Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer ProgrammerDiane Stanley, illustrated by Jessie HartlandThis engaging biography introduces nineteenth-century scientist Ada Lovelace, who developed the first algorithm used by the world’s early computers.Younger ReadersLexile 810LATOS 5View book detailsALSC Notable Children's Books 2017
Books selected by ALSC for children from birth through age 14.
2017 ALSC Notable Children's BooksSee the original list
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Published byAssociation for Library Service to Children (ALA)
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Younger Readers
28 selections
Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer ProgrammerDiane Stanley, illustrated by Jessie HartlandThis engaging biography introduces nineteenth-century scientist Ada Lovelace, who developed the first algorithm used by the world’s early computers.Younger ReadersLexile 810LATOS 5View book details
Ada Twist, ScientistAndrea BeatyInquisitive Ada Twist is determined to identify a mysterious smell. Her mission includes some not-so- successful science experiments, supportive parents, and insatiable curiosity.Younger ReadersLexile AD550LATOS 3.4View book details
Before MorningJoyce SidmanThrough rhythmic text and scratchboard illustrations, readers follow a family from “the deep woolen dark” of night into a snowy morning, where all is made “slow and delightful and white.”Younger ReadersLexile 370LATOS 2.6View book details
Best Frints in the Whole UniverseAntoinette PortisUsing their own unique language, space creatures Yelfred and Omek demonstrate that friendship troubles are universal.Younger ReadersWord count 359View book details
CountingFleur StarExperience counting in the natural world with a variety of textures and shapes. Numbers and words are printed as text and Braille in this early learning board book.Younger ReadersView book details
Coyote MoonMaria GianferrariStriving to feed her pups, a coyote hunts in the moonlight until dawn. This strikingly illustrated, nonfiction offering holds many facts and celebrates this skilled predator.Younger ReadersLexile 810LATOS 2.4View book details
Fabulous FrogsMartin JenkinsFrogs of all sizes and colors, bearing a variety of unique characteristics, hop through this beautiful nonfiction picture book.Younger ReadersLexile AD520LATOS 3.4View book details
Go, Otto, Go!David MilgrimExtremely simple text and humorous, energetic illustrations bring to life, with surprising emotional complexity, this tale of Otto the robot who is building a spaceship to take him home. (Geisel Honor Book)Younger ReadersLexile 80LATOS 1.1View book details
Good Night OwlGreg PizzoliWhen an unfamiliar noise prevents Owl from falling asleep, his desperate efforts to find its source escalate to comedic effect. (Geisel Honor Book)Younger ReadersLexile 410LATOS 1.7View book details
The Great Pet EscapeVictoria JamiesonIllus. by the author. Holt. The class pets at Daisy P. Flugelhorn Elementary are on the loose! Second-grade classroom hamster GW has had enough and sets out to free his two best friends.Younger ReadersView book details
Horrible Bear!Ame DyckmanWhen a kite goes astray, an accident and misunderstanding bring together two unlikely friends in a story about the power of forgiveness.Younger ReadersLexile AD420LATOS 1.7View book details
A Hungry Lion; or, A Dwindling Assortment of AnimalsLucy Ruth CumminsWhy do a little calico kitten, a brown mouse, and a floppy-eared bunny disappear? Ask the hungry lion.Younger ReadersLexile AD720LATOS 2.6View book details
The Infamous RatsosKara LaReauTrying to follow in their tough father’s footsteps, Louie and Ralphie’s efforts go humorously awry. (Geisel Honor Book)Younger ReadersLexile 580LATOS 3.5View book details
Leave Me Alone!Vera BrosgolIn her endeavor to make sweaters for 30 curious grandchildren, a harried grandmother embarks on a quest for peace and quiet. (Caldecott Honor Book)Younger ReadersLexile 490LView book details
The Night GardenerTerry FanA dreary town comes to life through the efforts of a mysterious nocturnal gardener, whose fantastic topiaries amaze and empower a young boy.Younger ReadersLexile AD570LATOS 2.7View book details
