Children’s Literature: Reference Books and Online Resources

Reference Books

Core Collections

  • A To Zoo. New Providence, New Jersey: R.R Bowker, 1998. Ref. Z1037 L715 1998
    • This work lists books by subject and authors.
  • Best Books for Beginning Readers. Southern Connecticut State University, Allyn & Bacon: Viacom Company, 1998. Ref. LB1573G92 1998
    • This lists books by increasing level of difficulty.
  • Best Books For Building Literacy For Elementary School Children. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon Inc, 2000.  Ref. LB1573 B47 2000
    • This annotated bibliography is divided into categories of grade levels and authors.
  • Best Books For Children: Preschool Through Grade 6.  New Providence, New Jersey: R.R Bowker, 1998. Ref. Z1037 B547 1998
    • This annotated bibliography is divided by grade levels.
  • The Best Children’s Books Of The Year (Annotated Bibliography) Children’s Book Committee at Bank Street College of Education. Ref. Z1037 A1 C49 2000
  • Children & Books. Sutherland. Longman Inc, 1997. Ref. PN 1009 A1 S879 1997
    • This book gives short annotations and is divided by age level.
  • Cambridge Guide to Children’s Books in English. United Kingdom at University Press. Cambridge University Press, 2001. Ref. PR990 C36 2001
  • Children’s Catalog, Eighteenth Edition. New York, Dublin: H.W. Wilson Company, 2001.  Ref. Z1037 W76 18th 2001
    • This annotated bibliography divides books into subject categories according to the Library of Congress Classification System.
  • Choosing Books for Children. Urbana, Chicago: University of Illinois Press Inc, 1999. Ref. Z1037 A1 H42 1999
    • This work categorizes by age level and subject area, giving brief summaries and lengthy discussions of the genre. 
  • Coretta Scott King Award Book Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited, Inc.. Ref. PS 153 N5 S74 2000

           This annotated bibliography gives a history of the Coretta Scott King Awards, and gives a profile of the winning   authors and a summary of the award-winning books                                                                            

  • Magazines For Kids And Teens. Newark Delaware: International Reading Association, 1997. Ref. Z6944 C5 M33 1997
    • This annotated guide divides categories into age level and subject.
  • More Teachers’ Favorite Books For Kids: Teacher Choices 1994-1996.   Newark Delaware: International Reading Association, 1997.  Ref. PN1009 A1 M688 1997
  • Newbery Companion:  Booktalk and Related Materials for Newbery Medal and Honor Books.  Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited, Inc., 2001.
  • Picture Books for Children. Chicago & London: American Library Association, 1997. Ref. Z1037 C565 1997
    • This is an annotated bibliography by theme.
  • Reading In Series. New Providence, New Jersey: R.R Bowker, 1999.  Ref. Z1037 R36 1999
    • This book has an author, title, genre/subject index, and also lists books for boys and books for girls.
  • Rhymes & Reasons. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Inc, 2000. Ref. LB1528 065 2000
    • This book included rhyming texts and poetry texts, etc.
  • Sequels In Children’s Literature. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company Inc, 1998. Ref. Z1037 A542 1998
    • This book is an annotated bibliography of sequels, K-6.
  • Story Telling Encyclopedia. Phoenix, Arizona: The Oryx Press Inc, 1997.  Ref. GR72 S76 1997
    • Searching by subject term, this work lists books for further reading.
  • What Do Children Read Next? Detroit, MI: Gale Research Inc, 2002. Ref. Z1037 W55 2002. Vol.1-5
    • This is an annotated bibliography that includes authors and denotes reading level of the books listed.

             What Fantastic Fiction Do I read Next?:  A Reader’s Guide to Recent Fantasy, Horror and Science        Fiction.   Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group, 1999.  Ref. Z 5917 F3 W53

o        This annotated bibliography arranges over 6,000 titles for fantasy, horror, and science fiction titles published from 1989 to 1999.  It has a story type index, a geographic index, a time period index, a character description index, a character name index.  It does not indicate age range; however, the plot summary would give some indication if the book is suitable for children.

              What Historical Novel Do I Read Next?  Volume 1: A-Z; Volume 2: Indexes  Detroit: Gale, 1997.

              Ref. Z  5917 H6 B87 1997. 

               Indexes include a time period index, a geographic index, a subject index, a fictional character name index, a historical character name index, a character description index, an author index, and a title index.  This book does not indicate age level, but the plot summary give a clue to age appropriateness.

