Choosing Books
Looking for great books for kids? You've come to the right spot. We have book recommendations, printable book lists, tips for choosing books for readers of all kinds, and links to information on literacy milestones.
Staff at any of our libraries are happy use their expertise to help you find the perfect book for a child or teen.
If you prefer to explore on your own, have a look at some of the resources on this page.
- Ask Us!Library staff love to answer questions! We're happy to take your questions, comments and feedback about: Your Library card/account, Library services, programs, policies, problems with Library resources (i.e. eBooks/eMedia tech help). We can also help you find quick facts, offer reading advice, provide answers to research questions, and more. If we don't have the answer we will direct you to appropriate resources.
- Search the Library CatalogueSearch for books, movies, CDs, magazines articles, eBooks and more. Log in with your library card to place requests on materials and have them sent to your local branch.
- New titlesBe among the first to place a hold for new titles. Find new titles added to the Library's collection in the last 3 months (physical items only, not items from the Digital Library).
Book Lists from Winnipeg Public Library
- Residential Schools: Recommended Reading from Winnipeg Public LibraryThis handout has book suggestions for all ages.
Check out these great picture books about spring
Winnipeg Public Library Resources
- Book Club KitsThe Library offers Book Club Kits for both "Juvenile" (elementary school-age) and "Young Adult" (teen) audiences. Kits come with 10 copies of a book and a guide with discussion questions, tips for hosting a book club and more. The loan period is 60 days.
We Recommend: Great eBook graphic novels on Overdrive
Resources for Finding and Choosing Great Books for Kids
- CM MagazineA book review journal of titles for children and teens, based in Winnipeg, focused on titles published in Canada or with some Canadian content or connection.
- 49th ShelfA site for discovering, reviewing and recommending Canadian books, including children and teen titles.
- How to Choose a BookA list of tips for choosing different types of books for children of all ages from the Canadian Children's Book Centre.
- Help a Child Choose a BookA short guide to helping children develop the skills needed to confidently choose books they will enjoy reading by readwritethink.org.
- Choosing Books - Reading RocketsA list of links to resources on choosing books for children on the Reading Rockets website.
- NoveList Plus This link opens in a new window
NoveList Plus is a Library database where you can find readalikes, reviews, browse genres, and more!
We Recommend: Picture books in more than one language! Request dual language picture books from the Library catalogue
Reading and Literacy Milestones
One part of choosing the perfect book is having some idea of children's typical reading or literacy "milestones." Of course, every child is unique and you know the children you care for best. The information below is meant as a guide only.
For information about choosing books specifically to support early literacy skills, visit our Early Literacy Info Guide.
- Reading Milestones - Kids HealthReading milestone information for infants to age 13.
- Literacy Development for Kids - PBSReading, writing, listening and talking milestones for babies to grade 3.
Short Lists of Basic Literacy Milestones from Reading Rockets:
Reluctant Readers
Not every child or teen is drawn to reading. This section has information about the reading habits (yes, they often are reading something!) of relunctant readers along with tips and strategies for making reading a fun part of their lives.
- "Helping Kids Enjoy Reading" - Kids HealthA short list of useful tips for engaging young reluctant readers.
- "What to do when your child hates reading" - PBSA short list of useful tips for engaging young reluctant readers.
- "Motivating Reluctant Adolescent Readers" - AdLit.orgA short article with strategies for engaging teens who are reluctant readers. The audience is teachers but much of the information is relevant for parents/caregivers.
