What Makes a Best Book?

Author

Zach Libresco, Bank Street College of Education

Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

First Advisor

Cynthia Weill

Abstract

Stories affect how people see the world and themselves. Stories matter. This is a study of what makes a “best” book. This study considers conversations that discussed and evaluated whether a book should be on a “best of the year” list, how evaluators thought about selecting books for children, and how the lens of looking at children’s literature has changed over time. The researcher conducted six interviews with members of the Children’s Book Committee, observed over fifty hours of Children’s Book Committee meetings, eight hours of awards committee meetings, and reviewed relevant literature. Three topics emerged as central to the discussion of best books in the findings: representation in children’s literature, what kids can handle, and what has changed over time.

Comments

Childhood General Education (Program of Study)

Recommended Citation

Libresco, Z. (2023). What Makes a Best Book?. New York : Bank Street College of Education. https://educate.bankstreet.edu/independent-studies/372