Mark Teague’s LaRue for Mayor was purchased for each elementary building. The book is about animals, elections, changes, and new experiences. We felt that this was certainly a timely choice with the upcoming November election. The books were sent to the elementary principals who can then decide if the book would be placed in the school’s library or in a particular classroom.

Many teachers, students, and parents attended the April 9th event. Who doesn’t love the opportunity to buy books? A number of individuals left the store with a start on a summer reading collection. During the night, there were readings and discussions by Patchogue Medford teachers. Oregon Middle School’s Andy Bacon read Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who. “I thought that this would be a good selection because many people have seen the recent movie.” Mr. Bacon also admits that he is a great fan of Seuss whom he often uses to introduce new concepts in his middle school American history classes.

Other teachers also chose selections from their favorite works. Raegen Sweda read an essay from Repeat After Me. She commented that she enjoys reading works of short fiction and essays in addition to novels. Her selections allowed students to take notice of the many options available when choosing a book.

Cathy Pentola read three short selections from a collection entitled, Platero and I. She expressed her passion for this work for the imagery that is portrayed and the sophisticated style the author uses to explore the ideas of life and death.

Erin Walsh concluded the shared literary conversations with an excerpt from Shattering Glass. This young adult selection intrigued the students and teachers alike. Ms. Walsh’s reading captured her audience and left many wanting to continue to read the work on their own.

The night’s events wrapped up with readings in the children’s department by three Patchogue Medford High School seniors. Ellen Ghigliotti, Sarah Haseth, and Caitlyn McGrath took their turns entertaining those who came out to support the NEHS.