The University of St. Thomas

Children's and Young Adult Literature Research Guide

Children's and Young Adult Literature

Here are ten questions and answers to help you find information about children's and/or young adult literature at the University of St. Thomas.

1.  Where can I find children's or young adult books at UST?

The Hubbs Children's Literature Collection is located on the main floor of Keffer Library. This collection includes picture books, fiction for grades K-12, and nonfiction for K-8 with some titles for older readers.

2.  How do I find a specific title, or books by a specific author?

Use the CLICnet catalog; search by title or author (last name first), and limit your search to Keffer Library.  If you need assistance finding items on the shelf, check our location guide.

3.  How do I find children's book on a subject?

Try a keyword search for the term(s) you are looking for.  It often helps to add the word "juvenile" to focus the search.  Limit your search to Keffer Library.  You might also want to consult the following reference books in the Children's Reference Area.  These books list many more titles than UST libraries own, so you will need to consult CLICnet to locate items.

  • A to Zoo; Subject Guide to Children's Picture Books (also online in the "Children's Room" of Books in Print)
  • Across Cultures: A Guide to Multicultural Literature for Children
  • Best Books for Children: Preschool Through Grade 6
  • Best Books for Young Adults
  • Adventuring with Books; A Booklist for PreK-Grade 6
  • Your Reading: An Annotated Booklist for Middle School and Junior High
  • Books for You: An Annotated Booklist for Senior High Students
  • Children's Books About Religion
  • Books Kids Will Sit Still For
  • Gotcha for Guys! Nonfiction Books to Get Boys Excited About Reading
  • Big Book of Children's Reading Lists

4.  What if St. Thomas doesn't own the book I'm looking for?

Broaden the search to all CLIC libraries.  If you find it at another library, click on the "Request Item" button to borrow it.  If no one in CLIC owns the book, check a local public library (if you have a public library card), or request the item on interlibrary loan.

5.  How do I find journal articles about children's literature? and/or How do I find book reviews for a children's book?

Try these online or print resources:

Online articles and reviews:

Online review sources

Print review sources:

  • Booklist (located at OSF Library)
  • ALAN Review (located at Keffer Library)
  • HornBook (located at Keffer Library)
  • Science Books and Films (located at OSF Library)

6.  How do I find biographical information about an author or illustrator?

Try these online or print resources:

Online:

Print: (all in Children's Literature Reference, Keffer)

  • Something About the Author
  • Coretta Scott King Awards: 1970-2004
  • Black Authors and Illustrators of Books for Children and Young Adults (brief information)
  • Picture Books By Latino Writers (brief information)
  • Children's and Young Adult Literature by Latino Writers (brief information)
  • Children's and Young Adult Literature by Native Americans (brief information)

7.  How do I find information about award winning books?

Try these online or print resources:

Online:

Print: (all in Children's Literature Reference, Keffer)

  • Newbery and Caldecott Awards
  • Children's Book Award Handbook
  • Coretta Scott King Awards: 1970-2004

8.  How can I find information about Minnesota authors and their children's books?

Try these online resources:

9.  Where can I find information about books or authors from other ethnic or cultural groups?

Try these online or print resources:

Online:

Print: (all in Children's Literature Reference, Keffer)

  • Children's and Young Adult Literature by Latino Writers
  • Picture Books by Latino Writers
  • Black Authors and Illustrators of Books for Children and Young Adults
  • Coretta Scott King Awards 1970-2004
  • Children's and Young Adult Literature by Native Americans
  • Kaleidoscope; A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8
  • Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults (2 volumes)
  • Through Indian Eyes
  • A Broken Flute
  • Across Cultures: A Guide to Multicultural Literature for Children

10.  Are there some good websites to help me use children's literature in my classroom?

Try these for a start:

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For additional information or assistance, please contact:

Donna Nix
denix@stthomas.edu
Office: MOH 124, Mail: MOH 206, Charles J. Keffer Library
651-962-4662

This page last updated August 15, 2008.