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LGBTQIA+ Book Recommendations

8/31/2020

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by the Teens from Alphabet Soup
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Please enjoy this list of LGBTQIA+ books selected by Alphabet Soup teens, including their quotes describing why these books are worth reading. 

Alphabet Soup is an inclusive, safe, (now virtual) hangout where LGBTQ+ teens and teen allies can explore identity through conversations, gaming, casual activities, and more! The group meets Wednesdays at 4pm. See our Events page for more details on attending one of our events.
 

This list includes teen and adult titles. Use your personal discretion in deciding which books are appropriate for you, and feel free to ask for more recommendations on a particular topic through our contact page.

This is Where You Left Me by Adam Silvera 
(Teen Fiction) Call Number: TEEN Silvera
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"This book shows from the perspective of somebody that’s new to being “out” to themselves, to their family, and to everyone else. It shows the perspective of someone who has just found love in the community that represents them. It also shows the perspective of people with a mental disorder and dealing with grief. It covers a lot of territory. It covers LGBTQ+ issues, mental disorders and mental illness, and loss, and dealing with that. ​"
My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness by Kabi Nagata
(Manga) Call Number: MANGA My Lesbi
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"This manga goes through the author’s adult life and focuses on them finding their sexuality, dealing with mental disorders and isolation, and other things she went through as a young adult. Desperate for human touch, the author considers hiring an escort just to hug someone and feel loved."
The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller
(Adult Fiction) Call Number: FICTION Miller
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"This is a Greek Mythology retelling that shows how much the author has studied ancient Greek myths. The author adds more depth to this world and adds emotion and detail you don’t get from other mythology stories. I read it in one day, it’s so good!"
Simon VS The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Abertalli
(Teen Fiction) Call Number: TEEN Albertal
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"This book shows how little control people in the community feel before they come out to everybody as themselves. It shows exactly what we all internally feel in the sense of “what if somebody finds out and they don’t like it or use it against me.” It shows the vulnerability of being in this community and what it feels like before people know who you really are.​"
Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens
(Teen Fiction) Call Number: TEEN Stevens
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"This book focuses on coming to terms with yourself in a more conservative town or area. It also brings in the fact that friends can help you in trying to find yourself without even realizing that they’re helping you."
Loki: Agent of Asgard Series
(Graphic Novel) Call Number: GRAPHIC NOVEL Loki
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"Loki doesn’t make it so that gender identity or the things that put them in the community are the main focal point. It’s just a thing that’s a part of their life. It focuses on what they’re doing, what they’re thinking, and their life. Their LGBT-ness isn’t the focus of their story."

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
(Graphic Novel) Call Number: GRAPHIC NOVEL Prince a
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"A lovely graphic novel about a dressmaker who gets called to work for the royal family. Her new client, the prince, doesn’t want just ordinary princely clothes. He wants the most beautiful gowns in all of France. This graphic novel has beautiful illustrations. Fashion lovers will adore this book!"
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin
(Non-Fiction) Call Number: 306.768 Kuklin
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"This book has photographs and interviews of transgender teens. It’s nice to hear them talk about their experiences in their own words."
All Boys Aren’t Blue, George M Johnson
(Biography) Call Number: BIO Johnson
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“In writing this book, I wanted to be as authentic and truthful about my experience as possible. I wanted my story to be told in totality: the good, the bad, and the things I was always too afraid to talk about publicly. This meant going to places and discussing some subjects that are often kept away from teens for fear of them being “too heavy.” But the truth of the matter is, these things happened to me when I was a child, teenager, and young adult. So as heavy as these subjects may be it is necessary that they are not only told, but also read by teens who may have to navigate many of these same experiences in their own lives."

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Search for these books on our Library Catalog. Place a hold and use our Holds To Go system to get your books when the are ready for pick-up. 

If you'd like more opportunities to talk about your favorite LGBTQIA+ books, check out our Tween LGBTQ Book Club, monthly on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 4:30pm. See our Facebook event page for more details. 


