Book Lists for Children

Two rows of bookshelves with children's books facing forward. Text: Popular Picks

Recommended Reads for Children

Check out our children's book lists to find reading recommendations based on milestone, grade level, award nominees, and award winners. These lists are also available on our Staff Picks page

Click the list's title to view all the materials on a specific book list. Interested in checking out or putting one of these items on hold? Click the image of the cover to view the item in our catalog. View our catalog if you would like to search for a specific author or title by name.

Some materials may be available in audio or electronic formats. Visit our Children's Digital Library page to find some of our online resources for children. 

Award Booklists

  • Battle of the Books (2023-2024) - The Battle of the Books is a list of titles selected by district 203 teachers and public librarians. The books on this list are intended for children in grades 4-5.
  • Bluestem Award Nominees (2024) - The Bluestem Award is an Illinois Reader's Choice Award selected by children 8-11.
  • Caldecott Medal (2022) - The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of the nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. 
  • Monarch Award Nominees (2024) - The Monarch Award is an Illinois Reader's Choice Award Selected by children ages 5-8.
  • Newbery Medal (2022) - The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. 
  • Rebecca Caudill Award Nominees (2024) - The Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award is an annual award given to the author of the book voted most outstanding by the students in grades 4-8 in participating Illinois schools. The award is named in honor of Rebecca Caudill who lived and wrote in Urbana, Illinois, for nearly 50 years.

Books Clubs for Children

From picture books to award winning novels to choose your own adventure books, our Book Discussion Groups for children invite young readers to discover and discuss books alongside their peers. Click on the tab labeled "Children" on our Book Discussion Groups page to learn more and join in on the fun! These programs vary by age range, topic, and some require registration.

Personalized Reading Lists for Children

Looking for a reading list more personalized to specific interests or reading preferences? Fill out the Personalized Reading List for Children form, and we will email you a list of up to ten titles.