A Lifetime of Fiction

Book excerpt: A Lifetime of Fiction: The 500 Most Recommended Reads for Ages 2 to 102 is the most authoritative set of fiction book recommendations in the United States because it is a composite of the most noteworthy book award lists, best book publications, and recommended reading lists from leading libraries, schools, and parenting organizations from across the country. Who are these formidable experts? A Lifetime of Fiction amalgamates over 100 reading lists, including Time Magazine’s Top 100 Novels, Modern Library’s 100 Best Novels, Horn Book Children’s Classics, The New York Times Parent’s Guide to the Best Books for Children, Harvard Bookstore Favorite Books, College Board’s Great Books Recommended for College-Bound Readers, National Education Association’s Top Books for Children and 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. The definitive lists incorporate the Newbery Medals, Caldecott Medals, Coretta Scott King Awards, Pura Belpré Awards, Bram Stoker Awards, the Man Booker Awards, PEN/Faulkner Awards, Pulitzer Prizes, National Book Awards, New York Times Notable Books, and Los Angeles Times Book Prizes, and many more. A Lifetime of Fiction integrates the most widely recognized and respected literary award winners and runners up since the inception of the awards. The book is organized into five age group lists of 100 books – preschoolers (ages 2-5), early readers (ages 4-8), middle readers (ages 9-12), young adults (ages 13-17), and adults (ages 18+) – the books are in effect the selections made by the most formidable panel literary experts ever assembled. Each entry includes an annotation. To the perennial question, “What books are worth reading?” A Lifetime of Fiction: The 500 Most Recommended Reads for Ages 2 to 102 answers with best-of-the best booklists distilled from the most preeminent and trustworthy literary authorities.