Grayslake Library Blog

  Native Americans were the first people to call this country home, and each year in November we celebrate their history and contributions to art and culture with Native American Heritage Month. Listed below are just a few of the books written by Native Americans that explore their history and culture. Littles: Remember by Joy Harjo is a poetic reflection on how all life is connected to one another, urging readers to embrace their heritage, the natural world, and the wisdom passed down through generations. Being Home by Traci Sorrell is a heartfelt celebration of Indigenous people and the land they call home. Finding My Dance by Ria Thundercloud tells the inspiring story of a young Indigenous girl as she finds her identity and strength through dance. Middle Grade: I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day is about a young girl named Edie who discovers family secrets that reveal her Native American heritage. The story explores themes of self-discovery, familial bonds, and the com...

  As the leaves begin to change and a decidedly autumnal chill fills the air, it is the perfect time to cozy up with a good scary book. Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories, eerie folklore, or psychological thrillers, the Grayslake Library is your one-stop destination for satisfying that craving for horror. Listed below are just a few of the books that your library and its neighbors have to offer. Check out any of these titles, for middle-grade readers, teens, or adults, for a haunting tale that will haunt you long after you turn the final page! Middle Grade: The Night Gardener: A Scary Story by Jonathan Auxier is a gothic tale that follows orphaned siblings Molly and Kip as they take jobs at an old house inhabited by a mysterious family, who soon discover that there is more to the grounds than meets the eye. They are haunted by a sinister figure known as the Night Gardener, who tends to a cursed tree that feeds on the fears of those around it. The Clackity by Lora Senf is a spo...

  September 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of hispanic individuals. This year, we would like to highlight several films by hispanic directors, available for checkout with your library card. Bacurau , by Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho, is a thriller set in a small, remote village in the near future. After the death of the village matriarch, strange events unfold, including the sudden disappearance of the town from maps and a series of mysterious attacks. The community soon discovers that they are being hunted by outsiders, leading them to band together in unexpected and fierce resistance. The film blends elements of Westerns, political allegory, and social commentary on colonialism and exploitation. Amores Perros , by Mexican director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, is a gritty, multi-layered drama that weaves together three interconnected stories through a single, life-altering car accident...