Awards and Reading Lists

Tayshas Reading List

The Tayshas Reading list is a recommended reading list developed by public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table (YART) of the Texas Library Association (TLA). The purpose of the list is to encourage students in grades 9-12 to explore a variety of current books. The Tayshas list is intended for recreational reading, not to support a specific curriculum. Each book on the list has been favorably reviewed for grades 9-12 in a professional review source. The Tayshas Reading list is a recommended reading list developed by public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table (YART) of the Texas Library Association (TLA). The purpose of the list is to encourage students in grades 9-12 to explore a variety of current books. The Tayshas list is intended for recreational reading, not to support a specific curriculum. Each book on the list has been favorably reviewed for grades 9-12 in a professional review source.The Tayshas Reading list is a recommended reading list developed by public and school librarians fromthe Young Adult Round Table (YART) of the Texas Library Association (TLA). The purpose of the list is to encourage students in grades 9-12 to explore a variety of current books. The Tayshas list is intended for recreational reading, not to support a specific curriculum. Each book on the list has been favorably reviewed for grades 9-12 in a professional review source.

The Tayshas Reading list is a recommended reading list developed by public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table (YART) of the Texas Library Association (TLA). The purpose of the list is to encourage students in grades 9-12 to explore a variety of current books. The Tayshas list is intended for recreational reading, not to support a specific curriculum. Each book on the list has been favorably reviewed for grades 9-12 in a professional review source.

Texas Maverick Award

The Texas Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List (TMGNRL) is a recommended reading list developed by public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table (YART). The list’s purpose is to encourage students in grades 6-12 to explore a variety of current books. The TMGNRL list is intended for recreational reading, not to support a specific curriculum.  

Pura Belprè Award

2025 Winner 

Shut Up, This is Serious by Carolina Ixta

This award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. 

Spirit of Texas Award

The Spirit of Texas (SPOT) Reading Program hopes to encourage a greater understanding of what it means to be a Texan and to develop an appreciation for the literary works of and about Texas and Texans. SPOT is a recommended reading list developed by public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table (YART). The purpose of the list is to encourage youths in grades 6-12 to explore a variety of current, quality books from Texas authors and illustrators, develop critical reading skills, and to encourage greater interaction between Texas authors and illustrators, Texas librarians, and Texas youth.

Beginning with the 2020 list, SPOT- Middle and SPOT- High School will be combined into one list.

Margaret A. Edwards Award

The Margaret A. Edwards Award, established in 1988, honors an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. The annual award is administered by YALSA and sponsored by School Library Journal magazine. It recognizes an author's work in helping adolescents become aware of themselves and addressing questions about their role and importance in relationships, society, and in the world. The Edwards award celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013. 

Texas Topaz Reading List

The purpose of the Texas Topaz Reading List is to provide children, teens, and adults with recommended nonfiction titles that stimulate reading for pleasure and personal learning. It is intended for recreational reading and is not designed to support any particular curriculum.  

Alex Award

The Alex Awards are given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18. The winning titles are selected from the previous year's publishing. The Alex Awards were first given annually beginning in 1998 and became an official ALA award in 2002.

The award is sponsored by the Margaret A. Edwards Trust. Edwards pioneered young adult library services and worked for many years at the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore. Her work is described in her book Fair Garden and the Swarm of Beasts, and over the years she has served as an inspiration to many librarians who serve young adults. The Alex Awards are named after Edwards, who was called “Alex” by her friends.