Each week, when available, a local library will recommend a selection of books available for check out.

This week’s suggestions come from the Cragsmoor Free Library, at 2355 Cragsmoor Road, Cragsmoor. For more information, visit cragsmoorfreelibrary.info, call the librarary at 845-647-4611, or email library@cragsmoorfreelibrary.info.

‘Hello Beautiful,’ By Ann Napolitano

Plot: An exquisite homage to Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic, Little Women, Hello Beautiful is a profoundly moving portrait of what is possible when we choose to love someone not in spite of who they are, but because of it.

Why recommend it?: This novel is about love, family, and blending in. Walter Williams grew up in a house silenced by tragedy. His parents couldn't look at him, let alone love him. He meets Julia Padavano and his life changes. Julia comes with her family in tow, three sisters besides herself. He finds love and contentment until the darkness from his past resurfaces and causes a rift in Julia's family that changes it for many generations. I like this book because it makes us realize that you can love and believe in someone even if your family can't agree. Believing makes miracles happen even when all hope is lost.

‘The Catskills: Its History and How It Changed America,’ By Stephen Silverman and Ralphael Silver

Plot: Stephen Silverman and Raphael Silver tell of the turning points that made the Catskills so vital to the development of America: Henry Hudson’s first spotting the distant blue mountains in 1609; the New York State constitutional convention, resulting in New York’s own Declaration of Independence from Great Britain and its own constitution, causing the ire of the invading British army... the Catskills as a popular attraction in the 1800s, and so much more.

Why recommend it?: This book is about America's first frontier, northwest of New York City, with its 7,000 acres of forestland preserve and it's five counties — Delaware, Green, Sullivan, Ulster and Schoharie. This was the first great vacation land and the subject of the Hudson River School capturing the majestic mountains and landscapes. I recommend this book as it's all about our homeland and what it was like when it first became inhabited. This is a story about the Catskills being brought to life with explorers, gangsters, entrepreneurs, and financiers. A fascinating account of our history.

‘50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth,’ By The Earthworks Group

Plot: The EarthWorks Group helps kids go from aware to active with simple (but inspiring) projects, tips, and little-known facts that put a kid's own carbon footprint into perspective.

Why recommend it?: This book has amazing ideas to help us save the Earth. By teaching our children how to protect our Earth we are relearning what we were taught as youngsters. It’s written in an interesting way with questions and then answers on how and what we can do. A great book for any age.