Patch Picks: Librarians' Choices for Best Books

Every week we'll take a category and give you five favorites, or five Patch Picks. This week we visited our local librarians to see what they read and recommend.

Go on and take their recommendation. It's our way of celebrating National Read Across America Day, which recognizes the birthday of Dr. Seuss.

The links will take you to the 's page for that book if you wish to check out the book's summary or reserve it.

1. Ever By My Side, Nick Trout — Nancy Myers, library clerk

Myers said the animals in this book appealed to the animal lover in her. She said it was interesting reading a book written by a veterinarian. "The story is about the animals (Trout's) owned in his life and how it's influenced him," she said.

2. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Kate DiCamillo — Carolyn McBee, library associate in the children's department

"It's a children's book for the older reader," McBee says. She recommends it for those in 4th through 6th grade. "It appeals just as much to adults on an adult level. It touches on elements children might not necessarily get."

3. Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins — Jamie Macris, library associate in the children's department

"It's a science fiction book for young adults and it takes place in a kind of dystopia world," Macris said. "It's really gritty. These kids have to enter their names to join the Hunger Games. They have to fight to the death for food for their ward. It's very adventurous, and there's all kinds of emotional tension."

4. Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen — Cathy Morgan, reference librarian

"I like it because it's a historical fiction, but it's also set in the modern time, too. And I just love a happy ending." Morgan added it's a great book for those in a book discussion group.

5. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, Helen Simonson — Sandi Lang, library director

"(It's) a wonderful story of mature love and the impact that families and society can have on personal decisions," Lang said. "(It's about) two people from different backgrounds who have a love of literature and find companionship and a new spark to their lives." Lang said this book also is a great one for discussions.