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Make a Mini Zine!

8/28/2020

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by Maddie, Main Library
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​Watch this video for a quick tutorial on how to make your own zine at home with only paper, scissors, and markers.


​Want to read some zines?
Did you know that The City Library has one of the largest zine collections west of the Mississippi? Oh yeah. We've been collecting zines from around the country, and the world, since the 1990s, and have over 6,000 items. You can even search for them in the library catalog. Just do a keyword search for "zines." You'll even be able to place them on hold and come check them out. Rad. 

You can also read some teen-made zines online in our Teen Squad collection. Look for the Mental Health Books Zine, and Learning About Social Equality Through Literature. If you'd like us to print a free copy for you, or help you print your own zines, see this page for more details. 

A zine festival?
Did you know that The City Library has hosted an Alternative Press Festival every year for the last 11 years? Zine makers and other independent artists gather to share their creations, sell art, and talk about zines. Visit our Alt Press Fest archive to see posters, read interviews, and see art from past year's festivals. 
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Artwork by Chloe Monson
This year's festival is happening virtually in October, but there will still be ways to get involved and take home some awesome local art. Don't miss the Teen Zine Reading on October 17th at 2pm, featuring local teen zine makers. Whether you’re a beginner or have your own zine series, we’d love to have you join! It will be a drop-in event, so no registration is required. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for event links and latest details on this year's festival.

Thanks for reading and have fun making art!
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Gone Viral Booklist

8/26/2020

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by Yoli, Teen Librarian the Marmalade Branch
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​Libraries across the nation have seen an increase of checkouts of viral-themed books during the Covid-19 pandemic. We created this “Gone Viral” booklist to help you find some books that deal with pandemics, epidemics, quarantines, or viruses. The list includes both nonfiction and fiction selections. Check them out! Here’s an abbreviated list with some of my favorites!
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"Hazmat Guy 8804 Lego Minifigures Series 4" by brickdisplaycase.com is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel ​
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The book follows different characters during a (fictional) swine flu pandemic called the “Georgia Flu”. It causes the collapse of civilization as we know it. I liked the way the story unfolds, and getting to know the characters and their fight to survive, and seeing their memories and emotions in the face of such a loss. The writing is beautiful and sad. But there is a thread of hope that persists in the survivors of the illness, who find each other among the chaos and devastation. Reading this book made me want to hold my loved ones closer, and feel an appreciation for being here.
Grasshopper Jungle: a history by Andrew Smith ​
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The book is wacky, even for Sci-Fi standards. It mixes Americana with out-of-the-box Sci-Fi.  The main character, Andrew is a teen who lives in a small town in the midwest, experiencing things that a lot of teens can probably relate to, first kiss, working at their first job, dreaming of a better life and future after graduation…and then it all goes very, very weird. While working in an antique store, Austin accidentally breaks a scientific artifact from the 50’s and ignites a small viral explosion that mutates some townspeople into Giant killer grasshoppers. They kill with impunity. Austin, Robby, and Shannon are 3 friends who must figure out a way to survive the grasshopper apocalypse and hopefully save humankind.
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"Grasshopper" by diverevan is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The Young Elites by Marie Lu  
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Cosplayer as Adelina Amouteru: Photo credit "The Young Elites" by margotwood is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

​In Adelina Amouteru’s world, many people have succumbed to the “blood virus”. Her mother passed away when she was a child, leaving two daughters with their bitter and angry father. Adelina is a survivor, but bears some marks of the virus; she is missing one eye, and has silver white hair. The virus caused a mutation that gives her powers to create illusions. Adelina and other mutants are not welcomed by society; their physical changes and powers are considered demonic. She lives in an archaic time when a woman is expected to become a wife and mother, and since a marriage arrangement is out of the question, her father tries tries to sell her into slavery as a “mistress.” Instead of accepting her fate, she fights and runs, leaving her younger sister behind. Adelina meets other mutants, and they form an alliance against corrupt political rulers. As she learns to master her powers of illusion, she becomes an incredible fighter too. This book also explores how gaining power can make us lose sight of who we really are, and how family can be the key to remember the best parts of ourselves.

