Patch Picks: Read Across Kirkwood Day

In honor of Read Across America Day, this week's Patch Picks features five must-read books for kids and for grown-up kids. We talked to local librarians to get their picks, but we'd love to hear from you, too. Leave a comment to let us know what you're reading.

We asked Lynn Bosso, director of youth services at Kirkwood Public Library, which books she recommends for kids. Here are her picks, and her comments on each:

• Moon Over Manifest, by Clare Vanderpool
  "This year's Newbery winner is about a 12 year old girl sent to spend the summer in the town of her father's youth. I loved the intriguing and unique characters. Throw in a mystery and a little history for a thoroughly enjoyable story."
• Cosmic, by Frank Cottrell Boyce
  "From the opening lines this book is a hoot. Twelve year old Liam explains that he has lied. He is not at the neighborhood activity center but on the Infinite Possibility orbiting about 200,000 miles above the surface of Earth.  The book is about how he got there. Funny and filled with adventure!"
• Pete the Cat: I Love my White Shoes, by Eric Litwin
  "This picture book is a 2011 Missouri Building Block nominee. It is a great read aloud. Pete the cat is an adorable character and kids will love his adventurous day and predicting what will happen next."
• Sparky: The Life and Art of Charles Schulz, by Beverly Gherman
  "This book is a colorful, kid-friendly biography of the creator of Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the Peanuts characters."
• Bulu, African Wonder Dog, by Dick Houston
  "This true story of a dog living in the wilds of Zambia will please kids who love dog stories and adventure."

Pat Rohan, reference manager for Kirkwood Public Library, had a few recommendations for adults as well, ranging from history to mystery. Here are her picks:

• The Attenbury Emeralds, by Jill Paton Walsh
  This book is the newest of the Lord Peter Wimsey/Harriet Vane mysteries.
• Loving Frank, by Nancy Horan
  A historical fiction, Loving Frank follows the relationship of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Cheney.
• The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein
  Told from the viewpoint of a dog named Enzo, this story gives a unique perspective on the life of a professional race car driver, his master.
• Sarah's Key, by Tatiana de Rosnay
  A writer is asked to write an article on the roundup of French Jews in Paris during the German occupation, and ends up unearthing a tale from her own family's past. Rohan said this book is beautifully written and especially will appeal to female readers. 
• Winston's War, by Max Hastings
  Recommended for those interested in history, this book profiles prime minister Winston Churchill and offers insight into some of his decisions and political maneuvers during World War II.

All of these can be found at your local library, whether you use , or St. Louis County Library. We also have a couple of great local book shops here, like and .