CHILDREN'S LITERATURE : Guide

A. Find book reviews -- of older books for children  -- with book review indexes

Indexes to book reviews are time-saving research tools, because they lead to book reviews located in numerous publications. These two will help you find reviews of older books.

Book Review Digest -- 1905-1991.

New York: Wilson Co.

In print in Library with call number: Reference Z1219 .C96

 

Print version ... is arranged alphabetically by authors’ last names. Compiles reviews for fiction and non-fiction books for adults, young adults, and children. Each entry includes a description of book (quoted from a review or publisher's note) and excerpts from several reviews of the book. Indexed by subject and title. Look in subject index under "Children's Literature" (this heading may vary from one year to another; see Preface for heading used) for listing of children's books alphabetically by author.

Book Review Index -- 1991-2003.

Detroit: Gale Research, Inc.

In print in Library with call number: Reference Z1035.A1 B6

 

Arranged alphabetically by authors’ last names. Lists sources of book reviews for each book written by the author. Age codes (c= children to age 10; y=young adults from age 11 and up) are included. Indexed by title.

 

B. Find book reviews -- of current children's books -- in general databases

 

To find reviews of current books, search general databases. General databases -- that index magazine & journal articles covering many topics -- will include book reviews. Do a keyword search for the author or title of the item for which you need a book review and combine it with the word review* (where the asterisk * is a wildcard character and will retrieve either the word "review" or the word "reviews."  For example: harry potter and review*

 

General databases include:

Academic Search Premier and MasterFILE Premier

Online: via EBSCOhost (http://www.departments.dsu.edu/library/ebsco.htm) or use the "Database Quicklinks" dropdown menu in the top right corner of the Library's home page to select Academic Search Premier.

Proquest Research Library

Online: via Proquest (http://www.departments.dsu.edu/library/prodirec.html) or use the "Database Quicklinks" dropdown menu in the top right corner of the Library's home page to select Proquest Research Library.

 

C. Find book reviews -- in journals that publish many reviews of children’s books

The following magazines/journals are key reviewers of children's books. The indexes and databases described in B. above will lead you to reviews in these publications when you search for a particular subject, author, illustrator, etc., but scanning the most recent issues of these journals will help you keep up with what's new.

Booklist

Chicago: American Library Association.

twice a month.
Print issues: from 1939-2001 in Library.
Online issues: from 1997-present in Proquest Research Library. Use the "Publications" tab in Proquest to go to Booklist or use direct link to Booklist in Proquest

[Publication also available by subscription at http://ala.org/ala/aboutala/hqops/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist_online/booklistonlinecom/booklistonline.cfm]

 

This journal includes numerous book reviews in each issue. In the print journal, children's book reviews begin around middle of each issue, but see table of contents for exact location in each issue. Reviews include age or grade level and run about 150 words. An author/title index is at the end of each issue. A cumulative index to reviews for the year appears in the August & February 15th issues. The Web site provides links to its book reviews and features (but a new website in Fall 2005 provides fewer reviews for free).

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Chicago: University of Chicago Graduate Library School.

11 times/year.
Print issues: from 1976-present in Library.
Online issues: from 1998-present in Proquest Research Library. Use the "Publications" tab in Proquest to go directly to Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books or use direct link to the journal in Proquest

[Publication also available by subscription at http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/puboff/bccb/]

 

The print journal arranges reviews in alphabetical order by author. Each review indicates whether the book is recommended (the coding is actually more detailed than strictly "recommended" or "not recommended"), its age or grade level, curricular use, and developmental values (in addition to the lengthy reviews). Codes used in the reviews are explained in the first couple of pages of each issue. Each issue now includes a "Subject and Use" index to the books reviewed in that issue. An annual index (author; title) appears in the July/August issue.

The Horn Book Magazine

Horn Book, Inc. ( http://www.hbook.com/ -- some material from magazine is available on website)

6 times/year.
Print issues: from 1933-present in Library.

Online issues: from 1992-present in Proquest Research Library. Use the "Publications" tab in Proquest to go directly to Horn Book Magazine or use direct link to the journal in Proquest.

