As a parent, you know your child best. Getting them to read can be tricky, but it is easier when you pick books that are about their interests or the type of books they like. Most of the links below will take you directly to the catalog, where you can read summaries and reviews or place a hold on any materials you want.

Find picture books by subject

Find books for specific age groups

State and national book awards

State awards

State of Illinois' Awards include the Monarch Award for Kindergarten to 3rd grade, the Bluestem Award for 3rd to 5th grades, the ReCaudill Award for 4th to 8th grades, and the Abraham Lincoln Award for high school literature.

Learn about how your kids can particiapte in our reading clubs for these awards.

National Awards

National Awards vary in purpose, from excellence in illustration to books that honor the best and brightest authors of specific heritages. You can find more about each of these awards and their winners by clicking on the links below.

  • Coretta Scott King Award: Presented annually to African American authors and illustrators whose books promote an understanding and appreciation of the “American Dream.”
  • John Newberry Award: Awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal: Awarded every two years to an author or illustrator whose books have made a lasting contribution to children’s literature.
  • Michael L. Printz Award: Given to a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature.
  • Odyssey Award: Honors the best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults.
  • Pura Belpre Award: Honors Latino writers and illustrators whose works best exemplify authentic cultural experiences in children's works of literature.
  • Randolph Caldecott Medal: Awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
  • Theordore Geisel Seuss Award: Given annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished contribution to beginning reader books published in the United States during the preceding year.