• Best Books for Children: Preschool Through Grade 6. 6th ed. John Thomas Gillespie, ed. New York: Bowker, 1998. ISBN#0-8352-4099-1
  This source lists about 18,000 titles chosen from fiction and nonfiction books that received recommendations from other established review sources. Generally speaking at least two recommendations are required. To be listed items must be available, current, accurate, useful and relevant. Entries include standard bibliographical information, grade level recommendations, review citations, and brief annotations. There are four indexes: author, illustrator, title, and subject/grade level.
  Other titles by the same publisher are:
  Best Books for Junior High Readers. (1991) ISBN#0835230201
  Best Books for Senior High Readers. (1991) ISBN#083523021X
  Best Books for Young Adult Readers. (1997) ISBN#0835238326 This source combines and updates the Junior and Senior High editions.
  For further information visit the publisher's web site at:
  R R Bowker Web Site
  
  
  
  
  
• The Best in Children's Books: University of Chicago Guide to Children's Literature, 1985-1990. Zena Sutherland, Betsy Hearne, and Roger Sutton, eds. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1991. ISBN#0-226-78064-3
  Reviews are taken from those previously listed in The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books as "recommended". Entries are listed by author and are numbered. They include price and a suggested reading level as determined by the Bulletin Advisory Committee. The 1146 entries are written to be descriptive and sometimes include evaluative statements and/or story line information. Six indexes are included: title, developmental values, curricular use, reading level, subject, and type of literature. (25 reference entries are listed.
  
  
• Best Science and Technology Reference Books for Young People. H. Robert Malinowsky. Phoenix: Oryx Press, 1991.
  
  
• Books to Build On: A Grade-by-Grade Resource Guide to Parents and Teachers. E. D. Hirsch, Jr. and John Holdren, eds. New York: Dell Publishing, 1996. ISBN#0-385-31640-2
  This annotated bibliography is intended to supplement the seven volume Core Knowledge Series (What Your Kindergartner-Sixth Grader Needs to Know). It recommends those books which are informative, appealing, well written, and usually well illustrated. The editors focus mainly on nonfiction materials, most of which are books, but a few cassettes, videos, and CD-ROMS are included. The entries are arranged in broad subject areas, within which they are grouped by grade level. Within the grade levels a further grouping is done by the topics or subtopics introduced in the Core Knowledge Sequence. The editors indicate their top choices and index the entries by title, author, and topics. For further information visit their web site at:
  Core Knowledge Web Site
  
  
• Children & Books. 9th ed. Zena Sutherland, ed. New York: Addison Wesley Longman, 1997. ISBN#0-673-99733-2
  This resource has been developed as a supplement to college level courses on children's literature. It provides information on the history, availability and evaluation of the books written for children. It explores the various types of literature available to children and includes a section on encouraging children to read. The literary works of the major children's authors (historical and current) are presented Also included are articles on topics such as censorship, early literacy, and book awards. The appendixes provide information on book selection aids, publishers, and adult references. A subject index and an author/illustrator/title index are provided.
  
  
• Children's Book Prizes : An Evaluation and History of Major Awards for Children's Books in the English-speaking World. Ruth Allen. Brookfield, VT: Ashgate, 1998. ISBN#1-85928-237-7
  For further information visit the publisher's web site at:
  Ashgate Web Site
  
  
• Children's Book Review Index. Beverly Baer, ed. Detroit: Gale, 1976- (Annual).
  
  
• Children's Books: Awards and Prizes. 1993. New York: Children's Book Council, 1993.
  
  
• Children's Books in Print. 2 vols. New York: Bowker, 1969- (Annual)& Subject Guide to Children's Books in Print. New York: Bowker, 1970- (Annual).
  
  
• Children's Books on Africa and Their Authors: An Annotated Bibliography. Nancy J. Schmidt. New York: Africana Publishing Co., 1975. ISBN#0-8419-0166-X
  This bibliography of over 800 books and 126 series was authored by an African anthropologist. It includes geographic, name, series, subject, title, and tribal indexes. The listing is alphabetical by author and includes background information about the authors. The book annotations are descriptive and critical, and they focus on the amount of information, the accuracy of such information, and the quality of illustrations and other special features. The author expresses her commitment to determine if the sources provide an African prospective and enhance the reader's understanding of the African people. Most of the books evaluated were published between 1961 and 1973.
  
