per alsc policy, the current year’s newbery, caldecott, belpré, sibert, geisel, and batchelder award and honors books are automatically added to the list of notable children’s books.
You are reading: List of 2013 children’s literature books
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For your convenience, notable children’s books that have also received other wing awards, such as the wing award coretta scott king, yalsa michael l. the printz, alex and schneider family book awards are included in this list.
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According to the ALSC Notable Children’s Books Committee Handbook, these categories loosely represent the following: Younger Readers: Preschool Grade 2 (age 7), including easy-to-read books; intermediate readers – grades 3-5, ages 8-10; older readers – grades 6-8, ages 11-14; all ages: has appeal and interest to children in all of the above age ranges
younger readers
and then it’s spring. by julie fogliano. illus. by Erin E. place. roaring creek/neal porter.
A restrained, lyrical narrative and delicate woodcut and pencil illustrations capture the anticipation of spring. Accompanied by a gang of animals, a boy plants seeds and waits expectantly for them to sprout.
the bear has a story to tell. by Philip C. place. illus. by Erin E. place. roaring creek/neal porter.
The seasons change but the friendship remains as the bear patiently waits to tell his story in a world created through delicate illustrations and a strong message.
black dog. by levi pinfold. illus. by the author wick/templar.
here is a story that proves that even the smallest member of the family has the courage to save everyone. both illustrations and text go from frightening to heartwarming with a satisfying ending.
charley’s first night. by amy hest illus. By Helen Oxenbury. wick.
A lovable puppy is comforted on his first night in a new home by a boy who cares for Charley during the long hours. pastel watercolors infuse the story with warmth and intimacy.
Spooky Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds. illus. by peter brown Simon & schuster books for young readers.
jasper rabbit loves carrots until he realizes they are everywhere and is convinced they are coming for him. (a 2013 caldecott honors book)
demolition. by sally sutton. illus. by brian lovelock wick.
Through a combination of rhyming text, sounds and onomatopoeia, and large, gritty illustrations, kids learn what machines do on a construction site.
guard dogs. By Dorothy Hinshaw Patent. walker.
Brave and loyal dogs are hard to resist, especially those trained to serve difficult military missions. Easy-to-read blocks of text combine with photos to guide readers through the story of these bloodhound heroes.
dreaming up: a celebration of construction. by christy hale. illus. by the author reads & low.
poetry combined with images illustrates how children’s play influences the creative process when it comes to the buildings we inhabit and will inspire readers to dream big.
extra thread. by mac barnet illus. by Jon Klassen harpercollins/balzer and bray.
A selfish archduke threatens to stop a girl from a colorless village from transforming and steal her box of magic thread. (a 2013 caldecott honors book)
golden domes and silver lanterns: a Muslim color book. by hena khan. illus. by mehrdokht amini. chronic.
a look at Muslim life through the eyes of a child, sharing family experiences; warm illustrations and cultural details remind us how alike we are.
goldilocks and the three dinosaurs. by Mo Willems. illus. by author harpercollins/balzer and bray.
A humorously fractured fairy tale tells the story of Goldilocks. sly humor underlies significant changes to the expected script and setting.
green. by Laura Vaccaro Seeger. illus. by author roaring creek/neal porter.
seeger engages all the senses with his fresh take on the multiple meanings of “green” in this highly original conceptual book. (a 2013 caldecott honors book)
hypoposites. by janik coat. apple seed.
A hippo demonstrates a clever array of opposites in this oversized board book designed to entertain and educate younger readers.
infinity and me. by kate hosford illus. By Gabi Swiatkowska. lerner/carolrhoda.
Children will identify with uma’s experience of feeling small as she considers the universe and her place in it. idiosyncratic illustrations contrast with the warm relationship between uma and her grandmother. finally, infinity in terms that a uma can understand.
just ducks. by Nicola Davis. illus. by salvatore rubino. wick.