Thank you for reading my post about our library's Gone Viral booklist. Please take care of yourselves, and each other. And if you have any suggestions to add to this book list, please fill out this suggestion form.

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A-Prompting We Go . . .

8/24/2020

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by Meagan & Chris
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Whether you are an experienced writer, or have no earthly idea where to begin -- these prompts are for you.
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We’ve designed these prompts with the express purpose of knocking you out of old grooves, known territories and familiar habits, jolting you into exploring new terrains, or, perhaps, old terrains . . . but with a sparkly new set of eyes.

As many writers will attest, there’s nothing like the odd bit of structure to free up your writing and, as you may soon see, many of these structures are fairly odd.

Consider these prompts, first and foremost, an invitation to have fun. 

So loosen up, dive in, and see where they take you. We’d love to see what you come up with.

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​Find something small -- small enough to fit in a pocket: a cookie, a coin, a seedpod, a marble, a rag, a bit of bright, striped string, a...something, preferably not actively alive (except in that sparky, metaphorical sense -- i.e., no scorpions or baby birds). 
Something found on a sidewalk, near a trail, under a stoop, in a key bowl -- something crows would consider. Collect it and bring it home.

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​Pick a number between 1 and 20. A handy 20-sided dice will do nicely (or use a random number generator online). Find your number and corresponding phrase from the list below, combine it with your object, and you are off to the races. If you are feeling inspired, choose another. 

And --If you are up to sharing, please send us what you’ve come up with -- we’d love to post it.

  1. This was extracted, overnight, from the queen.
  2. This was found eroding from the base of a stone, after heavy rains.
  3. This was found underneath a mattress in a doll house.
  4. After a night of odd behavior the cat coughs this up.
  5. You left milk and porridge for them, they left this for you.
  6. A new game piece, with new rules . . .
  7. You are the world's unluckiest pickpocket . . . or are you?
  8. This was pushed through the mail slot last night.
  9. You tried to speak but this came out instead.
  10. Write nothing about this object -- WE ARE WATCHING.
  11. This is much smaller than you pictured when you ordered it . . .
  12. The iceman, recently thawed, was clutching this.
  13. This falls from the sky on  a cloudless night.
  14. Not the prize you expected in the crackerjack.
  15. There is a little slot in the back of the gravestone -- something catches your eye
  16. After its discovery, belly buttons will never seem the same to you.
  17. -- but there it is, beside your pillow as you wake . . .
  18. Something is written in tiny script on the underside . . .
  19. Your dog fetches this from the forest’s edge.
  20. An older gentleman tips his hat to you -- something falls out.


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Music Around the World

8/17/2020

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by Teen Volunteer Alex 
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Hi, I am Alex, a team leader of the Marmalade Library Teen Squad team. This is my fourth year volunteering at the library. 

I worked on a project on music around the world in order to introduce young people to world music and how to use the excellent resources from the library to look for CDs that demonstrate the beautiful world around us. This is important for the community in Salt Lake City since it’s very diverse. Therefore, young people will have a better opportunity to learn about mother cultures and improve their imagination and creative minds. 
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Everyone is exposed to music in different ways. Babies might listen to music from mothers singing, and teens might get to listen to music that is recommended to them by others. I started playing piano at 5 years old. I eventually moved to take lessons from the U of U , school of music from first grade until now. Every Year, I participated in a Monster Concert that raised money that went toward free piano lessons for others. 

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(Picture of Monster Concert, University of Utah piano department, March 2019. Photo courtesy of Alex’s family)


I concentrated on looking at these 4 areas around the world including Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe for my music. I chose these areas because Salt Lake City is a diverse community with several ethnicities in the population including Asian, African, Hispanic, and White. Diversity helps us to increase friendliness, helpfulness and social acceptance to different cultures and people around us.   

