TCMS LIBRARY: READING RECOMMENDATIONS
Helping the TCMS community become better readers, explorers, and digital citizens
Book Lists
- 2024 Notable Social Studies Trade Books
The selection committee looks for books that emphasize human relations, represent a diversity of groups and are sensitive to a broad range of cultural experiences, present an original theme or a fresh slant on a traditional topic, are easily readable and of high literary quality, and have a pleasing format and, when appropriate, illustrations that enrich the text.
- Indigenous Reads Rising
Indigenous Reads Rising is a celebration of Indigenous children’s literature of Native Nations, centering those within the United States and Canada. - NYPL 2022 Best Books for Kids
From the New York Public Library - Bank Street Best Books 2023
This edition includes more than 600 titles chosen by the Children’s Book Committee as the best of the best published in 2022. In choosing books for the annual list, reviewers consider literary quality and excellence of presentation as well as the potential emotional impact of the books on young readers.
- 2023 USBBY Outstanding International Books List
The United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY) serves as the U.S. national section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), which was founded to promote international understanding and good will through books for children and adolescents. - Graphic Novels Reading List
Graphic Novels for grades 6-8 recommended by the ALA's Association for Library Service to Children. June 2022. - 21 Books Every 6th Grader Should Read
Curated by Penguin Young Readers. Some texts contain mature themes.
- School Library Journal's Best Books of 2022
Selected by the editors of School Library Journal.
- School Library Journal's Best Books of 2021Selected by the editors of School Library Journal.
Book Awards
- Mathical Book Prize
The Mathical Book Prize aims to inspire a love of mathematics in the everyday world in children of all ages. - Carter G. Woodson Book Award Winners/Honorees
Awarded to the most distinguished books appropriate for young readers that depict ethnicity in the United States. - The Walter Awards
The Walter Dean Myers Awards for Outstanding Children's Literature recognize diverse authors whose works feature diverse main characters and address diversity in a meaningful way. - Tomás Rivera Book Award
Honors authors and illustrators who create literature that depicts the Mexican American experience. - American Indian Youth Literature Award
Honors the very best writing and illustrations by Native Americans and Indigenous peoples of North America. - Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature
Honors and recognizes individual work about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage, based on literary and artistic merit. - South Asia Book Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature
Honors high-quality children's and young adult books that portray South Asia or South Asians living abroad. - Sydney Taylor Book Award
Honors books that exemplify the highest literary standards while authentically portraying the Jewish experience. - Middle East Book Award
Recognizes books for children and young adults that contribute meaningfully to understanding of the Middle East. - Américas Award
In recognition of quality books which authentically and engagingly portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinx in the United States. - The Malka Penn Award for Human Rights in Children’s Literature
Given annually to the author of an outstanding children’s book addressing human rights issues or themes such as discrimination, equity, poverty, justice, war, peace, slavery or freedom. - Jane Addams Children's Book Award
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. - AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books
Celebrates outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults. - Orbis Pictus Award
Promotes excellence in the writing of nonfiction. - Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
Given for a distinguished work of historical fiction for young readers.
Topics of Interest
- 2023 Dia Reading List
The 2023 Día booklists provide engaging stories representing a variety of cultures and backgrounds to share with children from birth through 8th grade.
- Social Justice Reading List
"Community, Connecting, Cultivating & Constructing Conversations Through Literacy" is a list developed by members of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) and ALSC's Quicklists Committee. This list is intended to support conversations about dismantling systems of racial injustice. July 2020. - Embracing Gender Identities
Embracing Gender Identities is an ALSC booklist created to help support conversations about gender identity and expression. This list includes recommended informational picture books, as well as works of fiction and non-fiction that challenge gender norms and explore the wide spectrum of gender identity. It includes additional resources for parents. July 2020. - Tough Topics
The books on these lists are to help inspire conversations with children going through challenging situations like the death of a loved one, an unexpected move, natural disasters and more. Resources for adults are also included. May 2019. - 2022 Día Reading List for grades 6 - 8
The 2022 Día booklists provide engaging stories representing a variety of cultures and backgrounds to share with children from birth through 8th grade. #diatogether #bookjoy. April 2022.
Book Recommendation Sites
Use these resources to find new books!
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Find out what book is next in the series. |
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Discover your reader personality type and get ready to find your next favorite book. Need help? Watch a video tutorial here! |
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A Mighty Girl's book section features girl-empowering books with over 200 categories to explore. Browse the detailed book menu by mousing over the "Books" button on the menu bar. From there, chose the categories that interest you and use the filters on the left side to refine your search. |
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We Need Diverse Books is a site that celebrates diversity in literature and provides links to diverse recommendation blogs and titles. |
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Try the first few pages of a book, without judging the cover, title or author! At the site, click "Genre", then "Childrens" or "Young Adult". |
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The Young Adult Library Services Association database contains recommendations for teens ages 12-18 and spans a broad range of reading and maturity levels. We encourage families to take an active role in helping teens choose books that are a good match for their interest and maturity levels. |
