Finding Books

This page provides an updated list of awards for adult, teen, and children's books.

Biography and Memoir encompass the breadth and depth of human experience. These nonfiction narratives vary widely in tone, approach, and subject matter: readers may encounter kindred spirits, enjoy vicarious adventures, discover new perspectives, and learn about differing eras or other cultures.

Written to describe another person's life, biographies may be about present-day or historical figures. Collective biographies describe several individuals' lives in some related context. In an autobiography, the author relates his or her own direct experiences. Memoirs -- a deeply personal type of autobiography -- narrowly focus on a singular facet or time period in the author's life (for example, dating or childhood).

These kinds of "life stories" help connect us to others, offering the chance to reflect

The world is in love with movies, and, every year, dozens of books are adapted for viewing on the big screen. Your patrons will be lining up to read these books either before or after the movie debut. Visit this list regularly, as it is updated multiple times a year. Let us know if we've missed your favorite!

Take a look at our archive for movies made in the last three years.

Fantasy immerses readers in imaginative worlds of magic, wonder, and the supernatural. Fantasy stories frequently depict heroism in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, and feature epic clashes between the forces of good and evil.

Transporting readers back in time, this genre immerses them in timeless human stories made specific through the use of historical figures and events, as well as authentic period detail. NoveList tone appeals can help refine search results to find the perfect historical fiction read.

Take a trip to the past through history writing. Your tour guide may show you the effects of one invention or of many events across time, focusing on individuals or whole societies. Depending on the author’s approach, you may learn what happened chronologically or jump around in time. Wherever you travel, you'll encounter people, movements, and concepts in the context of their times. Bon voyage!

Whether you're looking for a frisson of fear or an adrenaline rush that has you running to turn on the lights, horror delivers the chills! This genre draws on the unseen, the unknown, and the uncanny to expose (and exploit) our deepest, darkest fears. Stories range from creepy to outright gory, and readers may have strong likes/dislikes in this regard. NoveList tone appeals can help refine search results to find the perfect horror read.

Mysteries describe puzzling events (often a crime or murder), and a protagonist who investigates to learn the truth. They range from cozy who-dunnits to gritty police procedurals, and mystery fans can have strong preferences about what they like (or don't). NoveList appeals can help refine search results to find the perfect mystery read.

Romances offer many kinds of reading experiences, ranging from realistic contemporary stories to historical and paranormal romances. Some romance novels are chaste -- while others get quite steamy! Regardless, all romance novels share two characteristics: a love story is the central focus, and the lovers do find their happily ever after together. NoveList tone appeals can help refine search results to find the perfect romance read.

Science fiction (SF) asks “What if?” and then applies scientific principles -- with varying degrees of realism -- to craft imaginative stories of the plausible, the improbable, and the seemingly impossible. From the farthest reaches of outer space to the depths of human consciousness, this genre envisions the best (and worst!) of all possible worlds. There are many SF subgenres to explore, and NoveList appeals can help refine search results to suit different tastes.

Thrillers and suspense novels keep readers on the edge of their seats with increasing tension and menace. The protagonist has limited time neutralize a threat to himself or the world -- but can they?Readers may have access to the villain's perspective, which amps up the suspense. Anticipation keeps readers hooked.

Closely related to thrillers, mysteries typically focus on a crime that has already happened and a hunt for the guilty party.

Saddle up & get ready to ride, pardners! Westerns evoke the rugged individualism of the American West, and those who settled its untamed landscape from the mid-19th to early-20th centuries. Classic Westerns deliver that era's beloved, iconic characters: plucky homesteaders, lone lawmen, dastardly outlaws, and -- of course -- cowboys.

Modern Westerns keep the frontier vibe alive, but often introduce updated perspectives on Western life while featuring more diverse, nuanced characters. Westerns remain fresh today, with cross-over appeal among Historical fiction fans and "Weird West" mash-ups for Fantasy/SF/Horror fans, as well as “cowboy romances,” a popular subgenre of Romance.

Bittersweet romance, quirky humor, gritty violence, pulse-pounding suspense...in YA lit, anything goes. Written for (and usually about) teens, YA lit encompasses every genre you can imagine, and often focuses on issues of identity, relationships, and change. From young tweens to older teens and even to adults, readers of all tastes and levels of maturity will be drawn to the variety and accessibility of YA lit.