Greenburgh Public Library Blog

Explore Your Passions: For Teens & The Adults That Love Them

For teens and the adults that love them

Even though it is back to school season not everything needs to be about hitting the school books.

In between the chaos of studying, homework, clubs, and sports its important to take some time for yourself too. Why not pursue your passions, or discover some new ones, with these fun and funky suggestions all available as books and ebooks through Greenburgh Public Library.

While you're at it, why not check out all the free Teen Events at GPL - from crafts and maker events, to gaming, parties, and more -- all linked here!

101 Artists to Listen to Before You Die by Ricardo Cavolo (Illustrator)

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A graphic novel in the form of Ricardo Cavolo's personal diary, which follows the story of music through 101 essential artists; from Bach to Radiohead, to Amy Winehouse, Nirvana and Daft Punk. With over one hundred uniquely colorful illustrations and handwritten text, lists, notes, and personal anecdotes this is a book to delight in.

 

Becoming Kareem by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; Raymond Obstfeld

Becoming Kareem chronicles how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar become the icon and legend he is today, both on and off the court. A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! The first memoir for young readers by sports legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At one time, Lew Alcindor was just another kid from New York City with all the usual problems: He struggled with fitting in, with pleasing a strict father, and with overcoming shyness that made him feel socially awkward. But with a talent for basketball, and an unmatched team of supporters, Lew Alcindor was able to transform and to become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. From a childhood made difficult by racism and prejudice to a record-smashing career on the basketball court as an adult, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's life was packed with "coaches" who taught him right from wrong and led him on the path to greatness. His parents, coaches Jack Donahue and John Wooden, Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, and many others played important roles in Abdul-Jabbar's life and sparked him to become an activist for social change and advancement. The inspiration from those around him, and his drive to find his own path in life, are highlighted in this personal and awe-inspiring journey. 

 

 

Get into Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering with these great titles. And don’t forget to drop by the library's Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club & Magic: The Gathering Club each month -- for club dates and details click here!

 

 

 

DIY Circus Lab for Kids by Jackie Leigh Davis

Produce your own circus! Make your own stilts, juggling sticks, and tightrope, then learn to use them; master the human pyramid; discover how to create your own circus acts and shows; and much more with DIY Circus Lab for Kids. Companion online video tutorials for every prop and skill make learning easy.  Veteran circus educator Jackie Leigh Davis takes you, step by step, through the props and skills you need to perform all the major circus arts: Acrobatics, acrobalance, and human pyramids Balance arts Clowning Gyroscopic and toss juggling You'll learn how to make juggling balls, a hoola hoop, a rola bola, a clown nose and hat, and a pair of poi, among other circus essentials. With these props, you'll learn how to juggle, hoop, balance, perform clown gags, and more. 

 

 

History of the Cup by Andrew Luke

The World Cup started more than 80 years ago as a 13-team event that had to beg for teams to play. Today, it is the most popular sporting event on the planet, and almost every country in the world plays for its chance to participate every four years. History of the Cup takes readers through the struggles of the early years and describes the players and the matches that brought the tournament, and the sport, to greatness. 

 

How to Be a DJ in 10 Easy Lessons by D. J. Booma

DJing is probably the coolest way to make music, right? Now you can learn how with How to Be a DJ in 10 Easy Lessons! Do you think you have what it takes to be a superstar DJ? Do you daydream about making the hottest mixes behind the turn tables? Well, now is your chance to learn how to be a shredder on the tables with How to Be a DJ in 10 Easy Lessons, a simple guide to DJing!  Learn the ins and outs of mixing, scratching, and blending and prepare to play in front of a live audience!  With easy-to-follow instructions, colorful graphics, and helpful tips from an experienced professional DJ, this handy book breaks down everything you need to know into 10 simple lessons. How to Be a DJ in 10 Easy Lessons covers everything from equipment and software, to basic music theory and tips on performance, this is the perfect introduction to music mixing for aspiring DJs.

