Kids Booklists

Booklists

Books may be available as an e-book or an e-audiobook through Boundless, Hoopla, or Libby. For more information about our e-book services, please visit eBooks and Downloadables.

Note: Some of the links below will open a PDF file of the booklist. Since these lists were formatted to be printed and folded for use in the library, the last page and the first page appear on page 1, and the inside pages are on page 2. Books are listed alphabetically by author’s last name. Clicking on the book title in a PDF file will open up our online catalog with its availability or if you would like to put the book on hold.

Monarch & Bluestem Awards

Each year, school children across Illinois vote for their favorite books to select the top readers’ choices for the Association of Illinois School Library Educators’ Monarch Award (grades K-3) and Bluestem Award (grades 3-5). This year’s top choices and their availability are available through the links below.

• Monarch Award
• Bluestem Award

Picture Books

By Age

• Babies & Toddlers
• Preschoolers
• K-3rd

Special Topics

• New Baby – Picture books to help children adjust to a new baby sibling.
• Helping Children Cope – Picture books to help children cope during difficult times. Includes guidebooks for parents.

Early Readers

These book recommendations are for beginning or younger readers, typically children in Kindergarten to 3rd grade. The reading level is provided for each book based on the library’s leveled reading classifications, from “A” for beginning readers to “E” for advanced readers.

 

Older Readers

These book recommendations are for older readers, typically in 3rd grade and up. Lexile reading levels are provided for each book if available. Need more recommendations? Check out this year’s books for the Battle of the Books for 4th and 5th graders.

 

Genres

Not sure what types of books are included under the different booklists? Here’s a brief definition of the various fiction genres.

Animals

These books feature animals adventuring on their own or people interacting with animals.

Adventure

Adventure stories place characters in exciting situations, and they are fast-paced, full of action and plot-driven.

Classics

Spanning a variety of genres, these are must-read titles at least ten years old and books that stand the test of time.

Fantasy

Fantasy stories take place in a magical or enchanted world where things that seem impossible become possible, for example, animals talk, children have magic powers, dragons exist, or storybook characters come to life.

Historical Fiction

These novels are set in the past with a setting that is crucial to the plot. Readers will get a sense of what life was like for those living in the time and place described.

Humor

Humorous stories can cross many genres and take place in different settings, and in the end, the reader will be smiling or laughing.

Horror and Scary

These books for readers who want to feel scared, uneasy, or uncomfortable. A kid’s nightmares – monsters under the bed, things that go bump in the night, or the boogeyman – can become real.

Mystery

Mysteries contain a puzzle or a whodunit to be solved, whether it’s figuring out who committed a crime or why and how something or someone became missing or stolen.

Read Around the World

These books are set in countries around the world or are told from the perspective of a character born in another country.

Realistic Fiction

Realistic fiction have characters living relatable, recognizable lives and tackle important or sensitive situations and topics similar to those that kids are facing today.

Science Fiction

Science fiction explores the many ways how our world could look as impacted by scientific or technological innovation, posing the question “what if” and answers it by creating a possible reality.

Sports

Sports fiction features characters whose identifies are defined by their involvement with a sport. Themes typically relate to issues of winning, both in life and in competition.