‘Mornin. This Sunday’s book review is more like a list. Or a review of a list. Really of several lists. That’s enough now.
Notable Children’s Books from 2012 is a list of children’s lit comprised of titles that that the American Library Association along with the Association for Library Services to children has deemed to be notable:
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. .
I dig it. If only we could keep these standards for adult books…
Next up! The Best Children’s Books of the Year from the Bankstreet College of Education children’s book committee.
THE CHILDREN’S BOOK COMMITTEE at the Bank Street College of Education strives to guide librarians, educators, parents, grandparents and other interested adults to the best books for children published each year. The all-volunteer committee includes educators, librarians, authors, parents and psychologists who share a passion for and expertise in the world of children’s literature. Young reviewers from all over the country, ages 2–18, read and evaluate many of our books as well.
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. Other criteria include credibility of characterization and plot, authenticity of time and place, age suitability, positive treatment of ethnic and religious differences, and the absence of stereotypes. Nonfiction titles are further evaluated for accuracy and clarity. Each book accepted for the list is read and reviewed by at least two committee members and then discussed by the committee as a whole.
This list has tips for parents as well as book lists broken down by age categories. Very cool.
In January we have the John Newberry medal award coming up for the most new ground breaking children’s book. Last year’s was Dead End in Norvelt, by Jack Gantos. Definitely a cool selection.
Happy Reading!