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Children's and Young Adult Literature: TDRL Book Lists

This guide is a starting place for exploring children's and young adult literature

Staff Book Lists

The booklists on this page were compiled by library staff at the TDRL and can be used as a starting place to explore various juvenile and young adult titles related to specific themes. 

Displays at the TDRL

This April, step into a world of magic, adventure, and enchantment! Our Fantasy & Fairytales display features timeless classics and fresh retellings that will whisk you away to kingdoms, forests, and realms beyond imagination.Whether you're battling dragons, befriending talking animals, or exploring enchanted lands, there's a story waiting for you. Come discover your next fairytale adventure!

(This display was curated by TDRL Student Worker, Rayvin Townsel.)

Celebrate Women’s History Month with our Women in STEM curated book display! Discover inspiring stories of trailblazing women who have revolutionized science, technology, engineering, and math. From graphic novels to juvenile non-fiction books, this collection highlights innovators like Dr. Patricia Bath, who changed the world with her medical breakthroughs. Perfect for readers of all ages, these books showcase the determination, brilliance, and creativity of women who paved the way in STEM fields

(This display is curated by TDRL student worker Marilyn Nortey.)

Our February 2025 celebration of Black History month takes a look at the broad (and rich!) tapestry of Black History, from out of Africa, to the Crimean War, to the Civil Rights Movement, to Radio City Music Hall.  It showcases the contributions of Black artists, singers, writers, medical professionals, scientists, soldiers, political leaders, and educators to the world.  There is no History of any human endeavor without a part of it being Black History.

We start 2025 by celebrating the books we most loved reading in 2024.  The books on this display represent our wide-ranging interests and the diversity of the TDRL's collections.  We invite you to enjoy!

As the days grow shorter and we head towards Finals Week, our November-December Curated Book Display focuses on Holidays both sacred and secular. We invite you to experience the joy of celebrating old favorites and discovering new ones (ex: World Toilet Day, World Philosophy Day).  May your days be merry and bright!

For October 2024, we are spotlighting selections from the Native Ways of Knowing booklist, a collaboration between the San Diego County Office of Education, California Indian Eductation, and Native American scholars, designed to help parents and educators find high quality books about Native American peoples and cultures.  

Join the TDRL in a September-long celebration of the Right to Read!  We support the right of every person to have access to diverse materials that empower you, engage you, challenge you, and broaden your world view.

We invite you to discover masterpieces and immerse yourself in a world full of color in our August Artistry display, curated by TDRL student worker, Rayvin Townsel.

 

The Will Eisner Awards are the "Oscars of Comics" and showcase the huge diversity of creatitivity and genres found in the medium.  The nominated books on this display showcase the power of comics and graphic novels and the talents of these creators.  We invite you to discover!

Come celebrate Pride Month with the TDRL!  Once again we take a wide-ranging look at the LBGTQ+ experience with fiction and non-fiction, and books for young readers at all levels.  The books on this display represent only a fraction of our nationally known collection. And remember, we're always happy to help you find that perfect book!

For May of 2024, TDRL student worker Samia Hufane curated this celebration of the diversity of Asian-American and Pacific Islander cultures and stories, and their contributions to the world we live in.

TDRL Student Curated Displays

Jumping Into Spring -- Curated by Olumide Dairo

This month we are highlighting the season of Spring!  Here are a few books to get you started!

Brilliant and Bold: Educating and Empowering Black Minds -- Curated by Sahara Chatterpaul-Taylor

This display highlights empowering titles that focus on supporting young Black girls and educators, offering resources for self empowerment, cultural identity, and educational strategies for fostering growth, confidence, and resilience.

Trailblazing Women in STEM -- Curated by Marilyn Nortey

Celebrate Women’s History Month with our Women in STEM curated book display! Discover inspiring stories of trailblazing women who have revolutionized science, technology, engineering, and math. From graphic novels to juvenile non-fiction books, this collection highlights innovators like Dr. Patricia Bath, who changed the world with her medical breakthroughs. Perfect for readers of all ages, these books showcase the determination, brilliance, and creativity of women who paved the way in STEM fields

Heroes Who Defied the Odds in Medicine -- Curated by Kevin Juarez

These medical professionals defied the odds and reshaped the very fabric of healthcare.  Their journeys inspire us to push boundaries and pursue solutions, no matter the obstacles.

Food and Families -- Curated by Samia Hufane

This Winter we are highlighting the important role that food plays in families.  These titles (with included recipies) all share how bood has brought loved ones together, preserved culture, and fostered new connections.

Home -- Curated by Ariel Magana

Everyone has their own version of home. Come and join the TDRL in learning what these homes may look like!

Falling Into Place -- Curated by Olumide Dairo

This month we are highlighting the design work that goes into creating unique and engaging book covers!  Each of these books has a cover that showcases fundamental principles of design.

August Artistry -- Curated by Rayvin Townsel.

We invite you to discover masterpieces and immerse yourself in a world full of color in our August Artistry display.

 

Dog Days of Summer -- Curated by Samia Hufane

Come beat the heat this August with a fun summer read from the TDRL!  This month we are highlighting 6 books about everything “summer!”

 

Pride Month:  Graphic Novels -- Curated by Samia Hufane

This Pride Month we are highlighting LGBTQ+ Graphic Novels.  By seamlessly blending art and literature, graphic novels build an entrancing world that allows reades to empathize with the characters in a unique way.

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month -- Curated by Samia Hufane.

Join us for a celebration of the diversity of Asian-American and Pacific Islander cultures and stories, and their contributions to the world we live in.

Mental Health Awareness Month -- curated by Samia Hufane

Our goal with this display is to shine a light on the different experiences of people living with mental illness, promote awareness and education, end stigma, and show support for people impacted by mental illness.

Empowering Girls in STEM -- curated by Samia Hufane

Women have been at the forefront for many STEM discoveries, but their contributions have often been overlooked in favor of men.  We hope this display will encourage young girls to persue STEM, and remember the women who have paved the way.

Shaper of Lives and Cultures:  Mythology -- Curated by Laura Solsona Plazola

Inspired by Anthropology 420: Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion, this display highlights the ways in which mythologies past and present provide a powerful force that shapes us on a personal and cultural level.

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month -- Curated by Laura Solsona Plazola

Racism and stigma pose significant barriers to minorities when it comes to mental health care.  We aim to help all students and visitors feel like they have a voice and are not alone.  The following books were chosen to represent what mental illness and mental health can look like in minority communities.

Empowering Womens' Health and Sex Education -- Curated by Laura Solsona Plazola

With this display we aim to spread awareness of the lack of knowledge among young people in regards to sex education, as well as empowering women to take ownership of their bodies.

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