"Hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats." This chorus found over and over in the book Millions of Cats by Wanda Ga'g, recognized as the first modern picture book, describes the choices faced by a little old man looking to bring back a kitten for his wife. Adapted slightly, "hundreds of books, thousands of books, millions and billions and trillions of books" and this chorus describes the choices faced by school teachers everywhere while selecting books for their students and classroom library. With literally thousands of books to choose from, how do we as teachers know which are the best books for our kids to be reading?

Fortunately, every year, the American Library Association and other organizations give us an indication of which books and authors to consider. The Newberry Medal and the Caldecott Medal are two awards given every year to "the author of the most distinguished contribution to children's literature" and "the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children", respectively. These awards are the most prestigious awards an author and illustrator can be awarded in the field of children's literature. They signify great works of extremely talented authors and illustrators.

Throughout my years of reading and collecting books, I have come to collect a great many award winning books. My mother started the tradition by paying special attention to the book order clubs and watching out for that "Award-Winner" notification. She knew that these books were special and even without reading them knew that they were the best books for my sister and I to read. Once I got older and began collecting books on my own, I too watched out of the corner of my eye for those notable books. I knew that a book with the Newberry Medal or the Scott O'Dell Award had something extra to offer me as a reader. I came to know authors who had won awards and not only read that book, but others by them. I immersed myself in proven quality literature and I hope I have emerged a more sophisticated reader because of it. I have learned how to appreciate good literature and have been given strong examples by which to judge any other book I do read.

I am going to be in my own classroom soon. I hope to have dozens of empty shelves to stock with books from my personal collection. I want my students to have the same exposure I did to books that have something special to give to the vast community of readers. From my experience in various classrooms, I know what a challenge it can be sometimes to get kids interested in reading. If I give those kids who are riding that fence between choosing to read versus a Gameboy, the ones who haven't been connected with just the right book, something I know is quality, I am one step closer in bringing a love of literature to every one of my students.

The collection is divided into the following sections: Newberry Honor Books (these books did not win the medal but were honored that year), Newberry Medal Winners, Caldecott Honor Books (again, these books were honored, but did not win), Caldecott Medal Winners, Additional Medal Winners (books that have won other literary awards), and Non-Medal Winners (divided by genre).

Newberry Honor
1. Cleary, Beverly: Ramona Quimby, Age 8. Dell Publishing, 1981 Honor in 1982
The ultimate pest of a younger sister has finally grown up. Facing a new school and all kinds of changes, Ramona must learn how to be brave and deal with it all. Ramona is one of those characters that kids everywhere can relate to and can read about in all her adventures.

2. Ga'g, Wanda: Millions of Cats. Coward-McCann Inc, 1928 Honor in 1929
Recognized as the first modern picture book, it's a simplistic tale with a repetitive chorus that kids love chanting along with when read aloud.

3. McKissack, Patricia C.: The Dark-Thirty; Southern Tales of the Supernatural. Scholastic, Inc, 1992 Honor in 1993
This is a collection of folk tales that have arisen from African-American culture in the south. This book is an exemplary piece of literature to highlight the oral tradition that is so common in the African-American culture.

4. Speare, Elizabeth George: The Sign of the Beaver. Dell Publishing, 1983 Honor in 1984 Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award in 1984
A young boy is left alone to take care of his family farm until they return and befriends a local Indian boy. Forced to grow up rather quickly, he must make the decision to wait for his family's return or join the tribe when they leave. This is a book read in many 5th grade classrooms for very good reason. It gives students the perfect opportunity to put themselves in a character's shoes and think about what they would do.

5. White, E.B.: Charlotte's Web. Dell Publishing, 1952 Honor in 1953
This heartwarming story of Wilbur the pig and his best friend Charlotte the spider is a staple in any children's reading repertoire. One of the few books that make me cry every time I read it.

