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the e-newsletter for middle schoolers
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Diary of a Middle School Kid
Mary, a 7th grader at Hadley Junior High, dreams of wandering Paris, France in search of a great location for her sweets shop.
Not one for haute couture, Mary would prefer to design casual clothes, which will be very practical to wear while tending her cake plants in the backyard.
A nature lover at heart, she wishes there were a holiday called "June Day" and a way to communicate with animals, especially birds. If she could, she'd ask them what it is like to fly.
But being realistic, Mary hopes to someday learn French and possibly play the flute.
How would the country change if everyone under 18 could vote? There would be more voters.
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Middle School Events
Looking for something to do? The library has some great programs designed just for you.
Check our calendar. Here are some highlights.
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Tuesday,
March 26 | 4:30-5:30 pm
Discuss graphic novels, play trivia, and eat snacks. Ask at the Youth Desk for the title of the graphic novel to be discussed in March, April, and May. For grades 6-8. Reserve your spot.
Harry Pottery: Make your own Mug(gle)
Tuesday, April 23 | 4:30-5:30 pm
Design a mug to resemble your favorite Harry Potter character. We'll supply the mugs, markers, and paint - you bring the magic! For grades 6-8. Reserve your spot.
On Pins and Needles
Thursday, April 25 | 6:30-7:30 pm
Thursday, May 2 | 6:30-7:30 pm
Learn how to use a sewing machine and make a sleeve for your laptop or tablet. For grades 6-8. Reserve your spot.
Wednesday, April 3, 10, 17, 24 and May 1 | 4-5:30 pm
Work with library staff to prepare for programs, pull books, and help as needed. Visit gepl.org/middle-school/volunteer to fill out an application. For grades 6-8. This is the last round before we start summer volunteering!
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New Book Spotlight
They Call Me Güero: A Border Kid's Poems
by David Bowles
Twelve-year-old Güero is Mexican American, at home with Spanish or English and on both sides of the river. He's starting 7th grade with a woke English teacher who knows how to make poetry cool.
In Spanish, "Güero" is a nickname for guys with pale skin, Latino or Anglo. But make no mistake: our red-headed, freckled hero is puro mexicano, like Canelo Álvarez, the Mexican boxer. Güero is also a nerd-reader, gamer, musician-who runs with a squad of misfits like him, Los Bobbys. Sure, they get in trouble like anybody else, and like other middle-school boys, they discover girls. Watch out for Joanna! She's tough as nails.
But trusting in his family's traditions, his trusty accordion and his bookworm squad, he faces seventh grade with book smarts and a big heart. Life is tough for a border kid, but Güero has figured out how to cope.
He writes poetry.
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Tom's Picks
I recently updated
Tom's Picks
, available from the
Middle School page
of our website. If you're looking for reading recommendations, I have more than 50 titles that span multiple genres! My taste is all over the place, and I'm very open to suggestions on what you think I should read!
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Peer Review
I'm an 8th grader at Hadley Junior High, and my name is Ben. I'm reviewing the book
Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart.
I liked this book because it wasn't your average book where one person randomly finds a friend who instantly changes their life. Instead, the two main characters have to try to become good friends and help each other out. Someone who likes stories about friendships would like
Lily and Dunkin, and I give the book five stars.
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THE LUCKIEST PERSON
IN THE WORLD
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We want luck to be at our command when we roll the dice, step on stage, toss the coin, see a shooting star, or give a speech. To summon that luck, we cross our fingers, do a little dance, rub a pendant, scrunch our eyes, or whisper a phrase. When good things happen, sometimes we attribute it to luck. However, our hard work and effort shouldn't go unnoticed.
Good tidings and options open when we strive for more.
Do some people you meet seem to be luckier than others? Try to determine what makes them so. Are they open to new ideas? Are they charismatic? People who are excited and engaged about life tend to inspire others to view life the same way.
Be an optimist.
Transform a bad situation into a lesson.
When you are open to possibilities, you become the luckiest person.
Thanks for reading, and see you next month!
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