A girl watches mallard ducks as they eat, swim and dive. the engaging watercolors draw readers into the informative yet friendly narrative.
let’s go for a ride! by mo willems. illus. by the author hyperion.
Best friends Elephant and Piggie’s best plans to get ready for a car ride go awry when they realize they don’t have a car. (a 2013 geisel honors book)
the machines go to work in the city. by william low. illus. by the author copse.
stylish illustrations depicting a variety of gritty urban machines in all their burly glory as they work under, through, and above the city.
the wonderful hat of magritte: an illustrated book. by d. b. (donald b.) johnson. illus. by author houghton.
an imaginatively constructed picture book captures the essence of creativity and play while featuring the paintings of unique artist, rené magritte.
martin de porres: the rose in the desert. by Gary D. schmidt, illus. by david diaz clarín/houghton.
This illustrated biography of the Americas’ first saint of African descent captures both historical fact and legend. (belpre illustrator’s medal book 2013)
more. for me c. spring illustration by brian lies. houghton.
Striking illustrations juxtaposed against a simple story show what happens when the magpie’s greed leads to trouble.
night ninja. by barbara dacosta illus. by Ed Young small, brown.
A ninja stealthily goes about his mission until his mother catches him and puts him to bed. a dark palette of paper cutouts and mixed media illustrations intensify the story’s intrigue.
oh no! by candace fleming. illus. by eric rohmann. random/schwartz & wade.
With lush rhythmic phrases and jungle-color illustrations, five animals are disturbed by a grinning tiger and fall into a hole, one by one. This suspenseful, cumulative tale makes an engaging read aloud.
a great friend. by toni buzzeo. illus. by small david. mark/penguin.
The forceful line and fast-paced perspective combine to create a fun story about dad, elliot, and a highly unlikely pet (or two). (a 2013 caldecott honors book)
a special day: a story for older brothers and sisters. by lola m. schaefer. illus. by jessica meserve disney/hyperion.
spencer undergoes a remarkable transformation from wild and rowdy boy to gentle older brother in a light-hearted and lovingly sweetly illustrated story for “big brothers and sisters”.
penny and her doll. by kevin henkes. illus. by the author green willow.
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This beginning reader’s gentle illustrations reveal Penny’s determination to find the perfect name for her doll.
pete the cat and his four wonderful buttons. by eric litwin. illus. by james dean harper collins.
A soft-eyed blue feline keeps losing his wonderful buds. but he cries? God no! because after all, everything is fine! (a 2013 geisel honors book)
rabbit and robot: the sleepover. by cece bell. illus. by the author pabilo.
the rabbit and the robot disagree about everything on the rabbit’s “to do” list at his sleepover, including the robot’s insistence that the pizzas be covered with nuts, bolts and screws. and everything stops when the robot’s batteries run out. (a 2013 geisel honors book)
sleep like a tiger. by maria logue illus. by Pamela Zagarensky. houghton.
Parents coax their young children to bed with a whimsical story with universal appeal. (a 2013 caldecott honors book)
this is not my hat. by Jon Klassen illus. by the author pabilo.
In this darkly humorous story, a little fish knows that stealing a hat is wrong, but it fits him perfectly. and the big fish wants to get the hat back from him. (the 2013 caldecott medal book)
This moose belongs to me. by oliver jeffers. illus. by the author filomel/penguin.
wilfred thinks he has a moose, but the moose has other ideas. This offbeat story is humorously illustrated using an incongruous mix of stick figures and pictorial landscapes.
up, high and high! by ethan long. illus. by the author putnam/penguin.
