Book Club | The Little Fir

Each year a committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) identifies the best of the best in children's books. According to the Notables Criteria, "notable" is defined as: Worthy of note or notice, important, distinguished, outstanding. As applied to children's books, notable should be thought to include books of especially commendable quality, books that exhibit venturesome creativity, and books of fiction, information, poetry and pictures for all age levels (birth through age 14) that reflect and encourage children's interests in exemplary ways.

Younger Readers – Preschool-grade 2 (age 7), including easy-to-read books
Middle Readers – Grades 3-5, ages 8-10
Older Readers – Grades 6-8, ages 11-14
All Ages – Has appeal and interest for children in all of the above age ranges

Younger

Across the Bay

By Carlos Aponte. Illus. by the author. Penguin Workshop.
In search of his father, Carlitos ferries from his serene home in Cataño to San Juan, taking in the vibrant sights and sounds of Puerto Rico’s capital.

The Balcony

By Melissa Castrillón. Illus. by the author. Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman.
A whimsical, wordless picturebook that shows a young girl making her new house a home.

Carter Reads the Newspaper

By Deborah Hopkinson. Illus. by Don Tate. Peachtree.
This engaging nonfiction picturebook highlights the life and determination of little-known civil rights pioneer, Dr. Carter Woodson.

Middle

Indian No More

By Charlene Willing McManis and Traci Sorell. Lee & Low/Tu.
In 1954, Regina and her family move from their reservation to Los Angeles after their tribe is terminated by the U.S. government.

Scary Stories for Young Foxes

By Christian McKay Heidicker. Illus. by Junyi Wu. Holt.
Two fox kits encounter a variety of terrifying episodes in this chilling and skillfully crafted horror book for children.

It Rained Warm Bread

By Gloria Moskowitz-Sweet and Hope Anita Smith. Illus. by Lea Lyon. Holt/Christy Ottaviano.
Spare poetry documents Moishe's struggle for survival during the Holocaust.

Older

Beverly, Right Here

By Kate DiCamillo. Candlewick.
After the loss of her beloved dog, Beverly runs away from home and starts a new life.

New Kid

By Jerry Craft. Illus. by the author. Harper.
A funny, thought-provoking graphic novel that details Jordan Banks’ seventh-grade year as one of the few African American kids in an elite suburban school.

Born to Fly

By Steve Sheinkin. Illus. by Bijou Karman. Roaring Brook.
The well-researched, compellingly written account of 20 aviators competing in the first all-female, cross-country air derby.

All Ages

Liberty Arrives!

By Robert Byrd. Illus. by the author. Dial.
This informational picturebook introduces many people involved in Lady Liberty's journey from France to her final destination in New York Harbor.

The Undefeated

By Kwame Alexander. Illus. by Kadir Nelson. HMH/Versify.
Alexander's poetry and Nelson's illustration pair wonderfully in this stunning ode to the courage and strength of African Americans.

You Are Home

By Evan Turk. Illus. by the author. Atheneum.
Bold illustrations and poetic text showcase America’s famous and lesser-known National Parks.

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Younger

Middle

Older

All Ages

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