Teen Reading Lounge is an award-winning, nontraditional book club for teens ages 12-18. Teens help to create the reading list for their program sites and, working with trained facilitators, to design creative projects that bring the books to life. Participants report stronger interpersonal, communication, literacy, and critical-thinking skills, and increased confidence.
During its spring 2016 Teen Reading Lounge program, the Lansdowne Public Library explored the hero’s journey and diversity through the story of Yasuke, who despite his lower social status became a powerful samurai in Japan. The group discussed Yasuke’s story and read several comics featuring black characters, including Slam Dunk by Takehiko Inoue.
Ken Norquist, former head of technologies and public services at the library, and Keville Bowen, program facilitator and local artist, saw the need to expand the minds and perspectives of local youth, particularly around the idea of cultural identity, history and possibility. The program was designed to get participants thinking about how media portrays heroes and challenges the idea that heroes fit a certain mold. Participants related this to their own lives as they worked toward creating a graphic novel based on their personal experiences.
“We hope that participants see they are the writers of their own destinies and their stories should be celebrated, ” said Norquist.
Activity highlights included a Skype interview with Thomas Lockey, assistant professor at Nihon University College of Law in Tokyo, Japan, who is an expert on Yasuke and talked to the group about the samurai’s unique story. Other activities include manga-drawing workshops, a Mural Arts walking tour exploring the history of notable African-American Philadelphians, and a kendo demonstration.
Learn more about Teen Reading Lounge and participating program sites across the state.
