Lists of Literature for Children
Children’s Literature
Need a trade book on Abraham Lincoln? Want a sustainability-themed picture book? Look toward the incredible resources of Children’s Literature, whose mission is “to help teachers, librarians, childcare providers and parents make appropriate literary choices for children.” Founded in 1993 by a trained librarian, this resource hosts more than 125 independent reviewers – all listed on its website in alphabetical order. Since the organization accepts no advertising and no publisher support, it takes pride in its independent assessments.
Use this resource to find books by subject, reading level and much more. It is possible to search for a particular theme. For example, “Arbor Day” offered a variety of 20 different choices! Look toward the “Monthly Feature” for additional ideas; October’s page features books for Columbus Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, 125th anniversary of the Statute of Liberty and Rosh Hashanah. Children’s Literature also offers a host of additional features: author/illustrator bookings, support for book sales at author events and school book fairs, and selected book sales at 50% off list price.
Sister company Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD) Company promotes this goal: “to connect our subscribers with information about books, authors and illustrators around the world.” This robust database is updated monthly, with an average of 1,500 additional reviews. Sources are extremely varied, to assist in locating hard-to-find reviews of series and small press books. A sample of the current review sources include:
- Africa Access – Reviews and annotations of over 900 items about Africa written by university professors, librarians, and teachers most of whom have lived in Africa and have graduate degrees in African Studies. Undated.
- Books For Keeps – A British publication focusing on the best children's and young adult books. 1984 to present.
- Parent's Guide – A review of children's media published by Shenandoah University. 1998 to 2002.
- Science Books & Films – A guide to science resources from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. January 1991 to present.
In addition to a free seven-day trial and a complimentary newsletter, CLCD offers several subscription choices: (1) the monthly subscription for unlimited use by a single user at $34.99 and (2) annual subscription for unlimited use by multiple users for as low as $295. Special pricing arrangements are available for organizations, library cooperatives, consortia, and the like.
International Children’s Digital Library
The mission of the International Children’s Digital Library (ICDL): “to support the world's children in becoming effective members of the global community – who exhibit tolerance and respect for diverse cultures, languages and ideas – by making the best in children's literature available online free of charge.” This collection of books represents outstanding historical and contemporary books from throughout the world. Ultimately, the organization aspires to have every culture and language represented so that every child can know and appreciate the riches of children's literature from the world community. At the time of this review, a search for books from the Asia/Middle East yielded 794 options, with native books from India, Iran, Japan, Philippines, Syria, Turkey and more.
The ICDL has separate “First-time Users” section, with easy instructions on how to get started. Registration is optional, but offers additional features:
- Selecting a preferred language
- Returning to the last page read
- Saving favorite books on a personal bookshelf
- Accessing the ICDL features from any computer
Several notable organizations have recognized the ICDL. The American Association of School Librarians recently named them one of 25 Best Websites for Teaching and Learning. Additionally, the ICDL won the American Library Association President’s 2010 Award for Internal Library Innovation. Search this database with confidence and ease- as they offer iPhone and iPad apps!
Database of Award-Winning Children’s Literature (DAWCL)
This interesting site “creates a tailored reading list of quality children’s literature,” created and indexed by Lisa Bartle, a reference librarian at California State University. Using the detailed section of instructions, one can search for a book using a variety of parameters, such as:
- Suggested age of reader
- Historical period
- Genre
- Publication year
- Gender of protagonist
DAWCL is organized in an interesting manner. Under the “Explanation of Awards” section, each award is listed with a host of details: the corresponding URL, the country of origin and origination year, the deciding organization, and the eligibility requirements. Familiar awards are featured – the Newbery Award, the Coretta Scott King Award and the Caldecott Medal. Yet, the DAWCL goes well beyond the usual, featuring:
- Charlotte Zolotow Award – Given annually for the text of the best children’s book for young readers, originally written in English and published in the United States.
- Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature – Given annually by the New South Wales Ministry for the Arts for the most distinguished contributions.
- Jane Addams Book Award – Given annually for the children’s book of the previous year that “most effectively promotes peace, social justice, world community and the equality of the sexes and all races.” This award is given by the Woman’s International League for Peace and Freedom.
- American Indian Youth Literature Award – Given during even-numbered years “to identify and honor the very best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians.”
DAWCL founder Lisa Bartle also created ABC-Lit: An Index to Children’s Literature Scholarship. Intended for scholarship and education, this resource was designed for use by those interested in the theories and criticism used to analyze children’s literature; it does not feature book reviews or full-text articles. Bartle is dedicated to providing free information regarding children’s literature, in order to foster collaboration.
The Book Wizard
Scholastic creates “quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home,” featuring children's books, magazines and technology-based products. To assist with leveling books, finding author information and lesson plans, and creating books lists, the Teacher Book Wizard™ is featured on company’s website. Click on the “Teacher Book Wizard Tour” for a narrated orientation of this free resource – over 5,000 books by all publishers. Book searches can be customized by reading and interest level, subject, genre and more. Scholastic also offers several additional features:
- Teacher Share – A global learning network where “teachers can create, edit, collaborate and share classroom content within the K-12 community.”
- List Exchange – An online community for sharing ready-made book lists from authors, experts and fellow teachers. Lists can be saved, used and modified.
- Book Alike™ – Use this resource to find similar books at the desired reading level.
Founded in 1920 by M.R. “Robbie” Robinson, Scholastic has over $2 billion in revenues and is a global leader in children’s brands and distribution.
Content provided by U.S. News University Directory.
