Reading Lists (Award Winning, Best-Selling, Genres & More)


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Reading Lists: Not sure what to read next. Browse these lists of best-sellers, award winners, and titles just added to our catalog. You can check our catalog straight from these lists or browse similar titles.


Agatha Award

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The Agatha Awards honor the traditional mystery–books best typified by the works of Agatha Christie. The genre is generally characterized by mysteries that contain no explicit sex, excessive gore, or gratuitous violence; usually featuring an amateur detective, they have a confined setting and characters who know one another. Visit the Malice Domestic website to learn more about the Agatha Awards and to see a complete list of winners.

Alex Awards (Teen)

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Alex Awards (Teen)The Alex Awards are given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18. The award is sponsored by the Margaret Alexander Edwards Trust. Edwards was a young adult specialist for many years at the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore.

Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards

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The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards recognize books that have made important contributions to our understanding of racism and human diversity. For 84 years, the distinguished books earning Anisfield-Wolf prizes have opened and challenged our minds. Cleveland poet and philanthropist Edith Anisfield Wolf established the book awards in 1935, in honor of her father, John Anisfield, and husband, Eugene Wolf, to reflect her family’s passion for social justice. Presented by the Cleveland Foundation, it remains the only American book prize focusing on works that address racism and diversity. Visit the The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards website to learn more and to see a complete list of winners.

Anthony Awards

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Anthony Award: The Anthony Award is named in honor of Anthony Boucher, the well-known writer, critic, and fan of the mystery genre. Awards are made on the basis of the votes of mystery fans worldwide and presented at the annual World Mystery Convention, also known as Bouchercon. The award is usually in the form of a dagger stabbing a black book mounted on a wooden plaque. The dagger is removable to be used as a letter opener. Occasionally the award will be varied, to address a local motif for the annual convention.

Audie Awards

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Audie Awards: The Audie Awards are given by the Audio Publishers Association, a not-for-profit trade organization dedicated to creating a public awareness of the audio publishing industry as well as providing industry professionals with educational opportunities to develop their businesses. Click here to listen to clips of the finalists and winners.

Best Sellers Fiction

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Best Sellers – Fiction:  Check out these hot new titles.  More best seller lists can be found on our Catalog.
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Best Sellers Nonfiction

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Best Sellers – Nonfiction: Check out these hot new titles.  More best seller lists can be found on our Catalog.
*Subscribe to receive email updates for Nonfiction Best-Sellers.

Black Caucus Selections from ALA

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Black Caucus of the American Library Association Awards:  The Black Caucus of the American Library Association Awards acknowledge outstanding achievement in the presentation of the cultural, historical and sociopolitical aspects of the Black Diaspora.

Boston Globe – Horn Book Awards

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Boston Globe – Horn Book Awards: First presented in 1967 and customarily announced in June, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards are among the most prestigious honors in the field of children’s and young adult literature. Winners are selected in three categories: Picture Book, Fiction and Poetry, and Nonfiction. Two Honor Books may be named in each category. On occasion, a book will receive a special citation for its high quality and overall creative excellence. The winning titles must be published in the United States but they may be written or illustrated by citizens of any country. The awards are chosen by an independent panel of three judges who are annually appointed by the Editor of the Horn Book.

Bram Stoker Award

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Bram Stoker Award:  Each year, the Horror Writer’s Association presents the Bram Stoker Awards for Superior Achievement, named in honor of Bram Stoker, author of the seminal horror work, Dracula. The Stoker Awards were instituted immediately after the organization’s incorporation in 1987.  Be sure to visit the Horror Writer’s Association website to see the short story, long fiction, fiction collection, anthology and poetry winners.

Caldecott Medal

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Caldecott MedalThe Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Visit the ALA Caldecott Page to see more winners from the past.

Christy Awards

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Christy Awards: The Christy Awards are named in honor of Catherine Marshall’s novel and of her contribution to growth of the fiction Christians love to read.

Coretta Scott King Award

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Coretta Scott King AwardThe Coretta Scott King Book Awards are given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.

E. B. White Read Aloud Award

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E. B. White Read Aloud Award: The E.B. White Read Aloud Award, established in 2004, honors a book that reflects the universal read aloud standards that were created by the work of the author E.B White in his classic books for children: Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan.

