When I was a kid I loved libraries and bookstores. I could walk in, find the shelves of juvenile fiction, and pull off a dozen books I wanted to read. Just like that.
It’s harder these days. I don’t know if it’s my age, or the literary snobbiness I contracted during my undergraduate studies, or the overwhelming abundance of books, but I just can’t seem to decide what I want to read anymore. Even in the juvenile fiction section, which – let’s face it – I will never outgrow.
Luckily, there are institutions for people like me. Literary ones, that is – not mental ones. The one that’s closest to my heart is the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, which is dedicated to promoting Canadian books for young readers. One of their projects is a publication called Best Books for Kids and Teens. It’s a guide in magazine form to the best books, magazines, and audio and video products published for kids in Canada. Here’s what you need to know about it:
- Entries in the guide are selected, not sponsored
- The guide is directed at parents and adults who work with small children, teenagers, and every age in between
- The selection committee is composed of educators, booksellers, and librarians from across the country
- New in 2012: this is now a twice-a-year publication, with both spring and fall issues
How can I get this publication?
I’m glad you asked. The easiest way is to follow this direct link to the products section of the CCBC website. There you can purchase individual copies, subscriptions, and memberships. With a membership you also get a subscription to another CCBC publication, Canadian Children’s Book News.
Best Books for Kids and Teens is also available in select stores and newsstands across the country.