A Core Collection for Young Adults

In this expanded and revised edition of the original title (2003), Welch takes on the singular task of updating and adding to a suggested core list. Citations to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, VOYA, and Kirkus are included with each of the 1386 title entries. Fiction is broken down by subject; it includes more widely known genres such as classics, romance, and science fiction as well as more eclectic ones like "Cautionary Novels" and "Inspirational Fiction." While the book as a whole may seem daunting to many librarians, the subject breakdown provides an interesting and practical list of titles for collections that might be lacking in one area or another. While some lists are larger than others, including a very spare section on graphic novels, the appendixes with "Top 10" lists from various ALA committees and the inclusion of several years' worth of award winners help to give the volume an overall refined execution.—Ryan Donovan, New York Public Library