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Teen Shelf Help

A guide to help teens and their guardians find the books that are right for them.

How do I find out what books are right for my age or my teen's age?

Our Teen Collections have books and other materials created for, published for, or marketed to ages 12 to 18. However, not every title is meant for the entire age range. Here are some age ranges that titles have: 12+, 14+, 16+. These specific ranges are based on themes and content, and they are determined by publishers, vendors, and professional reviewers.

We always encourage guardians to review the books that their teens are interested in to help find out if they're the right fit since guardians know their own family values best. Here are some ways to help support your journey of finding the right book for you or your teen:

  • Professional Reviews
    Evaluations of books written by trained reviewers or critics who work for reputable publications or organizations.
  • NoveList
    A database and resource for readers, librarians, and educators, offering a wealth of information about books and authors. It provides detailed summaries, reviews, recommendations, and other helpful information to assist users in finding their next great read.
  • Media Literacy Websites
    Platforms that provide reviews and analyses of various types of media, including movies, TV shows, video games, books, and music, with a particular focus on how suitable they are for different age groups, especially children and adolescents.
  • Your Friendly Librarians
    The Helen Hall Library staff are always here to help you!