Juvenile Literature

The books in this collection navigate themes and ideas appropriate for younger readers. Whether you're looking for contemporary hits like Front Desk by Kelly Yang or beloved classics like Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, you can explore this collection to find a title that will excite the young readers in your life.

Publication year 2021

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Identity: Race, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Family, Life/Time: The Past, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality

Tags Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Religion / Spirituality, Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction


Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Tags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Realistic Fiction

Zach’s Lie (2001) is a critically acclaimed young adult thriller by American author Roland Smith. The novel explores themes of identity and the importance of family, truth, and trust. Smith is a New York Times bestselling author and has written over 20 young adult novels. Zach’s Lie won the Nevada Young Readers Award, and the American Library Association chose it as a Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers. Smith’s novel Jack’s Run (2007) continues the story... Read Zach's Lie Summary


Publication year 2014

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Relationships: Friendship

Tags Realistic Fiction, Animals, Race / Racism, Children's Literature, History: World, Historical Fiction, Action / Adventure

Twelve-year old Zane Dupree and his beloved mutt Bandit are trapped in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in Rodman Philbrick’s realistic middle grade novel, Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina (2014). Rescued by an elderly musician and a young girl, Zane witnesses both the best and worst of humanity as the group travels by canoe in search of safety. During his harrowing adventure, Zane learns about the importance of family and how it... Read Zane and the Hurricane Summary


Publication year 1993

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Relationships: Family

Tags History: European, Military / War, Children's Literature, History: World, Biography

Zlata’s Diary: A Child’s Life in Wartime Sarajevo is an eyewitness account of the Bosnian War as told through diary entries written by Zlata Filipović. Writing between her 11th and 13th birthdays, the diary traces the daily experiences of childhood during the Siege of Sarajevo, from 1991 to 1993. Though unflinching in her descriptions of The Absurdity of War, Loss Due to War, and the emotional toll of Coming of Age During War, Filipović also... Read Zlata's Diary Summary


Publication year 1966

Genre Short Story, Fiction

Themes Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Values/Ideas: Fate, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger

Tags Jewish Literature, Fairy Tale / Folklore, Religion / Spirituality, Animals, Holidays & Occasions, Relationships, Science / Nature, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Classic Fiction


Publication year 2009

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Environment, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Tags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Action / Adventure, Humor, Animals, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction


Publication year 2010

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Identity: Race, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Self Discovery, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Literature, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Tags Historical Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Children's Literature, History: World, Arts / Culture

Zora and Me (2010) is a middle grade novel by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon. Both authors held a strong interest in 20th-century Black American writer Zora Neale Hurston, and they wanted to introduce her to younger readers. Bond has an MFA in poetry, while Simon has an MA in anthropology; Hurston was both a writer and an anthropologist. Inspired by real details from Hurston’s childhood as illustrated in her short stories, Bond and Simon... Read Zora and Me Summary