Catherine’s War – book review

by

Catherine’s War by Julia Billet illustrated by Claire Fauvel translated by Ivanka Hahnenberger Graphic Novel Historical Fiction WWII/Holocaust (for grades 5+, teens, and adults) In 1942, teenager Rachel Cohen finds herself at the Children’s Home boarding school in Sevres France, after her parents send her there for her safety. World War II is being fought throughout France and the Germans are invading. As a Jewish person, Rachel is in an even more dangerous position and … Read more

Possums Are NOT Cute! – book review

by

Possums Are NOT Cute! And Other Myths About Nature’s Most Misunderstood Critter by Ally Burguieres Nonfiction (for 5th grade – adult) * * * * Stars (Great!) Ally Burguieres got involved with wildlife rehabilitation (specifically helping opossums survive illness, injury, and loss) and never looked back! She discovered that many of the ideas people held about opossums were misconceptions – they were not ugly, dirty, or aggressive. In fact, they were adorable, clean, shy, and … Read more

Virgin Suicides – Read It and Rate It

by

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides Realistic Fiction (for older teens + adults) Review #1 “The Virgin Suicides” is about 5 teenage girls (the Lisbon sisters) who live in a strict household. A group of anonymous boys watch the girls as they commit suicide one by one. Over the course of a year, the boys slowly fall in love with the idea of the Lisbon girls. They watch from afar to find out why they … Read more

Homeschooling in McHenry County

by

Homeschool educator and sought-after speaker, Kathy Wentz, invites you to travel to McHenry County to participate in some, or all six, of her most popular sessions. This Monday evening series is for veteran, new, and prospective homeschool parents. Sessions will be followed up with a Q&A, so come prepared with questions. Enjoy sessions in-person or via Zoom. Register with each hosting library for session you wish to attend.

Work to begin on Library’s Drive-Up Book Return on Monday, May 16, 2022

by

We are happy to announce that work will begin on the library’s drive-up book return on Monday, May 16, 2022. Removal of the drive-up book return will be the first step of a much-needed height adjustment to make it accessible for most vehicles. Following the removal of the book return, some minor construction will take place on the drive-up window and lane. During this time all drive-up window services and book return will be closed.

Akata Woman – book review

by

Akata Woman  Nsibidi Scripts #3 by Nnedi Okorafor Fantasy Africa Teen * * * * Stars (Great!)  Sunny continues to learn how to wield her juju, read mystical texts/scripts, and gather experience as a free-agent Leopard person. It’s not an identity she can reveal to her family who are “Lambs” (no magical powers to speak of). As she levels up she earns “chittim,” a sort of magical person currency that appears to fall out of … Read more

Volunteens

by

Thank you for your interest in the Huntley Area Public Library’s Volunteens program. The library offers some in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities for youth in grades 6-12. Please fill out the application below if you would like to be considered for the Volunteens program. (Or print out an application here.) Some of our volunteer projects include completing surveys, writing book reviews, making or preparing crafts, collection projects, cleaning, assistance with library events, and more. We … Read more

Cruel Prince – Read It and Rate It

by

The Cruel Prince Folk of the Air #1 by Holly Black Fantasy Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing) The female lead, Jude, has a craving for power. She is a human who was taken into the land of Faerie. The male lead, Cardan, a prince of Faerie, absolutely despises Jude; especially since she is human. They both hate each other until an unexpected event occurs, revealing their true thoughts of one … Read more

Wicked King – Read It and Rate It

by

The Wicked King Folk of the Air #2 by Holly Black Fantasy Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing) Trouble is brewing under the seas of Faerie. The queen of the undersea wants power, but Jude wants it more to keep Oak safe. Cardan, bonded to Jude, riles tension among them, but one that is not necessarily bad. Jude and Cardan must work together to save the people of land on Faerie. … Read more

Queen of Nothing – Read It and Rate It

by

The Queen of Nothing Folk of the Air #3 by Holly Black Fantasy Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) A dark curse consumes Cardan, and Jude must rule over Faerie as the first mortal queen. While Jude must take the kingdom as top priority, she must also figure out what to do about the curse and Cardan. I loved how the book ended. For middle and high school teens.