Teen Scene
June 2022
Recent Releases
Hollow Fires
by Samira Ahmed

Meet: aspiring journalist Safiya Mirza, thrown into a murder investigation when she discovers the body of Jawad Ali. His death stemmed from the misidentification of his cosplay jetpack as a bomb.

How it's told: in lyrical alternating perspectives that show Safiya's grit and Jawad's innocence, with images, text messages, and articles woven in.

Read it for: a compelling mystery and chilling examination of how extremist views and misinformation spread through social media.
The Summer of Bitter and Sweet
by Jen Ferguson

What it is: a journey of self-discovery for 18-year-old Métis girl Louisa "Lou" Norquay over a summer working at her uncles' ice cream shop on the Canadian prairie.

What happens: Lou grapples with threats against the family business from her father, newly released from prison. Meanwhile, a friend back in town introduces her to the concepts of asexuality and demisexuality.

Author alert: This sweet, nuanced novel about connection and community is the debut from Métis author Jen Ferguson.
Family of Liars
by E. Lockhart

What it is: a prequel to author E. Lockhart's BookTok hit We Were Liars, chronicling the Sinclair family during the summer of 1987.

The set-up: Caroline Lennox Taft Sinclair recalls the first appearance of her drowned sister's ghost and the arrival of three teenage boys on Beechwood Island, then confesses the worst thing she's ever done.

Is it for you? This suspenseful tale of a rich family's greed and silence is both atmospheric and emotionally intense.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler
by Casey McQuiston

The search: for Shara Wheeler begins shortly before graduation, after she kisses Chloe Green and vanishes. Chloe needs her rival for valedictorian back so she can win fair and square.

The search party: Chloe plus two other students Shara kissed, who collect cryptic notes and untangle the mystery of Shara's disappearance and Shara herself.

Author alert: I Kissed Shara Wheeler is the YA debut from author Casey McQuiston, whose adult romcom Red, White & Royal Blue found a wide audience.
Ballad & Dagger
by Daniel José Older

Starring: Brooklynite Mateo Matisse, destined to help bring back San Madrigal, his Caribbean island home that mysteriously sank into the sea 15 years ago.

What happens: Mateo and his crush Chela Hidalgo explore the history of San Madrigal's West African, Jewish, and Indigenous roots while coming to understand their roles as children of the island's gods.

Duology alert: This vibrant, folklore-tinged urban fantasy kicks off author Daniel José Older's YA duology from Rick Riordan Presents.
Retro Reads
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin
by Roseanne A. Brown

Starring: Malik, a refugee who makes a deadly deal to save his sister; and Karina, a princess who turns to bloody necromancy in her grief over her mother's death.

What happens: Although they seem fated to destroy each other, Karina and Malik are irresistibly drawn together amidst the magic and high-stakes intrigue of this Afrofantasy series opener.

For fans of: the layered plots and vivid world-building in Tomi Adeyemi's Legacy of Orisha series.
Wicked As You Wish
by Rin Chupeco

Welcome to: the mostly un-magical town of Inveirno, Arizona, one of the Royal States of America and home to spellbreaker Tala and her best friend Alexei, the refugee prince of Avalon.

What happens: After a visit from the legendary firebird, Tala joins Alexei on his treacherous quest to liberate his enchanted homeland from the Snow Queen.

Why you might like it: A diverse cast of characters grounds this exciting mash-up of fairy tales and mythology. 
Spin
by Lamar Giles

The crime: up-and-coming DJ Paris Second, AKA DJ ParSec, is murdered before a show, tragically cutting short her bright future.

Who do we suspect? ParSec's best friend, Kya, and her biggest fan, Fuse, each think the other did it. To clear their names, these enemies must team up and find the true killer.

Read it for: a gripping mystery that pays homage to cutting-edge hip hop, thoughtfully examines class difference, and slyly references social media fanbases like the Beyhive.
I'll Be the One
by Lyla Lee

Starring: singer and dancer Skye Shin, who defies her mother's fat-shaming to win a spot on a fiercely competitive K-pop competition show. 

What happens: Skye is determined to win, both the contest and the heart of fellow competitor Henry Cho. But are her skills, charm, and persistence enough to conquer the judges' prejudice?

Further reading: For another body-positive rom-com, try Julie Murphy's Dumplin'; for another peek into the high-profile, high-drama world of K-pop, pick up Maurene Goo's Somewhere Only We Know.
Be Not Far from Me
by Mindy McGinnis

The place: Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, where experienced camper Ashley and her friends go to party.

