Book Recommendations from Librarian Mr. Ammons

In honor of Read Across America Day, our wonderful Librarian Mr. Ammons shares a few book recommendations.

By EC Librarian Doug Ammons

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
I’m just finishing this novel by first-time author Sara Nisha Adams. The book’s plot centers on a mysterious list (titled “Just in case you need it”) of eight books which the diverse cast of characters all find in various locations in their London neighborhood. This book shows the power of reading to both provide comfort and to bring us together. Definitely a must for those who love books.

The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel History by David F. Walker; art by Marcus Kwame Anderson
This is a fascinating and informative look at the Black Panther Party and its legacy in graphic format. The book examines the founding of the Black Panther Party in 1966 and provides a brief history of the racial oppression and discrimination which was a catalyst for the formation of the Black Panthers. In addition to profiling key figures in the movement, the book also looks at the social, education and healthcare programs the Party introduced in the Black community.

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor
Although directed at middle schoolers, this is a great book for older readers as well and one of my recent favorites. It was a National Book Award nominee and on numerous Best of the Year lists when it was published. The title character, Mason, is a seventh grader who has a lot to overcome. He has a learning disability, a glandular condition which causes him to sweat excessively, is bullied and the police suspect he had a part in the death of his best friend. This may sound grim, but Mason is an eternal optimist who seeks out the good in everyone. The book has a lot of humor and warmth. As one reviewer stated, its "a book that breaks your heart and heals it-all in one."

Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang
Prior to becoming a full-time author, Gene Luen Yang (American-born Chinese, Boxers) taught school at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland. In this non-fiction graphic book, he chronicles the year he spent with the O’Dowd Dragons basketball team as they attempt to win the school’s first state championship after nine failed attempts. Yang does a terrific job  profiling individual players and coaches as well as interspersing the narrative with a history of both men’s and women’s basketball.

A Pilgrimage to Eternity: From Canterbury to Rome In Search of a Faith by Timothy Egan
Spokane native and Pulitzer Prize winning author Timothy Egan chronicles his thousand-mile journey on the Via Francigena, a medieval route that led pilgrims from England to Rome. As he makes his way across Europe, Egan gives us a history of Christianity and explores his own complex relationship with the Catholic Church. This book is part history, part memoir, part travelogue and always intriguing.

If you have questions about resources in the EC Library or other book related questions, you can reach Mr. Ammons at dammon@eastsidecatholic.org.