Kids Reading Lists

Find kids’ reading lists below. See what’s new in the catalog for kids. And to hear what’s coming up next, subscribe to our “Kids & Families” email.

Suggestions by age & grade | By topic & genre | Creators & stories | Award winners | Reading Olympics

Suggestions by age & grade

Lists also available as PDFs; download below:


By topic & genre

Trending topics

New! More on these topics for all ages

Genre lists available as PDFs; download below


Creators & stories


Award winners

Bluestem Award (2024, pdf)

Illinois' Readers' Choice Award (grades 3-5).

The Caldecott Medal

Given annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

Coretta Scott King Book Awards & John Steptoe New Talent Awards

• The Coretta Scott King Book Awards: given annually to recognize outstanding books for young adults and children by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience.
• The John Steptoe New Talent Award: offers visibility to excellence in writing and/or illustration which otherwise might be formally unacknowledged by the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Committee.

The Monarch Award (2024, pdf)

Illinois' Children's Choice Award (grades K-3).

The Newbery Medal

Given annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

Pura Belpré Book Awards

Given annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award (2024, pdf)

Illinois' Children's Choice Award (grades 4-8).

Sydney Taylor Book Award

Presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.

More award winners

Other children's book and media awards »


Reading Olympics: Spring 2024

Reading Olympics is a literature enrichment program sponsored by Oak Park Elementary School District 97, River Forest Public Schools District 90, Oak Park Public Library, and River Forest Public Library, as well as several private schools. Find titles for the upcoming Reading Olympics (linked to the library's catalog) below and learn more abo ut the program »