BOOKS-ON-THE-HUDSON:
SUMMER READING FOR ALL AGES:
A recent federal survey found that for the first time in modern American history, less than half of all adults read literature. Literature was defined broadly: any novel, short story, play or poem, read in the last year. The study, Reading At Risk, calls that a national crisis.
Summer is the perfect time for readers of all ages to read -- for fun, to learn, and for self-discovery. We asked the faculty at Park and Roosevelt schools to share what's what's at the top of their summer reading lists and for recommended books for their students.
WHO'S READING WHAT AND WHY
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A Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night Time novel by Mark Haddon -- ">a great book" -- Stephanie Gross.
- Teacher Man memoir by Frank McCourt -- "when I began, I laughed so hard; I could tell it is going to be a realistic life of a teacher. I can't wait to finish" -- Nina Green.
- Running With Scissors memoir by Augusten Burroughs -- "the author has a style similar to David Sedaris." -- Chrissie Rosas
- Best Food Writing edited by Holly Hughes -- "gift from a friend." -- Mary Catherine Hillman
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The Wedding novel by Nicholas Sparks -- "recommended by a colleague." -- Barbara Rink
- Teacher Man memoir by Frank McCourt -- "I read his other books (Angela's Ashes and 'Tis) and enjoy his writing style" -- Kristin Wagner
- A Million Little Pieces fictionalized memoir by James Frey -- "recommended by a friend" -- Loredana Dedvukaj
- Malinche novel by Laura Esquivel -- "about a controversial female figure in Mexican history" -- Ana Voidal-Montes
- The Beach House novel by James Patterson (summer resident of Ossining) -- "looking forward to enjoying an exciting thriller" -- Nancy Hopkins
- Reading Lolita in Tehran memoir by Azar Nafisi, and Empire Falls, novel by Richard Russo -- "both waiting patiently on my nightstand under the stacks of memos, school magazines and journals<" -- Ann Dealy.
AND RECOMMENDED FOR KIDS:
- The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn (for Kindergartens) -- "A little racoon gets ready to go to school" -- Chrissie Rosas
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (for K) -- "illustrates the love of a mother for her son, real vs. pretend and imagination" -- Rosemarie Masci
- Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus for K) -- "Leo couldn't read, write or draw. Then one day, in his onw good time Leo bloomed!" -- Nina Green
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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin for K) -- "about the alphabet" -- Stephanie Esposito
- The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister (for K) -- "wonderful book about sharing and friendship" -- Stephanie Gross.
- My New York by Kathy Jakobsen (for 1st & 2nd grades) -- "beautifully illustrated tour of many special New York City places" -- Mary Catherine Hillman
- Any book by Kevin Henkes (for K, 1st and 2nd grades) -- "a wonderful author of heartwarming stories about friendship and childhood" -- Barbara Rink
- Cam Jansen books by David Adler (1st and 2nd grades) -- "great mysteries that are enjoyed by children" -- Kristin Wagner.
- Henry & Mudge series (for 2nd grade) -- "short chapter books with cute stories" -- Loredana Dedvukaj.
(With thanks to The Panda Roos News, the PTA newsletter for Park and Roosevelt schools, where this first appeared).