A flock of birds performs a three-act play, while teaching the concepts of up, high, and tall. children will delight in reading additional words hidden under thick flaps. (geisel’s 2013 medal book)
z is for moose. By Kelly Bingham. illus. by Paul or zelinsky. green willow.
an offbeat alphabet book features best friends moose and zebra wreaking havoc with laughter. His wacky actions are highlighted in mixed-media cartoon illustrations.
intermediate readers
abraham lincoln & frederick douglass: the story behind an american friendship. By Russell Freedman. illus. bugle/houghton.
although one was born free and the other a slave, abraham lincoln and frederick douglass had much in common. In this dynamic study, Freedman explains how their influential lives intersected and benefited a nation.
the book of the beetle. by Steve Jenkins. illus. by author houghton.
With jewel-like collage art, this oversized edition examines different species of beetles and their distinctive characteristics.
a black hole is not a hole. by carolyn cinami of cristofano. illus. by michael carroll. charlesbridge.
Using analogies within a child’s experience, this deceptively clear and engaging introduction to black holes describes, explains, excites, and arouses a sense of wonder.
bomb: the race to build and steal the most dangerous weapon in the world. by steve sheinkin illus. roaring stream flash point.
This riveting non-fiction historical drama explores the complex series of events that led to the creation of the ultimate weapon and features many memorable personalities involved in the quest. (a 2013 newbery honor book, the sibert medal book, and the yalsa award for excellence in young adult nonfiction)
Brothers at Bat: The true story of an amazing baseball team made up entirely of brothers. by audrey vernick. illus. by steven salerno clarín/houghton.
The Acerra family had twelve sons who played baseball together from childhood, through World War II, and into adulthood. the story of his camaraderie and positive family attitude is as inspiring as his baseball records. retro illustrations transport readers back to the 1930s and 1940s.
chuck close: face book. by chuck close illus. abrams.
playful and packed with information in text and images, including an unusually effective insert of ‘mix and match’ self-portraits, this is an inspiring and practical profile of the artist.
every kindness. by jacqueline woodson. illus. bye. b. Lewis. penguin/nancy paulsen.
a story of disconnections and regret when a boy misses out on being a friend; while the illustrations reflect a beautiful outside world, the personal world shows isolation and loneliness. (a 2013 coretta scott king author honors book)
Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin. by robert byrd illus. by the author mark/penguin.
Renaissance man and founding father of the united states, benjamin franklin, comes to life in this electrifyingly informative book. (a 2013 sibert honor book)
george bellows: painter with a punch! by robert burleigh. illus. by george bellows. abrams.
Illustrated with Bellow’s paintings, this biography captures the essence of the painter’s life and art: his early years, his training, and his passion for the underbelly of New York City.
Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller. By Doreen Rappaport. illus. by matt tavares disney/hyperion.
Elegant text, direct quotes, and large, beautiful illustrations express how Helen Keller’s world grew larger once she found a way to identify and give voice to her experiences.
iceberg, forward!: the tragedy of the titanic. by stephanie sammartino mcpherson. illus. lerner/twenty-first century.
Based on official documents, logs and diaries and illustrated with abundant photographs, this gripping and well-organized chronicle records the tragic history, from the original design and construction to the discovery of the ship’s wreckage and cinematic re-enactments.
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in a glass darkly. By Adam Gidwitz. illus. dutton/penguin.
Inspired by the tales of Grimm and Andersen, Gidwitz guides Jack and Jill on a quest filled with adventure and fantastical creatures. wit and wisdom packaged as fun.
island: a history of the galápayments. by jason chin ilus. by author roaring creek/neal porter.
Vivid illustrations and brief text explain the evolution of a Galapagos island and its animal inhabitants. the above subject adds weight to the information and encourages further investigation.
liar & spy. by rebeca stead random/wendy lamb.
what is real and what is deception? This understated story, with unlikely friendships and secrets to be revealed, will intrigue readers and encourage a second read.
lulu and the duck in the park. By Hilary McKay. illus. by priscilla lamont. alberto whitman.
Despite her teacher’s stern warning, soft-hearted Lulu inadvertently and unexpectedly adds a new animal to the classroom in a laugh-out-loud transition story.
can b. , by caroline starr rose. random/schwartz & wade.
