FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2026
‘The Field Guide to the North American Teenager’ Author Ben Philippe to Speak with York County Teens
YORK, PA – Ben Philippe, author of “The Field Guide to the North American Teenager,” is scheduled to speak with area high school students during York County Libraries’ Part of the Story program. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at Martin Library in York. Interested students, in grades 9 – 12, should register by Thursday, April 2 at www.yorklibraries.org/part-of-the-story. There is no cost to participate.
“This year’s Part of the Story program will give participants the opportunity to really dive into and explore the concept of community in conversation with our amazing, featured author Ben Philippe and with each other,” says York County Libraries Youth Services Director Mindy McDonnell. “That’s what really makes this program special. Not only do participants learn a lot, but they also get to connect with other teens from across the county.”
Philippe is a Haitian-Canadian author and television writer. His debut novel, “The Field Guide to the North American Teenager,” was named one of the American Library Association’s Best Fiction titles for Young Adults in 2020. He also won the 2020 William C. Morris Award for the novel. Part of the Story participants will each receive an autographed copy.
A prolific writer, he has penned two other books, “Charming as a Verb,” and “Sure, I’ll Be Your Black Friend.” He also writes for television shows including “The Paper,” “Interview with the Vampire,” and “Only Murders in the Building.”
“Part of the Story provides a unique opportunity for York County teens to explore issues they care about,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “Over the past several years, topics have included everything from teens online to teen mental wellness. The beauty of this program is that the teens who attend are the ones recommending future themes.”
During the event, Lamar Advertising will educate teens about how billboards can build community awareness around important issues. Participants will work in groups to create a billboard design based on the “Building Community and Making Connections” theme. The resulting art will be evaluated by a panel of judges, and the winning design will be displayed on billboards across York County.
Martin Library is located at 159 E. Market Street in York. Anyone with questions about the upcoming program should contact ysdepartment@yorklibraries.org.
York County Libraries (YCL) strengthen the community and enrich individual lives. YCL programs and services help community members build the five core literacies championed by the Pennsylvania Library Association PA Forward® program. Thirteen library locations provide the latest in print and digital information, bestsellers, Wi-Fi, story times, book discussions, and databases. For more information about services, library hours, and locations, go to yorklibraries.org.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Deb Sullivan
Community Relations Director
York County Libraries
dsullivan@yorklibraries.org