  
• Children's Catalog 17th ed. Anne Price and Juliette Yaakov, eds. New York: Wilson, 1996. ISBN#0-8242-0893-5
  This periodical is a selective guide to over 6900 titles for children recommended and selected by committees of librarians from around the country. A hardback edition is published every five years and paperback supplements are published annually. Both contain a Dewey Decimal classified catalog list with Sears subject headings followed by author, title, subject, and analytical indexes, as well as a "selected list of recommended CD-ROM reference works" and a "directory of publishers and distributors." Quotations from other review sources are included.
  
  
• El-Hi Textbooks and Serials in Print: Including Related Materials K-12. New York: Bowker, 1970- (Annual).
  
  
• Encyclopedias, Atlases & Dictionaries. Marion Sader and Amy Lewis, eds. New York: Bowker, 1995.
  
  
• A Guide to Children's About Asian Americans. Barbara Blake. Brookfield, VT: Ashgate, 1995. ISBN#1-85928-014-5
  For further information visit the publisher's web site at:
  Ashgate Web Site
  
  
• A Guide to Children's Reference Books and Multimedia Material. Susan Hancock, ed. Brookfield, VT: Ashgate, 1998. ISBN#1-85928-256-3
  For further information visit the publisher's web site at:
  Ashgate Web Site
  
  
• Guide to Reference Books for School Media Centers. 4th ed. Margaret Irby Nichols. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited, 1992. ISBN#0-87287-833-3
  This resource includes reference materials developed, produced, or published for students in grades kindergarten through twelve. In some categories true reference materials were difficult to find, so the editor has included items that might be more appropriately classified as nonfiction. Over 2000 entries are grouped in five sections: Media Sources, General Reference, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Science and Technology. The Media section contains subsections by type. The General Reference section covers each specific type of reference material separately. The three broad subject area sections are broken down further into specific subject areas. Cross references are given whenever a title could fall in more than one section. Annotations are descriptive, although some include evaluation. Full bibliographic information is provided and citations to other reviews are included. Author/title and subject indexes are included.
  
  
• Information Investigation: Exploring Nonfiction with Books Kids Love. Laura Turner Pullis. Golden, Colo.: Fulcrum Publishing, 1998. ISBN#1-55591-955-3
  Geared toward grade levels 3 through 6, this book includes eleven chapters, each of which is a study unit with a specific subject or theme. Each includes activities, reading suggestions, vocabulary words, bibliographies, and reproducibles. The purpose behind every unit is to develop and strengthen research and investigative skills.
  
  
• Kister's Best Encyclopedias: A Comparative Guide to General and Specialized Encyclopedias. 2nd. ed. Phoenix: Oryx, 1994.
  
  
• Magazines for Children: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Librarians. 2nd. ed. Selma K. Richardson. Chicago: American Library Association, 1991. ISBN#0-8389-0552-8
  Based on an examination of the 1983 edition of this publication, this book provides very comprehensive descriptions and information about magazines that are published mainly for children. The main section describes the magazines and lists them alphabetically by title. The appendices include information about Childrenās Magazine Guide, suggested age and grade levels for childrenās magazines as prescribed by the publication publishers, the year of first publication, circulation figures, and a supplemental list of adult and young adult magazines. There is a subject index to those magazines included in the main section.
  
  
• Magazines for Young People: A Children's Magazive Guide Companion Volume. 2nd. ed. Bill Katz and Linda Sternberg Katz. New York: Bowker, 1991.
  
  
• Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog 7th ed. Anne Price and Juliette Yaakov, eds. New York: Wilson, 1995.
  Patterned after Children's Catalog by same publisher and editors.
  
  
• Purchasing an Encyclopedia: 12 Points to Consider. Sandy Whiteley, ed. 5th ed. Chicago: American Library Association, 1996.
  
