Five Books for Kids, Teens and Adults for National Read Across America Day

• Squashed by Joan Bauer ()

Winner of the 1992 Delacorte Prize, Bauer’s novel is not only a favorite amongst teens but also amongst their parents. Ellie Morgan here, grows prize winning plants and encounters very particular challenges along the way.

• Of Thee I Sing by President Barack Obama ()

A book dedicated to his daughters, President Obama created a book comprising a tale of many of America’s heroes, throughout history. Prized as an educational picture book parents can share with their children, Of Thee I Sing even made the New York Times Children’s Bestseller List.

• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (Wantagh Public Library)

Perhaps describing Plath’s own struggles growing as a writer during her first years in New York City, The Bell Jar describes a young writer coming to terms with herself in a new chapter of her life. Initially filled with confidence in her skills, Esther, a young college writer quickly learns how much she doesn’t know about her soon to be profession. Questioning herself, Esther loses all faith in herself and must struggle to come to terms with her newfound self.

• A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Recovery of a lost ancient manuscript in the Oxford library sets the pieces in motion for the fantastical “underworld setting”. A great mental journey for adults and mature readers, A Discovery for Witches is also on the New York Times Bestseller List.

• The Naked Mom: Motherhood Revealed by Brooke Burke (Wantagh Public Library)

Chronicling many of the challenges of motherhood, The Naked Mom discusses coming to terms with a woman’s new body during and post pregnancy, finding a healthy balance between work and parenting and effectively managing the new struggles of motherhood.