The Big Read

September 1 - October 31, 2015

One Book One Community

As a recipient of the Big Read grant, we are honored to announce the selection of Into the Beautiful North by Luís Alberto Urrea as our community read. We invite you to come with us as we embark on a journey of discovery.

-Indian Trails Public Library District (ITPLD)

-High School District 214

The Big Read The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with Arts Midwest, designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. The objectives are to encourage education and literacy, galvanize the community through partnerships, reach out to a diverse underserved population, invigorate programming and build awareness.

Join The Big Read • Check out a copy of lnto the Beautiful North from a participating library • Reserve a copy at www.itpld.org or 847.459.4100, ext. 2 • Request books and questions for your book group • Register for one of the library-sponsored book discussions • Read a Pass the Book copy being shared among the community • Attend one of the many programs and exhibits planned for your enjoyment and inspiration—including a visit with the author

Learn more about the Big Read at www.itpld.org/bigread

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The Author Luís Alberto Urrea, a 2005 Pulitzer Prize finalist for nonfiction and a member of the Latino Literature Hall of Fame, is a prolific and acclaimed writer who uses his dual-culture life experiences to explore the themes of love, loss and triumph.

Born in Tijuana, Mexico, to a Mexican father and an American mother, Mr. Urrea has published in all major genres. The bestselling author of 13 books, Mr. Urrea has won numerous awards for his poetry, fiction and essays. He lives with his family in Naperville, Illinois, and is a professor of creative writing at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Awards • 2009 Edgar Award Winner • 2002 Small Press Book of the Year in Fiction • 2000 Latino Literature Hall of Fame • 1999 American Book Award Winner • 1996 Best American Poetry collection

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The Book lnto the Beautiful North is the spirited tale of 19-year-old Nayeli, whose Mexican village is being threatened by drug-dealing bandidos after many of the local men go north to find work. Inspired by the film The Magnificent Seven, Nayeli decides to undertake a quest north to recruit seven men to return with her and save the village.

The novel balances humor and satire against the drama of family separation, culture shock and coming-of-age. These universal themes are explored within the specific, relatable context of Latino migration to the United States.

A national bestseller, Into the Beautiful North earned a citation of excellence from the American Library Association Rainbow Project.

“[Into the Beautiful North] is deliciously composed...[Urrea writes] in a sweet but serious style...You find it in the dialogue...

You find it in the description of the countryside...the plot gathers as much strength as the prose...”

—Alan Cheuse, Chicago Tribune “Awash in a subtle kind of satire...A funny and poignant impossible journey...Into the Beautiful North is a refreshing antidote to all the negativity currently surrounding Mexico.”

—Roberto Ontiveros, Dallas Morning News “Magical”—Vanity Fair

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Book Discussions Join one of the Big Read book discussions. Register at www.itpld.org or call 847.459.4100, ext. 2. Pick up a copy of the book in the library’s Holds Room.

Copies of Into the Beautiful North are available in English and Spanish print and ebooks; audiobooks and e-audiobooks.

Tuesday, September 15, 10:30-11:30 am Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling Saturday, September 19, 1-2 pm EN ESPAÑOL ITPLD Branch, 99 E. Palatine Rd., Prospect Heights Tuesday, September 29, 7-8 pm Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling Thursday, October 1, 7-8 pm Grades 9-12 Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling Friday, October 9, 2-3 pm Harper College Main Campus Library 1200 W. Algonquin Rd., Bldg. F, Palatine Saturday, October 17, 9:30-11 am EN ESPAÑOL Carnicerias Jimenez, 550 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling

Interested in copies of this book for your book group during the Big Read?

• Sets of 15 books, with prepared discussion questions and read-alike suggestions, are available to ITPLD members for one month check-out.

• Depending on availability, these book club kits can be placed on hold.

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Pass The Book Have you ever been so excited about a book that you couldn’t wait to pass it onto someone? Copies of Into the Beautiful North will be shared with members of the community. If you find a Pass the Book copy (look for a stickered book), here’s what to do:

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2 Read the book!

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Register your book number at www.itpld.org/bigread click Pass the Book and complete the information.

Pass the book on to a friend, family member or neighbor, and see what happens as the Big Read spreads across the community!

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wheeling

• A book club leader with an ITPLD library card in good

standing may check out the books for the group, and will be responsible for returning the books.

• Contact 847.459.4100 to see if a book club kit is available or to place a hold for one.

