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About
| Library Hours | |
| Mon. 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | |
| Tue. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | |
| Wed. 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | |
| Thu. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | |
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Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
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The Thayer Academy Middle School Library is dedicated to enriching the school community through a carefully curated collection that reflects diverse viewpoints, authors, and reading preferences. Our mission is to ensure every student finds a literary companion resonating with their interests, while providing opportunities for students to explore and learn about different perspectives and experiences.
Collaborating with faculty members, the Middle School Librarian aligns instruction with class assignments, integrating information literacy into the academic curriculum. This synergy provides students with valuable insights into research methodologies to foster independent research skills.
The Middle School Library is a dynamic and welcoming space for students and faculty.
Celebrating Diverse Narratives: Arab American History Month
Find a Book
Award-winning Reads
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a dynamic division of the American Library Association, is a great way to discover your next favorite book. As avid advocates for young readers, YALSA curates and publishes an array of prestigious awards and compelling lists annually. Dive into their specially crafted Teen Book Finder Database, a literary treasure trove described as a one-stop shop for finding selected lists and award winners. The Teen Book Finder Database includes curated lists and awards from a diverse array of organizations:
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Amelia Bloomer Book List
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American Indian Library Association
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Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association
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Association of Jewish Libraries
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Chinese American Librarians Association
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Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table
In addition, within the database you can find books included on the following yearly lists that YALSA publishes:
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Best Fiction for Young Adults, which includes yearly "Top Ten" lists
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Great Graphic Novels, which includes yearly "Top Ten" lists
On Ms. Francois' Corner: Book Talk
Dive into short, engaging videos with Book Talk, where a diverse range of literary texts unravel connections to traditions, personal achievements, and beyond. Ms. Francois offers insightful commentary, making Book Talk the perfect destination for bibliophiles seeking a deeper understanding of the narratives shaping our world.
Student Reading Recommendations
While teachers, parents, and librarians often curate reading lists, this section offers a unique twist. Here, you'll find a compilation of books that resonate with middle grade and Y.A. readers, representing a diverse array of genres and interests beyond their required school literature.
Organized and compiled with support from Middle School English Department Head, Brian Cibelli, this compilation serves as a valuable guide for 10-14 year-olds searching for new literary adventures. What sets this collection apart is that it's entirely student-generated – a testament to their genuine enthusiasm for these books. Our Middle School English Department hasn't edited any titles here. If a book received a sincere recommendation from a student, it earned its place.
Grades 5 & 6 Reading Recommendations
The Lemonade War
by Jacqueline Davies
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like books that have two different peoples perspectives."
A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel
by Madeleine L'Engle and Hope Larson
(Graphic Novel)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like family."
A Long Walk To Water
by Linda Sue Park
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like like stories of hardship and resilience."
Fish in a Tree
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like stories about overcoming past dilemmas or problems."
From the Desk of Zoe Washington
by Janae Marks
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like mysteries and stories that take place in Boston."
Keeper of the Lost Cities
by Shannon Messenger
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like fantasy!"
The Girl Who Drank The Moon
by Kelly Barnhill
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like mythology (Magician Mythology to be specific similar to Harry Potter)."
Obsessed: A Memoir of My Life with OCD
by Allison Britz
(Nonfiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like reading about teenage life."
Grade 7 Reading Recommendations
Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories
by R.J. Palacio
"You should pick up and read this book if you like books by different peoples point of view."
New Kid
by Jerry Craft
(Graphic Novel)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like comics/high school comedy."
The Lightning Thief
by Rick Riordan
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like adventure and mythology."
A Gentleman in Moscow
by Amor Towles
(Historical Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like history."
Nikki on the Line
by Barbara Carroll Roberts
"You should pick up and read this book if you like basketball and you're into realistic fiction."
One of Us is Lying
by Karen M. McManus
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like Mystery/Teen Drama Books."
Renegades
by Marissa Meyer
"You should pick up and read this book if you like dystopian fiction or superhero books."
Out of My Mind
by Sharon M. Draper
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like stories where a middle school protagonist faces adversity."
