Trying to figure out what to read? We can help! Check out these links to printable PDFs, online readers’ advisory and the NoveList Plus database (accessible with a valid C/W MARS library card.)
NoveList Plus (click icon)
A database to help you figure out what to read next. You can search by age levels, genres, or whatever your mood might be and get a list of recommendations of books to read along with descriptions. This database comes to us as part of our membership in C/W MARS. For remote access, you will be prompted to enter your library card number and password. (Hint: The password is the same as your online library account)
BESTSELLER LISTS
The New York Times Best Sellers – Middle Grade Fiction
Authoritatively ranked lists of books sold in the United States, sorted by format and genre. Choose the “Children’s” drop-down menu to view picture books, series, and young adult hardcover.
Kids Next Indie List
Inspired recommendations for kids from Indie Booksellers.
AWARDS & BESTS
Awards and Best-of-the-Year Lists page of the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC)
“Here you will find direct links to lists of annual awards and distinctions.”
Common Sense Media Best Book Lists
“Sure, your kids love Harry Potter and Twilight — but what else will keep young bookworms reading? Whether you’re on the hunt for classic kids’ books or best sellers, our “best books” lists are full of stories that are bound to spark kids’ imagination and keep the pages turning.”
Teenreads.com Ultimate Reading List
“Our goal each month is to inspire you to read — and to keep reading! With that in mind, we created the Ultimate Reading List — a list of almost 480 titles that we think make perfect pleasure reading for teens.”
WEBSITES & BLOGS
The Brown Bookshelf and The Brown Bookshelf: YA Bookshelf
“The Brown Bookshelf is designed to push awareness of the myriad Black voices writing for young readers. Our flagship initiative is 28 Days Later, a month-long showcase of the best in Picture Books, Middle Grade, and Young Adult novels written and illustrated by Black creators. You can read more about the members of The Brown Bookshelf here.”
Common Sense Media Book Reviews
“Commonsense Media rates movies, TV shows, books, and more so parents can feel good about the entertainment choices they make for their kids. We offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews.”
Diverse BookFinder
“Identify & explore multicultural picture books” and graphic novels for K-3.
EmbraceRace: Children’s Books
“At EmbraceRace, we identify, organize – and, as needed, create – the tools, resources, discussion spaces, and networks we need to meet 4 goals: Nurture resilience in children of color; Nurture inclusive, empathetic children of all stripes; Raise kids who think critically about racial inequity; Support a movement of kid and adult racial justice advocates for all children.”
A Mighty Girl: Books
“A Mighty Girl’s book section features over 3,000 girl-empowering books starring stellar Mighty Girl characters. With over 200 book categories to explore, the best way to discover what this section has to offer is by browsing our detailed book menu…”
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
“The Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers list identifies titles aimed at encouraging reading among teens who dislike to read for whatever reason. The list selects both fiction and nonfiction.”
Social Justice Books: All Curated Book Lists
“Here are more than 60 carefully selected lists of multicultural and social justice books for children, young adults, and educators.”
Social Justice Books: Reviews by Reading Level
“The best selection of multicultural and social justice books for children, YA, and educators.”
Where to Find Diverse Books
“A list of sites that offer recommendations for diverse titles.”
YALSA Book Finder
“Find great teen books. Search 4,000+ books, audiobooks, and films from YALSA’s book awards and book lists.”
YALSA’S Teens Top Ten
“The Teens’ Top Ten is a ‘teen choice’ list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year! Nominators are members of teen book groups in fifteen school and public libraries around the country.”
What’s the series order again?
Juvenile Series & Sequels page of the Mid-Continent Public Library
“The Juvenile Series and Sequels database contains over 36,000 books in 4,900 series titles that are classified into three audiences: Juvenile Easy [JE] for birth through 2nd grade readers ; Juvenile [J] for 2nd through 6th grade readers ; Young Adult [YA] – for 6th through 12th grade readers.”