With the school year in full swing, the city is asking Mountain View students and their families to add just one more book to the reading list: "The Mailbox," by Audrey Shafer, Mountain View's 2009 pick for "MV Reads Together."

Shafer's novel tells the story of a boy, Gabe, in the foster care system who eventually goes to live with his uncle, a Vietnam War vet. When his uncle dies, Gabe begins to communicate with a secret correspondent through notes in his mailbox.

As part of the MV Reads tradition, library and community organizers have put together a comprehensive schedule of events throughout the month designed to supplement this year's book. The topics range from silly to serious, including a talk on Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, a calligraphy workshop and discussions with the local author.

The next event, for ages 5 and up, is "Dog Day and Cats Too" this Saturday, Nov. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Library Community Room. To register, call (650) 903-6897. Upcoming events in November include:

■ Thursday, Nov. 12: "The Impact of Traumatic Stress on People's Lives," 7-8 p.m., Library Community Room

■ Saturday, Nov. 14: Meet the Author, Audrey Shafer, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Library Community Room (ages 9 and up); to register call (650) 903-6897

■ Sunday, Nov. 15: Author Reading by Audrey Shafer, 3 p.m., Books Inc., 301 Castro St. (ages 9 and up)

■ Friday, Nov. 20: Family Discussion, 4-5 p.m., Library Community Room (ages 9 and up); to register call (650) 903-6897

■ Saturday, Nov. 21: "Pop-Up Card Workshop" with Jaki Ernst, 2-3:30 p.m., Library Community Room (ages 7 and up); registration limited, to register call (650) 903-6897

For more information on MV Reads Together, visit www.mvreads.org. The city has its own page on MV Reads here, and a blog for MV Reads can be found here.

— Kelsey Mesher

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