Teen News and Events for December 2023
With the holidays just around the corner, there’s a sense of excitement and warmth in the air. The sight of snow-covered landscapes, the comforting taste of hot cocoa, and the joy of reuniting with loved ones all make this time of year truly special. We want to help make this time festive too. Word around the Library is that the Teen Hangout on December 20 will include graham cracker gingerbread houses and hot cocoa! It’s giving Hallmark movie and we are here for it.
And you’re in for more treats with these wintery teen books! We’ve got a little bit of everything, from heartwarming romances that will make your heart skip a beat to thrilling adventures that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are brand new books with their signature new book smell and older favorites from the backlist.
- The Christmas Clash by Suzanne Park
Chloe Kwon can’t stand Peter Li. It’s always been that way. Their families don’t get along either: their parents operate rival restaurants in the Riverwood Mall food court–Korean food for the Kwons and Chinese food for the Lis. Now it’s the holiday season and it’s all Chloe can do to avoid Peter’s smug, incredibly photogenic face. - Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Told in the alternating voices of Dash and Lily, two sixteen-year-olds carry on a wintry scavenger hunt around New York, neither knowing quite what – or who – they will find. - Eight Nights of Flirting by Hannah Reynolds
Sixteen-year-old Shira is on a mission to find the perfect boyfriend over Hanukkah, but after getting snowed in on Nantucket with her nemesis-slash-former-crush her plans begin to go off the rails. - Finding My Elf by David Valdes
Single All the Way meets Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in this festive romcom about Cam, who’s trying to find the “the one” and also trying to find himself—while spending winter break working at a hectic Santa’s Village. - The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo
Lila Santos is ready for her last winter break of high school. The snow in her small town of Holly, New York, is plentiful, the mood is as cozy as a fuzzy Christmas sweater, and she’s earning extra cash working at the local inn while moonlighting as an anonymous book blogger. But her perfect holiday plans crash to a halt when her boss’s frustratingly cute nephew becomes her coworker. - How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow
Snowy weather and fish fossils help bring together two Jewish college freshmen spending winter break in Washington, D.C. - Love & Other Train Wrecks by Leah Konen
Noah is a hopeless romantic, traveling home for one last chance with his first love. Ammy doesn’t believe in true love – love never lasts. When their Amtrak train to upstate New York breaks down in the middle of a snowstorm, Noah and Ammy have no option but to travel together. - Trapped by Michael Northrop
Seven high school students are stranded at their New England high school during a week-long blizzard that shuts down the power and heat, freezes the pipes, and leaves them wondering if they will survive. - Whiteout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon
Atlanta is blanketed with snow just before Christmas, but the warmth of young love just might melt the ice in this novel of Black joy, and cozy, sparkling romance. Twelve teens band together to help a friend pull off the most epic apology of her life during the storm of the century, which results in a magical moment that changes everything.
Winter Reading Challenge
The end of one year and the beginning of another marks a wonderful time to reflect on all that you’ve experienced and learned over the past 12 months. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays with friends and family or enjoying some quiet time alone, take a moment to cozy up with a good book and set an intention for the coming year.
We invite you to read 1,200 minutes between December 18 and February 18. Log your reading and activities to earn badges all winter long!
Find out more about the Teen Winter Reading Challenge, and sign up starting on Monday, December 18.
Teen Events
Teen events are intended for ages 13 – 18.
Teen Hangout
Hang out in the Teen Space! We’ll have gaming, crafting (like Perler Beads, DIY stickers, button making, etc.), and snacks out each week.
Wednesdays, 3:00 – 4:30 PM
No Teen Hangout December 27
Teen Space
Nerf Lock-In
Teens, ages 13 – 18, are invited to an after-hours Nerf event! Bring your own NERF toy (no Rivals, no mods) and we will provide the darts! The Library has a limited supply of Nerf toys to borrow for this event if needed. Registration by permission slip required.
Friday, December 15, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Community Room
Download the Permission Slip starting on Thursday, November 30