Not sure what to read next? Looking for a fun after-school activity? Check out our new Middle Grade Book Club (Ages 8-12)! Each month we’ll meet to discuss a different book, play games, and eat snacks.

This month we will discuss "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly. Call the library or log in to your MVLC account to request a copy of the book today!

"It's August 1999. For twelve-year-old Michael Rosario, life at Fox Run Apartments in Red Knot, Delaware, is as ordinary as ever—except for the looming Y2K crisis and his overwhelming crush on his fifteen-year-old babysitter, Gibby. But when a disoriented teenage boy named Ridge appears out of nowhere, Michael discovers there is more to life than stockpiling supplies and pining over Gibby.

It turns out that Ridge is carefree, confident, and bold, things Michael wishes he could be. Unlike Michael, however, Ridge isn’t where he belongs. When Ridge reveals that he’s the world’s first time traveler, Michael and Gibby are stunned but curious. As Ridge immerses himself in 1999—fascinated by microwaves, basketballs, and malls—Michael discovers that his new friend has a book that outlines the events of the next twenty years, and his curiosity morphs into something else: focused determination. Michael wants—no, needs—to get his hands on that book. How else can he prepare for the future? But how far is he willing to go to get it?"

Registration is requested (so we can plan snacks accordingly!) but drop-ins are also welcome. Caregivers are not required to stay for this program but kids should know how to get in touch with an adult should the need arise.