
But when a powerful demon escapes from the underworld and threatens to end all of humanity, Okhwang’s emperor offers Seokga an enticing bargain: Kill this rogue creature, as well as the legendary and elusive Scarlet Fox, and he will be reinstated as a god. Hani, however, has no intention of being caught. Seokga might be a trickster god, but she has a trick of her own that he’ll never see coming: teaming up. As Seokga’s assistant, Hani will undermine and sabotage his investigation right under his overly pointy nose. Sure, she’ll help him kill the demon, but she certainly won’t allow him to uncover her secret identity while they’re at it.
As the bickering partners track their case down a path of mayhem and violence, the god and the gumiho find themselves inescapably drawn to each other. But will the unlikely couple stand together to prevent the apocalypse, or will they let their secrets tear them—and the world—apart? -
K-pop Confidential
"I'm still giddy over this electrifying, big-hearted, all-kill smash of a debut. I couldn't put it down." -- Becky Albertalli, bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
In this romantic coming-of-age novel about chasing big dreams, a Korean-American girl travels to Seoul in hopes of debuting in a girl group at the same K-pop company behind the most popular boy band on the planet. Perfect for fans of Mary H. K. Choi and Jenny Han.
Candace Park knows a lot about playing a role. For most of her life, she's been playing the role of the quiet Korean girl who takes all AP classes and plays a classical instrument, keeping her dreams of stardom-and her obsession with SLK, K-pop's top boyband-to herself. She doesn't see how a regular girl like her could possibly become one of those K-pop goddesses she sees on YouTube. Even though she can sing. Like, really sing.So when Candace secretly enters a global audition held by SLK's music label, the last thing she expects is to actually get a coveted spot in their trainee program. And convincing her strict parents to let her to go is all but impossible ... although it's nothing compared to what comes next. Under the strict supervision of her instructors at the label's headquarters in Seoul, Candace must perfect her performance skills to within an inch of her life, learn to speak Korean fluently, and navigate the complex hierarchies of her fellow trainees, all while following the strict rules of the industry. Rule number one? NO DATING, which becomes impossible to follow when she meets a dreamy boy trainee. And in the all-out battle to debut, Candace is in danger of planting herself in the middle of a scandal lighting up the K-pop fandom around the world.If she doesn't have what it takes to become a perfect, hair-flipping K-pop idol, what will that mean for her family, who have sacrificed everything to give her the chance? And is a spot in the most hyped K-pop girl group of all time really worth risking her friendships, her future, and everything she believes in?
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Darker by Four
A UK #1 Sunday Times Bestseller!
The Shadowhunter Chronicles meets Chinese diaspora folklore in Darker by Four, the first in an epic contemporary fantasy duology from Jade Fire Gold author June Tan.
A vengeful girl. A hollow boy. A missing god.
Rui has one goal in mind--honing her magic to avenge her mother's death.
Yiran is the black sheep of an illustrious family. The world would be at his feet--had he been born with magic.
Nikai is a Reaper, serving the Fourth King of Hell. When his master disappears, the underworld begins to crumble...and the human world will be next if the King is not found.
When an accident causes Rui's power to transfer to Yiran, everything turns upside down. Without her magic, Rui has no tool for vengeance. With it, Yiran finally feels like he belongs. That is, until Rui discovers she might hold the key to the missing death god and strikes a dangerous bargain with another King.
As darkness takes over, three paths intersect in the shadows. And three lives bound by fate must rise against destiny before the barrier between worlds falls and all Hell breaks loose--literally.
Perfect for fans of This Savage Song and Only a Monster, Darker by Four will pull readers into a world of love, desperation, and revenge--a world where every deal has a catch, no secret stays buried, and no one is exactly who they say they are.
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A Crane Among Wolves
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
AN EDGAR AWARD NOMINEE
June Hur, bestselling author of The Red Palace, crafts a devastating and pulse-pounding tale that will feel all-too-relevant in today’s world, based on a true story from Korean history.
Hope is dangerous. Love is deadly.
1506, Joseon. The people suffer under the cruel reign of the tyrant King Yeonsan, powerless to stop him from commandeering their land for his recreational use, banning and burning books, and kidnapping and horrifically abusing women and girls as his personal playthings.
Seventeen-year-old Iseul has lived a sheltered, privileged life despite the kingdom’s turmoil. When her older sister, Suyeon, becomes the king’s latest prey, Iseul leaves the relative safety of her village, traveling through forbidden territory to reach the capital in hopes of stealing her sister back. But she soon discovers the king’s power is absolute, and to challenge his rule is to court certain death.
Prince Daehyun has lived his whole life in the terrifying shadow of his despicable half-brother, the king. Forced to watch King Yeonsan flaunt his predation through executions and rampant abuse of the common folk, Daehyun aches to find a way to dethrone his half-brother once and for all. When staging a coup, failure is fatal, and he’ll need help to pull it off—but there’s no way to know who he can trust.
When Iseul's and Daehyun's fates collide, their contempt for each other is transcended only by their mutual hate for the king. Armed with Iseul’s family connections and Daehyun’s royal access, they reluctantly join forces to launch the riskiest gamble the kingdom has ever seen:
Save her sister. Free the people. Destroy a tyrant.