  • Words and Pictures: Lessons in Children’s Literature and Literacies. US. McGraw-Hill Companies Inc, 2000 Ref. LB1575 M55 2000

Critical Material on Authors

  • American Writers For Children, 1900-1960. Detroit, Michigan: Gale Research Company, 1983. Ref. PS490 A43 1983
    • Part of the Dictionary of Literary Biography Series, this source gives extended author and critical essays on authors and their works.
  • American Writers For Children Since 1960: Fiction. Detroit, Michigan: Gale Research Company, 1986. Ref. PS374 C454 A4 1986
    • Part of the Dictionary of Literary Biography Series, this source gives extended author and critical essays on authors and their works.
  • American Writers For Children Since 1960: Poets, Illustrators, and Nonfiction Authors.  Detroit, Michigan: Gale Research Company, 1987. Ref. PS490 A45 1987
    • Part of the Dictionary of Literary Biography Series, this source gives extended author and critical essays on authors and their works.
  • Book Review Digest. NY and Dublin: H.W. Wilson Company, 2002.  Ref Z1219 C96 (multi-volume)
  • Book Review Index. USA. Thomson Gale Inc, 2003. Ref. Z1219 B6 (multi-volume)
  • Characters In Children Literature. Detroit, New York: Gale Research Inc, 1997.   Ref. Z1037 A1 J78 1997
    • This guide to fictional characters is divided by author.  It gives plot summaries and long extended character summaries, as well as further reading.
  • Children’s Book Review Index. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group. Ref. Z1037 A1 C475 (multi-volume set)
    • Arranged by author, then title, this book lists reviews and where to find them.
  • Children’s Literature Review. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group. Ref. 1009 A1 C5139 (multi-volume set)
    • Arranged by author, this series gives indepth criticism of the author’s works.
  • Children’s Literature series 1-30. New Haven and London, Yale University Press 2002. Ref. PN1009 A1 C514
  • The Continuum Encyclopedia Of Children’s Literature. New York, London: Continuum Inc, 2001. Ref. PN1008.5 C66 2001
    • This encyclopedia includes a guide to topical articles and is written in typical encyclopedic format.
  • Dictionary of American Children’s Fiction, 1995-1999. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press Inc, 2002. Ref. PS374 C454 H45 2002
  • The Horn Book Guide. Boston: Horn Book Inc, 2002. Ref. Z1037 A1 H68 (Multi-Volume set)
    • This guide is published each spring and fall and includes short critical annotations of all hardcover trade children’s and young adult books published in the United States within a six month period.
  • The Horn Book Magazine.  Boston: Horn Book Inc.  Located on 2nd floor.
    • This source publishes reviews and articles covering a variety of aspects of children’s books.  It is published bimonthly (every two months).
  • Major Authors and Illustrators For Children and Young Adults. US. Gale Group Inc, 2002. Ref. PN451 M37 2002 Vol. 1-8
  • 100 Most Popular Picture Book Authors And Illustrators: Biographical Sketches And Bibliographies. Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited Inc, 2000.  Ref. PS490 M395 2000
    • This book is divided by author, and then subdivided by category about the author and the author’s work.  It also lists a bibliography of related books and web sites.
  • 100 Most Popular Children’s Authors: Biographical Sketches And Bibliographies. Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited Inc, 1999  Ref. PS490 M39 1999
    • This book is divided by author, and then subdivided by category about the author and the author’s work.  It also lists a bibliography of related books and web sites.
  • Something About The Author.  Detroit, New York, and London: Gale Research Inc, 1991. Ref. PN451 S6 (multi-volume set)
    • This series gives in-depth biographical information about the authors and their works.
  • Twentieth-Century Children’s Writers. Detroit, Michigan: Gale Research Company, 1995. Ref. PN1009 A1 T9 1995
    • This encyclopedia arranged information by author, giving a short introduction to the author and listing the author’s works.

History Of Children’s Literature

  • The Annotated McGuffey: Selections from the McGuffey Eclectic Readers 1836-1920. New York, N.Y: Van Nostrand ReinHold Company, 1976. Ref. PE1117 A1 M28 1976
    • This set contains parts of the McGuffey Readers.
  • Children’s Literature: An Illustrated History. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 1995. Ref. PN1009 A1 C514 1995
  • Literature Connections To World History K-6 & 7-12. Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited Inc, 1998. Ref. Z1037 A1 A28 1998
  • McGuffey’s First Eclectic Reader. Fairfax, Virginia: Christian School Edition.   Ref. PE1117 M2561 1974B
    • This set is a copy of the original readers used by children beginning in 1836 and continuing until 1920.  As late as 1963, there were over a million copies sold and used in the Christian Schools. Their purpose was to teach reading skills, vocabulary, and instill morality.
  • Writing The Past: Teaching Reading in Colonial America and the United States 1640-1940. San Diego, California: International Reading Association, 1999.  Ref. PE1119.3 M66 1999
    • This book gives a history of primers, spelling books, approaches to phonics, etc.