In this novel in verse, the dyslexic can b. He is sent to help a couple in a soddy on the Kansas plains. suddenly can b. must fend for itself as winter approaches. a tighter story for fans of casitas.
The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity. by elizabeth rusch. illus. houghton.
follows the creation and launch of the first two Mars rovers in 2004, their explorations of the Red Planet over the next six years, and the challenges faced by the scientists who built and guided them.
moonbird: a year in the wind with the great survivor b95. by Philip M. choose illustration macmillan/farrar.
b95, a four-ounce sandpiper, is the subject of this action-packed story of endurance. (a 2013 sibert honor book and yalsa finalist for excellence in young adult nonfiction)
the incomparable ivan. by katherine applegate illus. by Patricia Castelao. harpercollins/harper.
This unique view of the world from a gorilla’s point of view offers wry humor, deep emotion, and thought-provoking insights into the nature of friendship, hope, and humanity. (the 2013 newbery medal book)
see you at harry’s. by jo knowles wick.
Fern’s family life revolves around her family’s restaurant and Charlie, an optimistic three-year-old, until tragedy strikes. a surprisingly funny book about a family that comes together in grief.
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splendours and darkness. By Laura Amy Schlitz. wick.
Lizzie Rose, Parsefall and Clara are caught in the clutches of an evil puppeteer and a powerful witch in this delightfully dark and complex tale of good versus evil set in Dickensian England. (a 2013 newbery honor book)
starry sky river. by grace lin illus. by author small, brown.
Rendi, a runaway, finds work at a small inn. A mysterious guest shares mystical stories, helping Rendi discover truths about himself and the world. beautiful Chinese-style illustrations make the whole package.
Three times of luck. by sheila turnage. mark/penguin.
Rising sixth grader Mo Lobeau leads the eccentric residents of Tupelo Landing, North Carolina on a hilarious journey of mystery and adventure as she investigates a murder and searches for her long-lost mother. (a 2013 newbery honor book)
titanic: voices from the disaster. by deborah hopkinson. illus. scholastic/scholastic press.
This story of the sinking ship is told in compelling detail and offers a gripping narrative through the voices of survivors. (a 2013 sibert honor book and yalsa finalist for excellence in young adult nonfiction)
twelve types of ice. by ellen bryan obed. illus. by barbara mcclintock houghton.
In a nostalgic look back at his childhood winters with his close-knit family and neighbors, Obed describes the joys of playing and skating.
Unspoken: A History of the Underground Railroad. by henry cole. illus. by the author scholastic/scholastic press.
In a wordless but eloquent picture book, a brave peasant woman secretly provides food for a runaway slave. evocative monochrome pencil drawings capture the drama of the story.
wonderfulr. by r. J. palace. knopf.
Born with facial deformities, August chooses to attend “regular” school for the first time. Told from many perspectives, this is a powerful novel about friendship and acceptance.
Zombie creators: true stories of the undead of nature. by Rebecca L. johnson. illus. lerner/millbrook.
Illustrated with stunning photography, this chilling introduction to some of the fungi, parasites, and viruses that invade insects, mammals, and sometimes humans, examines how they control the behavior of hosts to ensure their own survival.
older readers
Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe. by benjamin alire sáenz. Simon & schuster
This truly universal novel about the friendship of two boys on the brink of adulthood addresses questions of identity, friendship, family, and love. (the 2013 belpré author medal book, a printz honor book, and the stonewall award book)
Beyond Courage: The Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust. By Doreen Rappaport. illus. wick.
Faces draw us into the story. Packed with abundant photography and moving personal accounts, this inspiring and well-researched story reveals and acknowledges the brave Jews and righteous Gentiles who fought during the Holocaust.
theater. by raina telgemeier. illus. by the author graphix/scholastic.
Callie’s personal drama about the technical team (unrequited crushes, a first kiss, high school cliques) is a perfect tribute to teamwork, strong friendships and individuality. (a 2013 stonewall honor book)
a game of swallows: die, go, come back. by zeina abirached. illus. by the author lerner/graphic universe.
