Patch Picks: Curl Up With a Great Book

Every day is a great day to catch up on some reading, but Wednesday, was a particularly great day. For the last several years March 2. is the date that people across the country pick up a book to celebrate "Read Across America." 

It's initiative by the National Education Association, that calls on children from throughout the community to read with an adult to celebrate the birthday of author Theodore Giesel.  If that name doesn't ring a bell to you, you might recognize him by another name: Dr. Seuss.

Although the day is designed for children, we're going to expand things a bit by giving picks for children and adults from the

• The House on Salt Hay Road, by Carin Clevidence - This story recommended by Massapequa librarian Elaine Cummings-Young, takes place on the end of Long Island right before the 1938 hurricane.  It's a local, historical, well written fiction book. 
• Handle with Care, by Jodi Picoult.  Another book recommended by Elaine Cummings-Young, Jodi Picoult's signature family drama involving a daughter, Willow, with brittle bone disease evokes a blend of love, law and medicine.  Willow's parents sue for wrongful birth in order to get a settlement to insure Willow's future.  The case may well destroy the family they are trying to save.
• Read it, Don't Eat it, by Ian Schoenherr.  This recommendation comes from Children's Librarian Germaine Booth. It's picture book aimed at the very young has a variety of animals explaining how you should take care of your library books. 
• A Fine, Fine School, by Sharon Creech.  In this picture book for older children, an overenthusiastic principal who loves his 'fine, fine school', decides children should attend year round. It's also recommended by Booth.