March 2024 Teen Newsletter | |
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
March is the light of that cold tunnel! Spring is almost here! St. Patrick's Day is March 17th.
Learn more here.
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Learn to Draw with Miss Mehta: Session 3 | |
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Crafty Teens: Waving Lucky Cat | |
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Accessories with Saloni: A Teen Led Program | |
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BUILD CONFIDENCE IN STEAM!
This fellowship aims to promote
diversity and expose young women
to a variety of careers in science,
technology, engineering, art, and
mathematics (STEAM).
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
We welcome students who are:
• Interested in being in a
female-identified space,
• Current residents of and
students in Massachusetts, and
• Current high school sophomores
and juniors
• Available August 11-17, 2024
LEARN MORE AT THE
INFORMATION SESSION!
Have questions about the program?
Get answers at our Zoom session on
Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 6 p.m.
Please use the QR code to register for
the information session.
BUILD CONFIDENCE IN STEAM!
This fellowship aims to promote
diversity and expose young women
to a variety of careers in science,
technology, engineering, art, and
mathematics (STEAM).
* No experience required *
Email Grace Simpkins
[email protected]
with any questions!
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March's Community Reads is exciting. Brendan Slocumb, author of the Violin Conspiracy will be visiting Boyden Library to talk about his book and what it was like to be one of the very few black violin players in classical music.
The Violin Conspiracy is a fictional mystery, yet very inspirational!
Events inspired by the book:
Book Club: The Violin Conspiracy: Register
Saturday, March 9: 12:00-1:00
Fuller Conference Room
Murder Mystery Theater: Best Laid Plans: Register
Presented by Murder Mystery Company
Thursday, March 7: 6:30-8:30
Boyden Community Room
Meet and Greet with Brendan Slocumb: Register
Wednesday, March 27: 6:00-6:45
Boyden Community Room
An Evening with Brendan Slocumb: Register
Wednesday, March 27: 7:00-8:00
1st Floor Reading/Magazine Room
Keep an eye open for more events surrounding Community Reads 2024
Book Synopsis:
GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK! • Ray McMillian is a Black classical musician on the rise—undeterred by the pressure and prejudice of the classical music world—when a shocking theft sends him on a desperate quest to recover his great-great-grandfather’s heirloom violin on the eve of the most prestigious musical competition in the world.
“I loved The Violin Conspiracy for exactly the same reasons I loved The Queen’s Gambit: a surprising, beautifully rendered underdog hero I cared about deeply and a fascinating, cutthroat world I knew nothing about—in this case, classical music.” —Chris Bohjalian, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Flight Attendant and Hour of the Witch
Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream—he’s determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he can’t afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music.
When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he's lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself—and the world—that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him. ~Amazon
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Snackable Chats & Delicious Sips Debuted in February
by Kirthi Vengat
The Boyden Library has started a new teen-led monthly group, Snackable Chats and Delicious Sips open to anyone from 7th to 12th grade.
Founded by a group of ambitious middle school students, the Snackable Chats and Delicious Sips became a new group this year.
The group held their most recent meeting as a celebration for the whole month of volunteering. The student group fosters important communication and team building skills which are crucial for young people.
At the meeting, the students gathered and shared hot cocoa and ate goldfish with marshmallows and candy available.
The opportunity to meet in a safe space allows teenagers to feel comfortable and able to gain confidence in talking to others. The group hopes to make new friends along with spending time with old ones.
Snackable Chats and Delicious Sips offers volunteer hours to all participants and a chance to meet new people and enjoy spending time together.
These bright and innovative middle schoolers are excited to offer their new group to the town of Foxboro and talk about anything in a safe space.
Any and all Foxboro and surrounding area teenagers can join. Simply sign up and register for the monthly group visit through this link: Snackable Chats and Delicious Snacks
For any questions, contact the Teen Librarian Jennifir Huston via email: [email protected]
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Cochise Pearson Highlights Important Black Figures For Black History Month
By Kirthi Vengat
On Saturday the 17th, the Boyden Library invited Cochise Pearson, a motivational speaker and professional public speaker, to speak about Black History Month.
Black History Month is a time of observance and recognition for the contributions of African Americans. The Boyden Library has offered the opportunity to learn about the Month for teenagers and other residents in the community to learn more Black figures in history and explore more information than what is typically taught in schools.
