Welcome!
Welcome to the guide for Children's Literature!
We hope that you will find this guide a useful starting place for your research in Children's Literature. We have assembled a core collection of resources available through the Wayne State University Library System, as well as freely available web resources. Included in this guide are books, databases, special collection information, Internet resources, and professional associations. This guide is a collaborative work-in-progress, developed with suggestions and feedback from students and faculty.
The WSU Library System strives to meet your needs for resources and information access. Please contact us if you need any assistance with library resources or services, if you would like to incorporate library resources directly into your Canvas site, or if you would like to arrange for library instruction for your classroom.
Books & More
Charlotte Huck's Children's Literature: a Brief Guide by Call Number: Purdy Library Reserves LB 1575.5 .U5 K54 2014ISBN: 9780078024429Publication Date: 2013Essential information for designing pre-K-to-8 literature programs. This text has a strong emphasis on researching, evaluating, and implementing quality books in the classroom, the critical skills needed to search for and select literature. Guidance on evaluating books, creating curriculum, and fostering a lifelong love of reading for students.
Children's Literature in Second Language Education by Call Number: Electronic BookISBN: 9781441129789Publication Date: 2012The latest research and new perspectives into the uses of children's literature in second language teaching for children and young adults. Covers such topics as extensive reading, creative writing in the language classroom, the use of picture books and graphic novels in second language teaching and the potential of children's literature in promoting intercultural education.
Diversity in Youth Literature by Call Number: Purdy Library PS 153 .M56 D58 2013ISBN: 9780838911433Publication Date: 2012Surveying the landscape of youth literature, this contributed volume shows how books have grown to include the wide range of our increasingly diverse society.
LGBTQAI Books for Children and Teens by Call Number: ebookISBN: 9780838916926Publication Date: 2018Stories about characters within the spectrum of LGBTQAI+ continue to evolve and show a broader swath of gay characters, both primary and secondary.
This guide from the American Library Association provides a guide to some of the books available.
The Nation in Children's Literature by Call Number: Electronic BookPublication Date: 2013This book explores the meaning of nation or nationalism in children’s literature and how it constructs and represents different national experiences.
Picture Books for Children by Call Number: Electronic BookISBN: 9780838911440Publication Date: 2012Providing descriptive annotations of the best children's picture books published in the last decade, this comprehensive overview is perfect for librarians, teachers, parents, daycare providers, and anyone who works with young children. Bibliographic information on each picture book, including author, illustrator, publisher, date, and age recommendation
Picturing the World by Call Number: ebookISBN: 9780838911266Publication Date: 2012This annotated resource surveys 250 nonfiction/informational titles for ages 3 through 10. Provides thoughtful descriptions for each title, including complete bibliographic information, age-level guidance, and notes on book awards won.
Popular Picks for Young Readers by Call Number: ebookISBN: 9780838936054Publication Date: 2013Recommendations for over 500 quality books for children, published within the last four years, recommended by librarians from across the country. Ranging from books for newborns through readers to age 14. Only original titles, eliminating derivative works such as those based on a movie or licensed characters.
Tender Topics by Call Number: ebookISBN: 9781937589493Publication Date: 2014These books for very young readers tackle difficult topics such as death, loneliness, or fear. Arranged by topic, this annotated listing includes more than 300 high-quality, carefully selected picture books that are ideal for opening discussion about tender topics and establishing bonds between generations that can help parents and children better weather the challenges families face every day.
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Search the Library Catalog Juvenile Collection
Searching for Children's Books by Topic, Age or Genre
- NoveList K-8 Plus This link opens in a new windowFind just the right book by subject, age level, awards, Lexile reading level, Common Core standards, even books made into movies, and much more. Read reviews and learn about the author.
Library resource $$
- Database of Award Winning Children's LiteratureSearch by award, genre, gender, ethnicity and more. Compiled by a librarian.
Free - Children's Book CouncilPublisher industry database of children's books, searchable by age, format, genre, award.
Free - A Book and a HugThis app matches books to a young reader's "reader personality type". You can also search by genre, curriculum connection, reading levels and more. Free
Sears List of Subject HeadingsCall Number: PK Library Reference Z 695 .Z8 S43 2007ISBN: 9780824210762Publication Date: 2007You can use Sears Subject headings to search Books in Print. Also available at Oakland Center. Most Public Libraries also have a copy of this book for use by their staff--if you inquire at your local public library, they may allow you to view it on-site. Think of subject headings like library hashtags for children's literature.
