Booklists from the Connecticut State Library

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The Connecticut State Library Division of Library Development – specifically, Children’s Services Consultant Linda Williams – compiles and publishes a variety of recommended booklists for children and young adults. Check out the following excellent resources for top-quality librarian-approved books!

Books with Starred Reviews
http://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/children/Booklists
Comprehensive list of recently-published titles that received 2 or more starred reviews.

Award-Winning Booklists for Elementary and Middle School Children
http://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/c.php?g=163918&p=1076796
Links to a wide variety of children’s book award winners, from the well-known Newbery and Caldecott medals, to Connecticut’s own Nutmeg Book Award, to many lesser-known but equally important awards.

Connecticut Children’s & YA Authors & Illustrators
http://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/children/ctauthors

Children’s & Young Adult Fiction Set in Connecticut
http://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/children/ctfiction

CLC’s “Children’s Books for Holiday Giving” Archive

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Looking for our “Children’s Books for Holiday Giving” booklist archive? Here it is! Since 2003, CLC has been gathering Connecticut librarians’ picks for the very best new children’s and teen books, and compiling them into handy gift-giving guides. Why not explore the lists? A good book never goes out of style!

All lists are in PDF format. Most are designed to be printed double-sided and folded into a brochure. Download and enjoy!

 

ALA Youth Media Awards 2014

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It’s an exciting day in the world of children’s books! The 2014 Youth Media Awards were announced this morning at the ALA Midwinter Conference. These awards include the Caldecott Medal, Newbery Award, Coretta Scott King Award, and many more. Here’s a link to the press release with complete list of winners:

http://bit.ly/2014ALAymas

Once something “prettier” goes up we’ll link to it! Enjoy!

Starred Books of 2013

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Here is a list compiled by our friend Linda Williams of the Connecticut State Library – all of the books that received 2 or more “stars” in children’s literature review publications in 2013. You can download PDF lists in the following categories:

Or just browse this and Linda’s other great lists here –

Starred Books

Best Books for Children 2013

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CLC logo

bestbooksyoungchildrenHere are the links to the printable versions of CLC’s 2013 “Best Books” lists – recommended by Connecticut librarians, the book experts!

Note – these are PDF files. You will need a free PDF reader, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, to open them.

Print double-sided and enjoy!

Wonder

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Wonder

Wonder, by R.J. Palacio. Ten-year-old August, who was born with severe facial deformities, is starting fifth grade at Beecher Prep after years of being homeschooled.  Told through multiple perspectives, this is a story about courage in the face of adversity with a strong message of acceptance of differences. A great book for parents and children/teens to read and discuss together.

Unstoppable

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Unstoppable

Unstoppable, by Tim Green. Harrison’s foster dad is abusive. Finally he’s placed with the middle school football coach. He’s a big kid, a natural at football. He overcomes every obstacle – at home, in school, and on the field. Then he’s injured, and the MRI uncovers something terrible. Can he overcome this latest challenge?

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

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Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made, by Stephan Pastis. Clueless, awkward detective Timmy Failure + polar bear sidekick = Total Failure Inc., ready to solve any mystery. Funny and fast-paced but filled with a heartwarming and relatable message: Be confident in who you are. Perfect for Wimpy Kid fans, with hilarious drawings to boot! First in a series.

The False Prince

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The False Prince

The False Prince, by Jennifer Nielsen. Sage, a young orphan, is unknowingly facing his destiny – and danger lurks at every turn. This gripping tale of four boys, one treacherous plan, and entire kingdom to fool is a great page-turner for girls and boys alike. Book 1 of a trilogy.

Counting by 7s

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Counting by sevens

Counting by 7s, by Holly Goldberg Sloan. When Willow’s parents tragically and unexpectedly die, she relies on her one friend’s family and an apathetic school counselor to help her find her way in the world. This is a story about not labeling people, about family being what you make it, and about believing in yourself and others.

unBEElievables

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unBEElievables

unBEElievables, by Douglas Florian. Truly un-bee-lievable honeybee poems and paintings! This is the not-to-be-missed poetry book. Clever, smart, and often silly poems printed on vibrant color with stunning illustrations. This is the way to make facts stick, and this book is brilliant with the addition of bee facts. Fun to read aloud.

Stella Batts Needs a New Name

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Stella Batts needs a new name

Stella Batts Needs a New Name, by Courtney Sheinmel and Jennifer Bell. Stella Batts is eight years old and loves to write. She loves to write lists; like her favorite things and kids in her class. In fact, she’s writing an autobiography. Her favorite color is yellow and she loves to eat fudge. This book is one in a series about this engaging character.

Snowflakes Fall

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Snowflakes Fall

Snowflakes Fall, by Patricia Maclachlan; illus. by Steven Kellogg. Celebrating the uniqueness of each life, Snowflakes Fall is a thoughtfully written book for children. Like each snowflake that falls, no two lives are just the same. A beautiful and loving tribute to the fallen children of Sandy Hook that will become part of the cultural fabric of Connecticut.

The Snow Queen

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snowqueen

The Snow Queen, by Hans Christian Andersen; illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline. When Kai mysteriously disappears, Gerda sets out on an epic quest to save her best friend from the enchantment of the evil Snow Queen. A classic tale of friendship, love, and bravery, beautifully retold with lavish illustrations by master artist Bagram Ibatoulline.

Rainbow Stew

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Rainbow Stew

Rainbow Stew, by Cathryn Falwell. This is a wonderful picture book, encouraging children to eat more vegetables. Colorful collage illustrations add to this warm celebration of good food and cozy family life. Includes a recipe for Rainbow Stew.

On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein

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On a Beam of Light

On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein, by Jennifer Berne; illus. by Vladimir Radunsky. Young readers are invited to travel along with Einstein on a journey full of curiosity, laughter, and scientific discovery. A moving story of the powerful difference imagination can make in any life – with the added benefit of very clear descriptions of difficult scientific topics.

Noah Webster and His Words

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Noah Webster and his words

Noah Webster and His Words, by Jeri Chase Ferris; illus. by Vincent X. Kirsch. Noah Webster was born and grew up in what is now West Hartford, Connecticut, where his house still resides. This clever, hilariously illustrated biography follows Webster’s path from boyhood through his many accomplishments, all the while ensuring that he remains a very relatable character.