Old Dog Baby BabyJulie FoglianoSimple text and watercolor illustrations capture the sweet relationship between a crawling baby and a lovable old dog as they play together on the kitchen floor.Younger ReadersView book details
Oops, Pounce, Quick, Run! An Alphabet CaperMike TwohyIn this playful abecedary, a ball and a dog interrupt mouse’s nap, triggering an A to Z chase. (Geisel Honor Book)Younger ReadersView book details
Over the OceanTaro GomiDepicted through serene watercolor spreads, a young girl stands on a beach and imagines the world beyond the ocean. (Batchelder Honor Book)Younger ReadersView book details
A Piece of HomeJeri WattsIn this compassionate immigration story, Hee Jun and his family slowly adjust to their new life in West Virginia after moving from Korea.Younger ReadersLexile AD650LATOS 3.6View book details
PuddleHyewon YumA mother and child draw a story of themselves and their dog walking in the rain. The child splashes in a puddle, but it’s only a picture—until reality mirrors art.Younger ReadersLexile BR280LATOS 0.9View book details
Rudas: Niño’s Horrendous HermanitasYuyi MoralesWild adventures ensue when young luchador Niño is pitted against his little sisters, the lucha wrestling queens.Younger ReadersView book details
School’s First Day of SchoolAdam RexIn this charming account of first-day jitters, a brand new school building is the one wracked with nerves as the school year begins.Younger ReadersLexile 580LATOS 3.3View book details
Thunder Boy JrSherman AlexieNamed after his father, Thunder Boy Jr. seeks a new name that’s all his own and celebrates something cool that he has done.Younger ReadersLexile AD420LATOS 2.5View book detailsWe Are Growing! A Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie Like Reading! BookLaurie KellerThe exuberance felt by a few blades of grass as they celebrate their individuality and quick growth is cut short in the face of an approaching lawn mower. (Geisel Medal Book)Younger ReadersView book details
We Found a HatJon KlassenTwo turtles unexpectedly explore the depths of their friendship and loyalty when they come across a good-looking hat without an owner.Younger ReadersLexile 280LATOS 1.3View book details
Weekends with Max and His DadLinda UrbanOn weekends, third-grader Max visits his dad's new apartment and begins to adjust to his parents' divorce.Younger ReadersLexile 630LATOS 4.1View book details
When Andy Met SandyTomie dePaola, Jim LewisA story of gentle friendship begins when one child courageously asks another to play.Younger ReadersView book details
Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln?Kate DiCamilloBaby Lincoln goes on a “necessary journey,” taking the opportunity to explore, grow, and find herself. In the end she realizes that there is no place like home.Younger ReadersLexile 490LATOS 3.3View book detailsMiddle Readers
25 selections
The Best ManRichard PeckFour men in Archer’s family become his heroes in this story of small-town life, family, and marriage.Middle ReadersLexile 540LATOS 4.1View book details
Dory Fantasmagory: Dory Dory Black SheepAbby HanlonDory’s best friend Rosabelle can read big chapter books. Feeling left out, Dory decides she will learn to read, no matter what it takes.Middle ReadersView book details
Full of BeansJennifer L. HolmBean and his gang of friends find the resources to survive the Great Depression’s hardships in their hometown of Key West, Florida.Middle ReadersLexile 490LATOS 3.8View book details
Frank and Lucky Get SchooledLynne Rae PerkinsA boy and his newly adopted dog learn about math, science, and other school subjects through everyday interactions in nature and with each other.Middle ReadersView book details
The Girl Who Drank the MoonKelly BarnhillAlgonquin. Saved by a witch as a baby, Luna is accidentally filled with extraordinarily powerful magic. (NewberyMiddle ReadersLexile 640LView book details
I Am Not a NumberJenny Kay Dupuis, Kathy KacerIllus. by Gillian Newland. Second Story. Sent to a residential boarding school in Canada, Irene reminds herself that her family, language, and Anishinaabe culture are a source of great strength and pride.Middle ReadersLexile 640LATOS 4.1View book details
