Download YALSA’s Ultimate Teen Bookshelf
Contact: Stephanie Kuenn
YALSA Communications Specialist
312-280-2128
NEWS
For Immediate Release
June 30, 2009
CHICAGO — The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), created a new download highlighting must-have teen materials, The Ultimate Teen Bookshelf. Developed in conjunction with the United We Serve initiative, the Ultimate Teen Bookshelf can be found at
www.ala.org/teenbookshelf.
The list includes 50 books, five magazines and five audio books. Subscribers to the YALSA-BK electronic discussion list suggested titles for the Ultimate Teen Bookshelf, which was finalized by Pam Spencer Holley, former YALSA president and author of “Quick and Popular Reads for Teens” (ALA Editions, 2009), and Judy Sasges, district manager for Sno-Isle Libraries in Marysville, Wash., a 2002 Printz Award committee member and a 2010 YALSA Nonfiction Award committee member.
Librarians can use this collection to ensure they have quality materials to attract teens; parents and teens can use it to find interesting books and materials to keep reading skills sharp between school years.
“During the summer months it is critical for young people to continue to read and visit the library. Studies consistently show that teens who do not read over the summer lose important reading skills, beginning the next school year at a disadvantage,” said YALSA President Sarah Cornish Debraski. “This summer in particular the library will definitely be a destination, as many teens find themselves without summer jobs. The Ultimate Teen Bookshelf is a great place to get started finding terrific reads for teens.”
While the featured materials have been selected for ages 12-18, the titles on this list span a broad range of reading and maturity levels. YALSA encourages adults to take an active role in helping individual teens choose those books that are the best fit for them and their families.
For more than 50 years, YALSA has been the world leader in selecting books, videos and audio books for teens. For more information about YALSA or for lists of recommended reading, viewing and listening, go to
www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists, or contact the YALSA office by phone, (800) 545-2433, ext. 4390, or e-mail,
yalsa@ala.org.
