Great Books for Kids

If you are unsure where to start reading in our department, below you will find a list of links that encompass the best of the best in the world of children's publication. Not only are great literary works recognized, but excellence in illustration, video production, and audio production is given due. Writers and illustrators who have contributed outstanding works by or about minorities have major awards as well. These awards are chosen by commitees of librarians who participate in professional organizations such as the American Library Association (ALA) and the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of ALA. These librarians are no slouches and they know their books! 

• Caldecott Medal
  Annually awarded to the illustrator of ALSC's choice for most distinguished picture book.
   
• Newbery Medal
  Annually awarded by the ALSC for excellence in children's literature.
   
• Coretta Scott King Book Awards
  Awarded for the best books for youth by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience.
   
• Mildred L. Batchelder Award
  Awarded to the best book for youth originally published outside the United States in another language.
   
• Pura Belpré Award
  From the site: "presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth."
   
• Carnegie Medal
  Presented for the best in children's video production annually.
   
• Theodore Seuss Geisel Award
  Presented to the best author and illustrator of an American book for beginner readers.
   
• Odyssey Award
  Love to listen? This award is presented to the best audiobook for children or young adults.
   
• Schneider Family Book Award
  Presented to an author or illustrator who creates a work that best demonstrates the experience of a disabled child for a young audience.
   
• Robert F. Sibert Award
  Presented to the best author and illustrator of a nonfiction book for children.
   
• Laural Ingalls Wilder Award
  From the site: the Wilder Award "honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children."
   
• ALA Children's Notable Books, Videos and Recordings
  A virtual goldmine of librarian recommended material.
   
• New York Public Library's 100 Books for Reading and Sharing Recommended by librarians - who first tested them on children, the most important audience.
   
• New York Public Library's 100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know

• IRA Children's Choice Reading List
  The International Reading Association lets kids pick their favorites for these excellent lists.
   
• IRA Teacher's Choice Reading List
  The International Reading Association trusts teachers to know what will get kids to read. This annual annoted list is compiled by teachers and librarians.