A blog for young readers (and YA lovers) from the Providence Athenaeum.
The Providence Athenaeum is a unique library and cultural center in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island. Growing out of the Providence Library Company (fourth library in the United States), the Athenaeum as we know it was formed in 1836. Our handsome building on the corner of Benefit and College was completed in 1838.
We are one of the few surviving membership libraries in the nation. Student memberships are available - visit or call for more information.
This blog is updated by one of our circulation assistants (and YA enthusiast), RJ. Follow us to find out what's new in our Young Adult corner, or just for a daily dose of literary shenanigans.
You can follow the Ath on twitter or facebook. Our catalog and much more information about us can be found at our homepage.
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
In honor of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, here are eight books featuring young Asian American protagonists. All of these titles are available at the Providence Athenaeum.
What’s New: The Eternal Smile by Derek Kirk Kim and Gene Luen Yang
New to the Athenaeum’s YA corner is The Eternal Smile. This graphic “novel” is actually a collection of short stories, and the product of collaboration of two award-winning writer/cartoonists, Derek Kirk Kim (Same Difference) and Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese).
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this book was a very enjoyable exploration of fantasy and reality. Each of the three beautifully illustrated stories give the reader the distinct feeling that something is not quite right. The resulting twists and turns make this book a thought-provoking page turner. The art is bright and fun, but there’s a lot more depth than you might expect in a collection that prominently features a cartoon frog in a tiny hat and tie.
Look for The Eternal Smile on the YA corner’s graphic novel shelf!
