Our latest Beanstack challenge is all about Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The challenge will be available through the Beanstack app or website. Learn more about the celebration by participating in the challenge running from October 16-November 8. We’ve carefully curated a list of books and movies that celebrate the cultural significance of this holiday. You can also earn badges by participating in our Recuérdame Picture Frame program, Dia de los Muertos Celebration, or if you came last week to The Book of Life movie night. One book, movie, or program is all it takes to complete the challenge. When you do complete, you’ll receive an assortment of Mexican candy and other small prizes (available beginning November 2). Additionally, you will be entered into a raffle to win a gift card to No Manches Mexican Grill in Carpentersville.
Also be sure to check out our traditional Mexican altar for the Day of the Dead, which will be erected for the first time at the Dundee Library. This community ofrenda (offering) is intended to honor loved ones that we have lost and keep their memories alive in our hearts. Our ofrenda will feature orange and yellow marigolds, candied skulls known as calaveras, vibrant paper decorations, and photos of departed loved ones. All are welcome to visit the ofrenda exhibit on the main floor of the Dundee Library from October 25 to November 8. Bring your whole family!
Like Water for Chocolate: A Novel
Despite the fact that she has fallen in love with a young man, Tita, the youngest of three daughters born to a tyrannical rancher, must obey tradition and remain single and at home to care for her mother.
The Butterfly's Daughter
Following the migrating monarchs across the United States to Mexico, Luz Avila arrives in San Antonio to find her aunt and meets her mother, who she had always believed dead. Now Luz must face her mother's reappearance in her life and get her grandmother's ashes to Mexico for the Day of the Dead.
Ramón and Julieta
When fate and tacos bring Ramón and Julieta together on the Day of the Dead, the star-crossed pair must make a choice: accept the bitter food rivalry that drives them apart or surrender to a love that consumes them.
The House of the Scorpion
In a future where humans despise clones, Matt enjoys special status as the young clone of El Patrón, the 142-year-old leader of a corrupt drug empire nestled between Mexico and the United States.
Cemetery Boys
Yadriel, a trans boy, summons the angry spirit of his high school's bad boy, and agrees to help him learn how he died, thereby proving himself a brujo, not a bruja, to his conservative family.
The Day of the Dead: A Visual Compendium
This anthology considers how the Day of the Dead has been celebrated in visual art and culture, from the traditional and iconic illustrations of Manuel Manilla and Jose Posada to the paper cuts of Aaron Velasco Pacheco, folk art of the Linares family and paintings of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.
Llewellyn's Little Book of the Day of the Dead
A pocket-size guide to the history, customs, activities, crafts, and recipes of the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos.
This Guera's Guide to Día de los Muertos
An introduction to the holiday and assistance on setting up the altar.
Dining with the dead : a feast for the souls on Day of the Dead, Mexico ; traditional Mexican recipes for beloved celebrations
A feast for the souls on Day of the Dead, Mexico; traditional Mexican recipes for beloved celebrations.
This Party's Dead
Grief, joy and spilled rum at the world's death festivals.
Day of the Dead in the USA
The migration and transformation of a cultural phenomenon.
The Book of Life
The journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears.
Coco
Despite his family's baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.
Dia of the Dead
It's the Mexican Day of the Dead, and little Chiqui misses his mama terribly! Two years ago, she left home in the middle of the night to journey to The Beyond, a phantasmagoric land of the dead, which hosts an annual talent show to crown the Greatest Singer Beyond the Beyond, and Chiqui's mama, Julieta, is a luchador with a dream, to become the most renowned singer ever!
Under the Volcano
Withering from alcoholism, British consul Geoffrey Firmin stumbles through a small Mexican village amidst the Day of the Dead fiesta, attempting to reconnect with his estranged wife, but only further alienating himself.