best books

Chooses one hundred books that can be read quickly and for pleasure, presenting essays that describe their plots--without giving away surprises--and explain what makes the books distinctive. Texts included fit into the categories of fantasy and saga, fiction, humor, memoirs, mystery and suspense, science, travel, and history, public affairs, and the environment.

Provides descriptions of one hundred books that have influenced world history, arranged chronologically from the "Epic of Gilgamesh," c. 2700-1500 B.C., to "A Brief History of Time," revised in 1998.

A reading guide and selection tool for children's literature appropriate for students in preschool through grade six, providing information on more than six thousand titles published from 2001 to 2003.

Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Michael Dirda reveals how the written word informs and enriches nearly every aspect of life and explains how people can draw meaning from the words they read.

First Lady Laura Bush lists fifty-seven books for families and children that will help children learn to love books and reading, examining the values found in each book and listing prominent themes to watch for.

Presents suggested reading lists from more than one hundred U.S. colleges, tips on developing a personal reading program and reading diary, and an annotated list of the one hundred most recommended works and ten most recommended authors.

Provides descriptions of a thousand and one books, separated into categories, and rated for literary merit, controversy, influence, inspiration, humor, relevance, readability, the books ability to engage the reader, challenge, audience, and also noted whether the book has been made into a film.

A Comprehensive and effective reference for great reading for young adults.

Supplies information about Newbery Award-winning authors and books, arranged chronologically from 1922 through 1996, and includes plot summaries, hints on how to introduce the books to young readers, and suggestions for related follow-up reading.

A grade-by-grade guide designed to help teachers and parents select books to help children build on the fundamentals in the Core Knowledge Series.