For readers in grades 4-6 and even up through ninth grade, Mr. Cortale recommends any of Percy Jackson's Olympian books in which the main character is half human, half god. The latest is 'The Last Olympian,' with action that will keep the reader glued to the page, he said.

He also recommends James Patterson's 'Maximum Ride' series about six characters who are half human, half bird and Mick Cochrane's 'The Girl Who Threw Butterflies' about a girl whose knuckle balls win over her male teammates.

Riverhead Free Library

Laurie Harrison, children's librarian at Riverhead Free Library, recommends Bernard Wiseman's 'Morris Goes to School' and Laurence Anholt's 'Shampoozel' for young readers. Morris is a moose who can only count to four because that's how many toes he has on his front hoof.

"Shampoozel" is the story of Dan, the happy hairdresser, who steals secret hair herbs from the Bad Hair Witch, endangering his daughter.

For slightly older children, she recommends 'Sister Anne's Hands' by Marybet Lorbiecki and Lucy Nolan's 'Down Girl and Sit: Smarter than Squirrels.'

The first is about new teacher Anna Zabrocky's impact on students, especially following an unsettling incident. "Down Girl and Sit," which Ms. Harrison describes as "a perfect summer read," follows the difficult lessons any self-respecting dog has to learn.

Young teens will enjoy Lindsay Lee Johnson's 'Soul Moon Soup,' about Phoebe and her mother, who struggle to get by living on the streets, eating at soup kitchens and dragging their luggage from place to place.

"The images of joy and sorrow stay with you long after this short book is read," Ms. Harrison said.

Her second recommendation is Ann Jaramillo's 'La Linea,' about a "people killer" freight train used by migrants to travel north to the Promised Land. Will Miguel and his sister, Elana, make it? Read the book and find out.

Southold Free Library

Southold library director Caroline MacArthur and her staff recommend two books for young readers: 'The Great Fuzz Frenzy' by Janet Stevens and Robert Munsch's 'The Sand Castle Contest.'

In the first, residents of a prairie dog town go into a frenzy for fuzz, creating a fiasco when a tennis ball lands in their midst.

In 'The Sand Castle Contest,' Matthew enters a contest at the beach and builds an incredible sand castle, leading to a surprise ending.

Young teens will enjoy Neil Gaiman's 'The Graveyard Book' and Trent Lee Stewart's 'The Mysterious Benedict Society.' Mr. Gaiman's book tells of Nobody Owens, a normal boy who has been raised by ghosts.

'The Mysterious Benedict Society' follows four children selected for an undercover mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where there are no rules.

For older readers, there's Melina Marchetta's 'Jellicoe Road,' about Taylor Markham, who reluctantly leads students of Jellicoe School in their secret territory wars against the Townies and Cadets. It's a suspenseful story of raw emotion, romance, humor and tragedy, Ms. MacArthur said.

Finally, the Southold staff recommends E. Lockhart's 'The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks.' Can the old-boy network at the title character's elite boarding school survive her behavior?

Mattituck-Laurel Library

The challenge for Karen Letteriello and Barbara Moore at Mattituck-Laurel Library was choosing from so many wonderful books in their children's section.

For young children, they recommend 'Cock-a-Doodle Quack!' by Ivor Baddiel and Sophie Jubb, in which a baby rooster learns what sounds he must make to wake up the rest of the farm.

Then there's Tony Bonning's 'Fox Tale Soup,' a retelling of the traditional stone soup story.

'Tween readers will enjoy Carl Hiaasen's 'Scat' about Nick and his friend, Marta, who investigate a mysterious fire near a Florida wildlife preserve and the disappearance of an unpopular teacher.

Their other selection is 'Found' by Margaret Peterson Haddix. Jonah and Chip, both 13 and adopted, learn that they were found on a plane filled with babies -- and no adults -- that appeared out of nowhere.

From Lynn Maaiki, Mattituck-Laurel's teen librarian, comes a recommendation for Claudia Grey's 'Stargazer.' It's the second book in the 'Evernight' series. Part Romeo and Juliet, part vampire romance and part high school drama, the book will appeal to "Twilight" series fans, according to Ms. Maaiki.

Her second recommendation is 'Starclimber' by Kenneth Oppel, a sequel to his 'Airborn' and 'Skybreaker' books. Pilot-in-training Matt Cruse and Kate de Vries, an expert in high-altitude life forms, go on a thrilling adventure aboard the airship Starclimber.

Cutchogue-New Suffolk Library

At Cutchogue-New Suffolk Library, Mignon Osmer is recommending Ruth Galloway's 'Tickly Octopus' and 'Always' by Alison McGhee and Pascal Lemaitre as good choices for preschoolers. In the first, an octopus who uses his tentacles to tickle other sea creatures, who aren't fond of his behavior. "Always" is about the deep bond between a child and her dog and is "a wonderful picture book about friendship, loyalty and love," Ms. Osmer said.

For young readers with a little more skill, there's Jane O'Connor's story of 'Fancy Nancy,' who thinks she knows all about poison ivy until she starts to itch.

Then there's 'Bones and the Roller Coaster Mystery' by David Adler. Detective Jeffrey Bones and Grandpa are at an amusement park and buy tickets for the rides. But when the time comes to ride the big coaster, the tickets are missing.

Ms. Osmer said older readers will enjoy 'The 39 Clues: The Sword Thief' by Peter Lerangis. It follows Amy and Dan Cahill, who encounter Alistair Oh. Could they be planning to form an alliance?

Ms. Osmer's second pick is 'Secret Agent Jack Stalwart: Peril at the Grand Prix' by Elizabeth Singer Hunt. Morgan Parks, Jack's favorite racing car hero, is in danger again. Can Jack save him and his chance to win the Monza Grand Prix?

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