The speaker, Cochise Pearson, was born in Boston, MA and studied English at Northeastern University. Cochise Pearson continued on by receiving his Masters of Education at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Pearson is a long time resident of Foxboro.
He is recognized for his work in public speaking and education as a motivational speaker and personal coach. His goal is to support people so they can become their best, richest, most fulfilled selves.
Pearson gave a presentation to the Foxboro Community in the library on significant Black figures in history.
Discussing iconic Black people such as Coretta Scott King and Nelson Mandela, Pearson finds a common trait: resilience.
Rather than holding grudges, all these leaders have overcome their struggles and made a change to their world by continuing their work. Despite their conditions, these strong and brave leaders have persevered and held their values and priorities.
Another common trait is confidence - the confidence to speak up, to believe in oneself, to make a change.
Through his engaging presentation, the audience was able to share their own knowledge on Black leaders and learn more about less famous people.
Pearson has studied several different Black leaders and found a deeper appreciation for Black excellence.
Black History Month, February, is a great time of the year for celebration and recognition of powerful leaders who have made a change in the world regarding Black peoples’ rights. The different icons that Cochise Pearson described are simply a handful of the hundreds of people that have fought for equity and inclusivity for African American people.
It is important to recognize these figures as they have made a large impact for people of color in America and other parts of the world.
Pearson emphasizes that students learn about people such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, and others, however it is just as important to learn about lesser known figures.
He highlighted this example through Coretta Scott King, the wife of MLK, who was an activist for Black and Women’s rights and has played key roles in these rights movements.
The message Pearson shared is that all of these Black leaders are important and they haven’t held grudges against their conditions or history with discrimination and racism. They have all continued to believe in themselves and had the strength to speak out or make a change.
Overall Cochise Pearson held a successful presentation on the power of Black leaders in history through his speech at the Boyden Library.
For more information on events like these, contact the Teen Librarian Jennifir Huston via email: [email protected]
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Murder Mystery Theater
Death of a Gangster
Ages 13+
Thursday, March 7
6:30-8:30
Boyden Community Room
Come prepared to participate!
Sponsored by the Friends of Boyden Library
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Special Teen Book Club, The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
Grades 7-12
Saturday, March 9
11:00-12:00
Fuller Conference Room
Bring your violin if you play!
Pick up your copy at the first floor circulation desk.
GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK! • Ray McMillian is a Black classical musician on the rise—undeterred by the pressure and prejudice of the classical music world—when a shocking theft sends him on a desperate quest to recover his great-great-grandfather’s heirloom violin on the eve of the most prestigious musical competition in the world.
“I loved The Violin Conspiracy for exactly the same reasons I loved The Queen’s Gambit: a surprising, beautifully rendered underdog hero I cared about deeply and a fascinating, cutthroat world I knew nothing about—in this case, classical music.” —Chris Bohjalian, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Flight Attendant and Hour of the Witch
Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream—he’s determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he can’t afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music.
When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he's lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself—and the world—that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him. ~Amazon
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20 Years of Dragon Riding in YA Fantasy with Christopher Paolini
Thursday, March 14
4:00-5:00
Virtual
To register and to see more events, please visit:
https://libraryc.org/boydenlibrary.
Join us as we chat with master storyteller and internationally bestselling author Christopher Paolini about his return to the World of Eragon with Murtagh, a stunning continuation of the epic fantasy.
The world is no longer safe for the Dragon Rider Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn. An evil king has been toppled, and they are left to face the consequences of the reluctant role they played in his reign of terror. Now they are hated and alone, exiled to the outskirts of society.
Throughout the land, hushed voices whisper of brittle ground and a faint scent of brimstone in the air—and Murtagh senses that something wicked lurks in the shadows of Alagaësia. So begins an epic journey into lands both familiar and untraveled, where Murtagh and Thorn must use every weapon in their arsenal, from brains to brawn, to find and outwit a mysterious witch. A witch who is much more than she seems.
In this gripping novel starring one of the most popular characters from Christopher Paolini’s blockbuster Inheritance Cycle, a Dragon Rider must discover what he stands for in a world that has abandoned him.
Murtagh is the perfect book to enter the World of Eragon for the first time . . . or to joyfully return. Register now to join the fun!
