Remind Me

Independent booksellers in the United States each year choose what they think are the best books published for children. The list is big, as is the American Booksellers Association that sponsors these awards. The reason this list is of interest to us is because we wonder if these choices will appeal to Canadian readers as well.

Are our reading tastes different than our neighbours to the south? How do readers of all ages make the choices they do, when it comes to picking their next novel? Is the best just the best when it comes to a good book?

For example, I loved Catching Fire, sequel to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins because it is an exciting series with a fabulous protagonist. Catching Fire is nominated in the Book of the Year - Young Adult category. In the Book of the Year - New Picture Book category, I loved the extraordinary illustrations in The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney.

So the answer to my earlier question is yes - for the most part, the best is just the best - no matter where you are from. For the complete list of finalists please visit the American Booksellers Association website.