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Kickoff Event Saturday, September 12 10 am-3 pm (drop-in, registration not required) Co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove Activities for the entire family, including a special video message from the author himself, are planned to celebrate the start of our two-month community read.

Get Involved • Check out a copy of Into the Beautiful North • Learn about upcoming events and programs • Create an “I am Atomiko!” button • Enjoy Latin dance demonstrations, 1-2 pm • Visit our photography exhibit, We Came to America: Celebrating Our Diversity • Stop by one of the “Full STEAM Ahead” interactive stations for families featuring themes of identity, hero and journey, 10 am-12 pm • Participate in The Journey Begins, our interactive map exhibit

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Author Visits Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Author Luis Alberto Urrea joins the ITPLD community for a day of conversations.

9-11 am Forest View Educational Center 2121 S. Goebbert Rd., Arlington Heights, IL (District 214 students only) 2-3 pm Indian Trails Library 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling, IL Book reading and discussion with the author.

Register at www.itpld.org or 847.459.4100, ext. 2.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wheeling 7-9 pm Harper College Performing Arts Center 1200 W. Algonquin Rd. Palatine, IL Spend an evening with Into the Beautiful North author LuĂ­s Alberto Urrea, who will talk about his book, share his experiences as an author and answer questions from the audience. A book signing follows the event; books will be available for purchase. Free tickets available by phone 847.925.6100 or in person at the Harper box office (Building J, Room J135).

Sponsored by District 214, Harper College and ITPLD.

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Displays & Exhibits Visit the library to view and participate in the exhibits during the Big Read.

The Journey Begins

Interactive Map Exhibit July 18 - October 31 To complement the novel’s theme of migration, Indian Trails Library will display an interactive map exhibit showing the paths our community members have taken before arriving in the Wheeling area.

Stop by the library to view the journeys made by your neighbors and add your family’s story.

We Came to America: Celebrating our Diversity Photo Exhibit September 12 - October 31 The Indian Trails Library will host a photography exhibit highlighting and celebrating the diversity in our community. Visit the exhibit to learn the stories of our neighbors who have made the journey to America and contributed to the unique culture of our community.

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Adult Programs Enrich your experience by attending one of the many programs supporting the Big Read. Sign up for programs requiring registration (R) at www.itpld.org/bigread or call 847.459.4100, ext. 2.

Second Generation Stories: Growing Up Latino in Chicago

Wednesday, September 16, 7-8:30 pm ITPLD Branch, 99 E. Palatine Rd., Prospect Heights A 30-minute documentary film by Lake Forest College professor Gizella Meneses explores Latino identity and culture. A discussion of Latino evolution of identity and current issues follows the film.

Limit: 30. R

Sharing Our Local Stories: An Immigration Experience Panel

Wednesday, October 14, 7-8:30 pm Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling Come hear the stories of immigrants who are now our neighbors.

Walk away with an understanding what it was like when they first arrived in this country. Jeff Libman, professor and author of An Immigrant Class moderates the discussion. Panelists include Ewa Crowe, Emiliano Melgoza and Amany Rostom. R

Movie: The Magnificent Seven

Thursday, October 15, 6:30-9 pm Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling The Big Read novel Into the Beautiful North was inspired by this classic 1960’s film about an oppressed Mexican village that gathers seven gunfighters to help defend their homes. Movie is unrated. R

Cooking Mexican Cuisine

Thursday, October 29, 7-8:30 pm Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling David Esau, local chef and owner of Dave’s Specialty Foods, demonstrates Mexican recipes for attendees to sample. Limit: 50. R 11

Teen Programs Bowling with Books

Friday, September 25, 7-9 pm Brunswick’s, 350 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove Grades 9-12. Join us to celebrate the Big Read with books and bowling! We’ll be bowling, discussing this year’s Big Read novel and eating pizza! R Co-sponsored by Arlington Heights Memorial Library

High School Book Club

Thursday, October 1, 7-8 pm Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling Grades 9-12. Join us for snacks and a discussion of Into the Beautiful North. This coming-of-age novel centers around 19-year-old Nayeli, whose Mexican village is threatened by drug-dealing bandidos after many local men go north to find work. Inspired by the film The Magnificent Seven, Nayeli decides to undertake a quest north to recruit seven men to return with her and save the village. Pick up a copy beginning July 18. R

