Grayslake Library Blog

  The story of Black History Month dates back almost a century, when African American historian Carter G. Woodson declared the second week of February to be “Negro History Week,” the date chosen to correspond to Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays. In 1970, this was expanded to the Black History Month we observe during February today. To commemorate Black History Month 2024, we have compiled a list of biographies of black heroes for younger readers. This is just a small sampling of the wide range of materials we have to offer; feel free to ask a librarian for more recommendations. Going Places: Victor Hugo Green and His Glorious Book Victor Hugo Green was an African American postal worker and travel writer best known for creating "The Negro Motorist Green Book," a guidebook designed to help Black travelers find safe accommodations during an era of racial segregation in the United States. Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life Jerry Pinkney was a highly acclaimed...

  It’s officially 2024! This new year, many people will seize the opportunity to try new things, big and small. Personally, I will be trying to read out of my comfort zone and pick up a new genre of book, like mystery or thriller. Luckily, the Grayslake Library’s expert librarians have put together twelve lists of books based on popular genres, each with fifteen recommendations for adults and teens. These lists are available in brochures in the library building, but I’ve taken a sampling from each of them and listed them below. This is the perfect starting point for finding a great new read for the new year. ADVENTURE Adult: This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger (2019) Teen: Monsters Born and Made by Tanvi Berwah (2022) DYSTOPIAN Adult: The Deluge by Stephen Markley (2023) Teen: Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White (2022) FANTASY Adult: Middlegame by Seanan McGuire (2019) Teen: Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert (2022) HISTORICAL Adult: Lady Tan’s Circle of Wome...

  March is Women’s History Month, and we here at the Grayslake Library are excited to observe the contributions of women to our world’s history, which, unfortunately, are often overlooked. Your Grayslake library card grants you access to a variety of titles about influential women, historical and fictional alike. Kamala’s Way by Dan Morain is an excellent insight into the life of the USA’s first female vice president. Ida B. the Queen by Michelle Duster tells the story of Ida B. Wells, civil rights activist, and journalist. The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson details the efforts of the scientist Jennifer Doudna, who discovered ways to ward off viruses and diseases. Are digital collections more your style? Check out Kanopy’s collection of films and documentaries , curated to celebrate Women’s History Month. Want to listen to a good book? Hoopla has you covered with a collection of audiobooks with female leads . Also, this March 13th, educational entertainer Martina Mathisen will ...

  February 1st is the 36th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day! Originally observed in 1987 as a day to remember Flo Hyman, an Olympic volleyball player who tragically passed away in 1986, it has grown to recognize and celebrate the achievements of all women in sports on a national level. Your library card grants you access to a wide range of books and movies about women athletes, from biographies to fiction titles. Listed below is a small sample of what you can check out! Adult Nonfiction: Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man's World by Lauren Fleshman Part memoir, part manifesto, Good for a Girl is Fleshman's story of falling in love with running as a girl, being pushed to her limits and succumbing to devastating injuries, and daring to fight for a better way for female athletes. State: A Team, a Triumph, a Transformation by Melissa Isaacson The unlikely story of a Chicago high school basketball team that became one of their state’s first-ever girls' bask...

Sunday, June 19th is Juneteenth, a newly-recognized federal holiday, and a day set aside to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. We are pleased to offer a wide selection of titles to read in honor of this day, from children’s books about the holiday itself, to hard-hitting adult titles exploring the African American experience. Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free is a children’s book that tells the true story of a Texan woman who fought for recognition of this day in her home state. Juneteenth for Mazie is a title written and illustrated by award-winning author and artist Floyd Cooper. All Different Now tells the story of people who began their day as slaves, and ended it as free people. For adults, Four Hundred Souls is a collection of writings delving into the 400-year history of African Americans. The Warmth of Other Suns is about the exodus of millions of people from the southern states to the north. How to Be an Antiracist asks ...

  It’s June, and that means it’s time to celebrate Pride Month, held every year in honor of the Stonewall riots of 1969. These early protests by the LGBTQ+ community were instrumental in shaping the history of Pride in the US, and across the world. Whether you’re looking to learn more about the movement, or you just want to enjoy books and other media that are created by queer voices, we are happy to supplement your Pride Month with these titles and more. For younger readers, there are several titles that can introduce them to the movement. Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution by Rob Sanders is a good telling of the story that introduces readers to the people instrumental in the riots. Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag , also by Rob Sanders, goes into the history of the now iconic rainbow flag. For adults, there is a wide array of fiction titles that you can read to celebrate LGBTQ+ people. Might we suggest the book Detransition, Baby by Torrey Pete...

We've curated these books and digital resources to celebrate Black History Month and highlight Black voices and stories for younger readers. Whether you have children in your family, are a caregiver, or are a teacher, we are here to help you find the perfect book or other resources! Books to check out: The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read By Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Oge Mora Born into slavery, Mary Walker was freed at age 15 and went on to live a long, varied life. She worked in numerous jobs over the years, and in her lifetime she saw the Civil War and the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. At the age of 116, she proved that it is never too late to learn, and she learned to read for the first time. The Undefeated By Kwame Alexander Presented as a poem, this Caldecott-winning children’s book highlights the trauma of slavery, the hope of the Civil Rights Movement, and the resolve of black heroes through history. Young, Gifted and Black By Jamia Wilson This book ...