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her MarkDebbie LevyDiscover the life of Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in this picture-book biography about how one small yet powerful woman persisted against great odds.Middle ReadersView book details
Juana & LucasJuana MedinaJuana, a spirited young girl in Bogotá, Colombia, shares her frustrations and successes in learning English. (Belpré Author Medal Book)Middle ReadersView book details
Ms. Bixby’s Last DayJohn David AndersonWhen she is diagnosed with cancer, three boys decide to make sure her last day is perfect.Middle ReadersView book details
PaxSara PennypackerReaders join a stirring search for peace in this poignant tale of loss and reconciliation, told in the alternating views of a fox and his boy.Middle ReadersLexile 760LATOS 5.3View book details
A Poem for Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the Creation of The Snowy DayAndrea Davis PinkneyThis homage to Ezra Jack Keats takes the form of a biographical poem, telling of his creation of Peter, the young, black protagonist of The Snowy Day, and Keats’ impact on children's literature.Middle ReadersView book details
Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John LewisJabari AsimEmulating preachers at church, young John literally fed and ministered to his farmyard congregation of chickens.Middle ReadersView book details
The Princess and the WarriorDuncan TonatiuhThe origin of two volcanoes near Mexico City, Iztaccíhuatl (the Sleeping Woman) and Popocatépetl (from words meaning smoking and mountain), is told in this original version of an ancient legend. (Belpré Illustrator Honor Book)Middle ReadersLexile 770LATOS 4.3View book details
Raymie NightingaleKate DiCamilloDiCamillo’s writing sparkles with humor and hope as new friends Raymie, Beverly, and Louisiana endeavor to find their places in the world.Middle ReadersLexile 550LATOS 3.6View book details
The Secret KeepersTrenton Lee StewartWhen 12-year-old Reuben finds a peculiar, magical watch that has the power to turn its owner invisible, he’s propelled on the adventure of a lifetime.Middle ReadersLexile 820LATOS 5.6View book details
The Sound of SilenceKatrina GoldsaitoAfter a musician tells Yoshio her favorite sound is ma (silence), the boy seeks ma amidst the daily bustle of his life in Tokyo.Middle ReadersLexile AD700LATOS 3.9View book details
Steamboat SchoolDeborah HopkinsonIllus. by Ron Husband. Disney/Jump at the Sun. When James’ school is closed by a law forbidding the education of African Americans, he helps create a clever alternative.Middle ReadersLexile AD660LATOS 4.2View book details
Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about KindnessDonna Janell BowmanBorn a slave, William “Doc” Key, became a self-taught veterinarian. With much kindness, he raised a remarkable horse, named Jim Key, which he taught to answer questions, spell, and write.Middle ReadersView book details
The StorytellerEvan TurkDuring a time of drought, a storyteller and his apprentice weave a complex tale to rescue their city from a menacing sandstorm.Middle ReadersLexile AD870LATOS 4.9View book details
The Tragic Tale of the Great AukJan ThornhillIllus. by the author. Groundwood. Great Auks, flightless birds resembling penguins, were prolific in the icy waters of the northern Atlantic until human hunters, egg collectors, and climate change led to their extinction.Middle ReadersView book details
A Voyage in the Clouds: The (Mostly) True Story of the First International Flight by Balloon in 1785Matthew OlshanIn the year and a half since the flight of the first manned balloon in 1783, an Italian has flown, a Scot has flown, a woman has flown, even a sheep has flown.Middle ReadersView book details
Wet CementBob RaczkaChildren will enjoy the unusual format of the poems and their titles in this kid-friendly collection of concrete poetry.Middle ReadersLexile 580LATOS 3.8View book details
When Mischief Came to TownKatrina NannestadHarcourt. Recently orphaned, Inge Maria goes to live with her grandmother. Through her wild and spirited ways, Inge soon endears herself to the villagers, bringing joy to all.Middle ReadersLexile 930LATOS 5.6View book details
When the Sea Turned to SilverGrace LinChinese folklore intertwines with Pinmei and Yishan’s perilous journey to save Pinmei's storyteller grandmother from the clutches of the evil Tiger Emperor.Middle ReadersLexile 750LATOS 4.8View book details
