Connecting teens with books, pop culture, and young adult authors is the result of networking by Carolyn Aversano, the young adult librarian at West Windsor Library. The recurring teen event will be held in conjunction with “Beneath the Surface,” the teen summer reading program. Buzz Pop! is a series of four open, informal discussions of books and popular culture between teens and authors of young adult literature. The series opens Friday, July 12, at 3 p.m.
“This is a brand new program,” says Aversano. “It’s an expansion of the traditional book group idea to include any book the teens have recently read, titles they may not have heard about, but should know, and the addition of pop culture elements like movies, music, and television.”
The programs are open to all teens, regardless of residence. Teens may attend as many or as few as they desire. Online registration at www.mcl.org is suggested. Snacks will be provided by the Friends of the West Windsor Library.
“I created the program based on feedback from parents who expressed a desire for a book club or discussion group for teens; from teens, mainly the Teen Friends of the Library group, who said they did not want assigned reading (too much like school); and from my experience with teens — our casual conversations during programs always center around books, movies, TV shows, music, and concerts,” says Aversano.
The program really snowballed when she asked Kate Brian if she would be interested in coming as a guest since her Private and Privilege series are very popular. “She was very excited by the idea and asked if she could bring some friends and authors, Elizabeth Eulberg and Jen Calonita,” says Aversano.
The authors are from the tri-state area. Brian and Eulberg live in northern New Jersey; Jen Calonita is from Long Island; Alissa Grosso is from Bucks County, PA; K.M. (Kate) Walton lives in West Chester, PA; and E.C. (Eugene) Myers lives in Philadelphia. “I am grateful that they have agreed to volunteer their time for a new program,” says Aversano.
Those who have or have not previously read the authors’ work are encouraged to attend since the intent of this program is to discuss books and popular culture including music, movies, and television in an informal manner.
“Beyond required school assignments, peers have the greatest influence over what teens read and watch,” says Aversano. “This is a vehicle for teens to share what they like, or don’t like, with other teens, and gives them the opportunity to participate in an open dialogue with emerging and established YA authors.”
Buzz Pop: Connecting Teens with Books, Pop Culture, and Young Adult Authors, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road. Informal discussion of books and popular culture between teens and authors of young adult literature. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Snacks will be served. Register. Free. 609-799-0462. www.mcl.org .
Friday, July 12, 3 p.m. Authors include K.M. Walton, author of “Cracked” and “Empty”; Dianne Salerni, author of “We Hear the Dead” and “The Caged Graves”; and Tiffany Schmidt, author of “Send Me a Sign.”
Friday, July 19, 3 p.m. Authors include E.C. Myers, author of “Fair Coin” and “Quantum Coin”; Kit Grindstaff, author of “The Flame in the Mist”; Alissa Grosso, author of “Popular,” “Ferocity Summer,” and “Shallow Pond”; and Evan Roskos, author of “Dr. Birds’s Advice for Sad Poet.”
Friday, August 2, 3 p.m. Authors will be announced.
Friday, August 16, 3 p.m. Authors include Kate Brian, author of the Shadowlands Trilogy and the Private and Privilege series; Jen Calonita, author of “The Belles” and “Secrets of My Hollywood Life” series; and Elizabeth Eulberg, author of “Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality,” “Take a Bow,” and “The Lonely Hearts Club.”
#b#Public Speaking#/b#
Speaking that Connects for Teens is facilitated by Eileen N. Sinett of Plainsboro. Known for her unique brand of presentation training, Sinett is a coach-consultant and keynote speaker whose knowledge spans several cross-functional disciplines including the speech arts, communication sciences, psychology, career management, and training and development. She is the author of “Speaking that Connects.”
Sinett presents introductory sessions to a program to help teens communicate with confidence and be at ease when speaking to groups. The presentation includes body language tips that influence listeners and how to apply the skills to interviews, oral reports, and presentations.
Public Speaking for High School Students, Eileen N. Sinett Communications, 610 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro. Wednesday, July 17, 6 to 7 p.m. Register. Free. 609-799-1400. www.speakingthatconnects.com.
Also at Kumon, 1800 Route 33, Hamilton Square. Wednesday, July 31, 6 to 7 p.m. Register. Free. 609-799-1400. www.speakingthatconnects.com.