Edgar Award

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The Edgar Allan Poe Awards are named after the Mystery Writers of America’s patron saint, Edgar Allan Poe, and are awarded to authors of distinguished work in various categories of the genre. To learn more about the Edgar Award visit the Mystery Writers of America.

Ezra Jack Keats Award

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Ezra Jack Keats Award: The Ezra Jack Keats Book Award was established in 1985 to recognize and encourage authors and illustrators new to the field of children’s books. Many past winners of the EJK Book Award have gone on to distinguished careers creating many books beloved by parents, children, librarians and teachers across the country.

Fiction ALA Notable Books

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Fiction ALA Notable Books: Selected by The Notable Books Council of the Reference and User Services Association, division of the American Library Association. For a full list of titles visit the ALA.

Giverny Award

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Giverny Award: The Giverny Award is given annually every April to the author and illustrator of the book selected as the best children’s science picture book (4-8). Established in by Dr. James H. Wandersee and Dr. Elisabeth Schussler in 1998.

Golden Kite Award

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Golden Kite Award: Instituted in 1973, the Golden Kite Awards are the only children’s literary award judged by a jury of peers. More than 1,000 books are entered each year. Eligible books must be written or illustrated by SCBWI members, and submitted either by publishers or individuals. An award book and honor book are chosen annually in the area of non-fiction, fiction, picture book text, and picture book illustration.

Great Graphic Novels

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Great Graphic NovelsThe Great Graphic Novels/Top Ten for Teens is a list of recommended graphic novels and illustrated nonfiction for those ages 12-18, prepared yearly by YALSA.

Hamilton the Reading List

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Hamilton the Reading List: Hamilton: an American Musical has won 11 Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and sold out theaters across the globe since it’s inception in 2015. The History Department on the 4th floor of the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library has selected these titles for those interested in learning more about Alexander Hamilton.

Holocaust Reading List

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Holocaust Reading List: The History Department on the 4th floor of the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library has selected these titles for those interested in learning more about the Holocaust.

Hugo Award

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The Hugo Award, also known as the Science Fiction Achievement Award, is given annually by the World Science Fiction Society and is determined by nominations from and a popular vote of its membership. To view a complete listing of Hugo Award winners click here.

Indie Next

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The Indie Next List epitomizes the heart and soul of passionate bookselling. Independent booksellers are and have always been discoverers of the next big thing, the next great read, the next bestseller, and the next undiscovered gem. The monthly Indie Next List flier, sent to members via the monthly Red Box and available for download online, includes a bookseller quotation and complete title information for each outstanding book. Each monthly flier also announces the paperback releases of previous Indie Next List titles, and include Notable recommendations. The Indie Next List is also featured on the consumer website, IndieBound.org.

Indie Next List for Teens

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Indie Next List for TeensThe Indie Next List for Teens was developed with the input of independent booksellers nationwide. This list features a sampling of their selections of notable titles.

Indie Next List Kids Ages 4-8

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Indie Next Kids Ages 4-8The Indie Next List for Kids was developed with the input of independent booksellers nationwide. This list features a sampling of their selections of notable titles.

Indie Next List Kids Ages 9-12

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Indie Next Kids Ages 9-12The Indie Next List for Kids was developed with the input of independent booksellers nationwide. This list features a sampling of their selections of notable titles.

James Beard Awards (Cookbooks)

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James Beard Awards (Cookbooks):  The James Beard Foundation Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their field. The Awards are presented by The James Beard Foundation, a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to furthering the appreciation and practice of fine food and beverage. The James Beard Foundation Awards were established in 1990 through the merging of the two most prominent culinary awards in North America at the time: The R.T. French Tastemaker Cookbook Awards and the Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America. To learn more about the James Beard Foundation or the award visit them online at: http://www.jamesbeard.org.

Man Booker Prize

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The Man Booker Prize:  The prize aims to award the best novel of the year written by a citizen of the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland. The Man Booker judges are selected from the country’s finest critics, writers and academics to maintain the consistent excellence of the prize. To learn more about the Man Booker award visit: http://www.themanbookerprize.com.

