LibGuides: What Should I Read?: Lower School

Which Books Are "Lower School" Books?

ALSC Children's Notable Lists
The best in children's books, recordings, and videos, selected by the Association for Library Service to Children.
Caldecott Medal
Awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Coretta Scott King Awards
Outstanding books for children and teens by African American creators that celebrate African American culture.
E.B. White Read Aloud Award
Award given by The Association of Booksellers for Children (ABC) to honor books that embody the universal read aloud qualities found in E.B. White's beloved books.
Geisel Award
Given to the most distinguished American book for beginning readers.
Newbery Medal
Awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
NY Times/NY Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Books 2023
An independent panel of judges select picture books on the basis of artistic merit.
Pura Belpré Award
Celebrates an outstanding work of Latino literature for children and youth.
Sibert Medal
Awarded to the most distinguished informational book.
Volunteer State Book Award (VSBA)
Students across Tennessee vote for their favorite books.

LS: Chapter Books: Fantasy
LS: Chapter Books: Historical Fiction
LS: Chapter Books: Realistic Fiction
LS: Chapter Books: Sports
LS: Early Chapter Books
Shorter chapter books for newly independent readers and those expanded into slightly longer books.
LS: Early Readers
Popular books for students who are beginning to read on their own. This includes very early chapter books.
LS: Picture Books: Black History
Picture books that celebrate the history and achievements of African Americans.
LS: Picture Books: Diverse Families
Picture books featuring many different kinds of families.
LS: Picture Books: Friendship
Picture books that celebrate the power of friendship.
LS: Picture Books: LGBTQ
Books for young readers on LGBTQ people and topics, including same-sex parents and gender-non-conforming children.

This section includes reviews, recommendations, and booklists on various themes.

ALSC Booklists
Thematic booklists compiled by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC).
Common Sense Media
CSM provides reviews of children's books with the aim of giving parents and kids the information they need to determine if a book is appropriate for them.
Good Comics for Kids (School Library Journal)
Comics/graphic novels reviewed by librarians, parents, and writers
Monster Librarian
Perfect for kids who like scary books.
Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
This children's book blog primarily covers illustration — picture books and illustrated novels.
Weird and Wonderful Books
A list of some wonderfully gross nonfiction books
Reading Beyond
Recommended books for children who read at an advanced level and are seeking challenging yet age-appropriate books.

If you know what you like and just want someone to recommend something similar, try one of these automated tools!

Juvenile Series and Sequels Database
This database contains nearly 5,000 series titles, for readers from PreK up through 12th grade.
Kindred Works
Discover books, movies and music similar to a sample work of your choice
Literature Map
A visual map of authors that are similar to each other

Here are some resources for finding other media such as audio books and e-books.

ALSC Notable Children's Recordings
The best in children's audiobooks, selected by the Association for Library Service to Children.
Best Free Kindle Ebooks for Children
International Children's Digital LIbrary
A digital library of outstanding children's books from around the world.
Odyssey Award
The best audiobooks for children and teens.