School Library Journal’s Best Books 2017
Once again it is time for journals to print (or post) their choices for “Best Books of…” lists.
School Library Journal recently posted their choices and the lists can be found
here.
A total of 71 titles have been honored this year, divided into the following categories: Picture Books (14 titles), Chapter Books (1 title), Middle Grade (13 titles), Young Adult (18 titles) and Nonfiction (25 titles). I enjoy learning about excellent titles I did not encounter earlier, and also finding some agreement with some I have read and put on my lists. Now here is the chance for you to do the same.
On the main page, scroll down to find a form to fill out in order to download, at no charge, a printable PDF version of the full list. There is also an “Other Bests” link on the right side of the screen which contains a print list of six additional categories, such as “Top 10 Graphic Novels,” “Top 10 Audiobooks,” and “Top 10 Apps.” I hope you can find some time to explore these pages. For the Best Books of 2017, once you click on one of the categories you will see a slide show of the titles.
One of the selected picture books from 2017 is
The Three Billy Goats Gruff, adapted and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, gives readers another wonderful retelling of a popular folktale with outstanding artwork. The author notes at the back of the book that this story gave him trouble because in many versions the Troll does not have the opportunity to learn his lesson. Mr. Pinkney found a satisfying way for this to happen in his version. I will say it again: It is great that Pinkney is retelling both folktales and fables so children today can continue to hear them.
(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free, via the Regional Library Systems, to Nebraska school and public libraries.)
