Below you will see links to resources to help you choose books for particular age groups. Go to the 'Find Books' tab at the top to learn how to search for specific titles, subjects, or keywords in the Educator Resources' catalog.
As always, reach out to us if you have any questions or need help finding the right materials.
MASL Awards
The Missouri Association of School Librarians (MASL) has four Readers Awards represent the best current youth literature available to students of different grade levels.
Show Me Readers Award (Grades 1-3)
Mark Twain Readers Award (Grades 4-6)
Truman Readers Award (Grades 6-8)
Gateway Readers Award (Grades 9-12)
Find a Book for Grades 5 - 8
YALSA's Teen Book Finder Database allows you to search and browse by award, booklist, author, genre, and award year.
- Epic ReadsEpic Reads, brought to you by HarperCollins Publishers, for book recommendations, quizzes, giveaways, infographics, videos and more!
- Mark Twain AwardMissouri students in grades 4-6 choose the best book of the year.
- Newbery MedalThe Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
- Truman Readers AwardMissouri students in grades 6-8 vote for the best book of the year.
- Teen Book Finder DatabaseYALSA's Teen Book Finder Database allows you to search and browse by award, booklist, author, genre, and award year.
Picture Books
Choosing a Child's Book - Guidelines for choosing books for babies and toddlers, preschool and kindergarten students, early elementary, and older children. Short and sweet.
Getting the Most Out of Picture Books - From hooking kids with illustrations to using pictures to build reading skills to exploring art using picture books, this short essay gives lots of good ideas for choosing and reading picture books.
Selecting Books for Young Children - Great ideas for identifying books appropriate for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers via elements such as repetition, "...funny-sounding words," and number of lines on a page.
Find a Book for Grades K-5
- ALA's Notable Children's BooksEach year a committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) identifies the best of the best in children's books.
- Caldecott Medal Home PageThe Caldecott Medal is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
- Newbery Medal Home PageThe Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
- Multicultural and Diverse Children's Literature - Award SitesMichigan State University has listed a number of excellent awards for multicultural literature.
CLCD
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
An amazing database for anyone interested in finding and using children's and young adult literature.
Find a Book for Grades 9 - 12
- Gateway Readers AwardThe winner is selected by Missouri students in grades 9-12.
- Epic ReadsEpic Reads, brought to you by HarperCollins Publishers, for book recommendations, quizzes, giveaways, infographics, videos and more!
- Michael L. Printz Award"...an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature."
School Library Journal's Best Young Adult Books 2019
Browse through School Library Journal's picks for the best YA books of 2019.