About the Author: Christopher Paolini is the creator of the World of Eragon and the Fractalverse. His blockbuster series The Inheritance Cycle (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, Inheritance) has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. First published at 19, he is the holder of the Guinness World Record for youngest author of a bestselling series. Paolini is also the author of two adult science fiction novels, To Sleep in a Sea of Stars and the forthcoming Fractal Noise. Christopher makes his home in Paradise Valley, Montana, where he continues to write stories and ask questions. Find out more about Christopher and all things Inheritance Cycle on social media and at paolini.net.
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Navigating College Admissions in 2024
Wednesday, March 20
7:00-8:00
Virtual
We are offering this Zoom presentation to help families understand how the lingering effects from the pandemic have changed the college admissions landscape and how it affects Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen. Register in advance for this meeting linked HERE.
We’ll also discuss how the Supreme Court decision will impact the college admissions process and how a student’s ability to express their insights, experiences and personal growth will become even more important.
The recent college admissions cycle was the most competitive to date. With most colleges continuing their test-optional policies as well as increasing their virtual outreach to high school students, many schools had record numbers of applicants. Record high numbers of applications result in record low acceptance rates which is what most popular colleges and universities experienced this past admissions cycle.
We will discuss current college admissions trends, the importance of researching and visiting colleges to find schools that can be a good fit for your child, a timeline and other action steps that can be taken to make this second half of the school year productive and help reduce the stress around the college admissions process.
We’ll examine the holistic admissions review process, what admissions officers consider important when they review applicants, and how students can position themselves to develop a compelling narrative to increase their chances for admission.
We will also discuss the importance of community service, how it can provide an opportunity for personal growth and a way to showcase a student’s character. Admissions officers place great emphasis on a student’s character and how the student has been able to give back and help others. This program is recommended for parents and their high school teens.
The presentation will be led by Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, partners at Stand Out For College, LLC. (www.standoutforcollege.com)
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Human Library
Ages 16+
Saturday, March 23
11:00-3:00
Boyden Community Room
In the best sense of the word, The Human Library is a library of people and their experiences with prejudice. However, instead of paperback books, actual people are on loan for honest and open conversations. The concept is about acknowledging and challenging the prejudice that we all carry towards one another. For that reason, the Human Library creates a safe space for conversation where topics subject to taboo, marginalization, or stigmatization can be openly addressed without condemnation. The people acting as Books have directly or indirectly been exposed to prejudice, bias, or discrimination based on aspects of their person, heritage, or life experiences.
Join us on Saturday, March 23 to "borrow time" with a Human Book and have honest conversations that explore the stereotypes and prejudices in society. Participants at the event 'read' the books by way of a one-on-one or small group conversations with the volunteer to learn about their experiences with discrimination. The Human Library provides the opportunity for attendees to listen, share, and ask questions of people they may never have spoken to otherwise.
Some of the book topics that may be including: Neurodiversity, Adoption, Addiction and Chronic Pain.
Come with questions and an open mind. You can come to the event anytime between 11 AM and 3PM to "read."
Sponsored by the Friends of Boyden Library
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Snackable Chats and Delicious Sips
Wednesday, March 27
4:00-5:00
Fuller Conference Room
Teen Led
This month Lemonade!
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Teen Space
A Column for Teen Voices
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Review by Alina Pham
Bern Hendricks has been asked by the Delaney Foundation to help authenticate a newly discovered piece, which just might be the lost opera RED, by the famed composer Frederick Delaney. Bern jumps at the chance, but he and his friend Eboni soon discover that the great Frederick Delaney might be as original as they think. Written by Brendan Slocumb, the author of The Violin Conspiracy, this suspenseful read switches back and forth between present day and the early 20th century to explore the struggles of a black neurodivergent woman. I highly recommend this novel. Both timelines are engaging and filled with suspenseful mystery, and characters are very well written. The characters' journeys and their struggles will keep you hooked to the story and it’s just incredible to see how their experiences play out. If you’re looking for an exhilarating mystery in the world of music, this one is for you!
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This is a space for Teens to share their news, opinions, art, writings, poetry, voice in any way that moves them!
This will count toward an hour of Community Service requirements.
Email Jennifir with your musings for this column!
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by Marissa Meyer
Romance
After being magically gifted with incredible luck, a boy discovers this gift just may be a curse when it comes to love, in this sweet romantic comedy by #1 New York Times-bestselling author Marissa Meyer.