The problem: A drunken mistake leaves Ashley barefoot, injured, and stranded without supplies, forcing her to find her own way back to safety before her infected wound gets the better of her.

Try this next: Kathryn Holmes' The Distance Between Lost and Found, an equally intense (but less gritty) survival story that similarly places a compelling character in a struggle against the wilderness.
Teen Events
Teen Summer Reading Program
June 1 - August 15
All three buildings
 
Starting June 1, teen campers going into grades 6 through 12 can sign up for our Teen Summer Reading Program.
You can register online through our Beanstack Summer Reading Program platform and are welcome to print off a reading log to track your progress. This year, teens are encouraged to read 10 minutes every day. You’ll earn a prize for every four hours you read or listen to books.
Participants can earn up to three prizes, including a free book to keep or fun giveaways that are perfect for summer outdoor adventures!
Once you've completed each level, you can paddle over to your nearest Library location to pick up your prize in-person or via curbside pick-up! Prizes will be available starting June 4.
 
Practice Test: ACT*
Monday, June 6
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
95th Street Library - Computer Classroom
 
High-school-age students will have an opportunity to take a complete ACT practice test using LearningExpress Library, a database free to Naperville Public Library cardholders. *Registration required 
 
Intro to Cameo Cutter*
Tuesday, June 7
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
95th Street Library - Computer Classroom
 
Learn how to use the Library's Silhouette Cameo Cutter machine and software. The machine cuts out designs on paper, vinyl, and other materials to help make beautiful creations. *Registration required.  Ages 13 and up.
 
Teen Tasters: S'mores*
Tuesday, June 7
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Nichols Library - Program Room
 
Have a hankering for something sweet? Teens will be able to taste test the best untraditional additions to the classic s’more and vote for their favorite. *Registration required
 
Teen Anime Club*
Wednesday, June 8
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
95th Street Library - Nomura/ Meeting Room C
 
Join us for our monthly anime club where we watch the latest anime from Japan, learn the latest J-Pop songs, and talk about all things anime and manga with your fellow otaku! *Registration required
 
Green Screen Room/ Sound Recording Studio Orientation*
Thursday, June 9
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
95th Street Library - Green Screen Room/ Sound Recording Studio
 
This is the orientation required to use the Green Screen Room and Sound Recording Studio. Attendees must be a Naperville Public Library card holder or a registered Reciprocal Borrower to sign up for this orientation. *Registration required.  For grades 9 and up.
 
Teen DIY: Nature Bookmarks*
Thursday, June 9
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Naper Boulevard Library - Program Room
 
Enjoy exploring outdoors and collecting beautiful pieces of nature? Use your creativity and love of nature to design a bookmark to hold your place in your favorite book this summer. *Registration required
 
Discord for Beginners*
Thursday, June 9
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
95th Street Library - Computer Classroom
 
Discover the audio, video, and text capabilities of Discord software and how it can be used for gaming, meetings, and more. *Registration required.  Ages 13 and up.
 
Pokémon Camp
Pokémon Trainers of all ages are invited to 3 days of Pokémon fun at the Library. Participate in Pokémon-themed crafts, trivia challenges, and scavenger hunts, as well as registered Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorials and activities. Each day of Pokémon Camp will be hosted by a different library building but the activities will be the same.
 
Friday, June 10
10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Naper Boulevard Library - Program Room
Card Game Training - 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. 
Trivia Challenge - 12:30 p.m. 
Pokkén Tournament - 1 p.m. 
Pokémon Crafts - Children's Makerspace tables & Teen Space while supplies last
Eeveelutions Scavenger Hunt - Children's Services Department
 
Saturday, June 11
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Nichols Library - Community Room
Card Game Training - 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. 
Trivia Challenge - 12:30 p.m. 
Pokkén Tournament - 12:30 p.m. 
Pokémon Craft Embroidered Bean Bag - noon-2 p.m. while supplies last
Eeveelutions Scavenger Hunt - Children's Services Department
Pokémon Crafts - Children's Makerspace tables & Teen Space while supplies last
 
Sunday, June 12
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
95th Street Library - Meeting Room A/B
Card Game Training - 1:30 & 3 p.m.  
Trivia Challenge - 2:30 p.m. 
Pokkén Tournament - 1:30 p.m. 
Pokémon Crafts - Children's Makerspace tables & Teen Space while supplies last
Eeveelutions Scavenger Hunt - Children's Services Department
 
Teen DIY: Rainbow Paracord Bracelets*
Monday, June 13
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Nichols Library - Program Room
 
Get prepared for Pride month in style by making a rainbow paracord bracelet using simple weaving techniques. *Registration required
 
Excel Basics*
Tuesday, June 14
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Online
 
Learn how to auto-fill, format data and adjust cells, and the different ways to insert and move data cells using Microsoft Excel. This program is being held virtually via Zoom. An email will be sent the day before and the day of the program containing the link to join. *Registration required.  Ages 13 and up.
 
