
Teen Librarian Toolbox
June 14, 2022 by Amanda MacGregor
My parents often apologize to me for my childhood because they imagine it must have been a tough time—especially since, for them, that period was one of hardship. But the childhood they believe I had differs vastly from the one that exists in my memory.
May 18, 2022 by Amanda MacGregor
It might be the "creepy" factor that will interest kids in picking up this book, but it's the layers to the story and the complicated, authentic characters that will keep kids reading.
February 18, 2022 by Amanda MacGregor
Change can be cathartic! Change can be the thing that makes you grow! We wanted to create a tale that says you don’t have to choose a best friend. A story that says everyone deals with self-doubt sometimes. A story that says there’s always some gray and no real good guys and bad guys—everyone is flawed and that’s okay.
September 24, 2021 by Amanda MacGregor
Oshiro's message is clear: nothing is better than being yourself. Not even a magical Room that appears just when you need it. A heartwarming and fun read.
July 29, 2021 by Amanda MacGregor
I think for most teens, romantic relationships aren’t the defining relationships of their teen years—friendships are. And friendships can be so much more complex and intense when we place them inside the pressure cooker of a competitive and grueling sport.
June 29, 2021 by Amanda MacGregor
When my daughters entered their tween years, friendship struggles started to emerge. This reminded me of my struggles and the experiences of so many. As a social scientist, this piqued my curiosity. What is it about adolescence that intensifies social struggles, especially for girls?
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June 1, 2021 by Amanda MacGregor
A fun and messy look at what happens when things don't go as planned when it comes to love, friendship, and finding yourself.
May 17, 2021 by Amanda MacGregor
A really well done middle grade book about boys, friendship, families, emotions, vulnerability, trust, mistakes, coming out, and so much more.
April 15, 2021 by Amanda MacGregor
My new favorite Becky Albertalli book? I think so.
June 30, 2020 by Amanda MacGregor
As a writer of YA thrillers, it’s important to me to not just write girls into peril, but to also allow them to fight their way out of danger. Often that involves high-stakes relationship building, and I think that has a lot to do with my own adolescent experiences as a very timid relationship-builder.
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The Classroom Bookshelf
by Erika Thulin Dawes
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