  
• Reference Books for Children. 4th ed. Carolyn Sue Peterson and Ann D. Fenton. Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow, 1992. ISBN#0-8108-2543-0
  This book contains over 1000 entries for items recommended by review or use and published before July of 1990. The entries are arranged by resource type (encyclopedia, dictionary, etc.) or broad subject areas. Within sections, entries are arranged alphabetically by author. Annotations are descriptive in nature. The entries are followed by subject and author/title indexes and preceded by an excellent section on evaluating the different types of reference materials.
  
  
• Reference Books for Children's Collections. 3rd ed. New York: New York Public Library, 1996. ISBN#0-87104-735-7
  This source provides an annotated listing of 399 titles grouped in subject areas. It includes reference sources, nonfiction sources "which meet reference needs", and two CD-ROM encyclopedias. The brief descriptive annotations include information on special features included such as: indexes, bibliographical material, glossaries, illustrations, charts, maps, photographs, etc. The Reference Book Committee of the library evaluated the materials based on an established list of strong criteria. The strengths of each source are highlighted in the annotation and often a suggested age or grade level is indicated. Some out-of-print items are included. Prices are provided for all in-print items. This 97 page paperback is available from the library at a cost of $10.00 per copy plus shipping and handling. Link to New York Public Library Publications Ordering
  
  
• Reference Sources for Children's and Young Adult Literature. Deborah Rollins and Dona Helmet. Chicago: American Library Asociation, 1996. ISBN#0-8389-7838-X
  
  
• Science Books for Young People. Carolyn Phelan. Chicago: American Library Association, 1996. ISBN#0838978371
  Entries include books published between 1990 and 1995, written for grades kindergarten through eight, dealing with the pure sciences, and containing up-to-date information. They are compiled from Booklist reviews and include those annotations. The entries are organized by subject and include reference books. Within the sections, they are listed alphbetically by author. Title and author indexes are included.
  
  
• Venture Into Cultures; A Resource Book of Multicultural Materials and Programs. Carla D. Hayden, ed. Chicago: American Library Association, 1992. ISBN#0-8389-0579-X
  
  
• Young People's Books in Series: Fiction and Non-fiction, 1975-1991. Judith K. Rosenberg. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited, 1992.

• Booklist - Includes Reference Books Bulletin 50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Published twice monthly September through June and monthly in July and August by American Library Association. ISSN#0006-7385 Booklist Web Site
  Booklist and Reference Book Bulletin include short feature articles and author interviews, but for the most part are review journals. Booklist reviews "current print and audiovisual materials worthy of consideration for purchase". The review sections include adult nonfiction and fiction; nonfiction and fiction for older readers, middle readers, and the young; starred reviews for youth; series roundup; video; CD-ROMS; audio; audiobooks; and reference books in Reference Book Bulletin. An index is included. Semiannual indexes are included in the Feb. 15 and Aug. issues and a current cumulative index is available at the web site.
  
  
• Book Links - Connecting Books, Libraries, and Classrooms. 50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Published bimonthly by American Library Association. ISSN#1055-4742 Book Links Web Site
  This publication offers brief reviews on books, audiovisuals, and computer materials within the chosen subject areas, which vary from issue to issue. Nonfiction items are included frequently and are grouped together under appropriate subjects. Geared toward classroom use, this source also presents information on adult items that can be used in the educational environment, such as curriculum guides, activity kits, professional books, etc. Review articles are written by librarians and educators. The annual index is included in the July issue.
  
  
• Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, The 1325 S. Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820. Published monthly except August by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science and the University of Illinois Press. ISSN#0008-9036 The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
  
  
• Cable in the Classroom 141 Portland Street, Suite 7100, Cambridge, MA 02139. Published monthly (except July/August is combined) by CCI/Crosby Publishing. ISSN#1054-5409 Cable in the Classroom Online
  
  
• Horn Book Magazine, The 11 Beacon Street, Suite 1000, Boston, MA 02108. Published January, March, May, July, September, and November by The Horn Book, Inc. ISSN#0018-5078 The Horn Book, Inc. Web Site
  This magazine reviews and recommends titles in both hardback and paperback in the areas of picture books, books for younger readers, books for intermediate readers, books for older readers, folklore, poetry and song, nonfiction, and books of interest to adults. In each issue, articles that are authored by librarians and educators focus on specific titles. An index to the titles reviewed is included.
  
