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Whitewright Public Library

Reading Lists

Looking for something to read? Need something for a particular age group? The library's reading lists may have the thing you're looking for.

You can search booklists in the library's catalog. These reading lists are curated by different agencies to provide suggested titles, and are not designed to support any curriculum.

We currently have the following lists, but please note they may not have all titles that have received an award and are in our collection.

Visit the catalog and scroll down to the "What's Hot" section, then select the "Lists" tab.

Click on the award name in the catalog or on the list below and you will be redirected to the list. Titles available in print, audiobook, eBook, and eAudiobook will be listed.

From The American Library Association

(Theodor Seuss) Geisel Award - Established in 2004, is given annually (beginning in 2006) to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished contribution to the body of American children’s literature known as beginning reader books published in the United States during the preceding year.

Alex Award - Given to books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18.

Randolph Caldecott Medal - Named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

Coretta Scott King Book Awards - Designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace, the Coretta Scott King Book Awards annually recognize outstanding books for young adults and children by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience.

The Michael L. Printz Award - An award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature.

John Newbery Medal - Awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal - Honors the most distinguished informational book published in English in the preceding year for its significant contribution to children’s literature.

Schneider Family Book Award - Honors an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.

Stonewall Award - Presented to English language books that have exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered experience.

From the Texas Library Association

Texas 2X2 - A list of recommended books for children, age two to grade two.

Texas Bluebonnet Award- Texas Library Association sponsors the Texas Bluebonnet Award reading list solely to encourage free voluntary reading for 3rd through 6th grade.

Texas Little Maverick - Designed for children in grades K-5. The purpose of the list is to encourage students to explore a variety of current graphic novels.

Texas Lone Star - Encourage students in grades 6, 7, or 8 to explore a variety of current books.

Spirit of Texas Reading Program (Middle School) - The name “Spirit of Texas” was chosen because the program hopes to encourage a greater understanding of what it means to be a Texan and an appreciation for the literary works of and about Texas and Texans.

Texas Maverick - Encourage young adult readers, grades 6-12, to explore a variety of current books in graphic novel format.

Spirit of Texas Reading Program (High School) - The name “Spirit of Texas” was chosen because the program hopes to encourage a greater understanding of what it means to be a Texan and an appreciation for the literary works of and about Texas and Texans.

Texas Tayshas - Developed to motivate young adults, grades 9-12, to become lifelong readers and to participate in the community of young adult readers throughout Texas.

Texas Lariat - Calls attention to outstanding fiction published during the year that merit special attention from adult readers. The main criteria for selecting books for the Lariat List is that they are “a pleasure to read.”

Texas Topaz - Provides children and adults with recommended nonfiction titles that stimulate reading for pleasure and personal learning.

From Bank Street College of Education

The Cook Prize - Honors the best science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) picture book published for children aged eight to ten. It is the only national children's choice award honoring a STEM book.

From The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc.

Nebula Awards - Voted on, and presented by, active members of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc. Our list includes novels and novellas.

From the World Science Fiction Society

Hugo Awards - Voted on by members of the World Science Fiction Convention (“Worldcon”), which is also responsible for administering them. Our list includes novels and novellas.

From the Western Writers of America, Inc.

Spur Award - For distinguished writing about the American West, including traditional Western fiction, nonfiction, young adult and romance, and regional history.

From the Romance Writers of America (RWA)

The VIVIAN (formerly the RITA) - The highest award of distinction in romance fiction—recognizes excellence in romance writing and showcases author talent and creativity.

From the Mystery Writers of America (MWA)

The Edgar® Awards - Honoring the best in mystery fiction, our list is of nominees for Best Novel.