 

Online, Hornbook only provides a few sample reviews from the latest issue of the magazine.  They also list award & honor books from the Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards.  

In print, about half of each issue of this journal is devoted to articles about important topics and issues in children's literature. The "booklist" section is divided into reviews of "picture books", "for young readers," "for intermediate readers," and "for older readers." These are followed by sections for folklore, poetry, and nonfiction. Reviews are frequently long and labeled for age levels, and sometimes illustrations from the books are included. Reviews cover picture books through young adult levels.

Each individual issue has an index, and an annual cumulative index appears in the November/December issue. All of the reviews published during a six-month period are republished as The Horn Book Guide to Children’s and Young Adult Books (Reference Z1037 .H675)

School Library Journal

monthly (RR Bowker Co.)
Print issues: from 1927-43 and 1962-2002 in Library.
Online issues: from 1975-present in EBSCOhost MasterFile Premier and from 1992-present in Proquest Research Library. Use the "Publications" tab in Proquest to go directly to Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.

 

This journal contains book reviews (and audiovisual & software reviews) for preschool and primary grades, grades 3-6, junior high and up, and young adult. Reviews a majority of the children's books published. Each issue includes and author/illustrator index and a title index.

 

D. Authors/Illustrators -- Biographical Information

        1.  Indexes to biographical information

Contemporary Authors Cumulative Index
            In print in Library with call number:   Reference Z1224 .C6
            Online:   Called  "Gale’s Literary Index" www.galenet.com/servlet/LitIndex 

Use this index to locate information on authors in several biographical/critical series, including Something About the Author (Reference PN 451 .S6), Dictionary of Literary Biography (various call numbers), and Contemporary Literary Criticism (Reference PN771 .C65).

Biography Index
            In print (1946-1999) on first floor:  INDEXES Z5301 .B5 

Some biographical articles may also be found in general indexes (See section B above) and in Current Biography (Reference CT 100 .C8).

       2.  Books about authors and their works

Do a "word/s anywhere" search on the author's name in the Library Catalog to find books in the Mundt Library about the author.

       3.  Sources of biographical information

These are examples. For more, search the Library Catalog.

American Writers for Children before 1900.

Dictionary of Literary Biography, v. 42.

Detroit: Gale Research, 1985.

In print in Library with call number: Reference PS490 .A44 1985

American Writers for Children, 1900-1960.

Dictionary of Literary Biography, v. 22. 1983.

In print in Library with call number: Reference PS490 .A43 1983

American Writers for Children Since 1960: Fiction.

Dictionary of Literary Biography, v. 52. 1986.

In print in Library with call number: Reference PS374 .C454 A4 1986

American Writers for Children Since 1960: Poets, Illustrators and Non-Fiction Authors.

Dictionary of Literary Biography, v. 61. 1987.

In print in Library with call number: Reference PS490 .A45 1987

In-depth biographies and information (including bibliographies) about people's works.

Authors and Illustrators of Children's Books; Writings on Their Lives and Work.

New York: Bowker, 1972.

In print in Library with call number: Reference PN 1009 .A1 H58

In-depth articles with bibliographies.

 

Children's authors (Yahoo links to children's authors)

http://dir.yahoo.com/Arts/Humanities/Literature/Authors/Children_s/
Evaluate this material carefully to make sure it is authored by specialists who know what they are writing about.

Children's Book Council Author and Illustrator sites
          "The CBC provides links ... to authors and illustrators of children's books who are published by
        [its] member publishers and whose web pages showcase these books.  

Contemporary Authors

Detroit: Gale.

annual; cumulative index.

In print in Library with call number: Reference Z1224 .C6
Leads to biographical and critical information about authors.

Dictionary of American Children's Fiction, 1960-1984: Recent Books of Recognized Merit.

New York: Greenwood, 1986.

In print in Library with call number: Reference PS 374 .C454 H45 1986

The subject index at the end of the volume can lead to specific types of literature. The main body of the work is an alphabetical listing of characters in and titles of children's literature.

Eighth Book of Junior Authors and Illustrators

New York: H.W. Wilson Co., 2000.