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(A mariachi plays guitar and sings. Photo titled ”Mariachi" by Greg Robbins is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Latin American Music 
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Latin American music, musical traditions of Mexico, Central America, and the portions of South America and the Caribbean colonized by the Spanish and the Portuguese. “These traditions reflect the distinctive mixtures of Native American, African, and European influences that have shifted throughout the region over time.” (Britannica.com). For example, Argentina is best known for the tango. Brazil is famous for samba. Music in Mexico is well known for the Mariachi bands with trumpets, violins and guitars. 

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(Image is featured on YouTube video: Harry Belafonte- Jamaica Farewell)
YouTube video: Harry Belafonte- Jamaica Farewell

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Several CDs in the Salt Lake City library represented Latin American Music. For example, Latin Playground: CD j World Spanish, is a good example of Bossa Nova and Mambo. Some instruments you can hear in this CD are trumpets, drums, guitars, and the rare cowbell. When hearing these songs, your spirit will be uplifted by the fast and lively tempo especially when you are in a downtime.
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Music CD cover, Latin Playground, 2002
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A young man plays the cowbell. Photo titled "More Cowbell!" by Will Spaetzel is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
African Music 
African music is based upon oral tradition. Drum ensembles are led by the master drummer and set tempos, dynamics, and also decides on changes in the music. Some common instruments used in these are a Dunun(drum), Kora (string instrument that uses a large gourd, and Oud (North African lute). (wikipedia). 
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A still from YouTube video: Les Wanyika: Sina Makosa
YouTube video:  Les Wanyika: Sina Makosa)

We found several CDs in the library that represent modern African music now. For example, African Beat, call number: CD Q AFRICA AB P2 is a great, upbeat CD with exotic and comfortable rhythms. When listening to this CD, I felt calm and relaxed as the music flowed over me like a river in the background of a group of several drums. 
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(Image is featured on YouTube video “African Royalty” Free music by Mike Jacoby)
YouTube video “African Royalty” Free music by Mike Jacoby)

East Asian Music 
East Asian Music is usually based on a 5 note scale rather than a 7 note scale as seen in the West. The instruments used in these songs all play a different melody, so the notes played are never similar. Instruments also never provide background melodies, so there is only one instrument playing at a time. Some instruments used are koto, 13-stringed zither with movable bridges, is a basic instrument for Japanese music, Kokyu, a stringed instrument played with a bow, is also popular for East Asian music. 
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Cover of Music CD Buddha Bar XVII, 2015, YouTube video
YouTube video of Buddha Bar XVII, 2015

Since the origin of these songs are so diverse, I will talk about the Chinese, and Japanese songs. Huanzhu ge ge yin yue quan ji lu, call number: Chinese CD L HUAN HGG H57, is a Chinese CD that gives me a comforting feeling as the music went on. I recommend listening before going to bed as the songs are slow and have a warming tone to relax the mind. 
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Marvelous / Mísia, with a call number: Japanese CD MA MISI MAR M22, is a Japanese CD that gives me a soothing feeling as some songs are accompanied by an orchestra. The singer, Misia, sings with an orchestra most of the time, and it gives us a Western feeling. This is why music around the world has no boundary no matter where it originated, either from the East or West. There are always some common features which can be found between them. 
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Cover of Music CD titled Marvelous (2001) by artist Mísia
European Music 
What sets European Music apart from the others is that it has started from Ancient times and reflected the different periods of music from the Baroque Period to the Renaissance. Teens can look for classical music in all libraries with a lot of choices from Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, etc. Modern western music is also found in the library collection. 
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(Image: a still from YouTube video of Lara Fabian - La Différence (official music video)
YouTube video of Lara Fabian - La Différence (official music video

