I love to booktalk and share Non-Fiction with teens for a variety of reasons. First, Non-Fiction is great for reluctant readers, especially boys. I like to dispel the myth that Non-Fiction is clunky, dry, research text that you only grab for research. A lot of my favorite Non-Fiction can be flipped through and read in any order you wish, rather than cover to cover, front to back. Since most middle schools in our area have a period of time where every student must be reading a book of their choice, why not have a book you don’t want to put down at the end! I’ve highlighted a few of the new offerings in our collection.
Fabulous Teen Hairstyles: A Step-by-Step Guide to 34 Beautiful Styles by Eric Mayost
Why I picked up the book: I ordered it for the library for two reasons. First being that we don’t have many newer hairstyles books and/or ones that are specifically for teens. Second I loved playing with my hair when I was a teen (and still do) so I wanted some new ideas in case I succeed with the decision to grow my hair out.
Why I finished it: I like this book because it has step-by-step instructions for each style as well as pictures of how each step should look. Warning: You will probably need a second set of hands (mom, grandma, friend) in order to do most of these.
I’d give it to: I’ve already put the book on hold for most of my library friends who have long hair as I think these would be cute on adults as well. I’d give it to any teen girls who like trying new styles either for fun or for formal events like dances, weddings, etc. I think if you have someone help and want to try, some of these can be modified for shorter hair.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars (Really Liked It)
Want to read it? Click here to place the book on hold!
Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book for Grumpy Days by Grumpy Cat
Why I picked up the book: I ordered it for the library because we needed some new and fun non-fiction and Grumpy Cat has been popular lately.
Why I finished it: It is a quick read. My favorite meme: “Romeo and Juliet is a great love story… they both die.” (Confession: Before I had a child, my husband and I took way too many pictures of our cute dog and cats sleeping or making faces. I could see myself doing something like this to their pictures if I was ever bored.)
I’d give it to: Grumpy cat fans, those who like to laugh, and people who like the “stuff on my cat/dog” books. The book includes games you could use for a “grumpy cat” party. You could also use this as a writing prompt or for a meme creation challenge.
My rating: < 3 of 5 stars (I liked it)
Want to read it? Click here to place the book on hold!
Reviews by Jenn, YA Librarian (View all my Goodreads reviews)