The List: Recommendations For National Reading Month

More than 14 years ago, National Education Association members sat down and brainstormed ideas to get children and adults excited about reading again.

According to the association's website, they eventually decided to use Dr. Seuss’s birthday, March 2, to encourage community-wide reading programs and events. The day, now known as National Read Across America Day, burgeoned into a month-long program known as National Reading Month, which takes place each March.

In honor of National Reading Month, Patch has asked local librarians and book enthusiasts for their reading recommendations.

Best If You Like Quirky Books

When she selected Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger for the Groton Public Library Book Club, librarian Barbara Clark-Greene never expected such a strong response from readers.

“They either loved it, or they hated it,” Clark-Greene says. “But I like novels where there’s something quirky or slightly different or odd going on in them. I like to read a book that has some sort of a fresh take on things.”

Niffenegger’s contemporary gothic novel explores the complications of love, identity, and sibling rivalry.

Best Book for Kids

Tracy Torres, a librarian in the children’s department at Groton Public Library, recommends Bark, George by Jules Feiffer. The story is about a puppy who is learning how to bark, but whenever he barks, he ends up making other animal noises instead.

“It’s a really fun book to read to the kids because you never know what sound is going to come out of him next,” says Torres.

The book is best suited for children ages 3 to 5 years old.

Best Book If You Like Mysteries

Librarian Judy Kelmelis likes a good mystery. She also enjoys interesting characters.

“When I read a book, I really want to be able to connect with the characters,” she says.

Kelmelis’ favorite book, Dead in the Water by Dana Stabenow, offers both. The book is part of the Kate Shugak Mystery series, which follows Alaskan detective Kate as she investigates the disappearance of two fishermen. The layers of Kate’s character unfold as she visits a traditional Aleutian village, the home of her people.

Best If You Like Historical Fiction

If you like historical fiction as much as librarian Linda Wallace, you’re bound to enjoy The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. The book details politics and intrigue in 12-century England. The book’s protagonist is a master builder with a vision of building a cathedral.

“I couldn’t even begin to imagine how they built it when they had such basic tools,” says Wallace.

Best For Young Adults

When it comes to young adult fiction, Linda O’Hara, owner of Book Trader Etc, has a few recommendations.

“(Author) Ann Rinaldi is hands down my pick for girls,” says O’Hara.

Rinaldi has penned more than forty novels, many of which are historical fiction. Some of her most notable works include The Last Silk Dress and In My Father’s House.

“For boys, I would recommend books by Mike Lupica. Boys just suck them down,” she says.

Lupica writes autobiographies and novels based on sports legends. His books include Hero, The Batboy, and Million Dollar Throw.