Patch Picks: 5 Great Books for Kids, Teens

In light of Wednesday's Read Across America Day, Patch spoke with Lisa Howes, a youth books specialist at the to get her picks on five must-read books for young children and teens.

Five Great Books for Kids and Teens:

• "What Will Fat Cat Sit On?" by author Jan Thomas is hilarious and perfect for preschoolers;
• The "Henry and Mudge: The First Book" by Cynthia Rylant is the first of a great series about the mini-adventures a dog, Mudge, and a boy, Henry. Great for beginning readers;
• "Pigs Make Me Sneeze" by Mo Willems is an easy reader that is great for beginners;
• "Alchemy" by Meggy Swann is a historical fiction book which would be a great read for teen girls;
• "Vordak the Incomprehensible: How to Grow Up and Rule the World" by Vordak T. Incomprehenisble is a hilarious supervillan book that is great for boys.

If your interested in more books for kids or for adults, the Hennepin County Library offers a whole catalog of top book titles within all different genres on its website.

And if your elementary or middle school child wants to get involved in a local book club, the Augsburg Park Library will begin new book club sessions for kids in Grades 4-9 later in March. For more information, contact the Augsburg Park Library at 952-847-5301.

Check back every Thursday for another Patch Picks topic feature.