So many books. How to choose the right one?
CLiF maintains a database of books recommended by our advisory board and program staff. Our lists are designed to appeal to young readers of all ages, abilities, and interests.
Our book list is now publicly available, searchable, and contains ISBN codes and Lexile reading measures.
Search the full book list here.
Or, scan below for reading level and interest group and click to find some of our top choices on our Pinterest boards.
We constantly update book lists with new titles, reissues of classics, award winners, popular books at CLiF giveaways, and books we find through initiatives like #weneeddiversebooks. If there’s a title you think we should add, let us know!
Book Lists
Picture and board books
Books for reading together, looking at pictures, and reading independently. Board books are specifically for babies and toddlers; most picture books are appropriate for children from newborn through elementary school.
Easy reader
Books designed for children learning to read.
Early chapter
Books for children who have started reading independently. Encompasses a wide range of interests and abilities. Many of these are also great read-aloud books.
Chapter / Middle Grade
High interest books for kids who are able readers. Includes several read-aloud classics.
Award winners
Every year national organizations and states recognize the best books published in various categories. Here are links to a few major awards, including New Hampshire and Vermont’s student choice awards.
- Newbery Medal and Honor – Awarded by the American Library Association for excellence in children’s literature, traditionally middle-grade
- National Book Award for Young People’s Literature – Awarded by the National Book Association for excellence in children’s literature, often middle-grade or young adult
- Coretta Scott King Book Awards – Awarded by the American Library Association for excellence in writing, illustration, and new talent for African American authors and illustrators
- Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award – Vermont’s state award for excellence in literature, chosen by students. Traditionally middle-grade
- Great Stone Face Award – New Hampshire’s state award for excellence in literature, chosen by students. Traditionally middle grade
- Caldecott Medal and Honor – Awarded by the American Library Association for excellence in illustration
- Red Clover Award – Vermont’s state award for picture books, chosen by students
- Ladybug Award – New Hampshire’s state award for picture books, chosen by students