Offering future school librarians, teachers, and working librarians an alternative to lengthier textbooks on children’s literature, this engaging book introduces readers to the most important genres and current conversations in the field while leaving them time to read children’s literature directly.

As school librarian and teacher certification programs become more abridged, students require succinct textbooks that still provide a valuable introduction to the field. Working librarians need reference books that allow them to make good selections for their collections. Students and professionals will appreciate The Children’s Literature Selection Handbook, K–8 because it offers a needed overview of the field while allowing for plenty of time to read children’s literature. Author Christie Kaaland’s conversational tone speaks directly to readers, and the book offers students a pathway to engage with literature directly and effectively scaffold their learning.

Beginning with an introduction to standard literary fiction genres, including a discussion of literature trends and children’s reading interests and needs, the chapters turn to the most important genres: fiction, biography, folk literature, picture books, informational texts, poetry, and graphic novels. A focus on book series, a deep discussion of graphic novels, the inclusion of global literature and review sources for selection, and information on publishers and the publishing industry set this timely book apart from others in the field. Reader voices add perspective and charm.

This compact and engaging book is the perfect companion to the vast wealth of children’s literature that future teachers and school librarians will read during their professional preparation and share with children and youth as working librarians.