  
• Knowledge Quest. previously published as School Library Media Quarterly. 50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611. ISSN#1094-9046 Knowledge Quest Online
  Published bimonthly September through May by the American Association of School Librarians, a division of the America Library Association.
  This journal includes articles on research and current practice of interest to school library media specialists. The first issue was published in Nov/Dec 1997. The column "technotes" was subtitled "A Starting Guide to Internet Science Fairing" which highlighted related web sites. School Library Media Research is planned to continue as an online research journal. SLMQ Online
  
  
• Library Talk - The Magazine for Elementary School Librarians. 480 East Wilson Bridge Road, Suite L. Worthington, Ohio 43085-2372. Published bimonthly during the school year (Sept., Nov., July, Mar.) by Linworth Publishing, Inc. ISSN#1043-237X Linworth Publishing Home Page
  
  
• The Lion and the Unicorn P. O. Box 19966, Baltimore, MD 21211-0966. Published in January, April, and September by The John Hopkins University Press. About 160 pages per issue. Print ISSN#0147-2593. Electronic ISSN#1080-6563. For more infomation see Project Muse Web Site
  
  
• The MAILBOX Book Bag - The Teacher's Idea Magazine For Children's Literature 3515 West Market Street, P.O. Box 9753, Greensboro, NC 27429-0753. Published six times a year by The Education Center, Inc. ISSN#1088-6397 The MAILBOX Bookbag Web Site
  This publication provides literature based teaching ideas that have been submitted by teachers who have successfully developed and used them. These units are complete with activities, reproducibles and bibliographical information on the books. Thematic and new book units, author features, and other special articles are also included. Teachers and library media specialists of children in grades 1 - 6 should find this to be a very useful magazine subscription.
  
  
• MultiMedia Schools 143 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NJ 08055-8750. Published five times a year (Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/June, Sept/Oct, and Nov/Dec) by Information Today, Inc. ISSN#1075-0479 MMS Web Site
  
  
• Online-Offline - Themes and Resources 14 Rock Hill Road, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Published nine times during the school year in Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., and May/June by Rock Hill Press a division of Bagnell & Socha. ISSN#1090-1930 Online-Offline Web Site interactive
  Each issue focuses on a specific theme such as "Inventions". For that theme resources are listed and described in these areas: web sites, CD-ROMs and software, videos, books, additional resources, and activities. The entries are indexed in a subject index that is supplemented by a cumulative index at the Online-Offline Web Site. Theme appropriate special features are included in sidebars. This is a unique and progressive publication which will become increasingly useful as time passes and more themes have been covered.
  
  
• School Library Journal - For Childrenās, Young Adult & School Librarians. 245 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011. Published monthly by Cahners Publishing Company. ISSN#0362-8930 slj Online
  This publication claims to be "most comprehensive review journal of new general trade books for children and young adults." Over 300 volunteer reviewers aid in the process. Critical reviews recommend for and against purchasing. Books are reviewed at all age levels from Preschool to Adult Books for Young Adults. CD-ROM and computer software titles and audiovisuals such as films, videos, and recordings are reviewed also. All reviews are indexed by author and title within each issue and cumulatively in December.
  
  
• School Library Media Activities Monthly 17 E. Henrietta St., Baltimore, MD21230-3910. Published monthly except July and August by LMS Associates, LLC. ISSN#0889-9371
  
  
• Technology and Learning. 600 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94107. Published monthly except July and December by Miller Freeman, Inc. ISSN#1053-6728 T & L Online
  This magazine provides information about the newest trends in technology that relate to education. The "Whatās New" column provides information on new educational software, hardware, telecommunications, other school products, industry announcements, and dates and events. The "Web Sightings" section highlights web sites in selected subject areas and names a "school site of the month". Articles in this publication often compare similar software options, provide information on new releases, and highlight controversial issues in the news.

For a list of additional web sites that provide information related to nonfiction and reference resources for children see:
Links to Related Web Sites

For a list of resources used in the research of information for this web site see:
Sources of Information & Credits

As I continue to work on this site, it is my intention to include annotations for as many sources listed here as possible. I welcome your comments about these sources or your suggestions for materials to add to this list. Send e-mail to Janice Felker at jfelker@visi.net.