Grade 8 Reading Recommendations
100 Days of Sunlight
by Abbie Emmons
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like books about characters who overcome troubles in their lives."
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
by Holly Jackson
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like any kind of murder case. The author really did a good job of making you be with them and be involved."
A House With Good Bones
by Urusla Vernon
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like modern horror and do not mind suspense."
The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like older books that are fiction but more serious in their meaning."
All The Bright Places
by Jennifer Niven
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like stories about finding hope in dark times."
Between Perfect and Real
by Ray Stoeve
"You should pick up and read this book if you like stories about character growth and identity."
The Homework Machine
by Dan Gutman
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like mysteries and don't like homework."
Dune
by Frank Herbert
(Fiction)
"You should pick up and read this book if you like science fiction books with immaculate world-building and complex themes."
For Students
Read, Listen & Explore at the Middle School Library
Discovered a page turner? Suggest a book to share with your peers!
* Required
Helpful Links
| Tech Time | |
| Mon. 10:00 a.m. - 10:32 a.m. | |
| Tue. 11:34 a.m. - 12:19 p.m. | |
| Wed. 10:00 a.m. - 10:32 a.m. | |
| Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 10:32 a.m. | |
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Fri. 11:25 a.m. - 12:12 p.m. |
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IT members are available every day to troubleshoot all your tech needs. If you have other specific questions, please feel free to ask!
For Faculty
Faculty Resources
Research Tools
Access the New York Times or the library databases to research current or historical information to assist in curriculum development.
Enhance your students' learning experience by scheduling library instruction sessions for your classes. Complete this form to schedule planning time with the Middle School Librarian for your research project and library instruction sessions for your classes.
Explore a curated selection of the latest nonfiction titles available in the Middle School Library. Discover a diverse array of resources tailored to support and complement your class curriculum.
Discovered a page-turner? Suggest a book to share with your colleagues!
Suggest a book below
* Required
Music
Music and Technology:
A Historical Encyclopedia
by James Perone
Library Call Number: REF 780.3 PER
Technology
Everything You Need to
Ace Computer Science
and Coding in One Big
Fat Notebook
by Grant Smith
Library Call Number: 005.13 SMI
Author Visits
Visiting Authors
Visiting authors are an integral part of the Middle School Library program. Interacting and learning from published authors enriches and inspires students. An all-school summer reading book is selected each year and in the fall, the author of the book visits with the entire Middle School student body. Throughout the academic year, authors visit different grade levels and conduct writing workshops both in person and virtually.
Previous Visiting Authors:
- Megan Freeman - April 2024
- Verse Novel: Alone
- "Could You Survive Alone?" presentation
- Victoria Grace Elliott - March 2024
- Discussion of her graphic novel Yummy, which was a part of the 5th grade Art class curriculum
- Discussion of her graphic novel Yummy, which was a part of the 5th grade Art class curriculum
- Janet Costa Bates - December 2023
- 5th grade writing workshop - Creating Characters
- 5th grade writing workshop - Creating Characters
- Jennifer De Leon - October 2023
- 8th grade writing workshop
- 8th grade writing workshop
- Christina Soontornvat - September 2023
- The Last Mapmaker — 2023 all-school summer read
Author Spotlight: Ira Marcks
An award winning cartoonist, Ira Marcks is the author of the 2024 Middle School all-school summer reading selection, Shark Summer. This fun and dynamic book is set in Martha’s Vineyard following the summer adventures of Gayle, a thirteen-year-old athlete.
Marcks was the first visiting author of the 2024-25 school year when he gave a keynote address and taught a drawing workshop on the second day of school. Marcks also interacted with students during a lunch meet-and-greet and spent time autographing the students' copies of Shark Summer.
Books by our Visiting Authors
Shark Summer by Ira Marcks
Alone by Megan Freeman
Yummy: A History of Desserts by Victoria Grace Elliott
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
Borderless by Jennifer de Leon
The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat
Don't Ask Me Where I'm From by Jennifer De Leon
Time for Bed, Old House by Janet Costa Bates
A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat