During summer vacation, backpacks are forgotten along with the books that were in them. In the defense of books, not every book is like the ones read in school. There are tons of books out there on the shelves waiting to be bought or checked out.

Sugar Grove Public Library and Elburn Town and Country Public Library have a range of books for young adults and award winning books that have just come in. Follow this link: https://www.islma.org/pdf/2016%20Abe%20list-3.pdf  to view the list of 2016 Abraham Lincoln Award Illinois’ High School Readers’ Choice Award

“I find teens checking out books that frequently have some adventure and in a small town like Sugar Grove, adventure isn’t always found easily. That’s when you pick up a book and adventure in your head,” Carol McFarland, Sugar Grove librarian said.

With social media and technology we often forget to enjoy the simplicity of just picking up a good book and reading outside for a change.

“I believe that there is a book for everyone and just because a book that your friend really liked and thought was awesome, doesn’t mean that it’ll work for you. If it doesn’t hold your interest, read something else, unless you have to read it for school,” McFarland said.

Even though reading doesn’t really seem like something you enjoy, explore the other possibilities. In some cases you don’t even have to read to experience a novel.

“One thing I strongly recommend for teens who just can’t bare the thought of sitting and focusing on a book, I advise audiobooks. You can just set it up on your laptop or wherever and listen while you play video games, do chores or just lay back,” McFarland said.

Books can allow you to take a break from the outside world and travel into someone else’s story.

“People should look at reading as an experience, there are so many events and characters in life that you may never get to do or meet and because of books you can. It’s exciting to be a part of something like that,” Caitrin Mills, Elburn Town and Country librarian said.

Places like Barnes & Noble have a wider selection of new books if you enjoy a little more variety. They have organized sections depending on genres and have suggestions based on books that you have read and  may like.

“How can people not love being around books? From the moment you walk in here all you can smell is fresh books and coffee, that never gets old,” Dorrine Parish, Barnes & Noble  Sales Associate said.

Going into a bookstore or even library can be stressful if you don’t know what you’re into or what you might like.

“Once people get into reading, they become so passionate so instead of recommending a book  for them right away I always like to ask them what the last really good book they read was and it has surprised me how much the teen business for books has boomed and it’s great because of the authors,” Parish said.

So get out of your comfort zone and see things through the eyes of someone else for a change.

Check out some of these authors and books!

Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan: A novel with some romance and adventure that occurs when a princess who has been in hiding for 17 years falls in love with an archer. Her kingdom has been filled with darkness and falling in love could put everything at risk.

After The Woods by Kim Savage: This books follows the story of two girls, Liv and Julia who are attacked in the woods. The book flashes forward a year where both main characters are trying to deal with the events that had happened and new secrets that are being uncovered.

The Raven Cycle Series: This book is told from the point of view of a girl named Blue who has psychic aunts who have told her that when she kisses her true love he will die. She later becomes involved with a group of boys Gansey, Ronan, Adam, Noah  who are on the search for a spiritual energy that once saved Gansy and can only be found where the Welsh King is buried.

Recommended authors

Ellen Hopkins: she writes relatable books for teens that have all different types of themes that teens encounter, such as romance, life struggle, depression and pressures of everyday life.

John Green: He writes mainly romantic books that will leave you in awe and wanting to read more.