What Do Kids Like to Read?

By Jerry Jones, Youth Services Coordinator

November 26, 2008

With the holidays approaching, librarians are often asked to make recommendations of good books to buy kids for Christmas. This is one of the best things about our job: helping to put books into the hands and homes of kids.

When you ask for assistance, we might show you some of the newest books to hit our shelves, or maybe we will steer you in the direction of tried and true classics. But sometimes the best books to recommend are those the kids themselves have said are their favorites. In Wyoming, like many other states, we believe in hearing what kids like to read.

Each year students get to nominate their favorite books. A list of 15 favorites is then compiled for each age group. Those who read at least three books on the list will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite in the spring, resulting in the Wyoming Youth Book Awards. These awards give students the chance to tell adults, “This is what we like to read!”

So, which books would your young friends and family enjoy this holiday season?

Animals, superheroes, pets and prehistoric creatures are some of the popular topics represented on the Buckaroo list for kids in kindergarten through grade three. A few of these great books for little cowpokes are “Traction Man is Here” by Mini Grey; “Move Over, Rover,” by Karen Beaumont; and “When Dinosaurs Came with Everything,” by Elise Broach. “Max’s Words,” by Kate Banks also deserves to be mentioned because it captures the essence and magic of words and reading so very well.

Fourth, fifth and sixth graders have chosen a number of award-winning titles for their Indian Paintbrush list. “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” was a Caldecott winner last year. “Rules,” by Cynthia Lord and “Hattie Big Sky,” by Kirby Larson have both been named Newbery Honor books. One of the most popular books we’ve added to our collection this past year is “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney, so it was no surprise to see it on this list of favorites.

Several popular series are represented on the Soaring Eagle list, featuring books nominated by students in grades 7-12. Those looking for action won’t be disappointed by “Snakehead” one of the Alex Rider Adventures by Anthony Horowitz, or “Burning Bridge” by John Flanagan, the second book in The Ranger’s Apprentice series. Fantasy fans might prefer “Epic” by Conor Kostick, which delves into a world based on a video role-playing game.

At NCPL, we are more than happy to point you in the direction of a good book, either for yourself or to give to that special child in your life. Do not be surprised if we steer you toward books from the Wyoming Youth Book Awards, because they show the kinds of books Wyoming kids enjoy.

Links to the complete lists for each award are available from the Children’s Department page at www.natronacountylibrary.org, or you can pick one up the next time you visit the library.

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