The Wild RobotPeter BrownAn inquisitive and lonely robot mothers an orphaned gosling and befriends an island of animals in a story of survival, where nature and technology collide.Middle ReadersView book detailsOlder Readers
26 selections
As Brave As YouJason ReynoldsAs their parents try to repair their marriage, brothers Ernie and Genie uncover family history and the extent of their own bravery, while spending an eye-opening summer with their grandparents in Virginia.Older ReadersLexile 750LATOS 4.8View book details
The Ballad of a Broken NoseArne Svingen(Batchelder Honor Book)Older ReadersView book details
The Bitter Side of SweetTara SullivanThree children band together to escape a life of slavery on a cacao farm in the modern-day Ivory Coast.Older ReadersView book details
Blood Brother: Jonathan Daniels and His Sacrifice for Civil RightsRich Wallace, Sandra Neil WallaceBoyds Mills/Calkins Creek. Jonathan Daniels devoted his life to helping others, leading him to stand up and march for civil rights. Through journal entries, letters, and insight, readers experience his heartfelt fight for human rights.Older ReadersView book details
BookedKwame AlexanderTwelve-year-old Nick excels on the soccer field but struggles to deal with his parents' divorce in this touching yet humorous novel in verse.Older ReadersView book details
Brown v. Board of Education: A Fight for Simple JusticeSusan Goldman RubinThis thorough look at the landmark Supreme Court case that ended school segregation illuminates an important part of U.S. history.Older ReadersView book details
Cloud and WallfishAnne NesbetNoah is whisked by his parents to a new life behind the Iron Curtain in 1989 East Germany. Mystery, intrigue, and friendship interweave as he questions everything he knows and loves.Older ReadersView book details
Cry, Heart, but Never BreakGlenn RingtvedIllus. by Charlotte Pardi. Tr. by Robert Moulthrop. Enchanted Lion. The figure of Death gently eases the pain of four siblings as they accept the loss of their grandmother. (Batchelder Award Book)Older ReadersView book details
Garvey’s ChoiceNikki GrimesBoyds Mills/Wordsong. Utilizing tanka poems, this novel in verse relates how Garvey’s family, new friend, and love of music lead him to personal discovery and self-acceptance.Older ReadersView book details
GhostJason ReynoldsGhost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his elite middle-school track team, but his past slows him down.Older ReadersView book details
In the Shadow of Liberty: The Hidden History of Slavery, Four Presidents, and Five Black LivesKenneth C. DavisDid you know that many of America’s Founding Fathers―who fought for liberty and justice for all―were slave owners?Older ReadersView book details
The Inquisitor’s Tale; or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy DogAdam GidwitzOn a dark night in 1242 France, travelers tell the story of three mysterious children: William, Jacob, and Jeanne, and their dog Gwenforte, recently brought back from the dead. (Newbery Honor Book)Older ReadersLexile 620LATOS 4.5View book details
The Lie TreeFrances HardingeIn Victorian Britain, Faith Sunderly investigates the mysterious murder of her father, discovering a tree that feeds that feeds upon lies and gives visions to those who eat its fruit.Older ReadersLexile 860LATOS 6.4View book details
Lowriders to the Center of the EarthCathy CamperThe Lowriders journey to the center of the earth to retrieve their beloved cat, Genie, in this energetic graphic novel. (Belpré Illustrator Medal Book)Older ReadersLexile GN360LATOS 2.8View book details
March: Book ThreeJohn Lewis, Andrew AydinIllus. by Nate Powell. Top Shelf. This third graphic novel in Congressman John Lewis’ personal account of the Civil Rights Movement begins with the Birmingham church bombing and ends with the signing of the Voting Rights Act. (Sibert Medal Book)Older ReadersView book details
The Only RoadAlexandra DiazTravel with Jaime and his cousin Angela, as they make the heartbreaking and life-changing journey from Guatemala to New Mexico. (Belpré Author Honor Book)Older ReadersLexile 830LATOS 5.3View book details