 

Something About the Author: Facts & Pictures About Authors and Illustrators of books for Young People.

Detroit: Gale

In print in Library with call number: Reference PN 451 .S6

Use index in latest volume to look up your author or illustrator. In-depth biography for each person includes personal data, career information, awards and honors, writings, and autobiographical description by author.

 

Twentieth Century Children's Writers

New York: St James Press, 1995.

In print in Library with call number: Reference PN 1009 .A1 T9 1995

Over 600 writers. English language authors of fiction, poetry and dramas. Entry for each writer consists of biography, complete list of separately published books, and signed critical essay.

 

Writers for Children

New York: Scribners, 1988

In print in Library with call number: Reference PN 1009 .A1 W73 1987

Critical essays on important writers of children's literature from 17th century to early 20th century.

 

E. Other Reference Resources

Continuum Encyclopedia of Children's Literature

New York: Continuum, 2003.

In print in library with call number: REFERENCE : PN1008.5 .C66 2001

 

The Children's Literature Dictionary: Definitions, Resources, and Teaching Activities

New York: Neal-Schuman, 2002.
In print in library with call number: REFERENCE : PN1008.5 .L38 2002

 

The Oxford Companion to Children's Literature

New York: Oxford University Press, 1984.

In print in Library with call number: Reference PN1008.5 .C37 1984

Dictionary of children's books & authors, illustrators, characters, & terms related to children's literature.

 

Who's Who in Children's Books

New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1975.

In print in Library with call number: Reference PN1009 .A1 F575

Descriptions of characters in children's books, arranged alphabetically by character name.

 

F. Sources that help you identify good children's books

Children's Catalog, latest ed.  (Annual supplements)

In print in Library with call number: Reference Z 1037 .C5443

 

This book provides a list of children's books that is selected and voted on by a committee of children's librarians and instructors of children's lit -- so all these books are recommended. A new edition is published every 4-5 years and supplements to the current edition are published each year. Arranged by Dewey decimal classification, each entry includes publisher, price, grade level and a brief annotation. A combined author, title, subject, and analytical (i.e. author, title, subject for parts of books) index follows. Includes about 5000 books, preschool to 6th grade. Sections for fiction, easy books, and story collections are at the end of the Dewey decimal classification.

Note that Library also has Junior High School Library Catalog (Reference Z1037 .J854) and Senior High Core Collection (Reference Z1035 .S42). They provide the same approach to materials for upper grade levels.                                                                    

Examples of other publications...

Best Books for Children: Preschool Through Grade 6. New York: Bowker.

In print in Library with call number: Reference Z1037 .B547

Briefly annotated listing of about 13,000 recommended books for recreational reading and school curriculum.

Indexes include: authors/illustrators, titles, biographical subjects, subjects.This source is particularly useful if you are searching for particular types of literature such as historical fiction realistic fiction or biography...

 

The Best in Children's Books: The University of Chicago Guide to Children's Literature

1966-1972.  Chicago: U of C Press, 1973.

In print in Library with call number: Reference Z1037 .B4

The Best in Children's Books...1973-78.

Chicago: U of C Press, 1980.

In print in Library with call number: Reference Z1037 .A1 S92

The Best in Children's Books...1985-90.

Chicago: U of C Press, 1980.

Reviews of "best books" -- selected for literary quality rather than a balanced list in respect to grade, age, subject or genre. Reviews are in alphabetical order by author. Indexes include: Title, Developmental Values (e.g. "admustment to baby," "cooperation," "divorce," "self-confidence"), Curricular Use, Reading Level, and Types of Literature.

 

Beyond Picture Books: A Guide to First Readers.

By Barbara Barstow & Judith Riggle.

New York: RR Bowker, 1989 & 1995

In print in Library with call number: REFERENCE Z1037 .B278 1995

Lists and annotates a selected set of books intended for children at a first or second grade level (occasionally third). Includes a special list of outstanding first readers. Indexes include: Subject, Title, Illustrator, Readability, and Series.

