Choosing Great Books!

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"Reading is a joy, a privilege, and the right of every student. As you select the library books you will read, please understand that every book is not the best choice for every student. If a book is unappealing to you in any way, please return it and select another book. You, the student (and your family), know which reading materials best serve you and your standards, reading level, and beliefs."

(thanks to Cindy Feather, Menard Texas)

In order to help our students make enjoyable reading choices, Mrs. Wildner and the Holy Apostles teaching staff have created a number of reading lists.

Lists by Grade Level

Every fall and spring, we create suggested reading lists by grade level. Here are links to the most recent lists:

Fall 2012

Summer 2012

Middle School Genre Lists

Students in middle school often have assignments with required reading in a particular genre. Students should refer to their assignment notebook or talk with their teacher about the assignment and due dates. Books for projects may be renewed, but the student must bring the book to the library to initiate the renewal. The following lists represent age-appropriate books in the following genres:

Novels in Verse

Realistic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Mystery

Author Studies

Science Fiction

Fantasy

Battle of the Books

Every year every student in 5th and 6th grade participates in the Battle of the Books. The book lists are released in November; the battles are held in June.

5th Grade Battle of the Books 2012/2013

6th Grade Battle of the Books 2012/203

The above links are connected to TeachingBooks.net.  If prompted to log in, leave the login name blank and put onwisconsin in as the password.

There are so many children's books to read, how can I find one I like?

Award-Winning Books

For a comprehensive list of children's book award-winners (including Newbery, Caldecott, etc.) visit the American Library Association website at www.ala.org/awardsgrants/awards/browse/bpma/all/cyad

Regina Medal - Catholic Library Association - lifetime author achievement

Charlotte Zolotow Award - University of Wisconsin - best picture book in terms of writing, not illustrations

Golden Archer Award - Wisconsin students choose best book

Book Review Sites and Recommendations

CCBC - Madison

Planet Esme

ReadKiddoRead

Carthage College Center for Children's Literature

Curled Up with a Good Kid's Book

Christian Library Journal

Series Order

One of the most common questions in the library concerns the order in which to read series books. The Mid-Continent Library keeps very good track of children's series and is the perfect resource! 

A (Baker's) Dozen Ways to Pick a Great Book by Judy Freeman

1. It has a compelling cover
2. The title sounds intriguing
3. It was recommended by a friend whose opinion you trust
4. It was made into a movie
5. It is one of a series you've enjoyed
6. You are crazy about the author's other books
7. You are fascinated by that theme or subject
8. The book flap or back cover blurb draws you in
9. Looking inside, you find the chapter titles or illustrations irresistible
10. The first sentence or paragraph or page makes you want to keep reading
11. It's on display in the library
12. You read a great review of it online or in a magazine or newspaper
13. It won a medal or prize