For example, the Italy international experience, call number: CD Q ITALY ITA M09, will give you a sense of melancholy. I especially recommend The WoodPecker Song which is more upbeat and has a very special pattern of tapping sounds. Several new instruments can be heard in this song like a xylophone, drums, and guitars. In order to make the recurring patterns of the woodpecker, claves are used to make a special clicking sound. If you listen to it, I’m sure you will be surprised at natural sounds and the wonderful techniques used. 
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An example of claves. Photo titled "Birthday present" by cams-not-in-lux is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

As you see, the library is a great place for books and CDs or any resource we need in order to explore the world around us. Furthermore, music around the world is an important aspect of other cultures, and it gives us a better understanding of the diversity in our Salt Lake community. By listening to these CDs, this can give you a sense of how music's difference in our diversified population is. Secondly, world music will introduce you to other cultures around the world and show you how music can tell us about any culture without even using any word. Lastly, if you’re into music like us, learning about other music types, genres, or structures can improve your comprehension and improve your musical knowledge. 


A possible list of world music CDs and where to find them in the library 
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Caribbean music 
Bossa Nova Around the World: CD MJ Various BN P06 
Caribbean Playground: CD j World Caribbea 
Jose-Luis Orozco canta De colores: Spanish CD j World Orozco 

African music 
The Rough Guide to the Best African Music you’ve never heard: CD Q AFRICA RGB R12 
Africa Today [sound recording]: best of contemporary African folk music: CD Q 
AFRICA AT A38 
My Africa/ Elemotho: CD Q AFRICA ELEM E32 


Asian music
India [sound recording]: CD Q INDIA IND P88 
Asian playground: CD j World Asian 
Buddha-Bard. XVII / by DJ Ravin: CD MN Various BUD G77 

European music 
Italy internationale experience: CD Q ITALY ITA M09 
La différence [sound recording] / Salif Keïta: CD Q MALI KEIT K86 Viaggio musicale: musica italiana del Seicento/ Il Giardino Armonice: CD F Various VM E36
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Pressed Leaves Wall Art

8/14/2020

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by Becca
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​Hey teens! It’s Becca from the Main Library. In this DIY I’m going to show you how to add some nature to your room without the hassle of having to keep a plant alive. Pressed leaves and flowers can be used for so many things. You can add them to greeting cards, decorate a table or fireplace, or put them in frames like I’m going to show you.


You’ll need the following materials:
  • Large, heavy book
  • Plastic wrap or wax paper
  • Freshly picked leaves/flowers
  • Paper towels
  • Empty frame (optional)

Pressing leaves is one of the easiest projects! You just need to make sure the leaves and flowers you are pressing are freshly picked. The leaves need to have their natural moisture before you begin, or you’ll end up with crumbling leaves. (Be sure to only pick leaves and flowers from your own garden!)

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Pick your favorite leaves! Here are the leaves I picked. You can cut each leaf off the stem and arrange them however you’d like, but I liked these the way they grew naturally.

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​Step 2: Choose a large heavy book to use. Flip it open somewhere in the last half of the book. Lay a large piece of plastic wrap across the pages to keep them from getting wet. You can also use wax paper, aluminum foil, shopping bags, or anything that won’t let water seep through.


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​Step 3: Lay your paper towels on the plastic wrap with your leaves on top. You can also use tissue, toilet paper, handkerchiefs, or napkins.


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​Step 4: Carefully close the book on top of your leaves. Make sure they aren’t folding in on themselves and are going to be pressed completely flat.


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Step 5: Wait at least 4 days to a week before opening the book. If they still feel moist to the touch, you’ll want to wait a little bit longer. When they’re finally ready, carefully transfer them to a frame, lay them on a dresser, tape them to a window, or add them to any other project that inspires you!
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​Did you try pressing your own leaves? Let us know in the comments how it went, or a share a picture of your creation on our art submission page. You can find more DIY activities in our Teen DIY collection on BiblioBoard. Let us know what kinds of craft tutorials you'd like to see next!


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