Black Books Galore: Guide to Great African American Children's Books
          by Rand, Donna.
          REFERENCE : Z1037.N39 R33 1998

 

Book Awards, Yahoo links to book award sites

http://www.yahoo.com/Arts/Humanities/Literature/Genres/Children_s/Book_Awards/

Includes links to Caldecott, Newbery and other awards.

Books for Children to Read Alone: A Guide for Parents and Librarians Pre-K through Grade 3.

By George Wilson and Joyce Moss.

New York: RR Bowker, 1988.

In print in Library with call number: Reference Z 1037 W748 1988

As the title states, the authors are recommending bookswhich children can read alone. Many popular fairy tales, for example, are designed to be read to children and are not written at a level which they can read themselves.

The book is arranged by reading levels. Indexes include: Subject, Readability, Author, and Title.

 

Children's Books: Awards and Prizes. New York: Children's Book Council, Inc., 1986.

In print in Library with call number: Reference Z 1037 .A2 C52 1986

Describes many, many U.S., British Commonwealth, and international award winners for each through the year 1985. Title index and person index.

 

Coretta Scott King Book Award. Chicago: ALA

http://www.ala.org/ala/emiert/corettascottkingbookaward/corettascott.cfm 
Provides list of past and current winners of this book award.

Coretta Scott King Awards Book: From Vision to Reality. Chicago: ALA, 1994 and 1999.

In print in Library with call number: Reference Z 1037 .A2

Lists and describes winners of this book award.

 

The Elementary School Library Collection: A Guide to Books and Other Media, Phases 1 2 3, 17th ed.

Williamsport, PA: Brodart Co., 1990.

Reference Z1037 .E4 1990

Provides basic core collection of recommended books for children's libraries (about 9500 books) selected by specialists. Covers K through 6th grade: includes audiovisual items.

Indexed by author, by title, and by subject (including some types of lit).

Titles arranged in Dewey classification scheme under headings Reference, Non-fiction, Easy Fiction, Periodicals, and Professional Library. Each entry includes publisher, price, grade level and description annotation.

 

Great New Non-Fiction Reads, by Sharon L. McElmeel.

Reference Z1037 .M134 1995

Describes good non-fiction books for reading aloud and for young readers.

More Exciting, Funny, Scary, Short, Different, and Sad Books Kids Like about Animals, Science, Sports, Families, Songs, and Other Things
        Reference Z 1037 .C294 1992

Newbery Medal (online)
             Temporarily use: 
          http://staging.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberyhonors/newberymedal.cfm
             until this works again:
             http://ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberyhonors/newberymedal.cfm 
Newbery on the Net: Reading and Internet Activities.
          Ft. Atkinson, WI: Upstart Books, 2002.
          Link to online book from Library Catalog
Newbery and Caldecott Awards. Chicago: ALA
        In print in the Library at call number:  Reference Z 1037 .A2 N472 1995
        A guide to medal and honor books.
Newbery and Caldecott Medal and Honor Books: An Annotated Bibliography. Boston, MA: G.K. Hall, 1982.
        In print in the Library at call number:  Reference z1037 .P45
        Introductory information describes the awards, their history, and trends. Indexes: authors, illustrator, title, subject.

Notable Children's Books (current)

Temporarily use: 
http://staging.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/childrensnotable/notablechibooks/ncbpastlists/index.cfm
until this works again:
http://ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/childrensnotable/notablechibooks/ncbpastlists/index.cfm
Click on "Notable Children's Books" for most recent list. See also:

		Great Interactive Software for Kids
		Notable Children's Recordings
		Notable Children's Videos

Notable Children's Books 1971 - 1975.

Chicago: ALA, 1981.

In print in the Library at call number: Reference Z1037 .A4955 1981

Notable Children's Books 1940 - 1970.

Chicago: ALA, 1977.

In print in the Library at call number: Reference Z1037 .A4955 1977

Recommended children's (through age 14) books listed alphabetically by author. Indexes: age-level, title, illustrator. (No subject index).

Picture Books: An Annotated Bibliography with Activities for Teaching Writing.
        In print in the Library at call number: Reference Z1037 .A1 C85 1998

Picture Books for Children.

In print in the Library at call number: Reference Z1037 .C565 1990

Describes specific books appropriate for specific topics. Provides an introductory section on choosing picture books.

