Excellent Reading Lists for Young People

Are you looking for good book recommendations for young readers? When doing so, look for books that

• Contain enriching vocabulary
• Cause the reader to ponder issues
• Include ethnic diversity of subjects and authors
• Promote creative approaches to topics

The following are book lists you may want to consider:

• The Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, honors excellent books each year in a variety of categories.
• Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association, includes awards and book lists for teenagers.
• Gifted Kids, Gifted Characters, and Great Books—Compiled by Bertie Kingore, these books are written by authors of merit for young children. Each book contains well-developed characters who display gifted behaviors. The stories include thought-provoking problem situations, issues, or personal needs with which young gifted students can identify. 
• Best-Loved Books: A Unique Reading List for Gifted Students in Grades 6-12—A teacher of gifted students lists books that, over the years, “were requested the most often, provoked the most interesting discussions, and were remembered and mentioned years after they were read.”