Authors in Our Midst
The library is proud to add to its shelves two books by debut author Camron Berga, a senior here at North High. We will be hosting a special event in which Camron talks about his books and the process of writing and publishing them very soon, so look for details in library communications. In the meantime, you can purchase his books, For the Sake of Curiosity and Bosque de Misterios, on Amazon or check them out at the NHS library!
The students of Mr. Sperling's AP Literature & Composition classes have also published collections of their work from the 21/22 school year. You can find their books, While at the Beach and Ripples in Our Journey in the NHS library and for purchase on Amazon.
Check Out These Favorites!
These titles are our most popular so far this year. For more information, click the covers.
Most popular audiobook
Bunny and Nasir have been best friends forever, but when Bunny accepts an athletic scholarship across town, Nasir feels betrayed. While Bunny tries to fit in with his new, privileged peers, Nasir spends more time with his cousin, Wallace, who is being evicted. Nasir can't help but wonder why the neighborhood is falling over itself to help Bunny when Wallace is in trouble.
When Wallace makes a bet against Bunny, Nasir is faced with an impossible decision—maybe a dangerous one.
Told from alternating perspectives, After the Shot Drops is a heart-pounding story about the responsibilities of great talent and the importance of compassion.
Most popular audiobook
In book #9 of the Alex Rider series, Scorpia has dogged Alex Rider for most of his life. They killed his parents, they did their best to con Alex into turning traitor, and they just keep coming back with more power. Now the world's most dangerous terrorist organization is playing with fire in the world's most combustible land: the Middle East. No one knows Scorpia like Alex. And no one knows how best to get to Alex like Scorpia. Until now.
Like the books? Check out the show on Amazon!
Most popular fiction
Will Tavares is the dream summer fling―he’s fun, affectionate, kind―but just when Ollie thinks he’s found his Happily Ever After, summer vacation ends and Will stops texting Ollie back. Now Ollie is one prince short of his fairytale ending, and to complicate the fairytale further, a family emergency sees Ollie uprooted and enrolled at a new school across the country. Which he minds a little less when he realizes it’s the same school Will goes to…except Ollie finds that the sweet, comfortably queer guy he knew from summer isn’t the same one attending Collinswood High. This Will is a class clown, closeted―and, to be honest, a bit of a jerk.
Ollie has no intention of pining after a guy who clearly isn’t ready for a relationship, especially since this new, bro-y jock version of Will seems to go from hot to cold every other week. But then Will starts “coincidentally” popping up in every area of Ollie’s life, from music class to the lunch table, and Ollie finds his resolve weakening.
The last time he gave Will his heart, Will handed it back to him trampled and battered. Ollie would have to be an idiot to trust him with it again... Right?
Most popular nonfiction
One teenager in a skirt.
One teenager with a lighter.
One moment that changes both of their lives forever.
If it weren’t for the 57 bus, Sasha and Richard never would have met. Both were high school students from Oakland, California, one of the most diverse cities in the country, but they inhabited different worlds. Sasha, a white teen, lived in the middle-class foothills and attended a small private school. Richard, a black teen, lived in the crime-plagued flatlands and attended a large public one.
Each day, their paths overlapped for a mere eight minutes. But one afternoon on the bus ride home from school, a single reckless act left Sasha severely burned, and Richard charged with two hate crimes and facing life imprisonment. The case garnered international attention, thrusting both teenagers into the spotlight.
Library Closures
As much as possible, we announce in advance when the library will be closed. You can check our newsletters, our Instagram, or the sandwich board outside the library for that info.
Unfortunately, there are also times when closing has to happen at the last minute. If the library is closed, there is always a sign saying so immediately in front of the door. Please don't walk by these signs without reading them!
This month, the library will be closed all day on 10/12 & 10/24, and for lunch only on 10/31. At lunch on 10/13, Hispanic Heritage Club will be hosting a special event in the library, open to anyone who wants to participate.
Please plan ahead for these closures and remember that the College and Career Center (room K1) has computers and a printer, too!
Hone Your Digital Skills
Over the summer, I discovered Applied Digital Skills, a most wonderful learning tool offered by Google. Once you've signed up as a teacher, student, or person working on their own, you have access to literally hundreds of free tutorials that teach you how to do everything that the Google suite of programs offers. Lessons range from basics like communicating using email and formatting & editing a document to more complex or creative projects, such as designing infographics and preparing for the FAFSA. There are even collections of lessons grouped together by topic so you can take a whole class of digital lessons in any subject that interests you! I guarantee that you will be a more efficient user of Google's products and, therefore, a stronger student if you go spend some time honing your digital skills!
Get Help
Need some help understanding the main concepts of a difficult class? Students in the the California Scholarship Federation are in the NHS library Monday-Thursday from 3:30-4:30 P.M. to tutor you in all subjects.
Additionally, the state of California is now offering learners of any age free, on-demand tutoring through their local libraries. The program offers assistance (in several languages) in core K-12 subjects. Adult learners can also access writing assistance, citizenship resources, and other tools. You can use this online resource via smartphone, tablet or computer, so long as you're in the state of California!
Celebrate!
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, North's Hispanic Culture Club will be crafting in the library at lunch on Thursday, October 13. Drop by and learn how to make papel picado!
You can also check out the library's many, many books written by and about people of Hispanic and Latino heritage.
Fall Into Reading
Cooler weather has arrived and students are planning their Halloween costumes in the library at lunchtime--it must be fall!
The arrival of autumn means my reading list gets very atmospheric: contemplative books that I want to read with a cup of tea in my hand while the rain pours down outside, and those that send a chill down my spine, making me wrap my fuzzy blanket tighter around myself. If you enjoy the spooky, cozy vibes of autumn, too, check out these book suggestions!
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