Author/Title
The information for each selection includes the name of the author(s), illustrator, and the title of the book.
Keyword
Titles and annotations are searched by typing in a keyword. Annotations are provided for each title and include a synopsis summarizing the book's subject, content, story line, and characters. Annotations may also suggest a link to a particular standard, or mention sensitive subject matter. California authors, illustrators, and settings are noted, if known.
Grade Level Span
One of four grade level designations is listed indicating the appropriate audience for a particular title. Grade levels are determined by factors such as interest level, curriculum connections, readability level, and links to the English-Language Arts Content Standards for those grades. Titles have been divided into the following grade-level spans:
- Kindergarten through grade two (K-2)
- Grades three through five (3-5)
- Grades six through eight (6-8)
- Grades nine through twelve (9-12)
Language
This category indicates if the title is written in a language other than English or if the title is bilingual (written in both English and another language). The list includes titles in the six languages most commonly spoken by students in California: English, Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Filipino.
Culture
The list includes quality literature that reflects a rich cultural diversity. Cultural designations include: African, Australian, Black/African American, Cambodian/Cambodian American, Chinese/Chinese American, East Indian/East Indian American, Eastern European, Filipino/Filipino American, Hmong/Hmong American, Japanese/Japanese American, Jewish/Jewish American, Korean/Korean American, Latino/Latino American, Middle Eastern, Native American, Pacific Islander, Russian/Russian American, Vietnamese/Vietnamese American, Western European, and Multicultural.
Genre
The genre for each title is provided in the CDE Recommended Literature: K-12 Literary Genres Web page. Genres include: biography/autobiography, drama, essay, fable, fairy tale, fantasy, fiction, fiction in verse, folklore, historical fiction, horror, humor, legend, mystery, mythology, narrative nonfiction, nonfiction, poetry, realistic fiction, science fiction, short story, speech, and tall tale.
Classification
The classification category, as seen on the CDE Recommended Literature: K-12 Classifications Web page, indicates the following types of books: alphabet book, classic, concept book, counting book, early chapter book, easy reader, graphic novel, photo essay, picture book, read aloud, and wordless book.
Curriculum Connections
Strong curricular connections are noted in the areas of vocabulary, writing, literary elements, history/social science, literacy/motivation, mathematics, science, visual and performing arts, and physical education.
Awards
This category, as seen on the CDE Recommended Literature: K-12 Awards Web page, lists the special awards won by the author and/or illustrator for this title. Awards include: Caldecott Medal, California Young Reader Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, National Book Award, Newbery Medal, etc.
