Where to Find Books! - Literature for Children - Finding Resources - LibGuides at St. Charles Community College

Book Awards

AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books
“... celebrates outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults.”
American Indian Youth Literature Awards
“Awarded biennially, the AIYLA identifies and honors the very best writing and illustrations by Native Americans and Indigenous peoples of North America.”
Caldecott Medal
"... awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children."
Coretta Scott King Awards
“... given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.”
Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award
“... recognizes authors, illustrators, and publishers of high quality fictional and biographical children, intermediate, and young adult books that authentically portray individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and Down syndrome.”
Ezra Jack Keats Book Award
“… created to nurture illustrators and writers, early in their careers, who create extraordinary books that reflect our diverse population, the universal experience of childhood and the strength of family and community.”
Geisel Award
“... recognizes the author(s) and illustrator(s) of a book for beginning readers who, through their literary and artistic achievements, demonstrate creativity and imagination to engage children in reading.”
Jane Addams Children's Book Award
“… Annually recognizes children's books of literary and aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people.”
John Newbery Medal
"... 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"
Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children's and Young Adult literature Award
(Part of the Stonewall Book Awards)
“[Books that are] honored for exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience.”
Mildred L. Batchelder Award
“… children’s book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originating in a country other than the United States and in a language other than English and subsequently translated into English for publication in the United States during the preceding year.”
MISSOURI Building Block Award
"... presented annually to the author and illustrator of the picture book voted most popular by preschool children in Missouri's public libraries and is designed to encourage reading aloud to children from birth through kindergarten age. "
MISSOURI Show Me Award
"... to promote literature, literacy, and reading in Missouri elementary schools for grades one through three and to promote recognition of authors and illustrators of books that are favorites of Missouri children in these grades."
Pura Belpré Award
“… 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.”
Schneider Family Book Award
“… honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.”
Tomás Rivera Book Awards
“... honor authors and illustrators who create literature that depicts the Mexican American experience”
YALSA Alex Award
“... given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18.”
YALSA Nonfiction Award
“... honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18).”
YALSA Printz Award
“... an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature.”

Best Of/Best Bets...

ALSC Children's Notable Books
“Each year a committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) identifies the best of the best in children's books.”
CBC Children's Favorites
“Each year, children, teens, teachers, and librarians across 50 states read newly published K-12 grade books and vote for the ones they like best."
(In association with The Children's Book Council)
CCBC Choices
"... a best-of-the-year list created annually by the librarians of the Cooperative Children’s Book Center.”
CBC Young Adult Favorites
“A list of YA books chosen by teens.”
(In association with The Children's Book Council)
The Horn Book
“One of the most distinguished journals in the field of children’s and young adult literature.” Available in Print at the SCC Library (1924 – Present)
New York Public Library - Annual Best Books for Kids
"New York Public Library expert librarians selected the year's best books for kids
New York Times - Annual Best Children's Books
"... the most notable picture and middle grade books, selected by The Times’s children’s books editor."
NPR's "Best Books"
Annual list of book recommendations from NPR staff and trusted critics – can limit by “Kids’ Books”

Public Library Resources

Don't forget about your public library!

They do an amazing job putting up displays, curating booklists, and providing access to some great resources.

St. Charles City-County Library offers access to resources like:

NoveList Plus

NoveList’s unique story elements like appeal, genre, and theme make it easy for you and your readers to find the kinds of books they are interested in, using easy-to-understand language.

TeachingBooks

TeachingBooks is for anyone who reads, teaches, or enjoys books for children and teens. This service is primarily used in the PreK–12, public library, and academic settings.

TeachingBooks for Schools: designed to serve everyone in your PreK–12 school community—teachers, library staff, students, and families.

Literature for Children - Finding Resources: Where to Find Books!

Book Awards

Best Of/Best Bets...

Public Library Resources