The books included in the Core Collection of 150 titles are the result of a dynamic and rigorous criteria and selection process.  Central to the first phase of this process was a review of books from five literary genres:   Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction,  Fantasy/Science Fiction, Folklore, and Biography.  The titles for these genres were selected because they were cited most frequently on highly recommended book lists, have won numerous awards or have received recognition by leaders in the field of children’s literature, and are  currently in print or still have an active role in the curriculum and an active shelf life.  Several hundred titles were reviewed during this phase in an effort to select a representative sampling from among the best titles and best authors in a genre.  

These titles were then reviewed in an additionall screening process that produced the 150 titles in the Core Collection.  (You can view the booklist and criteria for each genre by clicking on the genre name.) This phase of the selection process was based on the following set of criteria to ensure a balanced collection in each genre:  

• Interest and appeal to young readers
• Recognition as a classic or one that will become a classic
• Contribution to multicultural themes and issues
• Author's popularity and recognition in a genre
• Thematic and/or conceptual links to other curriculum areas
• Highly visible and recognizable titles
• Popularity with teachers, librarians, and booksellers
• Literary quality reflective of the best in the genre
• Content appropriate for interdisciplinary approach
• Positive social/moral values
• Positive role models for male and female readers
• Ethnic diversity in setting and character
• Long shelf life

Placement Levels: The 150 titles are grouped into three placement levels: Level I titles can be used for students who are reading chapter books with a high degree of independence beginning at Grades 3-4; Level II titles can be used for students who are reading on grade level in Grades 5-6, or above level in Grade 4;  and Level III titles can be used for students who are reading above grade levels in Grades 5-6 and on Grade Level in Grades 6-8. The three level configuration was designed to make available at each school site, elementary and/or middle school, a wide enough range between levels and within levels to meet the needs of all students from special needs to the gifted and talented.  This flexibility of offerings also recognizes that interest level is an important indication of a student's reading level and should not be overlooked when matching a student with a book.  A placement chart is included in each genre overview so that each user can designate a placement level appropriate to his or her students' ability at the class level.

Refer to each genre in this section for a brief description of the genre and the criteria for the titles included in each genre collection.  A book list for the genre is included along with information about ethnicity and books that reflect other cultures.