Jude is determined to fly under the radar. He just wants to draw comics, host D&D night with his friends, work at his parents’ vinyl record store, and escape high school as unscathed as possible. That is, until the night he finds himself inexplicably gifted with a bout of supernatural good luck.
Suddenly, everything Jude has ever wanted is within reach. His art is being published. He helps his friend’s song become a finalist in a songwriting competition. And he wins a pair of coveted concert tickets, which he can use to ask out the popular girl he’s been crushing on since elementary school.
But how long can Jude’s good fortune last? And why does he find himself thinking about Ari, his best friend since forever? If Jude has been dreaming of the wrong girl this whole time, does that mean he's doomed to be unlucky in love forever?
With a sprinkle of magic, this sweet beachside romance is perfect for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Love & Gelato, as well as anyone who has ever swooned over Marissa Meyer’s beloved characters. ~Amazon
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by Kacen Callender
Fantasy
Infinity Alchemist is a spellbinding fantasy novel about a quest that leads three young alchemists toward dangerous truth, legendary love, and extraordinary power.
With their signature "prowess" (FIYAH) and "unbridled creativity" (New York Times Book Review), acclaimed author Kacen Callender turns their formidable skill to young adult fantasy for the first time.
The hardcover edition features a beautiful jacket with gold foil and a foil case stamp, an in-world map, and special illustrated endpaper.
For Ash Woods, practicing alchemy is a crime.
Only an elite few are legally permitted to study the science of magic―so when Ash is rejected by Lancaster College of Alchemic Science, he takes a job as the school’s groundskeeper instead, forced to learn alchemy in secret.
When he’s discovered by the condescending and brilliant apprentice Ramsay Thorne, Ash is sure he's about to be arrested―but instead of calling the reds, Ramsay surprises Ash by making him an offer: Ramsay will keep Ash's secret if he helps her find the legendary Book of Source, a sacred text that gives its reader extraordinary power.
As Ash and Ramsay work together and their feelings for each other grow, Ash discovers their mission is more dangerous than he imagined, pitting them against influential and powerful alchemists―Ash’s estranged father included. Ash’s journey takes him through the cities and wilds across New Anglia, forcing him to discover his own definition of true power and how far he and other alchemists will go to seize it.
Featuring trans, queer, and polyamorous characters of color, Infinity Alchemist is the hugely anticipated young adult fantasy debut from the extraordinary author of Felix Ever After, King and the Dragonflies, Queen of the Conquered and more.
"Spellbinding." ―AIDEN THOMAS • "Thrilling." ―ELANA K. ARNOLD • "A blast of heart-racing magic." ―ANDREW JOSEPH WHITE • "Expands the possibilities of YA fantasy." ―A. R. CAPETTA
Most Anticiptated from Goodreads, Publishers Weekly, Book Riot, Bookpage, The Nerd Daily, and more! ~Amazon
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by Anthony Nerada
LGBTQ+
*A BookTok and Wattpad Viral Sensation*
Fast-paced and sizzling with a forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance, Your Fault is the second book in Mercedes Ron's Culpable trilogy. This suspenseful YA series untangles the threads of love, trauma, and secrets, perfect for fans of Ugly Love and After.
When Noah fell in love with Nick, she knew their relationship would never be easy. They're fire and electricity, and when they're together, every kind of sparks fly. After last summer, Noah thought their passion had grown stronger than their fear, but her life is about to turn upside-down again now that she's starting university. Moving again while maintaining her relationship with Nick will be a difficult hurdle, with their age difference, campus life, dangerous parties, and inner demons stalking them both, reminding them of all they still don't know about each other.
No matter how hard they try, there will always be wounds that won't close. Is Noah really prepared to overcome her fears and truly trust someone again? Will Nick be able to put his past behind him and keep his heart open?
Or are they doomed only to burn each other's worlds down?
Filled with angst, danger, and electric attraction, ~Amazon
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by Safia Elhillo
Novel in Verse
An unflinching, honest novel in verse about a teenager's journey into the slam poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams. From the award-winning poet and author of HOME IS NOT A COUNTRY.
Bad girl. No matter how hard Samira tries, she can’t shake her reputation. She’s never gotten the benefit of the doubt—not from her mother or the aunties who watch her like a hawk.
