The Texas Bluebonnet Award Committee selects a master reading list of no more than 20 titles annually.  Suggestions of books to be considered for inclusion on the list are solicited each year from students, teachers, parents, school and public librarians, and other interested persons.

Title eligibility:

1. The reading level should be grades 3-6.

2. Books must have a copyright date within the last three years prior to the release of the list.  For the 2004-05 master list, the copyright dates must be 2001, 2002 or 2003.

3. The book must have been published in the U.S. and must have been written an author who is a U.S. citizen or an author who currently resides in the United States.

4. The work must have been published in the United States and written by an author who is still living.

5. The book must have received a favorable review in a review tool.

6. The book must have literary merit and appeal to young readers.

7. The content of the book must be appropriate.

8. Ineligible categories of materials are textbooks, abridgements, and new editions of existing titles.

Content:

1. Titles should have both high literary merit and wide appeal to readers.

2. The format should be well designed, visually appealing and appropriate in subject and language with a reading level for grades 3-6.

3. The master list should include a minimum of two non-fiction titles.

4. Literary quality shall be determined by the following consideration:

   • Fiction:  strong plot, vivid characterization, polished style, and a significant or worthwhile theme.

   • Non-Fiction:  accuracy and authenticity, organization, readability, and logical presentation of information.

5. An effort will be made to include titles from all major genres.  Any category may be omitted if an appropriate title is not nominated.  Major genres are:

Animal Stories	Informational
Biography	Mystery
Folklore	Poetry
Fantasy	Realistic Contemporary Fiction
Historical Fiction	Science Fiction
Humor	Sports Stories

6. Titles shall be selected for all reading levels, grades 3-6, with at least one easy title and one mature, challenging title to be included, i.e. one book for students reading at a beginning third grade level and one 6+ for mature sixth grade readers.

7. An effort will be made to select titles that portray diversity in regard to ethnic background, geographic environment and gender.

8. Most titles should have the potential for use in reading aloud and should be characterized by smooth narrative flow and maintenance of steady interest in a listening audience.

Suggestions for consideration of a title for the master list:

1. A person should recommend only those books personally read.

2. The TBA Committee will distribute a special form for submission of suggested titles; however, it is not mandatory that the form be used as long as the information requested on the form is provided.

3. The TBA coordinator should receive recommendations each year by August 1.