DIY: Map Jewelry

Thursday, October 22, 7-8 pm Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling Grades 9-12. Turn your hometown, place of birth or favorite town into an awesome piece of jewelry or keychain! We’ll create custom jewelry and keychains from old maps. R

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Youth & Family Programs Club Del Libro

sábado, 19 de septiembre, 3:30-4:30 pm Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling Todas las edades. Te invito a discutir el cuento El Soñador escrito por Pam Muñoz Ryan. El cuento es lindo sobre un niño quien desea ser él mismo y realizar sus sueños aún cuando su padre tiene diferentes planes para el. Recoja una copia del libro GRATIS entre 27 de agosto -12 de septiembre. Limite: 20.

Paperback Pals

Tuesday, September 22, 4-5 pm Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling Grades 2 & 3. Enjoy an interactive discussion on Freddie Ramos Takes Off by Jacqueline Jules. Register and pick up your free book, which is yours to keep, at the Kids Desk between August 23-September 15.

Bookworms Club

Monday, October 5, 4-5 pm Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling Grades 4 & 5. Join us to discuss The Dreamer by Pam Muñoz Ryan, a book about family and identity. A snack, craft and game complete the fun. Register and pick up your free book, which is yours to keep, at the Kids Desk between September 14-28.

Middle School Book Club

Monday, October 12, 7-8 pm Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling Grades 6-8. Immigration and family are the themes in this month’s book, Pig Park by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez. Participate in activities that explore these ideas and more. Register and pick up your free book, which is yours to keep, at the Kids Desk between September 14-October 5.

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District 214 Programs Into the Beautiful North is one of several book choices for the summer reading program at the district’s six schools. Beginning in September 2015, District 214 students and staff will participate in discussion groups, written exercises and a Twitter chat about the book. Culinary students at Rolling Meadows High School will also prepare a tasting of Mexican dishes eaten by Into the Beautiful North characters.

A Conversation with Author Luís Alberto Urrea

Tuesday, October 6, 9-11 am Forest View Educational Center 2121 S. Goebbert Rd., Arlington Heights, IL This special program for District 214 students only will feature a lecture and Q & A in English and a meet and greet session in Spanish between students and Mr. Urrea.

About District 214 As educators in District 214, we believe it’s our responsibility to encourage every student to explore academic and co-curricular opportunities that will inspire them to find their passion and reach their potential.

To engage students as active stewards of their own education and encourage lifelong learning, we work hard to ensure our curriculum is relevant beyond high school and meets students where they are – intellectually, socially and emotionally.

District 214 is the second-largest high school district in Illinois, serving more than 12,000 students from eight communities. Our nationally recognized district includes six comprehensive high schools and four alternative programs, offering more than 600 academic courses and 140 co-curricular opportunities. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, with more than 67 languages spoken at home.

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Harper College Programs An Evening with Into the Beautiful North Author Luís Alberto Urrea Tuesday, October 6, 7 pm Harper College Performing Arts Center 1200 W. Algonquin Rd. Palatine, IL

Enjoy an evening with author Luís Alberto Urrea, who will talk about his book and answer questions from the audience. A book signing will follow the event; books will be available for purchase.

Free tickets available by phone, 847.925.6100 or in person at the box office located in Building J, Room J135. Tickets may be picked up at will call on the evening of the event.

Into the Beautiful North Book Discussion Friday, October 9, 2 pm Harper College Main Campus Library 1200 W. Algonquin Rd., Bldg. F, Palatine

About Harper College Harper’s commitment to community reading includes its own One Book One Harper program that encourages students, faculty, staff and the Harper College community to read one book and participate in a variety of academic, cultural, and social activities related to the book. A college-wide committee consisting of staff, faculty and administration chooses the books each year.

The Big Read Partners

Thank you to our Big Read partners for their support and generosity.

The Big Read Partners

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The Big Read Partners Thank you to our Big Read partners for their support and generosity.

The Big Read Foundation for the Indian Trails Public Library District High School District 214 Harper College Rotary Club of Wheeling Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove Arlington Heights Memorial Library Elk Grove Village Public Library Mount Prospect Public Library Prospect Heights Public Library Rolling Meadows Public Library

Evaluation Share your feedback and comments about the Big Read by completing an online survey at www.itpld.org/bigreadevaluation

www.itpld.org/bigread

355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling, IL 60090 www.itpld.org | 847. 459. 4100

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