Samira is determined to have a perfect summer filled with fun parties, exploring DC, and growing as a poet—until a scandalous rumor has her grounded and unable to leave her house. When Samira turns to a poetry forum for solace, she catches the eye of an older, charismatic poet named Horus. For the first time, Samira feels wanted. But soon she’s keeping a bigger secret than ever before—one that that could prove her reputation and jeopardize her place in her community.
In this gripping coming-of-age novel from the critically acclaimed author Safia Elhillo, a young woman searches to find the balance between honoring her family, her artistry, and her authentic self. ~Amazon
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by Ngozi Ukazu & Mad Rupert
Molly Bauer's first year of college is not the picture-perfect piece of art she'd always envisioned. On day one at PICA, Molly discovers that―through some horrible twist of fate―her full-ride scholarship has vanished! But the ancient texts (PICA's dusty financial aid documents) reveal a loophole. If Molly and 9 other art students win a single game of softball, they'll receive a massive athletic scholarship. Can Molly's crew of ragtag artists succeed in softball without dropping the ball?
The author of the New York Times best-selling Check, Please series, Ngozi Ukazu, returns with debut artist Madeline Rupert to bring an energetic young adult story about authenticity, old vs. new, and college failure. It also poses the question: “Is art school worth it?” ~Amazon
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by Jorge Aguirre & Rafael Rosado
An action-packed comedy about a fake family that includes a spy, an assassin and a telepath!
Master spy Twilight is unparalleled when it comes to going undercover on dangerous missions for the betterment of the world. But when he receives the ultimate assignment—to get married and have a kid—he may finally be in over his head!
As a child, [REDACTED] lived an unremarkable life with his parents, playing war games with his friends and quarreling with his father. It never occurred to young [REDACTED] that the life he’d taken for granted might one day end… ~Amazon
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by Marta Breen & Jenny Jordahl
★ "This is a well-told and highly informative read. Highly recommended for young adult graphic novel and nonfiction collections.” – School Library Journal (STARRED review)
The patriarchy is falling. It’s time to smash it. This graphic novel shows you how.
Patriarchy means “the rule of the father” and describes a system where men are in control. At least since the time of Aristotle, loud-mouthed men have called women weak and inferior. In entertaining comic book form, Smash the Patriarchy shames the culprits and salutes more than 100 inspiring women—from Pharaoh Hatshepsut to Mary Wollstonecraft to Petra Herrera—who stood up to them.
The book is not afraid to examine some of the worst crimes—public shaming, medical examinations, and the widespread murder and jailing of feminists around the world—as it calls on readers to finally smash the patriarchy forever.
These men get embarrassed: Aristotle, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, Woody Allen and many more…
These women are celebrated: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Emily Dickinson, Queen Christina of Sweden, Arundhati Roy, Amanda Gorman, and many more…
"The work’s upbeat tone keeps explanations of some devastating historical events from bogging down this vibrantly presented primer. " – Publishers Weekly
“The narrative style brings home the scale of the injustices done to women while still remaining optimistic and celebrating the fortitude of those who try to change society for the better. The book explains concepts like “the male gaze” with clear, illustrative examples, as of the ubiquity of strip club scenes in films. It challenges the use of the word “genius” as it has been applied to men throughout history. And it does all this while maintaining a sense of humor: at the end, the three “worst sexists” in history are named—with a long list of (dis)honorable mentions.” – Foreword Reviews ~Amazon
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by Sophia Thakur
Performance poet Sophia Thakur offers a powerful new collection touching on intergenerational relationships, finding your voice, and what it means to be a woman.
In her heartfelt second poetry collection, Sophia Thakur takes us on an emotionally charged journey through the lives of women in the past and considers what it means to be a woman today. Exploring topics such as identity, race, politics, mental health, and self-love, she weaves together the voices of a grandmother, mother, and daughter and examines how previous generations have given us the freedom to speak out. Encompassing love from first crush to breakup, as well as the history that comes before us and the brave moments that make us, this collection will resonate with all young women as they approach the joys and pain of adulthood. ~Amazon
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Hours:
Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. 508-543-1245
Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Boyden Library will close at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 27th for the Community Reads Event featuring Brendan Slocumb.
Boyden Library will be closed Sunday, March 31st for Easter Sunday.
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