A word about reading levels and content:

Every child and family is unique. The books recommended on this site represent a range of interests, and reading and maturity levels. They are suggestions, not required reading. Families are encouraged to help their student choose what is right for them.

Publishers designate books in several categories, but they don't always match up with students' needs or library shelves. The following categories are general guidelines:

• Juvenile -- grades 3-6
• Middle Grade -- ages 8-12, or grades 5-8
• Young Adult -- ages 12 and up, or grades 7-12

Each encompasses a big range of reading levels and content, and there is overlap. On this site, books are separated very generally by reading/content levels from left (lower level) to right (highest level), but that is just a guideline, not a rule. YA books marked HS are suggested for grades 9 + (ages 14+). Books recommended by HS teachers for specific HS grades are found on the High School page, but HS students are not limited to those.

Every student reads at their personal level. For independent, summer reading, students might want to read a fun "beach" read, or choose to stretch and challenge themselves.

We have a wonderfully diverse community, and what's right for one reader might not be right for another. There are no 'ratings' for books, as there are for movies. Librarians, educators, and families must rely on reviews, or reading the books themselves, when helping readers choose. Only a parent or guardian can decide what is right for their family. Common Sense Media is a good place to start if you want more information about a particular book.

Awards

Many of the books and authors listed on this site are award-winners. More information about various awards for children's and young adult literature, including lists of current and past winners, are available from the following resources:

American Library Association

Alex Awards for adult books that appeal to teens

Batchelder Award book originally published in a foreign language/country

Pura Belpre Award best portrays the Latinx cultural experience

Best Fiction for Young Adults list good quality/high appeal to teens

Coretta Scott King Awards for African-American authors and illustrators

Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults list good quality/high appeal to teens

Great Graphic Novels for Teens list

Newbery Medal most distinguished contribution to children's literature

Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature

Quick Picks for Reluctant Teen Readers

Schneider Family Book Award depiction of the disability experience

Sibert Medal for informational books

Stonewall Award for exceptional merit relating to the LGBTQIA experience

Teens' Top Ten voted on by teens

William C. Morris Debut Award for first-time authors writing for teens

Boston Globe - Horn Book Awards

Children's Book Council

Christopher Award for books that "affirm the highest value of the human spirit"

The Cybils chosen by book bloggers

Database of Award-Winning Children's Literature searchable database by award, year, genre, age level, etc.

Edgar Awards from Mystery Writers of America, search for Juvenile or Young Adult

Garden State Book Awards voted on by NJ children and teens!

Golden Kite; Sid Fleischmann; and Karen Cushman awards from Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

National Book Awards for Young People's Literature

Nebula Awards and Hugo Awards for science fiction

Scott O'Dell Award for historical fiction

Sydney Taylor Award for outstanding books that portray the Jewish experience

Walter Award named for Walter Dean Myers, celebrating diverse books by diverse authors.