6 - 14. Wilder, Laura Ingalls: The "Little House" boxed collection. Harper Trophy, 1932
Little House in the Big Woods
Little House on the Prairie
Farmer Boy
On the Banks of Plum Creek: Honor in 1938
By the Shores of Silver Lake: Honor in 1940
The Long Winter: Honor in 1941
Little Town on the Prairie: Honor in 1942
These Happy Golden Years: Honor in 1944
The First Four Years
This collection actually belonged to my stepmother before I inherited it as a girl. I remember reading this particular box set repeatedly. This is the timeless collection about Laura Ingalls and her family as they moved throughout the Midwestern US fighting nature and Indians trying to settle the barely explored US territory.

Newberry Winner
15. Avi: Crispin; The Cross of Lead. Hyperion Paperbacks, 2002 Winner in 2003
This is the tale of boy who has no idea who he really is and all he has to remember his mother is her cross of lead, the one clue that may help him identify his father. A great piece of historical fiction without the history dragging the story down.

16. Cleary, Beverly: Dear Mr. Henshaw. Dell Publishing, 1983 Winner in 1984
An established author helps a boy looking for easy answers discover the true author inside himself through a series of letters written back and forth between the two. This book is great for any kids who want to write, but may have trouble knowing where to start.

17. DiCamillo, Kate: The Tale of Despereaux. Scholastic Inc., 2003 Winner in 2004
A cute fairy tale of a mouse that doesn't fit in, a rat who is really good at heart, a princess, and the soup that started it all.

18. Fleischman, Sid: The Whipping Boy. Greenwillow Books, 1986 Winner in 1987
An interesting book about a bratty prince and his "whipping boy" who run away and have a series of adventures, with the prince of course, learning his lesson in the end.

19. Hamilton, Virginia: M.C. Higgins The Great. Cornerstone Books, 1974 Winner in 1975
M.C. is a boy trying to save his family and his farm from the strip mines destroying his mountain top home. From the unique vantage point atop his 40 foot pole, M.C. sees hope and salvation in the strangers that appear on his mountain. A compelling novel with a sophisticated storyline, one can't help but feel for M.C. as he grapples between his past and his desires for the future.

20. Konigsburg, E.L.: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Aladdin Paperbacks, 1967 Winner 1968
Another favorite from my childhood, this story is every kid's dream. Claudia and her little brother run away and live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The mystery of the "Angel" statue have them looking for answers in the files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

21. Lowry, Lois: The Giver. Dell Laurel Leaf, 1993 Winner 1994
A book found in almost every upper elementary class, this book is a great read for kids and adults alike. A challenging book about the idea of a utopian society lends itself to many great discussions.

22. Lowry, Lois: Number the Stars. Dell Publishing, 1989 Winner 1990
Another staple of elementary classrooms all over, this is the classic tale of two girls, one Jewish, who must deal with the Nazi invasion at the height of their power.

23. O'Brien, Robert C.: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Macmillan Publishing Company, 1971 Winner in 1972
An intriguing tale of a mouse who must seek the help of the mysterious rats of NIMH in order to save her son and her house from the farmer's plow. A subtle commentary on utopian society gives this book depth not apparent on first glance.

24. O'Dell, Scott: Island of the Blue Dolphins. Dell Publishing, 1960 Winner in 1961
When she is left alone on her native island, Karana must learn how to feed, clothe, and even defend herself from the island's animal inhabitants. I read this book all the time when I was little. The struggle to survive is a timeless story that kids love to read about.

25. Raskin, Ellen. The Westing Game. Puffin Books, 1978 Winner 1979
A mystery where the residents of one apartment building must work together to play the game in order to figure out whodunit! A fun twist on the typical mystery story and a story that still engages me today.

26. Spinelli, Jerry: Maniac Magee. Little, Brown and Company, 1990 Winner 1991
This was one of my favorite books when I was younger. Maniac Magee is a boy of legend. From untangling the knot that could not be untangled to uniting two sides of a racist town, Maniac does the undoable.

Newberry and Caldecott
27. Willard, Nancy (Illustrated by Alice & Martin Provensen): A Visit To William Blake's Inn. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Publishers, 1981.
Newberry Winner in 1982, Caldecott Honor in 1982
The only book that I know of to win the Newberry Medal and be a Caldecott Honor Book, this book of imaginative poetry describes life at a fictitious inn run by William Blake. This is a great opportunity to expose kids to classic poetry in a fun and fancy manner.