 

 

Life Is Like a Musical by Tim Federle

A Self-Help Guide--with Jazz Hands! Life is Like a Musical features 50 wry, witty tips on getting ahead in life and love--all learned in the showbiz trenches. "Hilarious, wise, and one-of-a-kind. This book is so... brilliant I'm surprised it didn't already exist." -- Sarah Knight, bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck Before Tim Federle became a bestselling author and a Broadway playwright, he worked as a back-up dancer at the Super Bowl, a polar bear at Radio City, and a card-carrying chorus boy on Broadway. Life is Life a Musical features 50 tips learned backstage, onstage, and in between gigs, with chapters such as "Dance Like Everyone's Watching" and "Save the Drama for the Stage." This charming and clever guide will appeal to all ages and inspire readers to step into the lead role of their own life, even if they're not a recovering theater major.

 

The Magician and the Spirits: Harry Houdini and the curious pastime of communicating with the dead by Deborah Noyes

A century ago, the curious idea that spirits not only survive death but can be contacted on the other side was widespread. Psychic mediums led countless seances, claiming to connect the grieving with their lost relations through everything from frenzied trance writing to sticky expulsions of ectoplasm. The craze caught Harry Houdini's attention. Well-known by then as most renowned magician and escape artist, he began to investigate these spiritual phenomena. Are ghosts real? Can we communicate with them? Catch them in photographs? Or are all mediums flim-flammers, employing tricks and illusions like Houdini himself? Peopled with odd and fascinating characters, Houdini's gripping quest will excite readers' universal wonderment with life, death, and the possibility of the Beyond.

 

Manga Art by Mark Crilley

The world of manga (Japanese comics) has captured the imagination of artists, both aspiring and professional alike. Now best-selling artist and art instructor Mark Crilley presents the most complete look yet at the variety of creative options available in the world of manga. Crilley fills each chapter with gorgeous, original artwork created with a variety of tools (pencils, colored pencils, digital art, pen and ink, and more) and in a variety of manga-inspired styles. He pairs each piece with information on the materials used and the inspiration that led to its creation. Manga Art provides readers a one-of-a-kind chance to hear from one of the leading artists in the field of manga instruction, as he reveals the unlimited possibilities of manga and the creative secrets behind over 100 pieces of original, never-before-seen artwork.

 

The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook by Rosanna Pansino

The long-awaited first cookbook from the creator and host of the Internet’s most popular baking show, Nerdy Nummies: a collection of Rosanna Pansino’s all-time favorite geeky recipes as well as sensational new recipes exclusive to this book. The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook is quirky, charming, and fun, featuring the recipes behind Rosanna Pansino’s celebrated, one-of-a-kind creations, as well as beautiful, mouthwatering photographs throughout. It is the perfect companion that you’ll turn to whenever you want to whip up a delicious treat and be entertained all at once. And best of all, these treats are as simple as they are fun to make! 

 

Science Comics: Robots and Drones by Mairghread Scott; Jacob Chabot (Illustrator)

In factories! In the sky! In your cars and phones! In your own home! Robots are everywhere! And they have been for a lot longer than you might realize. From tea-serving robots in feudal Japan to modern rovers exploring Mars, robots have been humanity's partners, helpers, and protectors for centuries! Join one of the world's earliest robots, a mechanical bird named Pouli, as he explores where robots came from, how they work, and where they're going in this informative and hilarious new book! Ever dreamt of building your own best friend? It might be easier than you think! 

 

Treat Yourself!  How to Make 93 Ridiculously Fun No-bake Crispy Rice Treats  by Jessica Siskin

Based on Jessica Siskin's popular website, online business, and Instagram account @mister_krisp, which features pop culture-inspired marshmallow rice crispy treats, from emojis and minions to Kanye and Miley, here's a quirky, play-with-your-food crafty cookbook that consists of step-by-step recipes, along with tips, tricks, and techniques for making playful marshmallow crisps for every occasion. The book is arranged alphabetically from avocado to zebra, with full-color photos throughout - endlessly fun, clever, and grin-inspiring - it's art you can eat!