Patch Picks: Librarians' Choice Reads Honor National Read Across America Day

Patch is now running a new weekly feature called Patch Picks, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more.

This week we asked librarians from the Palatine Public Library to offer a list of favorite reads for children and adults. Help celebrate National Read Across America Day by checking out a selected title at the library.  

Patch Picks: Local Librarians Choice Reads for National Read Across America Day

• American Rose: A Nation Laid Bare: The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee by Karen Abbott (Adult/Nonfiction)

This biography chronicles Gypsy Rose Lee, known for her life upon and beyond the burlesque stage. Abbot illustrates how Rose Lee survived a tumultuous childhood in vaudeville, constantly facing the pressures of stardom while living among the Great Depression.

• Built to Last by David Macaulay (Children/Nonfiction)

This nonfiction pick is a terrific choice for young readers who like to know how things work, and how they are put together. Built to Last appeals to those aspiring to work as engineers, architects and historians. Lovely visual images bring historic buildings to life.

• The Candymakers by Wendy Mass (Children/Fiction)

Reminiscent of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, The Candymakers chronicles four fortuitous children who are selected to participate in a competition to design the tastiest nation-wide confection. This book is for those who love distinct mysteries.

• Fatal Error by Judith A. Jance (Adult/Fiction)

Protagonist Ali Reynolds becomes immersed in the world of online mysteries after a cyber-sociopath is murdered. The pick appeals to adult readers who read psychological thrillers and mystery. 

• Swamplandia! by Karen Russell (Adult/Fiction)

This fantastical pick is lovely for the reader who finds pleasure in place as character. Swamplandia chronicles the ups and downs of life for a family operating an alligator theme park in the Everglades. The park happens to be on the brink of failure.

• True Things (Adults Don't Want Kids to Know) by Jimmy Gownley (Children/Fiction)

This graphic novel uses humor to illustrate the quirky happenings resulting from the roller coaster ride of living as a kid on the brink of teenage years. Amelia McBride is the spunky 11-year-old protagonist.