THE MIDDLE FILES
the e-newsletter for middle schoolers

Middle School Events
Looking for something to do? The library has some great programs designed just for you Here are some highlights.

Community Game Night
Wednesday, August 7 | 6:30-8 pm
Celebrate the conclusion of Game On! Summer Challenge at Sunset Park, 483 Fairview Avenue, Glen Ellyn with giant games like Connect 4, Jenga, checkers, and more! This event is open to all ages, from kids who love games to adults who are kids at heart. Learn more about Community Game Night.


After-Hours Fortnite Friday
Friday, August 16 | 6-8 pm
Learn how you can play online games like Fortnite responsibly, and enjoy some pizza while using what you learned. For grades 5-8 with a grownup. Reserve your spot for After-Hours Fortnite Friday.

New Book Spotlight
Oscar winning writer-director Guillermo del Toro and The New York Times bestselling author Cornelia Funke have come together to transform del Toro's hit movie "Pan's Labyrinthinto" into an epic and dark fantasy novel for readers of all ages, complete with haunting illustrations and enchanting short stories that flesh out the folklore of this fascinating world.

This spellbinding tale takes readers to a sinister, magical, and war-torn world filled with richly drawn characters like trickster fauns, murderous soldiers, child-eating monsters, courageous rebels, and a long-lost princess hoping to be reunited with her family.

Peer Review
I'm Maggie, and I'm a 6th grader at St. Petronille. I'll be reviewing Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. 

I loved this book. It was a book about several different people from World War II who had many struggles. Emilia was struggling with a baby, and was only a teen. Joanna was a nurse, and also thought she was a murderer because she convinced her cousin to kill. Last, there was Alfred. The rest of the characters saw Alfred as kindhearted, but in reality he was cold and selfish. Alfred's opposite was Florian. He was more to himself, but was caring and helpful. 

I found this book somewhat confusing, but thought it was a good book overall.

If you like mystery and historical fiction, I recommend this book for you. I give this book four stars.
Tom's Picks
I recently updated Tom's Picks (again). If you're looking for reading recommendations, I have more than 65 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!

SCHOOL CHALLENGES
Going back to school in the fall evokes many different feelings. Are you excited? Nervous? A bit of both? No matter what you're feeling, feel all the feelings. 

If you are excited, enjoy the rush and savor the moment. If you are nervous, be curious about the cause. Writing about your feelings can help you discover what they may be telling you. Anger, sadness, joy, and excitement - come and go in everyone's lives and all help us grow as people.

Here are some tips for your new school year.
  • Be in control of your schedule! Use the calendar on your phone or a daily planner to keep track of times for sports or band practices, library programs, and school events so that you know where you're going and when.
  • Share your schedule with your grown-ups. When your grown-ups know where you are and how to contact you, they worry less. 
  • Make reading a steady habit. You're sure to have some reading assignments for school, so make it a habit (like I'm sure you did by participating in Game On! Summer Challenge). If you're not sure what to read, just Talk with Tom, check Tom's Picks, or use Your Next Read to keep a steady supply of ideas.
  • Add variety - try something new! Find a new sport, volunteer, try cooking, photography, writing...
Thanks for reading and see you next month!

Tom Malinowski, Middle School Librarian
Glen Ellyn Public Library | 400 Duane Street | Middle School Web Page
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