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club*
Tuesday, June 14
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Online
 
Meet with other teens to play Dungeons and Dragons in an online campaign. All tabletop role-playing experiences are welcome. Computer with webcam/mic and internet connection required. This program is being held virtually. *Registration required
 
Celebrate Urban Birds Project*
Wednesdays, June 15, 22, 29
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Nichols Library - Teen Space
 
Do you have a passion for science? Looking for a reason to get outside? Or looking for volunteer hours? Then join us as we help log bird populations for the Celebrate Urban Birds project, a year-round citizen-science project developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to collects data from participants, providing valuable knowledge of how different environments influence birds in urban areas. Interested teens will need to have a BetterImpact account and will need to commit to 3 sessions. *Registration required
 
Teen DIY: Stenciled Tote Bags*
Thursday, June 16
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Naper Boulevard Library - Program Room
 
Teens use your imagination and creativity while using stencils to paint your own summer tote bag - perfect for carrying library books or everyday items. *Registration required
 
Video Game Club*
Thursday, June 16
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
95th Street Library - Meeting Room A/B
 
Play and talk video games with other gamers. Participants are welcome to bring their own Nintendo Switch and DS devices. Grades 4-7 *Registration required.  For grades 4-7.
 
Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop: GIMP and Inkscape*
Thursday, June 16
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
95th Street Library - Computer Classroom
 
Learn how to color correct, crop, resize, and manipulate digital photos in GIMP and Inkscape.*Registration required. Ages 13 and up.
 
Caudill Club*
Tuesday, June 21
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
95th Street Library - Meeting Room A
 
Join us for tasty treats and talk about the 2023 nominees for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award. Multiple copies will be available for check out. *Registration required
 
June 21: "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
 
Excel Intermediate*
Tuesday, June 21
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Online
 
Practice using great features that make it easier to calculate formulas, analyze trends, and apply formatting in spreadsheets. This program is being held virtually via Zoom. An email will be sent the day before and the day of the program containing the link to join. *Registration required.  Ages 13 and up.
 
Transgender 101*
Tuesday, June 21
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Online
 
Join award-winning consultant and speaker, Nikk Cochran Selik, as they discuss key concepts and terminology related to transgender identity. Attendees can learn practical tools for being a supportive ally and ask questions, all in a non-judgmental setting. Additionally, we will be discussing special considerations for transgender children and adolescents. This program is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. It will also be recorded and available on the Library's YouTube channel after the presentation. *Registration required.
This program is being held virtually via Zoom. Please register through Zoom directly: Transgender 101.
 
Creating Pepakura Paper Models*
Thursday, June 23
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Naper Boulevard Library - Program Room
 
Learn about pepakura, which is a form of paper crafting that allows the creation of incredibly detailed 3D models using paper. *Registration required
 
Teen Paint & Snack Art Party*
Thursday, June 23
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Nichols Library - Community Room
 
Teens, recreate your own masterpiece by following step-by-step instructions to paint your own version of the sample art piece. Snacks will be available to help feed your creativity. All materials will be provided, but please wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on. The sample art piece will be the same at each session. *Registration required
 
Teen DIY: Pinwheels and Pom Poms*
Wednesday, June 29
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
95th Street Library - Nomura/ Meeting Room C
 
Create festive red, white, and blue paper pinwheels and pom-pom sparklers perfect for celebrating the 4th of July. *Registration required
 
When LGBTQ+ Past and Present Collide*
Thursday, June 30
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Online
 
How LGBTQ+ History Can Illuminate Today's Challenges
As the old saying goes, "those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it." When we look at where the LGBTQ+ and ally community is today, it feels like we’re navigating new ground. But is that really the case? Examine key facts about LGBTQ+ history and how it shapes the world we’re in today, current advocacy issues, and what history can tell us about the challenges and opportunities we face. Discuss how we can emulate the change strategies of key LGBTQ+ leaders to elevate our voices and create change. *Registration required
This program will be held virtually via Zoom. Register through Zoom directly: When LGBTQ+ Past and Present Collide
 
Naperville Public Library
200 W. Jefferson Ave.
Naperville, Illinois 60540
630-961-4100

library.naperville-lib.org