Books and music help to shape our lives as growing teens; they can influence the way we talk, act, or even make decisions. Most people do not even realize the importance of these things to an adolescent. In a recent study by Patricia Shehan Campbell, Ph.D of the NAMM Foundation, it was found that music “helps adolescents release or control emotions and helps to cope with difficult situations such as peer pressure, substance abuse, pressures of study and family, the dynamics of friendships and social life, and the pain of loss or abuse” (Carlsbad). With books, however, published research has shown that reading while young produces empathy, a trait that is especially important in our world today. Reading also promotes brain growth and results in better SAT scores on reading comprehension. Overall, both music and books are influential when it comes to a growing child’s life. 

Now, what are Cooper students interested in when it comes to music and books? Karson Smith, a sophomore, spoke to me and said that her favorite book was The Help by Kathryn Stockett. She said that she enjoys the classic novel because of the different perspectives from which it covers and the humor that is woven throughout the story. But what struck me was her response to my question of her favorite album/song. She told me her favorite album comes from a video game- the soundtrack to SSX on Tour. When asked why it was her favorite, she said it was because it brought back memories from when she was younger, and she did not have to understand the problems of the real world. I found this interesting since I am sure everyone can think of an album or song that takes them back to a simpler time. 

Rebecca Melin, another sophomore, told me that her favorite novel was Anything by John Green. She said she loved him because “his books are so well written and relatable” and that she has an emotional connection to one of John Green’s novels Paper Towns because it was the first young adult novel she ever read. Some of her favorite musical artists include Harry Styles, Young the Giant, Chicago, and King Princess. She mentioned how she loved Young the Giant because their music is meaningful and sounds ethereal. Many teens today, when asked for their favorite bands or artists, do not name mainstream pop bands or R&B artists, but mention alternative or indie bands/artists as more important to them. 

Another song suggestion is from Saylor Hark, a sophomore, who recommends “Treasure” by Sampha which is from the Beautiful Boy soundtrack. She says she loved the song because it’s the type of song that “literally transports you from reality when you listen to it”. The band Fox Academy was also recommended to me. The anonymous recommender enjoys the band because it is very mellow, calming, and autumnal. 

I decided to interview someone of the younger generation, specifically my sister Elizabeth, who is in the second grade. She told me that her favorite book is about Legos, and she loves that book since she can get any Lego and use the book to “create something cool” with it. She also told me that her favorite song is “Night Fall” from the movie Descendants. Elizabeth told me it was her favorite because “it sounds really cool and there’s cool music in the background”. An eight-year old’s opinions differ greatly from those of a teen when it comes to music and books. 

When looking into the interests of not only teens these days but also children, it is important to keep in mind that books and music help them grow and become complete adults that will continue to shape the world around us. Like adolescents anywhere, Cooper students display tastes for a wide variety of genres, novels, and songs that will always remind them of this time in their lives.