Caldecott Honors
28. Bang, Molly: When Sophie Gets Angry Really, Really Angry… Scholastic, Inc, 1999 Honor in 2000
Sophie gets angry and has to learn how to deal with her strong emotions. Not only is this book a great way to introduce the idea of how we handle our feelings, but the pictures detail a step by step process of the emotions Sophie goes through. Also the illustrations lend themselves to another discussion on how the illustrator represents each emotion with bold lines and color.

29. Cronin, Doreen (Illustrated by Betsy Lewin): Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type. Scholastic, Inc, 2000 Honor in 2001
This humourous tale of cows that obtain a typewriter and begin making ultimatums is enjoyable for kids no matter how old. The whimsical watercolor illustrations add their own humour to the story.

30. DiTerlizzi, Tony: The Spider and the Fly (Based on the poem by Mary Howitt). Scholastic, Inc., 2002 Honor in 2003
This is an adaptation of a 19th century poem by Mary Howitt. Tony DiTerlizzi brings deliciously chilling illustrations that seem soft and friendly on the outside, but sinister and dark upon a closer look. It is a story not suitable for younger children, but older kids will delight in the sinister and gruesome nature of the tale and its illustrations.

31. Issacs, Anne (Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky): Swamp Angel. Dutton Children's Books, 1994 Honor in 1995
Along the lines of Paul Bunyon, Pecos Bill, and Johnny Appleseed, Swamp Angel is the story of Angelica Longrider, a girl of mythic proportions. She saves her town from the massive bear, Thundering Tarnation, and takes a new place alongside other legendary tall tale characters.

32. Lionni, Leo: Frederick and His Friends (Including Frederick (1967), Swimmy (1963), Fish is Fish (1970), & Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse (1969)). Alfred A. Knopf, 2002
Frederick: Honor in 1968, Swimmy: Honor in 1964, Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse: Honor in 1970
These simple tales with even simpler illustrations are sophisticated in their own way. Each story with it's own lesson are told through a variety of artistic media, with each media merging perfectly with the story. Lionni's works are featured in The Girl With the Brown Crayon by Vivian Gussin Paley (an accomplished and gifted kindergarten teacher) and how she and her preschool student related these simplistically elegant stories to their own lives.

33. Wood, Audrey (Illustrated by Don Wood): King Bidgood's in the Bathtub. Harcourt, Inc, 1985 Honor in 1986
This was one of my favorite picture books when I was younger. Even now I love poring over the pictures looking at all the minute details in each double page spread. The sublime ending still makes me chuckle out loud. Audrey & Don Wood remain my favorite author/illustrator team to this day.

Caldecott Winners
34. Sendak, Maurice: Where the Wild Things Are. Harpers Collins Publishers, 1963
Winner in 1964
This is the ultimate expression of every child's desire to escape into a world where they are king. Another timeless classic, the pictures throughout this book are filled with signs and symbols that add depth and make it more than a simple story of a boy who dreams himself into a faraway land.

35. Wiesner, David: The Three Pigs. Scholastic, Inc, 2001 Winner in 2002
An interesting twist on the tired tale of the Three Little Pigs, this book literally comes alive and the characters jump out of the pages. Wiesner manages to give his characters (from many other stories as well) life and distinct personalities. His creativity is evident both here and his other Caldecott Honor Book, Tuesday.

Other Award Winners
36. Ryan, Pam Munoz. Esperanza Rising. Scholastic, Inc., 2000
Winner of the Pura Belpre Award in 2002 ("presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children")
An inspiring story of a family who loses all their possessions and is forced to flee to the US from Mexico and adopt a lifestyle of poverty and hardship. Despite the murder of her father and numerous setbacks in her new home, Esperanza learns again how to soar. A book centered around the oft-ignored Latino culture/history.

37. O'Dell, Scott: Streams to the River, River to the Sea. Fawcett Juniper, 1986
Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award in 1987
This is not your average retelling of the journey of Lewis and Clark and Sacagawea's involvement. With so little known for sure about Sacagawea herself and her role on the legendary expedition, Scott O'Dell interprets the facts and puts a new spin on the same old story. A book for older students, but one that is worthwhile to read, especially to generate discussion about Sacagawea, Lewis, and Clark and what might have happened to them.

