What is Kid-lit?

February, 2006

My name is Terri Combs and I am the mother of four children now aged 14 through 18.  In the fall of 1999, I was having trouble getting three of them to read.  The three younger children would pick up a book, read 10 pages and tell me they didn't like it.  After several very frustrating months of this,  I decided I needed some help.  I looked for a database to provide me with some direction in selecting books that my children would like enough to actually finish.   I couldn't find it, so I decided to write it myself.

I have a bachelor's degree in English and have always been an avid reader.  I am not a teacher or a librarian; I am a concerned parent who, at this point, has read over 1,500 children's books.  Kid-Lit is my and my children's opinions about the books we read.   This database is what I was looking for six years ago - a searchable database of children's books.  It was designed to give you some help in choosing books for your children and to help them choose books which they are most likely to enjoy.  

Back to Top

Are All Children's Books in Kid-Lit?

No. The Kid-Lit database features books for children who read. This means that my age ratings start at age 6, an age by which some children are fluent readers. I include books for children up to age 14, although older children and adults will enjoy many of our selections. I concentrate on books that are favorably reviewed or recommended by children's book associations such as The American Library Association and The School Library Journal.   See my Book Selection Criteria for more information.

Note: If you do not find a book in the Kid-Lit database, it does not necessarily mean it is not critically acclaimed or highly recommended. Kid-Lit is small and I am reading as fast as I can! Please check back often as new books are added regularly. 

Back to Top

Don't Get Stars in Your Eyes!

I use stars to rate each book in my database. The stars represent how much I think a child of the stated age and gender will enjoy this book. For example, if a book is given 5 stars this means it is a 5 star book for boys between the ages of 10 and 12 who can read at at least a 4th grade level. A twelve-year-old girl might hate this book! Use all of the guidelines in making your choices, not just the stars.  

I consider the keyword search capability to be the most useful part of the database. This can help you narrow down your choices to a manageable number and highlight books that are about subjects that may be of special interest to your child. 

Back to Top

Books in the Classroom

Is your child reading a book in school that is not in the database? Please let me know.  I give priority to books used in the classroom because they interest the most people.

Is your child reading a book that is in our database? Don't forget to check out our synopsis and commentary on the book so that you have a basic understanding of what your child is reading.

Back to Top

We Need Your Child's Opinion!

Does your child have a favorite book that he or she has read over and over again? Is there a book that your child just couldn't put down? This information will help other Kid-Lit visitors make good choices for their own children. Please ask your child to give us their opinions on a few of their favorite books. Most children really enjoy doing this and other Kid-Lit visitors will be grateful. Comment on and Rate the Books.

Back to Top

Kid-Lit Especially for Adults

These are Kid-Lit books that I think adults will enjoy. Many of them are short and are perfect for downtime during a business trip, waiting room or lunch hour. Try reading a few of these. If you like them, recommend them to your child. Showing this level of interest can motivate your child to read more.

Back to Top

Book Selection Criteria

The number of children's books available today is overwhelming. This is the reason I started Kid-Lit. When I began Kid-Lit my hardest decision was how to narrow the field. I started with the Newbery winners since its inception in 1921. Now, I focus on books that have received awards or have been listed on "best book" lists from these organizations: American Library Association, Young Adult Library Services Association,  Booklist, School Library Journal, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, The Boston Globe/Horn Book Award, the Edgar Awards. and the National Book Awards.  I have learned that the books I like the best are usually on several of these list.  

What about non-fiction? Unfortunately, I have only a handful of non-fiction books in the database that were entered at the beginning of Kid-Lit. I now include only fiction.

Can I submit a book for inclusion in the Kid-Lit database? I rarely request review copies of books.  I am not comfortable doing so because I feel that I am then compelled to like the book. I select almost all of my reading from the above mentioned lists/awards and get almost all my books at the library!

What books are not included?  I do not include picture books.  These are usually geared to very young children who cannot read on their own yet. I do not include every book in a book series.  I rate one or occasionally two books in the series and simply indicate if this book is a part of a series.  

Privacy Statement | Linking Policy | Contact Kid-Lit