New! A kids’ reading list for Hunger Action Month. And more from our friends at Beyond Hunger »
Wondering what to read next? Check out these recommended reading lists featuring titles vetted by Oak Park’s children’s librarians and discover the newest titles for kids in the library catalog »
By age & grade | By topic | Creators & stories | Award winners
Recommendations by age & grade
Lists also available as PDFs; download below:
Suggestions by topic
Hispanic Heritage Month
More: Find title suggestions for adults and teens, plus videos and online resources »
Hunger Action Month
September is Hunger Action Month: Learn more about actions you can take this month from Beyond Hunger and check out these books about food insecurity selected by our librarians »
Creators & stories
Arab & Arab American creators
Asian & Pacific Islander creators
- Fiction & Graphic Novels (pdf)
- Picture Books, Easy Readers & Early Chapters (pdf)
- Nonfiction, Biographies & Traditional Tales (pdf)
Black creators
- Fiction & Graphic Novels (pdf)
- Nonfiction & Biographies (pdf)
- Picture Books, Early Readers & Early Chapter Books (pdf)
Disability reads
Latinx creators
LGBTQ+ creators
Native American & First Nation creators
Award winners
Bluestem Award
Illinois' Readers' Choice Award (grades 3-5). More about the award »
The Caldecott Medal 2021 (pdf)
Given annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. More about the award »
Coretta Scott King Book Awards & John Steptoe New Talent Awards 2021 (pdf)
• 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. More about the award »
• 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. More about the award »
The Monarch Award
Illinois' Children's Choice Award (grades K-3). More about the award »
The Newbery Medal 2021 (pdf)
Given annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. More about the award »
Pura Belpré Book Awards 2021 (pdf)
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. More about the award »
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award
Illinois' Children's Choice Award (grades 4-8). More about the award »
More award winners
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