Recommended Website:
Database of Award-Winning Children’s Literature
Note: The books in the database are for ages 1-14+, but the site itself is designed for adult use by teachers and parents.
List member Mindi Warren recommended this website when she wrote, “My mom brought this website to my attention. It is a children’s literature database. It is unique in that you are able to search for books by age, setting, historical period, etc. I’ve developed quite a lengthy list for my 9-year-old (and myself, as well)!”
There are no bells and whistles here, just a comprehensive database of children’s literature (for babies to teens) that is maintained by a reference librarian at California State University in San Bernardino. There are over 6,000 titles and you can search by:
- Age of Reader
- Setting (pick a country)
- Historical Period (Prehistoric, Medieval, Renaissance, American Revolution, 1920’s, WWII, Contemporary, Future, and many more.)
- Ethnicity/Nationality of Protagonist or Tale
- Languages (a variety from ASL through Swahili)
- Keyword or Phrase (enter your own)
- Awards (ALA Notable, Caldecott, Newbery — and all kinds of other awards you may have never heard of from the U.S. and other countries.)
- Format (picture books, beginning reader, chapter books, etc.)
- Genre (alphabet, animals, art, biography, fantasy, historical fiction, mathematics, poetry, science, etc.)
- Multicultural
- Gender of Protagonist
You can also sort by Title, Author, Illustrator, and Publication Year.
Just enter your search parameters and a new page opens with a list of books that meet your criteria. It includes the name of the author and illustrator, book title, year published, and a brief explanation of what the book is about. Print it out and head to the library!
This is a great resource to use whenever you are looking for books that complement learning or to read for pure enjoyment. Be sure to bookmark it to return often.
