While the common belief is that teens don’t read anymore, they are in fact reading–just not books. In her article, “Using Social Networking to Connect Teens with Young Adult Literature” in the May/June Public Libraries, Janet Hilbun states that “In fact, research shows that teens read constantly–text messages, e-mail, MySpace and Facebook, magazines, instant messages, websites, required school reading, and books. Even teens who say they are non-readers or do not like to read spend a great deal of each day actually reading.” So, connecting teens to books they might really enjoy means giving them the information in a way that best suites their reading style.
Book review blogs are a great way for teens to find a good read. Flamingnet and Reading Rants! Out of the Ordinary Teen Booklists provide book reviews by both teens and adults. The reviews are brief and provide pictures of the book cover art.
Another great way to connect teens with books is through YouTube. Many publishers now have YouTube channels with book review trailers. Simon & Schuster, Little Brown Books, and Random House all have YouTube channels with video trailers of their new releases and popular titles.
Try linking to these sites from your library homepage or teen page and see what happens!