Must Read Book list for Different Age groups

[Nicky]

I have found the booklists based on grades and ages on www.mustreadbooklist.com. The books are very much different for different ages. What do you think about the benefits of must read book lists for different age groups?

[Cheryl, Host of Miscellaneous and Newbery Clubs]

I think they're handy for a clueless grandpa when he's choosing a gift for a grandkid.

But kids tastes, maturity levels, and reading levels vary so much, I'd rather let the child choose his or her own books, perhaps with guidance from an active member of this group or from a school or children's librarian.

Btw, I do see some overlap on the lists for adjacent years, so I don't feel quite so fretful as I did when I read your 'very much different.' :)

[SamZ]

I really like the must read lists because I like reading through them myself. It gives me the knowledge I need for when friends ask me for book recommendations for their kids. Or for the future when my six year old is looking for good books. As a kid, I never read "age appropriate" books (with the exception of The Babysitter's Club), so having lists is a great place for me to start. :)

[Jenny]

I think they can be a good resource for parents, beginning teachers, etc...but I agree with Cheryl abt interests, abilities, etc varying widely. I think if they are used as a list of recommendations, they are beneficial...but as a parent or teacher I certainly wouldn't require a child to read all of them...I would pick those that I feel are of especial value or that I think will especially enjoy to read to them and let them self select (with guidance) what they read independently.

[Cheryl, Host of Miscellaneous and Newbery Clubs]

And when I go look at the list, I see stuff like Wimpy Kid. Certainly that isn't what I would consider a 'must assign' book. And if a kid wants to read it, he will, he doesn't need a list to tell him to do so.

I guess I'm wondering what the "must" really means, at least in this case. If I were looking for lists I would certainly look for ones with a more defined purpose....

[Nicky]

Thanks for your reviews. Definitely, your suggestions and reviews will help me in selecting the must read books for different age groups.

[Cheryl, Host of Miscellaneous and Newbery Clubs]

So, Nicky, what do you think "must read" actually means?

And, on your profile, it looks like you're the creator of the website - though your first post above says you "found" the lists.... Did you create the lists on the website? If so, why did you not admit to it here?

If I'd done what you (apparently) did, I'd be proud!