Patch Picks: Librarians Share Their Favorite Reads

Bookworms, today is your day.

In recognition of Read Across America Day Fort Greene Patch headed down to the of the Brooklyn Public Library and asked a few librarians to share their favorite books.

“Skippyjon Jones” by Judith Byron Schachner

Head librarian Tracey Mantrone said that the tale of a Siamese cat that thinks he’s a chihuahua is a great read for kids. “He’s very adventurous, there is great use of words and it’s very humorous,” she said. “He’s got a great imagination.” And the story has a good lesson: no matter what kind of adventure Skippyjon gets into, he always makes it back home.

“Alex Rider: Crocodile Tears” by Anthony Horowitz

Young adult librarian Barbara Holland said teenage boys love this story of a young 007. “He goes all around the world on missions!” said Holland. Mantrone then chimed in, “It’s the life the teens want to lead, but they can’t because they’re in school all the time.” According to Holland, the Alex Rider series — which was made into a movie — is a hit at branches all over Brooklyn.

“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett

Librarian Charisse Clark said that she enjoyed this story about the relationship between aristocratic white women and their black maids in Mississippi during the dawn of the Civil Rights movement. “It’s about the bond between the women — some become friends, others have more of an employee-employer relationship,” said Clark. “It’s about how the changing times affected all of their lives.” Clark added that the book is practically always checked out because it is so popular.

“Click, Clack, Moo, Cows that Type” by Doreen Cronin

This tale of a group of cows that learn to write and then begin asserting their rights is one of Mantrone’s favorites for kids. “I read this to a kindergarten class and a five-year-old started explaining unions to me!” she said. “He was talking about striking, unionizing, it was amazing.” It is certainly a timely book for kids, given the furor in Wisconsin.

“Let the Great World Spin” by Colum McCann

This book chronicles 10 intense moments in 10 characters’ lives in 1974, and is a favorite of office aid Monique Lakin. She said that each tale revolves around Philippe Petit as he achieves his daring tightrope walk between the World Trade Center towers, and that they all come together wonderfully at the end. “They’re all connected,” said Lakin. “It’s so good — depressing, but really good.”