OverDrive’s top titles for Teen Tech Week

During “Teen Tech Week” March 5-11, libraries showcase the digital resources and services available to help teens succeed in school and prepare for college and career. The 2017 Teen Tech Week theme, “Be the Source of Change,” encourages teens to take advantage of digital resources to make a positive change in their life and community. Based on feedback from librarians, starred reviews and popularity rank in schools, we have compiled the titles teens need to research, design and make with tech.

According to a 2015 study from the family technology education non-profit group, Common Sense Media, teens spend more than one-third of their days using media such as online video or music — nearly nine hours on average. Best to use that time for good. Teens can learn how to make an app to address a social problem, like the 2016 anti-bullying app SitWithUs, which made middle and high school cafeterias more welcoming.

Best Titles for Teens in Tech

OverDrive’s Teens in Tech collection includes titles on coding platforms like Python, Scratch and Ruby, and best of Minecraft, LEGO, and digital media like podcasting, YouTubing and app design. Titles from this list include:

Steampunk Lego, Guy Himber

Hacks for Minecrafters, Megan Miller

Coding Games in Scratch, Jon Woodcock

STEM Books for Girls

Girls will find inspiration in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in this STEM Books for Girls collection. Biographies on Sally Ride, Amelia Earhart and Rachel Carson are highlighted as well as non-fiction titles featuring Women in Medicine, Engineering, Chemistry, Space and more. Titles from this list include:

Hidden Figures Young Readers’ Edition, Margot Lee Shetterly

Trailblazers: 33 Women in Science Who Changed the World, Rachel Swaby

Rad Women Worldwide, Kate Schatz

Making in Every Medium

Technology isn’t just computers, code and circuits. Making in Every Medium highlights eBooks and audiobooks in multi-tech maker inspiration. Teens can explore everything from biodiesel to baking. The collection also features titles on metalwork, textiles and the magical properties of duct tape, such as:

Make: 3D Printing, Anna Kaziunas France

Sir John Hargrave’s Mischief Maker’s Manual, John Hargrave

Duct Tape, Forest Walker Davis