Award Winners

There are several well-known awards for high quality work in children's literature. To find out more about these awards visit the following sites.

Caldecott Medal The Caldecott Medal is awarded for the best art in children's literature.

Coretta Scott King Award The Coretta Scott King Award is given for the best literature written about African Americans.

Newbery Medal The Newbery Medal is awarded for the best writing in children's literature.

Sibert Medal The Sibert Medal is awarded for the best nonfiction in children's literature.

California Young Reader Medal Awards Each year several books are nominated in categories geared for readers from first through twelfth grades. Students throughout the state vote for their favorite book in the relevant category and then wait eagerly to hear the results, which are posted in May.

Database of Award-Winning Children's Literature This database lists titles of award-winning books from 106 different awards across six English-speaking countries.

Booklists

At the end of each year students in grades 3-5 give me the names of favorite books they've read in the past year. I compile those recommendations into lists.

Third Grade Favorites 2012

Fourth Grade Favorites 2012

Fifth Grade Favorites 2012

If you're still looking for a good book, try the following web sites.

Carol Hurst This site has reviews of great books for children and ideas for using them.

New York Times Booklist This is a list of the children's books reviewed by the NY Times since 1997. It's arranged alphabetically by author.

New York Public Library This section of the NYPL site, named "On-Lion" for Kids, has lists for reading, a parent and teacher section, a guide to internet safety for kids, and much more.

Guys Read Author Jon Scieszka's fun site with great ideas for books boys of all ages will enjoy.

Boy Meets Book This site, by the author of Connecting Boys With Books, Michael Sullivan, has a list of suggested books for boys to read and enjoy.

Kidsreads This site, part of The Book Report Network, offers a chance to explore books through reviews, games, and polls.