Presenting Buffalo Bill: The Man Who Invented the Wild WestCandace FlemingFleming digs for truth behind the myth of showman William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the development of the Wild West, and the treatment of the American Indians during late nineteenth century.Older ReadersView book details
Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s StoryCaren StelsonSachiko was six years old when the atomic bomb fell on Nagasaki, Japan. Her incredible story of survival, loss, and courageous perseverance is one that must be heard. (Sibert Honor Book)Older ReadersView book details
Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto YoshitsunePamela S.Turner. Illus. by Gareth Hinds. Charlesbridge. Turner reveals the thrilling life of twelfth-century samurai Minamoto Yoshitsune, the bloody feud between his family and the Taira clan, and his undoing by the political machinations of his brother.Older ReadersView book details
To Stay Alive: Mary Ann Graves and the Tragic Journey of the Donner PartySkila BrownFollow Mary Ann Graves and her family as they travel across the country in a tale of survival against all odds. Powerful, first-person narration characterizes this novel in verse.Older ReadersView book details
Uprooted: The Japanese American Experience during World War IIAlbert MarrinThis generously illustrated account of the shameful history of the U.S.’ internment of Japanese Americans during WWII is thorough, thoughtful, and provocative. (Sibert Honor Book)Older ReadersLexile 1050LATOS 8.2View book details
We Will Not Be Silent: The White Rose Student Resistance Movement That Defied Adolf HitlerRussell FreedmanThey belonged to Hitler Youth as young children, but began to doubt the Nazi regime. As older students, the Scholls and a few friends formed the White Rose, a campaign of active resistance to Hitler and the Nazis.Older ReadersView book details
What Elephants KnowEric DinersteinNandu grows up in an elephant stable in the jungles of Nepal. When the stable is threatened with closure, Nandu must convince his father to transform it into an elephant-breeding center.Older ReadersView book details
Wolf HollowLauren WolkIn this coming-of-age story, spunky and courageous Annabelle defends a veteran who has become the target of local bullying attacks. (Newbery Honor Book)Older ReadersLexile 800LATOS 4.9View book details
The Wolf’s BoySusan Williams BeckhornTwo outcasts, a boy and a wolf, band together to survive the harsh, Ice-age winter.Older ReadersView book details
You Can Fly: The Tuskegee AirmenCarole Boston WeatherfordThis collection of free-verse poems offers an evocative portrait of the U.S.’ first African American military pilots, who trained at the Tuskegee Institute during WWI.Older ReadersView book detailsAll Ages
18 selections
Animals by the Numbers: A Book of InfographicsSteve JenkinsThe animal kingdom is presented in easy-to-understand, colorful infrographics that allow the reader to appreciate the world of animals by comparing and contrasting one species to another.All AgesView book details
As Time Went ByJose SanabriaIllus. by the author. North-South. An abandoned ship finds new purpose when displaced villagers make it their new home. (Batchelder Honor Book)All AgesView book details
Daniel Finds a PoemMicha ArcherWhat is poetry? Maybe it’s glistening morning dew, a cool pond, or crunchy leaves. A young boy spends a day talking to animals and discovering poetry in the world around him.All AgesLexile AD560LATOS 2.8View book details
Du Iz Tak?Carson EllisAs a tiny plant springs from the ground, curious bugs watch it grow and marvel in their own buggy language. Whimsically detailed paintings showcase their activities and the subtly passing seasons. (Caldecott Honor Book)All AgesView book details
Esquivel! Space-Age Sound ArtistSusan WoodIllus. by Duncan Tonatiuh. Charlesbridge. Self-taught musician Juan Garcia Esquivel blended traditional Mexican music and unconventional techniques to create a new, unique sound. (Belpré Illustrator Honor Book)All AgesView book details
Freedom in Congo SquareCarole Boston WeatherfordIllus. by R. Gregory Christie. little bee. In rhythmic text and exuberant illustrations, Weatherford and Christie tell the story of slaves who, after toiling all week, had one afternoon free to dance, sing, and play music in New Orleans’ Congo Square. (Caldecott Honor Book)All AgesLexile AD600LATOS 5.4View book details
