IBOB Book Selection Criteria
Number of Titles
- 12 titles for 9th-12th grade division
- 16 titles per 4th-6th and 6th-9th grade divisions
- Grade level/reading level
- Balanced grade/reading level
Interest
- A variety of subject areas, plots, settings, characters and writing styles
- Balanced interest for boys/girls and wide range of maturity levels within divisions
- A variety of genres: realistic fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, mystery, adventure, and graphic novels
Quality of Books
- High quality, well-reviewed, age-appropriate titles
- Award winners such as the Newbery, Northwest Regional Choice Award, YRCA Award, Printz, and National Book Award, etc., are also considered
Books on Previous Lists
- Titles may have been used as IBOB titles previously
- Titles must not be repeated within four years of being on the list
Publication Information
- Published by a recognized, mainstream publisher (no self-published titles will be considered)
- Titles must be available in sufficient numbers for purchase through major book distributors such as (but not limited to) Ingram, Follett, Scholastic, Idaho Book Fairs, local bookstores, etc.
- Books should be currently available in paperback format whenever possible
Intellectual Freedom
In accordance with the Library Bill of Rights and its interpretations, titles that otherwise meet the selection criteria will not be excluded: “because of the origin, background or views of those contributing to their creation;” or “because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval;” or “because of actual or suspected parental objections;” or “in an effort to avoid controversy with parents.”