Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel, the film centers on the friendship between two teenage Mexican-American loners in 1987 El Paso who explore a new, unusual friendship and the difficult road to self-discovery.
In the Heights
Directed by Jon M. Chu
The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside the 181st Street subway stop. The likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes for, imagines, and sings about a better life.
Meanwhile, his tight-knit community faces the challenge of gentrification, losing their homes while trying to better themselves and hold on to their cultures.
Review: YOTO Player
Children’s Librarian and Programming Assistant Haley Christianson recommends Yoto players.
Did you know that the Children’s Library has Yoto players to check out! Do you know what a Yoto player even is? I know I really did not until recently.
A Yoto player is a screen-free device for children that plays audiobooks, music, podcasts, and more. They come in a full-size version and a mini version. The only difference between the two is the full-size version has a nightlight and can tell you the room’s temperature—both fun things but not needed to listen to a good audiobook.
I personally checked out the full-size version along with a few of the Yoto cards in the Library’s collection. I really enjoyed the variety of choices that we have of Yoto cards. I was able to choose a picture book (Dragon Loves Tacos), a chapter book (Holes), and a meditation activity (Meditate with Me: A Step-By-Step Mindfulness Journey).
I found the Yoto player extremely easy to use. All you need to do is put in your card of choosing and it automatically starts to play.
Once the audio is playing, the device is easy to control with two knobs; one for volume and the other for the flipping through the chapters. I can see parents and teachers finding Yoto players to be a lot easier to use compared to computers, apps, or CD players.
I also liked that, because the Yoto cards are already downloaded on the device, there was no need for Wi-Fi connection. This makes it easy to take on adventures! I personally used it to listen to Holes over the weekend while also doing a puzzle … also from the Library!
These devices are quite popular, and checking one out through the Library is a great way to try them out!
El Español es la Lengua de Mi Familia
by Michael Genhart
An intergenerational story of family ties, cultural pride, and spelling bee victory following a young boy who bonds with his beloved abuela over a love of Spanish.
As a boy prepares for his school’s Spanish spelling bee, he asks his grandmother for help with some of the words he doesn’t know how to spell yet. When she studies with him, she tells him how different things were back when she was a girl, when she was only allowed to speak English in school. This only inspires him to study even harder and make his family proud.
Based on stories author Michael Genhart heard from his mother as a child, Spanish is the Language of My Family is about the joy of sharing cultural heritage with our families, inspired by the generations of Latino people were punished for speaking Spanish and the many ways new generations are rejuvenating the language.
Michael Genhart’s text is as touching as it is poignant, and it’s paired with the striking artwork of multiple Pura Belpre Award-Winning Illustrator John Parra. Extensive material at the back of the book includes essays from the author about the history of Spanish suppression in U.S. schools and information about the Spanish alphabet.
- A Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Award-Winning Book
- A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
- A Chicago Public Library ‘Best of the Best Book
I Am Not Alone
by Francisco X. Stork
Award-winning author Francisco X. Stork revisits some of the themes and ideas that made Marcelo in the Real World such an unforgettable novel.
Alberto’s life isn’t easy: He’s an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who lives with his sister’s abusive boyfriend–but he’d always accepted his place in the world. Until he starts hearing the voice of a man called Captain America, a voice that wants him to achieve more, no matter the cost.
Grace has it all: She has a supportive boyfriend, she’s on track to be valedictorian, and she’s sure to go to the college of her dreams. Still, nothing feels right to her any more after the divorce of her parents, and feels she needs something more.
When Alberto and Grace meet, they have an immediate and electric connection. But when Alberto is present at the scene of a terrible crime, he becomes a suspect. And with his developing schizophrenia, he’s not even sure he believes in his own innocence.
Can Grace find a way to prove Alberto’s innocence to himself and the world?
This is a page-turning thriller and a sensitive story about mental health, love, and community that will appeal to anyone who has struggled with their place in the world, from award-winning author Francisco X. Stork.
Remembering
by Xelena González
A child and their family observe the customs of Día de los Angelitos, one of the ritual celebrations of Día de Muertos, to celebrate the life of their beloved dog who passed away. They build a thoughtful ofrenda to help lead the pet’s soul home and help the little one process their grief in this moving reminder that loved ones are never really gone if we take the time to remember them.
Accolades & Reviews:
Three starred reviews!
A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book
A Chicago Public Library Best Book
A family remembers their beloved pet dog through the traditions of Día de Muertos in this “gorgeous, deeply touching exploration of grief and remembrance” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) from Pura Belpré Honor-winning team Xelena González and Adriana M. Garcia.
