Awards and Lists
Readers Awards
Readers Lists
| Committees composed of highly qualified and trained librarians choose developmentally appropriate titles for MASL Readers Award and Readers Lists based on professional judgment, notable book review sources and publisher information. Even so, every librarian has a professional responsibility to make thoughtful decisions about all books selected for their library to ensure they curate collections that align with their district’s policies and the needs of their school community. |
About the Readers Awards
Mission Statement
The librarians of Missouri believe that exposing students to quality literature impacts their future reading habits. These awards encourage students in grades one through twelve to explore new literary genres, to recognize excellence in writing and illustrating, and to experience the joy of literature.
MASL’s four Readers Awards and two Readers Lists represent the best current youth literature available to students of different grade levels.
(Grades 1-3)
Show Me Readers Award
Picture books, easy to read aloud with strong literary value, with interest and appeal to children 6 to 10 years old.
(Grades 2-4)
Hawthorn Readers Award
Books should interest children in grades two through four and be beginning chapter books and should be of literary value which may enrich children’s personal lives.
(Grades 4-6)
Mark Twain Readers Award
Books should interest children in grades four through six and should be of literary value which may enrich children’s personal lives.
(Grades 6-8)
Truman Readers Award
Books should interest students in their early teen years and should be of literary value and enrich readers lives.
(Grades 9-12)
Gateway Readers Award
Books of interest to young adults in grades nine through twelve and appeal to their needs, interests and reading levels.
(Grades PreK-12)
Dogwood Readers List
Books of interest to a range of readers in grades PreK-12 and connect young readers in Missouri with quality non-fiction books to broaden their knowledge of the world.
(Grades PreK-12)
Denny O'Neil Graphic Novel List
Books will be of interest to a range of readers in grades PreK-12. Books will connect young readers in Missouri with quality graphic novels that will broaden their knowledge of the world and enrich their reading experiences.
Recommend A Book
Students, teachers, librarians, and parents can recommend a book for Readers Award consideration.
