Patch Picks: 5 Books for Read Across America Day

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Elaine Wasserman, library assistant in youth services at the Capitola Branch Library, recommends the following books for children:

1. Wolf, by Becky Bloom

This humorous children's book details the story of one big, bad wolf who runs into a small farm in hopes of finding some grub, only to find a set of barn animals who have no fear in him whatsoever. The wolf, who reminds a pig, duck and cow bathing in the sun and reading books of his potential danger, is stupefied to learn he's interfering with their reading and is promptly ignored.

2. My Hippie Grandmother, by Reeve Lindbergh

In this book, Lindbergh paints a portrait of a little girl who finds a kindred spirit in her grandmother and idealizes her to no end. Her grandmother, who grows vegetables, drives a purple bus, pickets city hall and has a cat named Woodstock, among other things, is excited about all the career opportunities she sees in her granddaughter's future and tells her about them, only to hear her granddaughter reply, “ I want to be just like you!”

The book is full of watercolor illustrations and is appropriate for ages kindergarten through grade three.

Audrey Strayer, volunteer at Porter Memorial Public Library, recommends the following books for adults:

3. Still Alice, by Lisa Genova

This novel, written by first-time author Lisa Genova, tells the saddening story of a 50-year-old Harvard professor, Alice Howland, whose life is rapidly torn apart after being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. She struggles with her new forgetfulness as she continues to try to maintain her independence—something she can no longer have.

4. When the Killing's Done, by T.C. Boyle

Set in the Channel Islands off the coast of Santa Barbara, Boyle's new novel combines adventure and nature, as Alma Boyd Takesue, a national park service biologist, attempts to rid the island of small creatures she believes are threatening to the area's endangered animals. Takesue is met with only resistance from Dave LaJoy, a local businessman who's against harming any animal whatsoever. The confrontation between the two is played out in the story, as LaJoy does everything within his power to sabotage Takesue's efforts.

Catch T.C. Boyle at the Capitola Book Cafe as he details When the Killing's Done in greater detail, Monday.

5. Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman, by Jon Krakauer

This national best-selling book tells the story of Pat Tillman, a young athlete who passed up an opportunity to play NFL football so he could join the U.S. Army instead. He was considered an icon by many, because of his 9/11 patriotism, only to be killed in Iraq two years later. The book details the life of an athlete and his courageous death.

Will you be reading to honor National Read Across America Day?