Middle School News & Reviews

The Marvel Universe's first school for sorcerers throws open its doors! The world has mysteriously changed in such an alarming way that Doctor Strange has finally done what he has avoided for decades - established an academy for the Mystic Arts! Young people from around the world with an aptitude for magic are brought together… Read More

Logan Foster has pretty much given up on the idea of ever being adopted. It could have something to with his awkward manner, his photographic memory, or his affection for reciting curious facts, but whatever the cause, Logan and his "PPs" (prospective parents) have never clicked. Then everything changes when Gil and Margie arrive. Although… Read More

Spread your wings with Science Comics: Birds of Prey, a new and exciting volume of First Second's nonfiction graphic novel series. In this volume, you'll get up-close and personal with some of the world’s most skilled hunters, from the majestic eagle to the oft-maligned scavenger vulture! Armed with razor-sharp claws, keen eyesight, powerful wings, and… Read More

Sparta forged her into a deadly weapon. Now the gods need her to save the world! Seventeen-year-old Daphne has spent her entire life honing her body and mind into that of a warrior, hoping to be accepted by the unyielding people of ancient Sparta. But an unexpected encounter with the goddess Artemis—who holds Daphne's brother's… Read More

Hello there! I’m Beth Kirchenberg, the new Middle School Librarian. I was born in a small town in Northern Michigan, but have lived in the Chicagoland area for the past ten years. Prior to joining the Glen Ellyn Public Library, I was the Middle School and Teen Librarian at River Forest Public Library for seven… Read More

A legendary new X-team is born! Meet the United Kingdom's champion, Captain Britain, and his paramour, the metamorphic Meggan! They'll band together with former X-Men Nightcrawler and Kitty Pryde when Gatecrasher and her Technet target Rachel "Phoenix" Summers! Fighting to uphold Xavier's dream, UK style, the five heroes form Excalibur! From their lighthouse base, they'll… Read More

As I’m writing this, it is early March and I just celebrated my four year work anniversary at the Glen Ellyn Public Library! I have accepted a new position at Geneva Public Library District as a Learning and Discovery Librarian doing family programming and fun events, dispensing advice, and trying to find the right books for… Read More

If no one sees him, does he exist? This superhero-inspired adventure story explores friendship and what it means to be a truly brave.    Nadia finds adventure in the pages of her Superman comic books, until a mysterious boy saves her dog from drowning during a storm and then disappears. Now she finds herself in… Read More

For the kid who leaves a wet towel wadded up on the floor or forgets to put a new roll on the toilet-paper thingy, writer and etiquette columnist Catherine Newman has written a guidebook to becoming a person whom everyone will like being around more. Jam-packed with tips, tricks, and skills — all illustrated in an graphic-novel… Read More

In this follow-up to the successful Goodbye Marianne, Irene Watts explores what it is like for a young refugee girl to flee Nazi-occupied Austria alone. The poignant story is relatable to the terrible situation facing refugees in Europe and around the world today. Seeking Refuge by Irene N. Watts and Kathryn E. Shoemaker… Read More

Ebo: alone.  His sister left months ago. Now his brother has disappeared too, and Ebo knows it can only be to make the hazardous journey to Europe.  Ebo's epic journey takes him across the Sahara Desert to the dangerous streets of Tripoli, and finally out to the merciless sea. But with every step he holds… Read More

When I ask my friends what they are reading lately, sometimes they feel bad when they answer “Oh I’m not reading anything at the moment, I’m taking a break.” “I want to read, but I don’t have the energy.” “I don’t know what to read, my bedside table has at least three books, but I’m… Read More