New bibliography of Great Early Elementary Reads

Contact: Laura Schulte-Cooper


ALSC Program Officer


(312) 280-2165


lschulte@ala.org

NEWS


For Immediate Release


June 17, 2008

New bibliography of Great Early Elementary Reads

CHICAGO - The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has released a bibliography, “Great Early Elementary Reads,” featuring recommended book titles for children who are just learning to read and beginning to read on their own.

A PDF of the book list is available on the ALSC Web site in full color and black and white at
www.ala.org/ala/alsc/booklists and is free to download, copy and distribute. Print copies of the list will be distributed by ALSC at the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

The bibliography is broken down into two categories: “Starting to Read” and “Reading on My Own.” The books included were published between 2005 and 2008. However, many are part of a larger series that young readers also will enjoy. The titles were selected, compiled and annotated by members of the 2007-2008 ALSC School-Age Programs and Services Committee.

"This book list was designed as a reader’s advisory resource for librarians," said Jane B. Marino, ALSC president. “We also hope librarians and educators will share it with parents and caregivers who are looking for just the right book to captivate and encourage their young reader.”

The “Great Early Elementary Reads,” bibliography was conceived by ALSC’s School-Age Programs and Services Committee, which applied for special funds from the ALSC Children's Library Services Endowment (CLSE) Fund. The money awarded to the committee paid for the design and printing of their brochure. The endowment is intended for committees and other groups within ALSC that have ideas for special projects not supported by regular ALSC funds.

ALSC is the world's largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 4,200 children's and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for all children by creating better opportunities. To learn more about ALSC, visit its Web site at
www.ala.org/alsc.