THE MIDDLE FILES
the e-newsletter for middle schoolers

Middle School Events

Looking for something to do? The library has some great programs just for you. Check out the entire summer schedule on our calendar. Here are some highlights:


GEPL Reads for SCARCE
Through September 2
Keep logging in your hours read to earn entries for the grand prize and weekly drawings. This year's grand prize drawing is an Amazon Tablet with Echo. Weekly prize options include Studio Movie Grill Pass (good for two admissions), Galloping Ghost Arcade pass (good for one full day), and much more. If you haven't already signed up, do so now!

Papermaking with SCARCE
Thursday, August 4 | 3-4 pm
Mimic the process of industrial recycled papermaking by using your own energy to make recycled paper you can take home and decorate. For kids in grades 6-8. Reserve your spot.
New Book Spotlight

All Summer Long by Hope Larson

A coming-of-age, middle-grade graphic novel about summer and friendships, written and illustrated by the Eisner Award-winning and New York Times-bestselling Hope Larson.

Thirteen-year-old Bina has a long summer ahead of her. She and her best friend, Austin, usually do everything together, but he's off to soccer camp for a month, and he's been acting kind of weird lately anyway. So it's up to Bina to see how much fun she can have on her own.

At first it's a lot of guitar playing, boredom, and bad TV, but things look up when she finds an unlikely companion in Austin's older sister, who enjoys music just as much as Bina. But then Austin comes home from camp, and he's acting even weirder than when he left.

How Bina and Austin rise above their growing pains and reestablish their friendship and respect for their differences makes for a touching and funny coming-of-age story. Check out All Summer Long.
Mid-Lit: Peer Book Reviews

My name is Cammi and I'll be in 7th grade this fall at Hadley. I reviewed the book, Fish in a Tree.

This book is about Ally, who fools a lot of smart people into believing she can read. When her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, sees through the act, Ally learns to read, to be herself, and to be open to new things.

I really liked to read this book. The book contained very powerful words and phrases. It is realistic fiction, which is my favorite genre. The mood, tone, and setting always change, which makes it more fun to read. I would rate it a 10 out of 10.

Someone who likes realistic fiction would enjoy Fish in a Tree.
CONVERTING BOOKS INTO ART

By Tom  Malinowski

In July, we had an epic turnout for Found Art, where we turned discarded books into works of art.

When books are donated to the library, we assess them to see if we will add them to our collection or sell them through the Friends Used Book Sales, scheduled throughout the year.

If the condition of the book isn't right for either route, the books become the perfect material to be transformed into something else. Middle schoolers were hesitant when I told them to rip the pages apart -- I'm glad to see so many families clearly teaching children to take care of books!

However, if a book is going to meet its demise and be recycled anyway, you might as well convert it into a work of art. There's no limit to the imagination, as you can see here from samples of that day...

Glen Ellyn Public Library | 400 Duane Street | Middle School Web Page
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