The following books are not award winners, although many are by award-winning authors. Those that are not are books that I feel are still extremely good literature and should be included in any classroom library. Authors marked with ** have won or been honored with the Newberry or Caldecott Medal for other books.

Fiction - Contemp. Realistic Fiction
38. Blume, Judy: Tales of Fourth Grade Nothing. Puffin Books, 1972
My class read this at the beginning of my fourth grade year and our teacher called us her "Fourth Grade Somethings". A story almost every child can relate to: how to deal with a pesky younger sibling!

39. **Konigsburg, E.L.: Silent to the Bone. Simon Pulse, 2000
An intriguing novel about a boy who is accused of killing his sister and refuses to speak a word, even in his own defense. It is only through his best friend who develops a way for them to communicate is the truth revealed. It is truly a lesson in the power children can have over their situation.

40. Lee, Harper: To Kill A Mockingbird. Warner Books, 1960
One of the most well known books of all time, it is still a classic read by young adults all over. This is one of those books that needs no explanation, but will continue to be found in classrooms and libraries for years and years.

41. Levithan, David: Boy Meets Boy. Alfred A. Knopf, 2003
A very modern take on the typical coming of age story. This book's protagonist is a gay high school student. One of the first books of its kind, adolescents everywhere can identify with the universal themes of dating, high school, parents, and popularity. This book brings a whole new culture into the mix and does it with grace and respect.

42. **Paterson, Katherine: The Same Stuff as Stars. Harper Trophy, 2002
Better known for her classic and Newberry Medal winning, Bridge to Terabithia, Paterson writes the story of a girl abandoned by her mother, forced to move in with a stand-offish grandmother, and finds her salvation in the stars with her mysterious star-watching partner. A very touching tale of a girl learning who she is and how she fits into the endless universe she so loves to watch.

43. Philbrick, Rodman: Freak the Mighty. Scholastic, Inc, 1993
I had never heard of this book or author before reading it, but was awed at the issues and story found within. Kevin is a boy with a handicap and a staggering intellect while Max is big for his age and often called dumb. Together they become Freak the Mighty and form an intense bond. Both have something to teach the other and together they learn what they can truly accomplish.

44. Rawls, Wilson: Where the Red Fern Grows. Dell Publishing, 1961
This is by far my favorite children's book of all time. I read this book once a year on average and cry every single time. No other book has had the same impact on me. Rawls is a master at creating the bond between Billy and his faithful dogs inside the reader's heart and mind. I've never read a better story of friendship and a boy learning the sometimes harsh lessons of life.

Fiction - Historical Fiction
45. Cooney, Caroline B.: Goddess of Yesterday. Random House, Inc, 2002
I was surprised to find this book when looking for a good piece of historical fiction. Set during the preceding weeks of the Trojan War, it is the only book I have heard of set during this time period. After being kidnapped at age six and watching her new family killed, Anaxandra must pose as the princess she previously accompanied. Rescued by the infamous Menelaus, Anaxandra must hide her identity from the cruel Helen. As the war erupts, Anaxandra finds herself torn between the two sides. She must later attempt a daring rescue in order to return to Menelaus and the prince that is waiting for her.

46. **Spinelli, Jerry: Milkweed. Scholastic, Inc, 2003
Milkweed is about a young orphan in Warsaw during World War II. Not knowing what is going on around him, he enjoys the parades of black-booted Nazi soldiers and thinks to race with the other people "running" through the streets. Eventually forced into a Jewish Ghetto, "Misha" as he is later named learns hard lessons about the horror around him and realizes his unknown history is a blessing in a time when being someone can get you on the train that always returns empty.

Fiction - Fantasy
47. **Babbit, Natalie: The Search for Delicious. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1969
The Prime Minister is writing a dictionary and does not know what to put under the entry for "delicious". His foster son is sent to poll the entire kingdom to find out what is delicious. Unfortunately for every person in the kingdom, there is a different opinion on what is delicious. It isn't until a magical mermaid and the stream where she lives are involved that the kingdom can agree on what to enter for "delicious".

