Patch Picks: Recommended Reading for National Read Across America Day

Tuesday was the National Education Foundation's Read Across America Day, an annual program that calls for every child to celebrate reading on the birthday of legendary children's author Dr. Seuss.

We may be a day late, but in honor of this reading holiday, we scoured , asked readers and talked to librarians to get this week's Patch Picks: five books you and your children should be reading.

Betrayal by Fern Michaels

As one of Baldwin's newest arrivals, Betrayal by Fern Michaels tells the story of a couple who's marriage is torn apart when a daughter of a family friend accuses the husband, Alex, of comitting a terrible crime. With her husband in prison, his wife Kate must seek out revenge and clear her husband's name.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

Did you know one of our Patch contributors is an area book blogger? Megan Shaffer at Night Light Revue just finished The Paris Wife by Paula McLain, the compelling story of Ernest Hemingway's first wife, Hadley Richardson. The story also takes readers deep into the fast-paced but volitile world of jazz-age Paris.

The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman

Chosen by Baldwin librarians as the winter pick for the Guys Only book club — for boys in grades 4-6 and their dads — The Gollywhopper Games tells the story of Gil Goodson, who is determined to win the Golly Toy and Game Company competition. Gil has to study hard if he wants to beat his competitions, who all have their own special abilities.

The Midnighters: The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld

The latest pick of Baldwin's Pizza and Pages book club, geared specifically toward teens, librarians recommend The Secret Hour, the first book in the Midnighters series by Scott Westerfeld. In this book, only a small group of people born at midnight — the midnighters — can save a small town when time freezes and dark creatures are unleashed. Pizza and Pages will be meeting to discuss The Secret Hour tonight at 7 p.m. at the library.

Where's Spot by Eric Hill

Baldwin librarians have compiled a list of the top 100 picture books every child should know by the time they finish kindergarten. On that list is the Eric Hill classic, Where's Spot. You and your child can search for Spot with Sally the dog, learning new words and interacting together.

Don't forget: Baldwin Library continues on the Dr. Seuss birthday party Saturday with a special edition of Saturday Stories. The read-a-long begins at 10:30 a.m. and will be held on the library's lower level. Parents should register beforehand on Baldwin's website.