Readers' write

Monitor readers share their recent picks for children's books.

The Longest Season by Cal Ripken and Ron Mazellan is a great children's book for little kids who need pictures and big kids who need a good life lesson. It is not about Ripken's famous year playing baseball but about a very sad year involving Cal's dad and brother. It's a real story of perseverance and is a good Thanksgiving, Christmas, or birthday book for any kid of any age.– Martha Barkley, Charleston, S.C.

The Tree Nobody Wanted: A Christmas Story by Tom McCann opens on a Christmas Eve more than 60 years ago. World War II has just ended and Thomas is 11 years old. He lives with his grandmother in a tiny apartment in Brooklyn. Thomas is sent out to pick through the Christmas trees and bring back the best one he can find. This is how the story begins. What happens after is pure sweetness. – Skye Wentworth, Newbury, Mass.

I am reading Elissa's Quest by Erica Verrillo. It's a fascinating story with compelling characters. It's supposed to be for children, but I am 19 and I am completely engrossed. I would recommend it to anybody. – Niell Raper

WHAT ARE YOU READING? WRITE AND TELL US AT kehem@csps.com.