48. Dahl, Roald: Matilda. Puffin Books, 1988
Dahl is a master of children's literature and this is one of his finest works. All kids can identify with not having their voices heard and I'm sure most kids wish they had Matilda's powers to change things. Matilda is one of those books that has you smiling as you turn each page to see where her magic takes her next.

49. Juster, Norton: The Phantom Tollbooth. Scholastic, Inc, 1961
This is another personal favorite. I could not (and still cannot!) get over the delicious play on words filling this story. The most literal phrases and concepts are brought to life in demons, cities, and characters and each one is given a personality to match their concept. A book you can read just for fun, it can not only be appreciated by kids but also adults who enjoy a good pun now and then.

50 - 56. Lewis, C.S.: The Chronicles of Narnia (Boxed Set). Scholastic, Inc, 1955
The Magician's Nephew
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Horse and His Boy
Prince Caspian
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Last Battle
The classic fantasy series that has kids everywhere checking their closets to see if they can discover their own Narnia. This is another timeless classic that kids will be reading for years and years to come picturing themselves as High Kings and Queens of the world within their wardrobe.

57. Rowling, J.K.: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Scholastic, Inc, 1999
This is the series that has taken the world by storm. Rowling has kids everywhere devouring the pages of her books and has ignited an interest in reading like never before. Appreciated by kids and adults, Harry Potter is one of those characters that everyone can relate to. The Prisoner of Azkaban is my personal favorite and is the book I chose to represent the series in this collection.

Picture Books
59. Pinkwater, Daniel M. (Illustrated by **Tomie dePaola): The Wuggie Norple Story. Aladdin Books, 1980
This was one of my all time favorite picture books as a kid. The ridiculous names for each pet (Exploding Poptart!?) and the even more ridiculous plot line (proving the cat Wuggie Norple is bigger than an elephant!) amused me to no end and still does today. dePaola, a Caldecott Honor illustrator, brings hilarious characterization to this absurd tale.

60. **Raskin, Ellen: Nothing Ever Happens on My Block. Aladdin Books, 1966.
This is one of those books where you can pore over the details in the pictures for hours. Chester complains that nothing ever happens on his block but the background behind him is filled with adventure and misfortunes. Raskin, winner of the Newberry Medal for The Westing Game has written and illustrated a fun book for kids to explore over and over again.

61. **Scieszka, Jon (Illustrated by Lane Smith): The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs. Penguin Books USA Inc, 1989
One of the most creative and hilarious author/illustrator duos I've ever encountered, Scieszka and Smith bring a savvy sense of humour to each of the books they've done. Here the Wolf of 3 Little Pig fame is given the opportunity to tell his side of the story, claiming all he wanted was a cup of sugar from 3 mean spirited little pigs.

62. **Scieszka, Jon (Illustrated by Lane Smith): Science Verse. Penguin Books USA Inc, 2004
Scieszka and Smith do it again with a hilarious book of poetry about many science topics. A lot of their poems are parodies of other famous works and it's fun to try and identify the work that inspired each piece. Smith is a previous Caldecott Honor recipient for their adapted fairy tales in The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales.

63. **Wood, Audrey (Illustrated by Audrey & Don Wood): Elbert's Bad Word. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Publishers, 1988
This is another book full of rich and warm illustrations by the Woods. I have never seen a book by them I did not like and this is no exception. When Elbert uses a bad word, a helpful magician gives him a repertoire of safe words to use instead. Amusing and detailed illustrations give this book an added flair.

64. **Wood, Audrey (Illustrated by Don Wood): Heckedy Peg. Harcourt Brace & Company, 1987.
Another great book by the Woods and another childhood favorite. This is a story of a mother who must save her seven children, named for the days of the week, after a witch turns them into different food items. In order to save them, the mother must identify the (food) children by what they asked her to bring from the market. Glorious paintings fill page after page of this one of a kind folk tale.

There are many more books in my collection that are Newberry Medal Winners. Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to read them all and did not want to include them in this collection. I look forward to enjoying each of them this summer.