Patch Picks: Favorites from Librarians

In celebration of Read Across America this week, Patch asked local librarians for their top choice in both children’s books and adult novels. It was a tough question. One of them said, “Asking a librarian to pick her favorite book is like asking a parent to pick her favorite child!”

 Here are their picks:

Adult Book:  "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

• “I couldn't put it down - the characters are so realistic, and range from inspirational to horrifying, and I loved the historical details. There was a tension to the story that drew me in as a reader, and I have been recommending it to people who like historical fiction and memoirs since it is based on the real life experience of the author.”

Children’s Book: "Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?" by Dr. Seuss

• “It was my children's favorite. My dad read it to me, and my husband and I read it to our children (and my husband turned it into a rap). It brings back wonderful memories.”

Adult Book: “Certain Women” by Madeleine L’ Engle (currently not owned by AACPL) and “A Severed Wasp” by Madeleine L’ Engle (owned by AACPL).

Children’s Book: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling

• “Madeleine L’ Engle and J.K. Rowling are two of my favorite authors. L’Engle wrote mostly children’s and young adult books, but I also love her books she wrote for adults.”

Adult Book:  “Beach Music” by Pat Conroy

• “This was my all-time favorite book. I find all of Conroy’s books to be both engaging and elegantly written.”

 Children’s Book:  “The Sleep Book” by Dr. Seuss

• “This was the book I most enjoyed reading to my children. My now 15-year-old son and I were talking about Dr. Seuss yesterday in honor of his (Dr. Seuss’) birthday and I was tickled to discover that Jordan also considered that book to be his favorite.”

Adult Book: “Let the Great World Spin” by Colum McCann

Children’s Book: “Heidi” by Johanna Spyri

Adult Book:  “Lords of Discipline” by Pat Conway

• “The book is about young men training at West Point. I like learning about the close friendships and struggles of the characters and how they handled those challenges.”

Children’s Book:  “I Wish I Were a Butterfly” by James Howell

• “The theme of the book points out how we are all special in our own right and how we shouldn’t want to be anyone else.”

In honor of Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Governor Martin O’Malley has issued a challenge to all Maryland residents to read 30 minutes a day for 30 days. Maybe these picks will inspire you to accomplish that goal.