 

Prairie Bud Award Winners (Grade K-3)

The Prairie Bud Children's Book Award, sponsored by the South Dakota Library Association, is determined by kindergarten through third grade students throughout South Dakota. More information about the Award.

 

Prairie Pasque Award Winners (Grade 4-6)

The Prairie Pasque Children's Book Award, sponsored by the South Dakota Library Association, is determined by fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students throughout South Dakota. More information about the Award.

 

Primaryplots: A Book Talk Guide for Use with Readers 4-8.

New York: RR Bowker, 1989.

Reference Z1037 .A1 T47 1989

Books published between 1983 and 1987 which had been on one of the various "best book" or "notable" lists. The books were selected for eight themes (e.e. "enjoying family and friends," "developing a positive self-image"). For each book, there is a plot summary, thematic summary, book talk material and activities, related titles and a bibliography of materials about author and illustrator.

Author Index, Illustrator Index, Title Index, Subject Index.

G. Sources for identifying books - Special Subjects

These are examples:

 

Accept Me As I Am: Best Books of Juvenile Nonfiction on Impairments and Disabilities.

New York: Bowker, 1985.

In print in the Library at call number: Reference Z1037.9 .F73 1985

 

Recommends children's nonfiction on physical problems, sensory problems, cognitive and behavior problems, and on multiple/severe and various disabilities. Each item is annotated and reading level is given. Indexes include Author, Title and Subject.

 

The Bookfinder: A Guide to Children's Literature About theNeeds and Problems of Youth Aged 2 - 15.

Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service, 1977 and 1981. (1981 edition covers books published 1975-1978.)

In print in the Library at call number: Reference Z1037 .A1 D74 v.1 & v.2

 

Describes and categorizes about 1000 books according to psychological, behavioral & developmental topics. Annotations include general reading level. Subject, author and title index. Aimed at bibliotherapy -- children finding solutions to own problems in reading about others.

 

Books for the Gifted Child.

Volume 1 -- 1980; Volume 2 -- 1988.

New York: RR Bowker.

In print in the Library at call number: Reference Z1039 .G55 B37

 

Describes, in detail, books considered "intellectually demanding" and indicates reading levels as beginning, intermediate, or advanced rather than by grade or age.

Title and subject index.

 

Notes from a Different Drummer: A Guide to Juvenile Fiction Portraying the Handicapped. New York:

Bowker,1977. (Covers works from 1940-1975.)

In print in the Library at call number: Reference Z1037.9 .B37

 

More Notes from a Different Drummer.... New York: Bowker, 1984. (Covers 1976-1981.)

In print in the Library at call number: Reference Z1037.9 .B36 1984

 

Annotations are arranged alphabetically by author.

Indexes: title & subject.

Annotation consists of plot description, excerpts, and analysis. Coded for reading level.

 

Portraying persons with disabilities : an annotated bibliography of fiction for children and teenagers

by Debra Robertson. New Providence, N.J. : R.R. Bowker, c1992.

In print in the Library at call number: Reference Z1037.9 .R63 1992

Portraying persons with disabilities : an annotated bibliography of nonfiction for children and teenagers

by Joan Brest Friedberg, June B. Mullins, Adelaide Weir Sukiennik. New Providence, N.J. : R.R. Bowker, c1992.

In print in the Library at call number: Reference Z1037.9 .F735 1992

 

These two books provide information about books which portray persons with disabilities. One focuses on fiction and the other on non-fiction.

Special Needs Reading List: An Annotated Guide to Best Publications for Parents & Professionals.
        by Sweeney, Wilma
        In print in the Library at call number: REFERENCE : Z5814.C52 S84 1998

H. Sources for identifying children's periodicals

Children's Periodicals of the United States

Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1984.

In print in the Library at call number: Main Collection PN4878 .C48 1984

 

A history of children's magazines, arranged in alphabetical order by title. Many of these titles are still in existence, so it might help you choose children's magazines for your classroom. Each periodical's entry includes an in- depth analysis & description of contents, a publication history with title and other changes, and other information sources about the periodical.

 

Magazines for Libraries

New York: Bowker.

