“Self Portrait” by Katie McDowell (18), New Orleans Center for Creative Arts "An Old Man in Military Costume" by Simone Wuttke (18), Dartmouth College (recent Benjamin Franklin High School graduate) "This oil on canvas painting is inspired by Rembrandt's 'An Old...
I have sat with anger ingrained in my ribs night after night. I know the five stages of grief. Why am I so stuck on anger? Denial was the first one. It hit when I stood in front of my fridge all alone in my house with my knees wobbling, staring at the screen on my...
Partner Yoga Poses by Laurie Azzano of Lolo’s Youth StudioYaaaas, finally! Hello, summer! Inhale deadlines. Exhale freedom. If you’re like most, summer represents one big sigh of relief. No more early morning alarm clocks, homework, tests, school drama, or crazy,...
Makes 20-24 brownies (depending on how big you slice them) BAKE TIME: 30 minutesIngredients 6 eggs 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 3 cups brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 2 sticks butter 1/2 cup Crisco shortening 1 1/2 cups baking cocoa powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 3 teaspoons...
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or any form of mental distress, reach out to someone right away who can be there for you. Professional help is always an option when your psychological well-being is at risk. There is zero shame in...
Teen-Friendly NOLA ClinicsClinics that serve adolescents usually focus on the reproductive health needs of adolescents and young adults but may also provide primary care services. The ages served vary depending on the clinic, but they usually include preteens (11 or...
Have you ever wondered how you can apply astrology to your everyday life but don’t know where to start? Astrology can be very complex and sometimes overwhelming to interpret, so I have compiled a quick guide to help you consciously incorporate daily practices to...
Did you know clothing isn’t biodegradable?That means it doesn’t decompose once it’s dumped in the trash—it just sits in a landfill and creates nasty greenhouse gases in our environment. “We have to think longer and harder about the clothing we wear, where it came...
New Orleanians love their glitter, and, more than ever, we all deserve a little extra sparkle in our lives. Addie Ellis of the local biodegradable glitter company Glitter Nymph shared with us how to make shimmery oil that is good for your skin and nature. Since you...
I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me by Jamison Shea What it’s about: Laure will do anything to prove a Black girl can be a star in the cutthroat world of Parisian ballet, even make a deal with a primordial power she finds in a pulsating river of blood in the...
Are you looking for inspiring ways to volunteer in the local community while fulfilling your school’s service hour requirements? We’ve talked to some great organizations in the area that rely on volunteers to help their wonderful programs run. Learn more about each...
Imagine that you just found out you are pregnant. For some young people, this may be exciting news; for others, it is not. Questions swirl: How can I take care of a baby and finish school? How can I afford to be a parent if I don’t finish school? How will my parents...
Lucy Scholz is my “shero” because she ran 300 miles from Los Angeles, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada, as part of The Speed Project. That’s roughly like running to Houston, Texas, or Seaside, Florida, from New Orleans! Not only did she win the 2023 competition and...
Careers in Skilled Trades With the cost of college continuing to rise, skilled trade careers are a great alternative pathway to stable, well-paying work and upward social mobility. Many trade workers provide essential services and help build and maintain important...
by Mayra Cuevas & Marie Marquardt
What it’s about: Malena is attending a new school in Florida, displaced from her home in Puerto Rico due to Hurricane Maria. After getting a bad sunburn, she goes to school without a bra and is humiliated by her school’s administration. Outspoken feminist Ruby, who is also new, wants to make a difference at the school and the two girls find themselves the leaders of a dress code rebellion.
Why read it? This realistic story alternates points of view between Malena and Ruby and tackles intersectional issues relating to race, body shaming, activism, and allyship in an authentic way. It’s also a great story about friendship and standing up for what you believe in.
by Inori & Hanagata
What it’s about: Rei is a corporate worker who finds herself reborn as the protagonist of her favorite otome game, a historical fantasy dating sim called Revolution. But she isn’t interested in any of the aristocratic princes that are the game’s romantic leads because she has her heart set on the villainess, Claire. Rei will have to use her knowledge of the storyline to win the heart of the noble villainess and protect her from the game world’s titular revolution.
Why read it? At first it just seems like a fun isekai yuri story, which it is, but it takes an interesting turn away from predictability. The series is available as both light novels (narrative fiction) and manga (graphic novel) adaptation.
by Suki Ferguson & Ana Novaes
What it’s about: This book goes through the history of tarot and famous practitioners, how tarot works, the meanings of the cards, and tips for doing readings for yourself and others. The book ends with instructions for a daily card pull, a three-card spread, and the Celtic Cross spread.
Why read it? There’s no need to believe in mysticism to enjoy tarot. It can be a tool for self-reflection, self-care, and problem solving (if you’re honest about how you feel about the possible interpretations). Plus, tarot readings are a fun skill to cultivate and a perfect fall activity.
by Colleen Hoover
What it’s about: Lily had gotten out of her small town and started her own business in Boston by the time she met gorgeous neurosurgeon Ryle, who makes Lily an exception to his “no relationships” rule. But as the romance becomes troubled, she ignores the red flags and justifies Ryle’s behavior until her first love re-enters Lily’s life, making her confront her past and her parents’ abusive relationship.
“It Ends with Us brought back a love of reading for me. Its characters, the use of the present and past, and the enticing story made me never want to put it down. This book is not only an amazing read but also helped me learn more about real-life situations because the reader goes through the main character’s whole life and watches as she realizes which relationships are the most important and how to make her own happiness. I think that anyone who wants to start reading again or would like to add a book to their list should read it.”
Ella (16)
by Tracy Deonn
What it’s about: After Bree’s mother is killed in a mysterious accident, Bree needs to get away from her family home and the memories in it. She enrolls in a residential high school program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she immediately witnesses a magical attack. Bree becomes embroiled in a secret society of magic users and unlocks her own unique magical powers.
“Legendborn is a book I can proudly say made me so invested in the storyline and lore that I forgot I was reading a book. Imagine Black girl magic (literally) with a Southern twist, awesome combat scenes, and Arthurian legend influences—that’s Legendborn. Guaranteed to get you excited, intrigued, and possibly crying.”
Samarah (17)
Offering a wide range of studying resources, products, and services, the Library has everything you need to succeed—at home or inside the Library.
Connect with live, one-on-one tutoring online with Homework Louisiana, get test prep and study guides from LearningExpress, access free and interactive information from Britannica Library, unlock instant access to thousands of e-books, audiobooks,
and so much more.
Many of the New Orleans Public Library’s 15 locations are also equipped with teens-only spaces, which are a great place to study, do homework, or work on a project with your peers.
Learn more about all the academic resources the Library has to offer at nolalibrary.org/learn.
These recommendations were provided by Kacy Helwick, Youth Collection Development Librarian at the New Orleans Public Library.
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