Early Literacy

Once children have the opportunity to see themselves in books, they can also find links to their own experiences that depict cultural backgrounds different than their own. By seeing that people who look differently than they do can share similar feelings, they vicariously experience the lives of many different people. Books link children to the past and offer them hope for the future. 

Picture books and early readers appeal to 5- to 7-year-olds. These books tend to be well illustrated to help children make the transition from what they see to what the printed word says. They also tend to be organized into chapters, like more advanced reading books. Many of these books are wonderful for shared reading experiences.

Many classics are enjoyed by 8-to 10-year olds. Adventure stories, mysteries, fairy tales, folk tales, and chapter books make appealing and exciting reading. Older school-age children like reading about real people. They like reading about the teenagers they will soon be. Plots dealing with romance, family relationships, and school are always appealing, as are biographies and stories of beloved animal pets. 

Look, too, for books that are previous winners of the John Newberry and Randolph Caldecott Medals. These medals are awarded annually by a committee of children's libraries to distinguished authors and artists. Librarians and teachers can help select books.

Read Aloud America Book List - Read Aloud America

Best Books for Preschoolers - Parenting.com 

Notable Children's Books - Association for Library Service to Children

Reading Lists - Children’s Book Council

Children's Choices Reading List - International Reading Association

Great Books for Kids of All Ages – Oprah.com

Newbery Medal Home Page - ALSC

Randolph Caldecott Medal - ALSC

Related Training:

Early Literacy (1 hour / .1 CEU)

Language Development (2 hours / .2 CEU)

Learning My A B Cs (3 hours / .3 CEU)