Multicultural Literature

  • African American Education: A Reference Handbook. Santa Barbara, California. ABC-CLIO Inc, 2001. Ref. LC2741 J33 2001
  • Black Books Galore! Guide To African American Children’s Books. Canada: John Wiley & Sons Inc, 1998. Ref. Z1361 N39 R33 1998
    • This is an annotated bibliography divided by age group.  It also has an appendix listing awards.
  • Children’s Books about Religion. Englewood, Colorado, Libraries Unlimited Inc, 1999. Ref. Z7759 D65 1999
  • Children’s Books From Other Countries. Lanham, MD & London: Scarecrow Inc, 1998. Ref. Z1037 C5428 1998
  • Kaleidoscope: A Multicultural Booklist For Grades K-8. Urbana, IL: National Council Of Teachers Of English, 2001. Ref. Z1361 E4 K34 2001
    • This book is an annotated bibliography divided by subject areas.
  • Multicultural Literature For Children And Young Adults. Wisconsin, Madison: Friends of the CCBC Inc, 1997. Ref. PN1009 A1 K78 1997
    • This book is topical by author, with summaries that deal with different cultures.
  • The Multicultural Resource Series: Resources For A Multicultural Classroom. NEA Professional Library Publication: National Education Association Of The United States, 2000.  Ref. LC1099.3 P755 2000
    • This is an annotated bibliography divided by ethnic groups, gender, disability resources, sexual orientation.  Unique to this book is that films are listed.
  • 100 Books For Girls To Grow On. New York, N.Y: Harper Collins Publishers, 1998.  Ref. Z1037 D64 1998  
    • This is an annotated bibliography and gives a summary of the books and includes discussion questions.  It also gives a brief biographical sketch of the author.
  • Promoting A Global Community Through Multicultural Children’s Literature. Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited Inc 2001. Ref. Z5814 I5 S74 2001
    • This book deals with social issues and is very current.
  • Recommended Books in Spanish for Children and Young Adults 1996-1999. Lanham, Maryland, and London: Scarecrow Press Inc, 2000. Ref. Z1037.7 S387 2000
  • World through Children’s Books. Lanham, Maryland, and London: Scarecrow Press Inc, 2002. Ref. Z1037 W954 2002 

Sensitive Issues

  • Accept Me As I Am. New York, London: R.R Bowker, 1985. Ref. Z1037.9 F73 1985
    • Although a bit dated, this is a very good book dealing with various health problems, orthopedic/neurological disabilities, sensory problems, cognitive and behavior problems, etc.
  • Books To Help Children Cope With Separation And Loss. New Providence, New Jersey: R.R Bowker, 1993. Ref. Z7204 S45 B47 1993
    • This book gives insight into the problem of separation of separation and loss, giving an explanation of the psychological impact of various circumstances on the child and the impact of bibliotherapy upon those issues.
  • Children’s Books About Religion. Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited Inc, 1999. Ref. Z7759 D65 1999
    • This is an annotated bibliography that introduces children to different religions.
  • Lesbian And Gay Voices: An Annotated Bibliography And Guide To Literature For Children And Young Adults. Westport, Connecticut & London: Greenwood Press, 2000. Ref. Z1037 D24 2000
    • This annotated bibliography lists picture books, fiction, non-fiction, short stories, biography and autobiography, as well as books for adults on this subject.
  • Portraying Persons With Disabilities. New Providence, New Jersey: R.R Bowker, 1992. Ref. Z1037.9 R63 1992
    • This is an annotated bibliography divided into different problems a child may face, both physical and emotional.
  • Sensitive Issues: An Annotated Guide To Children Literature K-6. Canada: Oryx Press Inc, 1992. Ref. Z1037 R23 1992
    • This annotated bibliography lists books and summaries on such issues as child abuse, substance abuse, death and dying, moving, illness, and disability, etc.
  • The Single Parent Family In Children’s Books: An annotated Bibliography. Metuchen, N.J., & London: Scarecrow Press Inc, 1988. Ref. 1037 H7793 1988
    • This annotated bibliography lists grade levels and book summaries based on various topics such as divorce, desertion, separation, widowhood, unwed mothers, orphans, etc.
  • Understanding Abilities, Disabilities, and Capabilities. Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited Inc, 1991. Ref. 1037.9 C36 1991
    • This annotated bibliography is similar to the book, Accept Me As I Am.  It is a shorter annotated bibliography on various disabilities.