Margaret A. Edwards Award

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Margaret A. Edwards Award (Teen)The Margaret A. Edwards Award, established in 1988, honors an author’s lifetime achievement for writing books that have been popular over a period of time. The annual award is administered by the Young Adult Library Services Association and recognizes an author’s work in helping adolescents become aware of themselves and addressing questions about their role and importance in relationships, society, and in the world. To learn more about the Margaret A. Edwards Award or to see a list of previous winners click here.

Michael L. Printz Award

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Michael L. Printz Award (Teen)The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. It is named for a Topeka, Kansas school librarian who was a long-time active member of the Young Adult Library Services Association. The award is sponsored by Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association.

Mildred L. Batchelder Award

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Mildred L. Batchelder AwardThis award honors Mildred L. Batchelder, a former executive director of the Association for Library Service to Children. This award, established in her honor in 1966, is awarded to an American publishers for a children’s book that was originally published in a foreign language and subsequently translated into English. For more information, visit here.

National Book Award – Fiction

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National Book Award – Fiction:  The National Book Awards are given out by the National Book Foundation with the goal of enhancing the public’s awareness of exceptional books written by fellow Americans, and to increase the popularity of reading in general. For a complete list of winners visit the National Book Foundation

National Book Award – Nonfiction

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National Book Award – Nonfiction: The National Book Awards are given out by the National Book Foundation with the goal of enhancing the public’s awareness of exceptional books written by fellow Americans, and to increase the popularity of reading in general. For a complete list of winners visit the National Book Foundation

National Book Award – Poetry

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National Book Award – Poetry:  The National Book Awards are given out by the National Book Foundation with the goal of enhancing the public’s awareness of exceptional books written by fellow Americans, and to increase the popularity of reading in general. For a complete list of winners visit the National Book Foundation

National Book Award for Young People’s Literature

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National Book Award for Young People’s LiteratureThe National Book Awards are given out by the National Book Foundation with the goal of enhancing the public’s awareness of exceptional books written by fellow Americans, and to increase the popularity of reading in general. For a complete list of winners visit the National Book Foundation

Nebula Awards

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The Nebula Awards are given out annually to the best Science Fiction and Fantasy works as judged by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc. To view all past Nebula Award winners visit: http://www.sfwa.org/awards/

New Business

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New Business: New business books added to the catalog.

New Children’s Chapter Books

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New Children’s Chapter Books: New Children’s chapter books just added to our collection.

New Children’s Picture Books

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New Children’s Picture Books: New Children’s Picture Books just added to the catalog.

New Fiction

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New Fiction selections just added to the catalog.

New Lifestyles

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New Lifestyles: New Lifestyle selections just added to our catalog. Inspirational, Self-Help, Health living, etc.

New Nonfiction

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New Nonfiction: Selections just added to our catalog.

New Past and Present

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New Past & Present: New selections just added to our catalog such as History, Biographies, Current issues, and more.

New Romance

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New Romance: New romance titles added to the catalog.

New Science and Nature

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New Science and Nature: Selections just added to our catalog.

Newbery Medal

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Newbery MedalThe Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

Nobel Prize for Literature

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Nobel Prize for Literature: Every year since 1901 the Nobel Prize has been awarded for achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and for peace. The Nobel Prize is an international award administered by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden.

Nonfiction ALA Notable Books

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Nonfiction ALA Notable Books: Selected by The Notable Books Council of the Reference and User Services Association, division of the American Library Association. For a full list of titles visit the ALA.

Oprah’s Book Club

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Oprah’s Book ClubOprah’s Book Club selections are chosen by Oprah Winfrey and featured on the Oprah website.

Orbis Pictus Award

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Orbis Pictus Award: The National Council of Teachers of English established the Orbis Pictus Award to promote and recognize excellence in the writing of nonfiction for children. The name Orbis Pictus commemoriates the work of Johannes Amos Comenius, Orbis Pictus – The World of Pictures (1657), considered to be the first book actually for children. For more information visit: http://www.ncte.org/awards/orbispictus.

