The Big book of reader’s advisory for teens A True Story
The book, the myth, the legend Sadly, Teen Services staff are not available all the hours of operation. Staff members that are not Teen Services do get asked about the Teen collection. Reader’s advisory can be difficult, even in areas that you read all the time. Sometimes you have to be able to recommend books that you have not read. Staff buy in is important. Making the information readily available in an accessible format makes getting staff buy in easier. Sometimes it is not the teen that will read the book that asks for reader’s advisory.
This is what works for me This is not a one size fits all solution. A binder works best at my location. The longest I go between updates is two weeks. When topics of interest change, I change the lists that I have in the Big Book. Make sure that you check the titles on your lists at least a few times a year. The lists are not set in stone. I make sure to email the staff at my location when I update anything other than the On Order list.
On order
YA awards
Dr. Who I opted to focus on a few particular episodes that my teens told me were their favorites. You don’t have to watch the show to be able to recommend the books. Read alikes are easier to come up with when the teen tells you what they like about the show. Remind other staff members to brace for the energy that comes with this topic. (Same for most shows that teens are really into.) This section is actually going to be replaced in the next month.
bookmark I use bookmarks to highlight our digital collection. Digital copies make the books more accessible. A lot of my teens prefer to read on their phone. Currently, the topic is School Stories. Up next, Eerie Reads.
Rr (reluctant reader) Bummer Books Fandom Fantasy Fiction Graphic Novels High Interest Mystery Nonfiction Paranormal Romance Science Fiction
diversity Health Issues and Disabilities LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Minority Main Characters
Ohio authors Laura Bickle Robin McKinley Rae Carson Brandon Marie Miller Cinda Williams Chima Edith Pattou Colleen Clayton R. L. Stine Chris Crutcher Megan Whalen Turner Sharon M. Draper Mildred Taylor Angela Johnson Stephanie S. Tolan Lisa Klein Jacqueline Woodson Mindy McGinnis
Clean books No swear words No drugs No alcohol Nothing more than a kiss No nudity No gore I cannot make any promises about divorce. By far, this is the most asked for list when a parent is with the teen. I make sure that some of the titles are always on the shelves.
Woohoo!! Last slide! Questions? Comments? Concerns? Mary Beth Rogers mrogers@daytonmetrolibrary.org