Database Spotlight: Kanopy

Need to switch up your Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime watching? Try browsing on Kanopy. The world’s finest cinema. Free for you, brought to you by your library.

Check out Kanopy Kids to browse educational and engaging videos for children of all ages that promote positive social and emotional development and inspire creativity in young minds.
WHAT WE'RE READING
by Ann Napolitano

Submitted by Kelly K.
I loved this book: I loved Edward, his family and neighbors, the passengers on the plane, the humanity we share. 
I also loved Edward’s relationship with Shay, a girl his age. He was such a hero, so strong to live through surviving the plane crash, to end up in a good place at the end, to handle the letters from the families of the deceased. This was a terrific, authentic book. I highly recommend it, but suggest that you don’t read it while on a plane.
by Stephen King

Submitted by Lisa B.
Stephen King is my all-time favorite author. 
This book deals mostly with telekinesis and telepathy and the kidnapping of young children with these powers. It is a battle between torturous treatment of children and the future of mankind. In my opinion it walked a close line between perceived reality and fantasy. If you desire the supernatural (like me) you will definitely enjoy this book. If you don’t enjoy horror stories or the gore that many of King’s books contain, I think you will like this book.
I stayed up until 2 am to finish this book so it is safe to say it is one of my favorite Stephen King books yet!
by Robert Kurson

Submitted by Jason L,
Board Member
Robert Kurson, a Chicagoland native, started this book after visiting the Apollo 8 Command Module on display at MSI. This is an excellent read that provides new information about the largely forgotten first manned Apollo mission to orbit the moon in 1968. A bold decision at the time, aimed at beating the Soviets, the author conducted first hand interviews with not only the crew and their families, but also many surviving NASA management employees who were involved with the mission. I liked that this book had a chapter dedicated to each of the three crew members, highlighting them as individuals.
by Karen McManus

Submitted by Kelly M.
The recently released sequel moved this one to the top of my need to read list.

A modern day take on the Breakfast Club with a chilling twist. Five students go into detention but only four come out alive.
This book also shines a light on social media and the toll it takes.

Told from four different points of view with interesting secondary characters, it will keep you guessing and make you want to read the follow up, One of Us Is Next !
(Young Adult Fiction)
by Kiera Cass

Submitted by Emily D.
Oh boy. I have seen this book FLY off the shelf at the Library for years and finally decided I needed to read it for myself.
I should not have waited.
If The Hunger Games is a "Survivor"-like reality show in a dystopian society, this book is "The Bachelor" in a similar dystopian society.
America, a singer in the fifth caste, is selected to compete in a contest to win the Prince's affection and become the future Queen. Having already found love with a man in a lower caste, America isn't sure the Prince is worth fighting for...but she'll go for the food and see what happens.

You can find the rest of the series on Wauconda's Overdrive and most titles are available via audiobook on Hoopla .
(Young Adult Fiction)
BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS
by Jane O'Connor

Submitted by Patty G.
Move over Nancy Drew...Nancy Clancy is on the case! With her stylish pink trench coat, bejeweled magnifying glass, and an arsenal of vocabulary words, she will solve any mystery that comes her way.
Fancy Nancy fans will  love these fun chapter books available on Overdrive.
by Hilde Lysiak, Matthew Lysiak

Submitted by Regina S.
Looking for an Early Chapter Book? Try one from this mystery series.
The Hilde Cracks the Case series is aimed at newly independent readers with easy to read text, high-interest content, and fast paced plots.
The first 6 books in the series are available on Overdrive.
by Jerry Craft

Submitted by Kelly F.
This award-winning Graphic Novel is a coming of age story based on the author's experiences. The main character, Jordan, wishes he could attend an art school. His parents’ choice for him is an elite school. Jordan’s new school has the usual mean kids, some friendly kids, awkward teachers, and daily assumptions. Jordan’s middle school experiences are relatable to all, but his racial experiences can be a wake up to many.
by Jessica Kim

Submitted by Stefanie M.
Yumi’s parents think she’s spending the summer studying for a scholarship exam to pay for her private school’s tuition, but Yumi, an aspiring comedian, stumbles upon the opportunity of a lifetime when her favorite YouTube comedian decides to teach a comedy camp right in her hometown! Things start to go awry, however, when Yumi walks into the camp and takes on the identity of someone named Kay, who was injured and unable to claim her spot at camp. Will Yumi have the courage to stand up about who she really is to her parents and her campmates? This is a hilarious and heartfelt read for fans of Merci Suarez Changes Gears and Front Desk.  
Recommended for grades 4+
by Thom Pico

Submitted by Stefanie M.
This is a fun, adventure graphic novel, perfect for fans of Luke Pearson’s Hilda series. A great little book to immerse yourself in a magical world full of wishes granted by old woodland women, talking dogs, and you guessed it--a lot of trouble. 
Recommended for grades 3+
WHAT WE'RE LOVING

Submitted by Katie S.
This free group video app is fun and very easy to use. It's something new to help break up all the Zoom calls. The best part are the integrated games.

Get a group of friends together and play trivia, quick draw, or Heads Up!

Submitted by Molly J.
If you can't get your hands on the Ring Fit for your Switch or miss the old Wii Sports for the Wii you will find a lot of merit in Fitness Boxing. It's similar to Dance Dance Revolution but instead of stomping your feet to the music you use the Switch Joy Cons to punch the air. This one will make you sweat!

Submitted by Kelly F.
This podcast delivers for anyone who is curious about important topics like: “Can You Dig to the Center of the Earth?” “The Science of Cuteness and Tickles”, and  “Narwhals: Unicorns of the Sea”. Brains On! is an excellent source of authoritative, kid friendly information on many topics including the science of the corona virus.
This podcast features real kids turning science into easy listening.

Submitted by Kristen G.
Looking for fresh ideas to get your kids more engaged in fun and simple activities? Check out the website Hands On As We Grow!
There are many toddler and preschool activities, sensory ideas, simple kid crafts, gross motor skills, and more - all at no cost!
You can even sign up for a free 7-day activity challenge!
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CHAT OR EMAIL US
While the Library building remains closed until further notice, our team is hard at work and ready to help.

Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , our staff will be available to answer your questions via email (patronservices@wauclib.org) and chat (access chat through our website under the telephone symbol).

You can also call us at 847-526-6225 and leave us a voicemail. We will return your call within 24 hours.

We look forward to serving you!