Why are we creating a Teen Newsletter? Because Tattered Cover loves teen readers, readers of teen fiction, and because we have so many amazing things going on right now that we just need to share.

We're the incoming owners of Tattered Cover. Seven months ago we moved across the country, with two little boys in tow, to join the management team of the iconic Tattered Cover bookstores... Our goal is to continue and enhance the world class operation that current owner Joyce Meskis and her team have built over the last 40 years. Quite an honor. Quite an undertaking!

One of our passions is encouraging kids and young adults to read and instilling in them a lifelong love of reading. If you're not a reader, that's okay. We have fun stuff for you, too. (And really, you just haven't found the right book yet. Let's talk...) For those of you who are readers, we are intent on creating opportunities to allow your passion to grow and feed your obsession. (Like, a lot.)

Below are a few things on the horizon that we think you'll want to know about. We'd love to hear from you, too. Let us know what you're looking for!

So, thanks and welcome!

Kristen (Gilligan) and Len (Vlahos)

Just imagine...

One Saturday in the fall. 

20+ of your fave teen authors.

You meet them. 

You hear them speak.

You talk to them. 

You get lots of books signed.

Snap some selfies with the authors. 

And food trucks. Of course, food trucks.

Sound fun? 

And oh yeah, attending is free.

Watch for details....

We're giving YOU the mic.

Express yourself.

Support your friends as they get their creative on.

Do something unique and fun - sing, play an instrument, recite poetry, read an original work of fiction, do stand-up comedy, or anything else that you have a burning desire to share with the world.  Join us on Saturday, April 30 at 7pm at Tattered Cover Aspen Grove .

I mean, who doesn't love a school assembly? Seriously though, Tattered Cover can bring an author into your school to speak to smaller groups of English or writing classes, or a full school-wide assembly. The best part is that's there no cost to the school -- and there's even a fundraising component where your school can earn some money back! If this sounds interesting, just connect us with your school librarian or principal.

Our very own Len Vlahos is also a young adult author! But wait, what the heck is a book launch party? Come find out.

Music, fun, and silliness. And did we mention that we have a café? 

  ABOUT The Scar Boys

  ABOUT Scar Girl

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TEEN ART WORKSHOP with Pop Culture Classroom

Wednesday, March 9 from 3:30pm - 5pm at Tattered Cover Colfax.

This is a free event.  More info...

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BOOKSIGNING with ALLY CONDIE

Tuesday, April 5 at 7pm at Tattered Cover Colfax

Ally is promoting her new middle grade book,  Summerlost . If your a fan of her teen work, this is your chance to come and meet her!

Illuminae

by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

LEN:  I don't usually listen to Kristen's advice about books. Just kidding. I don't usually listen to Kristen's advice about anything. DEFINITELY KIDDING. Seriously, she put Illuminae in my hands and insisted I read it. I'm in her debt. This is the best sci-fi I've read in 20 years. It's also one of the most beautiful books ever produced. Just like some movies (Avatar) need to be seen on a big screen, some books need to be read in hardcover.

Illuminae is a work of art in every conceivable sense; it is an artifact to be treasured.

KRISTEN:  Epically inventive and visual. Told through archived documents, texts, and clever sarcasm, two teens embark on a futuristic space adventure that is at once a thrilling, yet intimate, race against time. Oh, I believe Len might have enjoyed it, too. He may even get more excited about this book than me, which is unusual if you've met me. I found Len standing underneath a lamp, book held wide open while he was folding laundry! I snuck a photo; it's funny. Then I finished folding the laundry. (LEN SAYS: I actually finished folding the laundry. Kristen refolded the laundry. She does that. KRISTEN RESPONDS: You've never seen how he folds laundry.)

All American Boys

by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely

LEN:  All American Boys is the story of two teens, one white, one black, and their reactions to an incident of racially motivated police brutality. Written by two authors (one black, one white), the two voices complement one another and the descriptions are original and intoxicating. Rashad and Quinn are real characters caught in a very real, but also surreal, situation. Each does so in a way that is at times uplifting, and at times uncomfortable. And that is the real power of this novel. This isn't the end of the conversation, it's the beginning. 

KRISTEN : What Len said. No, seriously; he nailed it. And so did these two authors. Len got a hold of this first and countless times while he was reading he would say, "You've gotta read this!" Fortunately, he tore through it and I got my chance. A powerful, important book and as Len writes, it's the perfect conversation starter for a long overdue discussion in our country.

Have you ever walked through a bookstore and seen little cards sticking out of shelves with book reviews? Have those reviews ever made you want to buy a book? 

Those cards are called shelf talkers, and we're looking for teens to write shelf talkers for their favorite books. Your friends and family -- and a lot of total strangers -- can see your reviews on the shelves at Tattered Cover. How cool is that? 

To write reviews, send an email to Kristen Gilligan with "Teen Book Review" in the subject line. 

We've heard about a very cool photography contest -- unrelated to Tattered Cover, but interesting nonetheless. So we're sharing...

Submit your best original photo that expresses the theme "Get in the Game" by Monday, March 21. Two photos will be selected as winners and will be published on a library bookmark to be given out for the teen summer reading program. The winners will each receive $25. For more information, or to submit your photo, contact Mark Decker, the teen librarian at Bemis Public Library in Littleton, at 303-795-3961 or email  Mark Decker.

That's pretty much it for now. We look forward to seeing you at Tattered Cover and online!