Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 by Megan
Our teens had a Suzanne Collins Summer! Despite the fact that the first “Hunger Games” book debuted nearly 20 years ago (if you are a parent, teacher, or geriatric millennial, it will turn 20 in 2028), we still had several summer reading reviews for her books! It’s always bittersweet when summer reading is over, but it means we get to start sharing your book reviews, and we’ll share more throughout the school year!
Continue reading “Teen Reader Reviews: Suzanne Collins Edition”
Posted on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 by Dana
Night of the Living Queers
A collection of 13 horror stories all written by queer authors about the Halloween night that changed their lives forever. Continue reading “(Still) Reading With Pride”
Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 by DBRLTeen
Happy Juneteenth everyone! This holiday, only recognized widely within the last few years, was established to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans and as a day to celebrate the influence and contributions that Black Americans have made to the culture and history of the United States. The list of Black people who have had an impact on this country is far, far too long to list, but the influence of many of these figures is felt even to this very day. In times like these, it is especially important, when racism and violence against the Black community, both individual and institutional, is on the rise, that we can take a day to honor both all that we have achieved and all the struggles that have been overcome on the way here. With that in mind, we have put together a book list with a variety of titles written by Black authors, with Black characters, that celebrate Black history, and joy!
You can find our book list at the link here. No matter what draws your eye, we hope that you have a wonderful Juneteenth! As a reminder, all of our locations will be closed on June 19th.
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 by Megan
Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! It is that time of year when we look at all the contributions and achievements of our friends and family in the AANHPI community, both past and present. With the increased anti-Asian hate during the pandemic, it is more important than ever to recognize the many ways that they have helped to shape our modern world for the better. With that in mind, DBRL has created a list of titles featuring AANHPI characters and stories, including some graphic novels and memoirs from various voices and backgrounds. Click here for the full book list.
Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 by Grace
Readers…gather round.
We have long awaited a fail-proof method of sniffing out something new to read. You’ve probably tried everything: recommendations from friends and family, the viral hype of a BookTok series (or three), and Goodreads recommendations. All these have been…well, not unhelpful…but here, today, in the form of this blog post, I offer you the most reliable method of choosing a new read: following the stars. Continue reading “YA Books For Your Sun Sign: Part I”
Posted on Monday, March 31, 2025 by DBRLTeen
Today, March 31, is “Transgender Day of Visibility.” Everyone is welcome in the library – today and always! To celebrate, we are amplifying transgender books, characters and authors! Here are some of our new favorites! Continue reading “Transgender Day of Visibility”
Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 by Dana
You don’t have to be a woman to be angry with the current state of…*gestures vaguely at everything*
As we come to the end of Women’s History Month and you’d like some feminine rage and empowered girls to carry you through, check out some of the titles below. Continue reading “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves”
Posted on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 by Megan
Are you looking for your next great read? Do you think the books on book tok are overrated? Have you read EVERY book at your school? Have you asked your friends and family for recommendations, but they have questionable taste in books and now you have trust issues? Do you find it annoying when blogs start with a bunch of rhetorical questions as a gimmick to keep you reading? Well look no further – we have something just for you! Continue reading “Ask Book Oracle”
Posted on Monday, February 10, 2025 by Dana
Every genre has its tropes, or a commonly used theme or device. Fantasy has the “chosen one” or “lost royalty” and horror/thrillers have the “haunted house” and the “final girl” trope. Part of why tropes are used so routinely is that there is comfort in knowing how the story will probably play out, especially in romance. But then, we also enjoy it when a predictable formula gets a fun twist.
Angst – Whether they are star-crossed or hit by some other tragedy, happily ever after may not be possible.
Why We Love It: Sometimes, you just want to be in your feelings. See also: Sad People Music
Give It a Try: Songlight by Moira Buffini
Posted on Friday, January 31, 2025 by Megan
It’s finally here! It’s award season … for books! Early every year, the American Library Association (ALA) hosts its annual Youth Media Awards Press Conference. At this time, authors and illustrators of children’s and young adult literature are honored for the outstanding works they have published over the last year.
These books are selected by judging committees of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work. Below are the awards honoring distinguished books for young adult readers. Be sure to check out the book lists for the complete list of winners and honorees! Continue reading “2025 Youth Media Award Winners”