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Young Readers Program

Chautauqua Institution is a community that values and celebrates reading, and since 1994, the CLSC Young Readers program has engaged young Chautauquans and community members in the enjoyment of good reading. Each summer, a selection of books are chosen for their quality, the variety of their styles and subjects, and their appeal to young readers. While aimed at 9- to 14-year-olds, these books will also delight younger and older readers. Young Readers selections now include Early Reader titles for our earliest readers and their families.

Contact Information

Stephine Hunt
Managing Director of Literary Arts
shunt@chq.org
716.357.6255

2025 Book List

King: A Life (Young Adult Edition) by Jonathan Eig book cover

WEEK ONE 
King: A Life (Young Adult Edition)
by Jonathan Eig
Ages 12+ • Young Reader

A Race Around the World: The True Story of Nellie Blye and Elizabeth Bisland by Caroline Starr Rose book cover

WEEK ONE 
A Race Around the World: The True Story of Nellie Blye and Elizabeth Bisland
by Caroline Starr Rose
Ages 4+ • Early Reader

Wrecker by Carl Hiaasen book cover

WEEK TWO
Wrecker
by Carl Hiaasen
Ages 11+ • Young Reader

Will the Pigeon Graduate? by Mo Willems book cover

WEEK Two 
Will the Pigeon Graduate?
by Mo Willems
Ages 3+ • Early Reader

The Family I'm In by Sharon Flake book cover

WEEK THREE 
The Family I’m In
by Sharon Flake
Ages 14+ • Young Reader 

How Sweet the Sound by Kwame Alexander book cover

WEEK THREE 
How Sweet the Sound
by Kwame Alexander
Ages 3+ • Early Reader

They Call Me Güero by David Bowles book cover

WEEK FOUR 
They Call Me Güero 
by David Bowles
Ages 9+ • Young Reader 

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise

WEEK FOUR 
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré 
by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Ages 4+ • Early Reader 

Stranded by Nikki Shannon Smith book cover

WEEK FIVE 
Stranded
by Nikki Shannon Smith
Ages 9+ • Young Reader 

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen book cover

WEEK FIVE 
Hatchet
by Gary Paulsen
Ages 10+ • Young Reader Classic Selection

Arithmechicks: Explore More by Ann Marie Stephens book cover

WEEK FIVE
Arithmechicks Explore More
by Ann Marie Stephens
Ages 4+ • Early Reader

Squire by Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh book cover

WEEK SIX 
Squire
by Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh
Ages 12+ • Young Reader 

A Sad Little Fact by Jonah Winter book cover

WEEK SIX 
The Sad Little Fact
by Jonah Winter
Ages 3+ • Early Reader

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas book cover

WEEK SEVEN 
Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy
by Angie Thomas
Ages 10+ • Young Reader 

J vs. K by Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander book cover

WEEK SEVEN 
J vs. K
by Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander
Ages 8+ • Young Reader & Early Reader

Grace Notes: Poems about Families by Naomi Shihab Nye book cover

WEEK EIGHT 
Grace Notes: Poems about Families
by Naomi Shihab Nye
Ages 12+ • Young Reader

Egyptian Lullaby book cover

WEEK EIGHT 
Egyptian Lullaby
by Zeena Pliska
Ages 4+ • Early Reader

Light & Air by Wendy Nichols Wendell book cover

WEEK NINE 
Light & Air
by Mindy Nichols Wendell
Ages 10+ • Young Reader 

Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith book cover

WEEK NINE
Jingle Dancer
by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Ages 4+ • Early Reader

The Program

In addition to reading the summer’s selections, youth are invited to attend the related weekly program throughout the Chautauqua season on Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. on the porch of the Literary Arts Center at Alumni Hall. The program includes a brief book discussion followed by a presentation or activity led by community leaders, local organizations, and sometimes even the authors themselves.

While the most important feature of the Young Readers program is reading, all levels of participation are important and are encouraged — from reading only one of the selections to reading them all.  The weekly programs are open to all youth, and reading the week’s selection is encouraged but not required for attendance.

A Young Readers Program discussion

Young Readers Medallion

The Young Readers medallion rewards young Chautauquans who read 16 books from the program’s historic book list. The medallion is made possible by the John H. Bliss Memorial Fund and the support of the CLSC Class of 2002. 

apply for the medallion
young readers historic book list

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