 

Censored Books

  • Banned Books: Literature Suppressed on Political Grounds.  New York: Facts On File, Inc., 1998.             Ref.Z658 U5 K37 1998.
  • Banned Books: Literature Suppressed on Religious Grounds.  New York: Facts On File, Inc., 1998.            Ref. BL 65 C45 B35 1998
  • Banned Books: Literature Suppressed on Sexual Grounds.  New York: Facts On File, Inc., 1998.               Ref. PN 56 E7 S68 1998
  • Banned Books: Literature Suppressed on Social Grounds.  New York: Facts On File, Inc., 1998.                Ref. Z  658 U5 S69 1998
  • Banned in the U.S.A.: A Reference Guide to Book Censorship in Schools and Public Libraries.  Westport, Connecticut:: Greenwood Press, 2002.  Ref. Z 658 U5 f64 2002
  • 2004 Banned Books Resource Guide.  Chicago: American Library Association, 2004.  Ref. Z658 U5 B37 1997
  • Censored Books II: Critical Viewpoints 1985-2000.  Lanham, Maryland, 2002.  Ref. PS 65 C46 C45 2002
  • Newsletter On Intellectual Freedom.  Chicago: Office for Intellectual Freedom: American Library Association.  Periodicals Department

 

History

  • American History For Children And Young Adults. Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited Inc, 1990. Ref. Z1236 V35 1990
    • This annotated bibliography is divided by period, subject, grade level on American history.  Fiction and non-fiction are included.
  • Explorers And Exploration: The Best Resources For Grades 5 Through 9. Canada: Oryx Press, 1993. Ref G175 W45 1993
    • This annotated bibliography included lengthy discussions of noted explorers.
  • From Biography To History. New Providence, New Jersey: R.R Bowker, 1998.  Ref. Z5301 F76 1998
    • This annotated bibliography lists important books under the heading of major historical figures.
  • Recreating The Past. Westport, Connecticut & London: Greenwood Press, 1994.   Ref. Z1037 A266 1994
    • This is an annotated bibliography on American and World Historical Fiction for children and young adults.
  • A Reference Guide To Historical Fiction For Children And Young Adults. Westport, Connecticut & London: Greenwood Press, 1987. Ref. Z1037 A267 1987
    • This annotated bibliography is arranged by author and gives lengthy descriptions of authors’ works and some biographical information. It is also a historical dictionary.

Math And Science

  • Science & Technology In Fact And Fiction: A Guide to Children’s Books.  New York: R.R Bowker, 1990.   Ref. Z7401 K46 1990
    • This books offers summaries and evaluations of science fiction and non-fiction, technology fiction and non-fiction.
  • Science Fun with Toys. USA. Uncle Milton Industries Inc, 1999. Ref. LB1029 T6 S54 1999

Web Resources

Children’s and Young Adult Literature Sites

  • Carol Hurst Children’s Literature. Site a Collection of reviews of books for children, ideas of ways to use them in the classroom; it also includes collections of books and activities about particular subjects, curriculum areas, themes, and professional topics.  http://www.carolhurst.com
  • Children’s Literature Web Guide: Internet Resources Related to Children and Young Adults.  An excellent site, includes resources such as children’s and young adult book awards, the Doucette Index, bibliographies, children’s literature organizations, resources for teachers, book reviews.  http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/index.html

 

Lesson Plans

  • Curriculum Units (Yale New Haven Teachers Institute).  Detailed and sophisticated curriculum units prepared by participants in the Yale New Haven Teachers Institute. Hundreds of units on a variety of topics.  http://www.cis.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum
  • Database Of Award-Winning Children’s Literature. This database creates a specialized reading list of excellent children’s literature, and also lists if a book has won a indexed award. http://www.dawcl.com/introduction.html
  • Doucette Index.  Provides access to books and websites that contain useful teaching suggestions related to books for children and young adults, as well as the creators of those books.  http://www.educ.ucalgary.ca/litindex


 Compiled by Sara Lifson

 January 7, 2005