PEN/Faulkner Award

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PEN/Faulkner Award:  “When William Faulkner won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1950, he gave a speech memorable for its insistence on the survival of all that is noble in the human spirit, especially the talent and inspiration of the writer. Then he gave away the prize money to establish a fund to support and encourage new fiction writers. The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction is the successor to William Faulkner’s generosity. It is an award designed to be independent of the demands of the publishing industry, free from all constraints of sales and marketing, free to flow from the judgment of a writer’s peers.” — penfaulkner.org.  For more information on the PEN/Faulkner Award visit http://www.penfaulkner.org

Pulitzer Prize – Biography

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Pulitzer Prize – Biography: The Pulitzer Prize is named for journalist Joseph Pulitzer and is awarded annually to works determined by the Pulitzer Prize Board to be distinguished. For a complete list of winners go to http://www.pulitzer.org

Pulitzer Prize – Fiction

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Pulitzer Prize – Fiction: The Pulitzer Prize is named for journalist Joseph Pulitzer and is awarded annually to works determined by the Pulitzer Prize Board to be distinguished. For a complete list of winners go to http://www.pulitzer.org

Pulitzer Prize – History

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Pulitzer Prize – History: The Pulitzer Prize is named for journalist Joseph Pulitzer and is awarded annually to works determined by the Pulitzer Prize Board to be distinguished. For a complete list of winners go to http://www.pulitzer.org

Pulitzer Prize – Nonfiction

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Pulitzer Prize – NonfictionThe Pulitzer Prize is named for journalist Joseph Pulitzer and is awarded annually to works determined by the Pulitzer Prize Board to be distinguished. For a complete list of winners go to http://www.pulitzer.org

Pulitzer Prize – Poetry

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Pulitzer Prize – PoetryThe Pulitzer Prize is named for journalist Joseph Pulitzer and is awarded annually to works determined by the Pulitzer Prize Board to be distinguished. For a complete list of winners go to http://www.pulitzer.org

Pura Belpre Award

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Pura Belpre Award: The award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. It is co-sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, an ALA affiliate.

RITA Award (Romance)

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RITA Award (Romance)The RITA Awards, named after the Romance Writers of America’s (RWA) first president, Rita Clay Estrada, are presented annually by the RWA to the best novels in romantic fiction. RITA Award entrants are judged by fellow romance writers for quality in writing and overall excellence.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal

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Robert F. Sibert Informational Book MedalThe Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in the United States in English during the preceding year. The award is named in honor of Robert F. Sibert, the long-time President of Bound to Stay Bound Books, Inc. of Jacksonville, Illinois. ALSC administers the award.

Schneider Family Book Award

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Schneider Family Book AwardThe Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for children and adolescent audiences.

Scott O’Dell Award

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Scott O’Dell Award: The Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction was established in 1982. The annual award goes to a meritorious book published in the previous year for children or young adults. Scott O’Dell established the award to encourage other writers to focus on historical fiction. Visit the website to learn more..

Spur Awards (Western)

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The Spur Awards are given annually for distinguished writing about the American West by the Western Writers of America. To learn more about the Spur Awards or to see a complete list of winners visit: http://www.westernwriters.org.

Stonewall: Barbara Gittings Literature Award (GLBT)

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Stonewall: Barbara Gittings Literature Award (GLBT)The first and most enduring award for lesbigay books is the Stonewall Book Awards, sponsored by the American Library Association’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table. To learn more about the Stonewall Book Awards and to see previous winners click here.

Stonewall: Israel Fishman Nonfiction Award (GLBT)

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Stonewall: Israel Fishman Nonficiton Award (GLBT): The first and most enduring award for lesbigay books is the Stonewall Book Awards, sponsored by the American Library Association’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table. To learn more about the Stonewall Book Awards and to see previous winners click here.

Teens’ Top Ten

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Teens’ Top Ten:  The Best Books for Young Adults committee of the Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association, has chosen the following books as Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults 2016.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

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Theodor Seuss Geisel Award: The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award is given annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in English in the United States during the preceding year. To learn more visit the ALSC website.

Volunteer State Book Award

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Volunteer State Book Award: The Volunteer State Book Award is sponsored annually by the Tennessee Library Association and the Tennessee Association of School Librarians. Each year, children across Tennessee are asked to read books from a list of nominated titles. The book with the most votes statewide wins the award.

William C. Morris Award

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William C. Morris Award (Teen)The Young Adult Library Services Association created the William C. (Bill) Morris Award to honor a longtime publishing executive beloved in the library world for his enthusiasm for promoting literature for children and teens.