Cliffhangers Book Club

We meet once a month during lunch to make recommendations on books we have individually read and chat with other people who love reading. There is no assigned book that the whole group reads. Click here for more information or grab a sign-up form in the library.

November Raffle Winner: Lizzie

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 7

Winter Break Reading Challenge

From Dec 20 through Jan 5, complete and mark off any five activities in a row on this page to make a bingo. Then return the page to the library when you return from break to win prizes! You may also pick up a paper copy in the library.

AWARD NOMINEE CHALLENGES

1. Choose one (or more) of the five award nominee book challenges listed below.

2. On the bookmark provided, rate each book you have read by filling in the stars below the title.

3. Complete the form on the back of the bookmark.  Have a parent/guardian sign it, and turn it in at the SMS Library Media Center by February 28.

4. As we get closer to the voting party, you will receive an invitation to enjoy the fun!

Mark Twain: The books on this list are a little easier than the Trumans but are still gems. Read at least 4 of these books. Click here to see the nominees or pick up a bookmark in the library.

Truman: The books on this list are a little more challenging than the Mark Twains, and are targeted toward 6-8th graders. Read at least 4 of these books. Click here to see the nominees or pick up a bookmark in the library.

Gateway: Optional for advanced readers. Some of these books may be on the mature content list and require adult permission. Read at least 2 of these books. Click here to see the nominees or pick up a bookmark in the library.

Denny O'Neil: These books are all graphic novels! Read at least 6 of these books. Click here to see the nominees or pick up a bookmark in the library.

Dogwood: These nonfiction books range in topic from current baseball players and stats to how it feels to blast off into outerspace to a son who followed his father into Auschwitz and much more. Read at least 4 of these books. Click here to see the nominees or pick up a bookmark in the library.

National and International Contests

Below are links to poetry, essay, comics, and fiction contests that middle school students may enter. Click on the links for additional information.

Scholastic: Students age 13+ may enter in any of the 28 art and writing categories.

World Historian Student Essay Competition: The new prompt will be released in 2025 (due date May 1, 2025).

Ocean Awareness Contest: The theme is Connections to Nature: Looking Inside, Going Outside (due date June 9, 2025).

Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku and Senryu Competition (Grades 7-12): Submissions are due in the spring. Check back in 2025 for the upcoming contest information.

Scholastic Scope Contests: New contests run year round.

Geek Partnership Writing Contest: Submissions are due in the spring. Check back in 2025 for upcoming contest information.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes' Discovery Award: The deadline is July 1, 2025.

Ayn Rand Essay Contests (ages 13+): Due dates in the spring and winter. Check back in 2025 for upcoming contest information.

John Locke Institute: The due date is in the summer. Check back in 2025 for upcoming contest information.

Teen Ink (ages 13+): New contests run year round.

American Library of Poetry: The due date is April 30; each student may make one submission any time prior to that date.

Additional contests may be found by searching online; however, always make sure the organization is legit, consider if the site is asking for information that should be kept private, and look to see if there is an entry fee. If in doubt, ask a trusted adult.

CASS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY TEEN EVENTS

Chess Club, Anime Club, DnD, volunteer nights, Spanish Club, teen hangouts, Books 'N Bites, and more. Click here for details.