Patch Picks: Librarians' Favorite Reads

Every where in the United States, it is now Read Across America time.We at Patch love reading, and we love books. So, for this Patch Picks we thought it super appropriate to highlight good reads. For Snellville Patch's list, we went to @stevelibrarian on Twitter, also known as Steve Thomas, a local librarian in Gwinnett County.

What did @stevelibrarian have to say? Well, here's his five choices. Some are for youngsters, and others are for adults.

For adults:

1. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot

This is a biography about Henrietta Lacks, a poor African-American tobacco farmer whose cancerous cells were stolen without her knowledge and then cultivated into medical wonders we benefit from today. Her cells were used to develop the polio vaccine, unlock unknowns about cancer and viruses, helped with in vitro fertilization, and more. Lacks family did not learn about the use of her cells until 20 years after her death in 1951.

This book is available from Gwinnett County Public Library in regular print, large print, audio book, downloadable audio book and electronically. 

2. Bel Canto, by Ann Patchett

This fictional story is set in South American at birthday bash for a powerful businessman, Mr. Hosokawa. Everything is going well until terrorists crash the party. The story involves into one of unlikely bonds between the terrorists and the hostages.

This book is available from Gwinnett County Public Library in regular print, large print and audio book.

3. Old Man's War, by John Scalzi

This science fiction tale and firs-person narrative is told from the perspective of John Perry, who on his seventy-fifth birthday he decided to visit his wife's grave and to join the army. The story brings readers on a ride through his time in the Colonial Defense Forces as he and others battle against aliens for survial. A big thing the soldiers have going from them is their newly enchanced DNA and nanotechnology, both which boost strength, speed, and endurance.

This book is available from the Gwinnett County Public Library in regular print.

For children:

4. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

This childhood favorite takes children, and adults, on a fun, poetic journey through the choices of how to have your green eggs and ham. "In a house with a mouse?" "Or maybe on a boat with a goat?" Sam-I-Am is the captain of this energetic ride, that helps introduce children to wonders of reading. For more than 50 years, it's been a favorite among many.

This book is available from Gwinnett County Public Library in print, and within a DVD collection of Dr. Seuss favorites.

5. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

This rhyming read-aloud, tells the story of Baby Llama, who turns his bedtime into an adventure of worries, wimpers, and finally the wholesome reassurance of Mama Llama. Both parents and children will be able to relate to this interesting read.

This book is available from the Gwinnett County Public Library in print. There are several other Llama Llama books by Anna Dewdney, as well.

(Editor's Note: These are strictly @stevelibrarian's choices, and they are not official recommendations of the Gwinnett County Public Library system.)