Announcing NYPL’s 2014 100 Books for Reading Sharing List!
You know, folks, there are lists and then there are LISTS. And I’m not saying one is any better than another. Of course not. But when we look at lists of children’s books there’s only one that truly has my heart. Coming in at 103 years old this year, NYPL’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing list is one of the oldest (if not THE oldest) continually published children’s book lists in the nation. It is also the most beautiful. Doubt me? Then check out our 2014 edition.
You can see our interactive list of the 100 books here.
And here’s the cover of our list:
Shall I go on?
You like lists with diversity? Feast your eyes on what we chose. Recently the Center for the Study of Multicultural Literature released their Best Multicultural Books of 2014. We had eight of their titles on our list and included at least eight multicultural books that they did not. The recent list by Latinas for Latino Lit called Remarkable Latino Children’s Literature of 2014? We listed three of their seven titles and included at least three others that they didn’t mention (Saving Baby Doe, Caminar, and Viva Frida). Your move, New York Times.
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You like lists that show a variety of books? The 100 Titles list is split into the following sections:
Picture Books (for children ages 2-6)
Stories for Younger Readers (for children ages 6-8)
Stories for Older Readers (for children ages 9-12)
Graphic Books
Folktales and Fairy Tales
Poetry
Nonfiction
In short, ladies and gentlemen, it’s a tip top list. Sure, it’ll miss one or two of your favorites. But I guarantee you’ll see amazing books on there that you almost missed this year. Did you read Mikis and the Donkey? Did you almost fail to hear about Handle With Care? The best books aren’t necessarily the best known. If nothing else this list proves as much.
Enjoy!
Filed under: Best Books, Best Books of 2014

About Betsy Bird
Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Horn Book, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on Twitter: @fuseeight.
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Not seeing any Native books on it. Bummer. For your readers who are interested, here’s my list for 2014: http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2014/12/aicls-best-books-of-2014.html
Will also say that Kalman’s book on Jefferson is a lot like LOCOMOTIVE was… “Pursuit of everything” included Native land. My review: http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-native-response-to-thomas-jefferson.html
I am so pleased to see this awesome list about Native books, thanks for sharing.
Great list but unfortunately, the button on the website to download the pdf version of the list it brings up the 2013 list not 2014.
Amy, I do believe that problem has been fixed. Try it now.
*sniff* Thank you so very much for including me on your gorgeous list! I’m honored beyond belief.
Hi. When I view the list, the interactive list and the printable pdf do not appear to be the same. For example, I cannot find The Baby Tree or Grandfather’s Coat or The Princess Who Had No Kingdom on the pdf. Am I doing something wrong?
Thanks, Amy. That’s why I couldn’t find the same books on both lists!!
And it has a section for BOYS! (although Stubby the War Dog and Trenches, Mud and Blood could have been included) Thanks, NYPL!
It’s such a wonderful honor to be included with so many terrific books. Many thanks to the NYPL librarians who work so hard to compile their thoughtful list every year.
I look forward to this every year since working at NYPL. Thanks!
My goodness, that is a gorgeous list. I am honored that Hook’s Revenge has a place on it. Thank you!