This graphic novel memoir centers on a night during the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990) during which the author, her brother, and neighbors huddle in the safest corner of their apartment to share memories, food, and comfort. (a 2013 batchelder honor book)
invincible microbe: tuberculosis and the relentless search for a cure. by jim murphy and alison blank. illus. bugle/houghton.
This comprehensive and meticulously organized account of the disease traces its ancient history, its treatments, and the ongoing search for a cure.
my family because of the war. by ana c. voorhoeve. trans. by Tammi Reichel mark/penguin.
When 10-year-old Ziska flees Nazi Germany on a secret child transport train, she joins an Orthodox Jewish home in London, where she raises a new family for the war. (the 2013 batchelder award book)
my sister lives on the mantelpiece. by annabel pitcher. small, brown.
a painful, sometimes comical, but ultimately hopeful story of a grieving family dealing with their own prejudice against Muslims.
the revolution of evelyn serrano. by sonia manzano scholastic/scholastic press.
In 1969 Spanish Harlem, fourteen-year-old Evelyn Serrano is caught up in a whirlwind of events led by revolutionary young lords and learns to value her own culture and history. (a 2013 belpré author honor book)
seraphin. by rachel hartman. random.
In goredd, dragons and humans live in uneasy peace. Hartman lures Seraphina, a half-human, half-dragon teenage musician, into court intrigue. internally logical, suspenseful with just a hint of romance. (The 2013 William C. Morris Yalsa Prize Book)
son. by lois lowry houghton.
The powerful conclusion to the giver’s quartet, the son stands out as a story of friendship, love, loss and sacrifice.
son of a gun. by Anne deGraaf. trans. by author eerdmans
Told through the eyes of a young sister and brother caught up in Liberia’s civil war, this story depicts the lives of child soldiers. (a 2013 batchelder honor book)
steve jobs: the man who thought differently. by karen blumenthal illus. macmillan/feiwel.
From his birth, early adoption, and early education to his failures and successes, this unbiased biography presents the enigmatic innovator in all his complexity for readers who have never known a world without computers. (2013 yalsa finalist for Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction)
temple grandin: how the girl who loved cows embraced autism and changed the world. By Sy Montgomery. illus. houghton.
Using interviews, shots, and accessible narrative, the author explains the workings of the autistic brain while presenting the life of Temple Grandin, an autistic woman famous for her animal rights advocacy.
We have work: the birmingham children’s march of 1963. by cynthia y. levinson illus. peach tree.
Four children, who risked their lives in the momentous march, provide their personal accounts of that historic event. beautifully designed and illustrated with archival photographs.
all ages
little bird. from German Zullo. illus. by Albertine. enchanted lion.
simple and expressive illustrations show without words how a man’s kindness is rewarded by a grateful bird; a graphic representation of “it’s the little things that count”.
national geographic animal poetry book: 200 photo poems that screech, fly and roar! ed. by j. patrick lewis illus. national geography.
In a collection for all ages, Lewis combines poems from classic and modern poets with stunning photographs from the National Geographic Archives that capture the amazing diversity of the animal world.
exit gently. by helen frost. illus. by rick lieder. wick.
frost’s poem, along with lieder’s luminous photographs, invite readers to examine the life of insects as they soar through the air or somersault on a blade of grass.
the year returns: haiku through the seasons. by sid farrar illus. by ilse plume. alberto whitman.
A cycle of seasons is vividly described and lushly illustrated in this collection of haiku.
the water sings blue: poems of the ocean. by kate coombs illus. by meilo so. chronic.
Twenty-three loosely illustrated watercolor poems include “songs” in praise of the ocean and the life within it. an unforgettable maritime excursion.
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The 2013 Notable Children’s Book Committee included:
See Also: Best Book Scanner App for Selling Used Books Online