Also by June Hur:
The Silence of Bones
The Forest of Stolen Girls
The Red Palace
Behind Five Willows -
The Black Flamingo
Stonewall Book Award Winner * A Time Magazine Best YA Book Of All Time
A fierce coming-of-age verse novel about identity and the power of drag, from acclaimed poet and performer Dean Atta. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo, Jason Reynolds, and Kacen Callender.
Michael is a mixed-race gay teen growing up in London. All his life, he's navigated what it means to be Greek-Cypriot and Jamaican--but never quite feeling Greek or Black enough.
As he gets older, Michael's coming out is only the start of learning who he is and where he fits in. When he discovers the Drag Society, he finally finds where he belongs--and the Black Flamingo is born.
Told with raw honesty, insight, and lyricism, this debut explores the layers of identity that make us who we are--and allow us to shine.
"In this uplifting coming-of-age novel told in accessible verse, Atta chronicles the growth and glory of Michael Angeli, a mixed-race kid from London, as he navigates his cultural identity as Cypriot and Jamaican as well as his emerging sexuality." (Publishers Weekly, "An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List")
Teen Zone (Main)
Our Charleston Teen Zone is an age-specific space where teens can enjoy some solace or socialize with other people their age. It features 100% FREE:
- Monthly drop-in clubs
- Snacks & sodas on Mondays, popcorn & sodas on Thursdays
- Gaming consoles & board games to play in-house
- PCs with up to 5 pages of homework printing per day
- Teen Study Room
- Take-what-you-need, leave-what-you-can areas:
- Compassion Cabinet for hygiene products
- Teen Study Room school supplies area
- Free Community Bookshelf
Did you know: The Teen Zone is also connected to our IDEA Lab makerspace?
Upcoming Events
America 250 Reading Challenge
Celebrate America's 250th birthday in 2026 with the library in the best way we know how - by reading! Read a book that matches our America 250 theme every month and earn a virtual Beanstack badge.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation to attend a program at any KCPL facility should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event. Phone: 304-343-4646 ext. 1242 or 1268 Email: facilities@kanawhalibrary.org
Main Library Patrons with strollers, wheelchairs, or other wheeled devices will find it easier to use the Jacobson Tower entrance on Quarrier Street or the Skybridge entrance via Summers Street Garage.
America 250 - Patriotic Pictionary
Celebrate America 250! Engage in a friendly competition as we play America themed pictionary.
Disclaimer(s)
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Are you more of an autumn type of teen than a spring type of teen? You're in luck!
Disclaimer(s)
Registration Required
Registration for this program is required due to limited space and materials. If you cannot attend, please call the library to cancel your registration so the spot may open up to others. A registration will be cancelled and a program spot made available to other patrons if the registrant does not arrive within 10 minutes of the scheduled program time.
Accessibility
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation to attend a program at any KCPL facility should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event. Phone: 304-343-4646 ext. 1242 or 1268 Email: facilities@kanawhalibrary.org
Main Library Patrons with strollers, wheelchairs, or other wheeled devices will find it easier to use the Jacobson Tower entrance on Quarrier Street or the Skybridge entrance via Summers Street Garage.
Photo & Video
We often photograph and videotape library events. These images are used for publicizing KCPL and its programs. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the photographer or a staff member know.
Pi Day Party
Come celebrate Pi Day at the IDEA Lab!
Stop by any time between 1:00-3:00pm to participate. We'll have games, crafts, prizes, and - most importantly - pie!
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation to attend a program at any KCPL facility should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event. Phone: 304-343-4646 ext. 1242 or 1268 Email: facilities@kanawhalibrary.org
Main Library Patrons with strollers, wheelchairs, or other wheeled devices will find it easier to use the Jacobson Tower entrance on Quarrier Street or the Skybridge entrance via Summers Street Garage.
Food Allergies
We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
Photo & Video
We often photograph and videotape library events. These images are used for publicizing KCPL and its programs. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the photographer or a staff member know.
Join us for Teen Time! Call or stop in to find out what activity we will be doing.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation to attend a program at any KCPL facility should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event. Phone: 304-343-4646 ext. 1242 or 1268 Email: facilities@kanawhalibrary.org
Main Library Patrons with strollers, wheelchairs, or other wheeled devices will find it easier to use the Jacobson Tower entrance on Quarrier Street or the Skybridge entrance via Summers Street Garage.
Food Allergies
We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
Inclement Weather
All programs are subject to rescheduling or cancellation in the event of inclement weather.
Photo & Video
We often photograph and videotape library events. These images are used for publicizing KCPL and its programs. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the photographer or a staff member know.
Are you more of an autumn type of teen than a spring type of teen? You're in luck! Ages 12-18 can drop into the library to enjoy gluing together, painting, and decorating their very own Haunted Birdhouse for HallowSPRING.
Disclaimer(s)
Registration Required
Registration for this program is required due to limited space and materials. If you cannot attend, please call the library to cancel your registration so the spot may open up to others. A registration will be cancelled and a program spot made available to other patrons if the registrant does not arrive within 10 minutes of the scheduled program time.
Accessibility
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation to attend a program at any KCPL facility should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event. Phone: 304-343-4646 ext. 1242 or 1268 Email: facilities@kanawhalibrary.org
Main Library Patrons with strollers, wheelchairs, or other wheeled devices will find it easier to use the Jacobson Tower entrance on Quarrier Street or the Skybridge entrance via Summers Street Garage.
Photo & Video
We often photograph and videotape library events. These images are used for publicizing KCPL and its programs. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the photographer or a staff member know.