Patch Picks: Top Book Selections in East Meadow

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This week, East Meadow Patch searched for interesting local library books in honor of National Read Across America Day on Mar. 2. We found stories for children, young adults and adults, including books documenting difficult journeys, multiple lives, coping with autism, historical sugar cane and a very hungry caterpillar. All books are available at the or through the Nassau County Library System. Check out the picks below for summaries: 

1. My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares (Adult): Written by the same author as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, this story chronicles the protagonist, Daniel, in every past life he has ever lived. He finds that he has been around since 552 A.D.--in a time he met a girl that he eventually came in contact with throughout his many lives. They find each other in the right place and fall in love, but are torn apart by other circumstances. The book looks at themes of death, love and reoccurrence.
 
2. Room by Emma Donoghue (Adult): In a haunting account, the author examines a young boy who has been confined in a small room with another child for his entire life. The two children attempt to cope together, but their abductor is their only connection to the outside world. Not being able to rely on anyone but each other, they soon make a plan to escape. This is a real heart wrenching and page turning story that will be sure to have you coming back for more.
 
3. The Wife’s Tale by Lori Lansens (Adult): Depicting a woman who weighs 302 pounds and her struggles through life, Lansens is able to capture a real sense of unknowingness and mystery. The woman, named Mary, is shown in her marriage until one day her husband doesn’t come home from work. She departs on a journey to try to find him and ends up rediscovering herself. The reader is taken through many of Mary’s experiences that shape her in her path to self-discovery.
 
4. Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin (Young Adult): The narrator is a boy who what tells his readers that he has many problems and disorders--eventually getting a diagnosis of autism. His story shows how he feels he doesn’t fit in at school and faces judgment from the rest of his classmates. It demonstrates the difficulties children with autism face, while highlighting the need to overcome these barriers.
 
5. Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom and Science by Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos (Young Adult): A truly honest illustration of how many world events have taken place over the past 200-300 years with sugar as a main source of controversy. From slavery to abolition and everything in between, this book will definitely educate and shed light on many important historical and current event issues throughout the world.
 
6. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Children): A real classic due to its combination of science, literature and fun. Beautiful artwork adorns each page, sure to captivate every child as they embark on a journey with the hungry caterpillar. He eats his way through a full color palette of delicious treats, hides in his cocoon and exits as a striking butterfly.