Some of the Best Books, K-12

Some of the Best Books, K-12
An Internet Hotlist on Best Books of the Year

created by Deborah B. Ford

Introduction
In addition to using books and magazines to find out about Best Books of the year, why not also use the power of the Internet? The links below will get you started.

The Internet Resources

Literature Specialists

Esme' Codell - Author, teacher, librarian, Esme Codell gives suggestions about engaging readers with the best books each year.
Kathleen Krull - Author, Kathleen Krull, offers hundreds of ways to teach children about biography.
Kathleen Odean - Kathleen Odean, author and children's literature consultant gives suggestions on the newest in children and teen books. Get on her mailing list!
Kids Reads - One of the great places where kids can find out about their favorite books, authors and series. Teachers can get activities to support the books too!
Libraries Matter - Want to know what Deborah B. Ford is reading now? Find out at her blog, Libraries Matter.
Nancy Keane - Author of books about books, Nancy provides lists of books by topic, read-alikes, and tips on booktalking books.
Peggy Sharp - Peggy is best known for her presentation of K-6 children’s books and how to use them with students.
Reading Rockets - Sponsored by the PBS television show, this website offers free video of favorite children's authors, articles about reading and booklists by theme.
San Diego City Schools IMC Recommended Booklists - Deborah B. Ford, IMC Resource Librarian, posts quarterly recommended booklists of the best in new titles. Lists are sorted K-6 and 6-12.
Teen Reads - Book Reviews of new releases, author interviews, newsletter and other items of interest to Teen readers.

Vendors or Publishers

Book Sense - Book Sense represents the small, independent book store. They publish lists of books for all ages- no matter what the marketing budget.
Canadian Children's Book Centre - This national, not-for-profit organization provides link to Canadian authors, illustrators, awards and new book reviews.
Facthound - Provided by Capstone, Picture Window and Compass Point Books, this publisher provides an internet searching tool that seeks out supportive websites that are grade level appropriate.
Follett Titlewave - Follett, a book jobber, provides an online shopping resource for its customers. Full text book reviews and lists of all kinds supplement this tool.
PermaBound - Offering both prebinds and publisher editions, PermaBound offers great choices for K-12.

Associations

Canadian Library Association Book Awards - Annually given to Canadian authors and illustrators, the short list is posted in March with the winners announced in May.
Great Websites for Kids - Sponsored by ALA, this site suggests websites on authors, booklists and activties for kids and those who work with them.
IRA Young Adults Choices - IRA sponsors an annual selection Young Adults' choices of the best 30 books of the year.
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Students K-12 - Sponsored by the National Council of Social Studies, an annual list of the best books in various categories and subthemes.
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 - The National Science Teachers Association lists the best in science trade books annually since 1973.

Journals

School Library Journal - The 'authority' of school library reviews, this online journal provides access to articles about reading, authors and reviews- many items are available without a subscription.
Science Books and FIlm Online - This journal publishes a best books list in their January issue.
VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers - VOYA, a journal for middle age students, creates a list of Top Shelf fiction. These books are read and recommended by students. They also publish a Summer Reading List for Teens.

Strategies

20 Q - How much do you know about your subject? Play 20 questions online. Can you beat the computer?
Power Point Games - Use the templates at this site to create Power Point games of Jeopardy or Millionare. Great for review of material.

Award Winners

ALA Book and Media Awards - The American Library Association sponsors annual awards for the best in children's literature K-12. Awards include, Newbery, Caldecott, King, Printz and others. YALSA also gives awards, including Quick Picks and Graphic Novels.
National Book Award - Sponsored by the National Book Foundation, this organization recognizes American writers with yearly awards.
Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction - Chosen yearly since 1982, the O'Dell award recognizes the best in historical fiction for children or young adults.
Top Shelf Fiction- VOYA - Chosen by a committee of adults and teens, these books are just what middle school readers want to read. Selected annually.

Content by Deborah B. Ford, auntbettyblue@yahoo.com
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listbestboode.html
Last revised Thu Aug 13 12:02:34 US/Pacific 2009