Use latest edition.

In print in the Library at call number: Reference Z6941 .M23

 

An annotated list of about 6500 "best" periodicals primarily for public libraries). Includes a section of magazines for children. Magazines are arranged alphabetically by title. Each entry includes frequency, price, publisher, publisher's address, circulation, where indexed, intended audience and review of the periodical.

 

I. Finding children's literature resources on the World Wide Web.

Evaluate material found on the web very carefully!!!  The material you use should be written by specialists who know what they are talking about.  Look for the qualifications of the author and the reputation of the web site to be sure.

1. Use Web subject directories with categories for "children’s literature"

These include:

Yahoo Directory -  http://dir.yahoo.com/

Follow this path: Arts &Humanities - Humanities - Literature - Genres - Children’s

2. Use Web search engines

Search engines (such as Google and Yahoo) may be reached from the Library homepage by clicking on the link called "Search the Internet."

a. Be sure to read help screens and search tips for a search engine before entering a search, because different search engines have different techniques for searching.

You can search for phrases by enclosing them in quotation marks:

"children’s literature"

b. Different search engines produce different results, so try other search engines if you need more or aren’t finding what you need.

 

c.  Evaluate material found on the web very carefully!!!  The material you use should be written by a specialist who know what they are talking about.  Look for the qualifications of the author and the reputation of the web site to be sure.

3. Some examples of children's lit Web sites

Bookhive: Your Guide to Children's Literature, Public Library of Charlotte-Mecklenburg (North Carolina) County
http://www.bookhive.org      "BookHive is a web site designed for children ages birth through twelve, their parents, teachers or anyone interested in reading about children's books. Providing reader's advisory service, this site contains hundreds of recommended book reviews in a variety of reading levels and interest areas. Parents may find special "parental notes" attached to some reviews that provide additional information about the book. Users can search for books by author, title, reading level, interest area, number of pages, and even favorite illustrator." Use the "Advanced Search" link to search for book reviews.

Cooperative Children's Books Center (CCBC), University of Wisconsin.  http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/ Link to "K-12 Teacher", etc. along top or use links in left navigation are to find book lists on specific topics for specific age groups.

Children's and YA Literature Resources, Cynthia Leitich Smith  http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/lit_resources/cyalr_index.html

Database of Award-Winning Children's Literature, Lisa R. Bartle 
http://www.dawcl.com/    Search by grade, genre, and many more options to find books that have won awards. Includes a wide range of awards.

Kidsreads.com 
http://www.kidsreads.com/     Provides book reviews and author interviews for children along with games and contests. Browse by author, title, keyword.

4. Children's books on the Web (full-text)

International Children's Digital Library
http://www.icdlbooks.org/

 

J. Finding children's literature in the Library

1. Books

a. To find books about children's literature, use the Library Catalog.  
For example, do a subject word/s search in the Catalog for: children's literature

b. To find children's books, use the Library Catalog.  For example, do a search for author word/s or title word/s. Or search for word/s anywhere and limit the search to the juvenile (children's) collection.  For detailed help, including finding children's books from specific genres (fantasy, picture books, etc.), see the following Mundt Library guide:

Finding Children's Literature in Libraries (in Word .doc format)

c. To find award winning children's books in the Mundt Library, use the Library Catalog.  For example, do a search for the award name (e.g Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Printz, Prairie Bud, Prairie Pasque) and limit the search to the Juvenile (children's) collection.

d. For electronic children's books (full-text on the Web), see

            International Children's Digital Library

2. Articles in magazines - about children's literature

For articles about children's literature, recommended book lists and so forth, use the following databases:

Proquest Education Complete (online in Proquest)
  http://www.departments.dsu.edu/library/prodirec.html 

 

ERIC
  http://www.eric.ed.gov/

Academic Search Premier (online in EBSCOhost)
  http://www.departments.dsu.edu/library/ebsco.htm

3. Articles in children's magazines - for children

For articles in children's magazines, use the Library's link to Research Databases (by Subject) and select the link labeled "Children and Young Adults" in the "special audience" area at the top.

 

 

Content last revised 9/2008.