Freedom over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley BryanAshley Bryan, slaves were erroneously considered objects with a monetary value. Here, Bryan humanizes 11 enslaved people, imagining the dreams and personal reflections that belong only to them. (Newbery Honor Book)All AgesLexile 730LView book details
Giant SquidCandace Fleming, illustrated by Eric RohmannPlunging into the “depths of the sunless sea,” readers are wrapped in the tentacles of Fleming’s text and Rohmann’s illustrations, gaining an appreciation for the ever-elusive giant squid. (Sibert HonorAll AgesLexile 990LATOS 3.2View book details
Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous PhotographRoxane OrgillArt Kane’s iconic photograph of great jazz musicians gathered on a New York City street is brought to life though exuberant poems and paintings.All AgesView book details
The JourneyFrancesca SannaIllus. by the author. Flying Eye. In the face of war and the loss of her husband, a mother and her children leave everything behind to make a dangerous journey to find safety in a new land.All AgesLexile AD630LATOS 3.2View book details
Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a NeighborhoodF. Isabel Campoy, Theresa HowellWith paint, brushes, and artistic spirit, a muralist transforms Mira’s gray neighborhood into a place of color, joy, and unity. Based on a community art movement in San Diego, California.All AgesView book details¡Olinguito, de la A a la Z! / Olinguito, from A to Z! Descubriendo el bosque nublado / Unveiling the Cloud ForestLulu DelacreA bilingual alphabet book follows the olinguito through the cloud forest, introducing the habitat's plants and animals in Spanish and English.All AgesView book details
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel BasquiatJavaka SteptoeThe short yet brilliant life story of Jean-Michel Basquiat and his determination to become an artist are revealed through poetic language and illustrations dramatically influenced by Basquiat's own style. (Caldecott Medal Book)All AgesLexile 1050LATOS 4.7View book details
Some Writer! The Story of E. B. WhiteMelissa SweetThis enticing biography of beloved children’s book author E. B. White seamlessly incorporates photographs, personal letters, pages from his books, and collage illustrations with engaging text.All AgesView book detailsSomos como las nubes / We Are Like the CloudsJorge ArguetaIllus. by Alfonso Ruano. Tr. by Elisa Amado. Groundwood. Twenty poems, in Spanish and English, present first-person vignettes of unaccompanied youths traveling from Central America to the U.S., hoping to find a safer life and reunite with family.All AgesView book details
They All Saw a CatBrendan WenzelReaders observe a cat from a variety of perspectives as he sees and is seen by a cast of characters. (Caldecott Honor Book)All AgesLexile AD310LATOS 1.9View book details
The Water PrincessSusan Verde, Georgie BadielPrincess Gie Gie walks miles every morning to collect water for her family, while dreaming of bringing clean drinking water to her parched African village.All AgesLexile 480LATOS 2.2View book details
When Green Becomes TomatoesJulie FoglianoQuiet, whispered poems capture the internal world of a diverse cast of children, who delight in the changing seasons. 2017 Notable Children's Books Committee Paige Bentley-Flannery , Chair, Deschutes Public Library, Sisters, Oregon Skye Corey , Meridian Library District, Meridian, Idaho Lara Crews , Forsyth County Public Library, Kernersville, North Carolina Dr. Brenda Dales , Miami University, Oxford, Ohio Kimberly Probert Grad , Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn, New York Sharon Haupt , San Luis Coastal Unified School District, San Luis Obispo, California Ariana Hussain , St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School, Washington, D.C. Maeve Knoth , Phillips Brooks School, Menlo Park, California Benjamin Martin , Saint James School, Montgomery, Alabama Maria Simon , Wood County District Public Library, Bowling Green, OhioAll AgesLexile 769LATOS 4.9View book details