Age Group:
Grades 3rd - 5thProgram Description
Event Details
Each month we will read a different Bluestem Award nominated from the 2025 list. Copies of the book will be available at the Customer Service desk for the book discussion; please pick yours up and read the book before the meeting date. Join us as we start a new book club for 3rd grade+ at Mokena Library!
Registration is required.
Limit: 15 children
Ages: 3rd - 5th grade.
Please register each child's name only.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Mokena Library at 708-479-9663, or email our Children's Librarians, Ms. Emily and Ms. Helen, at youthservices@mokena.lib.il.us.
This month's book:
Shine On, Luz Véliz! by Rebecca Balcárcel
Summary:
A beautiful coming-of-age story for fans of Front Desk and Merci Suárez Changes Gears, this book celebrates identity, language, heritage, family, and the determination to follow one's own inner light.
Have you ever been the best at something . . . only to lose it all?
Luz Véliz is a soccer star―or rather, she was a soccer star. With her serious knee injury, it's unlikely she'll be back on the field anytime soon. But without soccer, who is she? Even her dad treats her differently now—like he doesn't know her or, worse, like he doesn't even like her. When Luz discovers she has a knack for coding, it feels like a lifeline to a better self. If she can just ace the May Showcase, she'll not only skip a level in her coding courses and impress Ms. Freeman and intriguing, brilliant Trevor—she'll have her parents cheering her on from the sidelines, just the way she likes it.
But something—someone—is about to enter the Vélizes' life. And when Solana arrives, nothing will be the same, ever again.
Unforgettable characters, family drama, and dauntless determination illuminate Luz's journey as she summons her inner strength and learns to accept others and embrace the enduring connection of family. Through it all, Luz's light is a constant—a guide for others, a path forward through the dark, and an ineffable celebration of her own eternal self.
Disclaimer(s)
Attendance Policy for Children's Programs
We highly recommend registering with an email address. This is the only way you will get a confirmation email, be able to cancel and receive any updates, including cancellation of the program. Please arrive on time for the program. If you are unable to attend the program, please cancel at least 2 hours before the program begins, by emailing youthservices@mokena.lib.il.us or calling the Mokena Library at 708-479-9663 and canceling with a librarian. You can also cancel through your confirmation email. After 3 times of being marked absent without cancellation notice, we will be moving future registrations to the waitlist for two weeks. This is to accommodate as many patrons as possible due to limited space and popularity of our programs.
Snacks Provided during Children's Programs
We will provide each child with a snack and drink during this fun after school program. If your child has any food allergies, please provide that information into the text box while registering for the program. We want to accommodate everyone and will have a healthy alternative snack for them.