Public Lists:
Lists of recommended books for various occasions and audiences —
You can also request a personalized list prepared by JMRL Children's staff.
Newest lists are at the top
- The Undefeated
More information about the people featured in The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson.
See all lists by Find it list adult
- Fandom and Geek Culture
Titles featuring fanfic, hacking, video games, fan art, comics, TV fandom and more.
See all lists by Find it list ya
- Mental Health in Young Adult Literature
Books with characters who experience anxiety, depression, self-harm, OCD, ADHD, eating disorders, and more.
See all lists by Find it list ya - African American Authors
A sample of YA books by African American authors
See all lists by Find it list ya
- Humorous Fiction
Get your happy on with a chuckle or an outright belly laugh with some humorous fiction. This list includes humor in tough situations, romantic comedy, satire, and more. Look for the tags!
See all lists by Find it list adult
- African American Poetry for Adults
A sample of poems by African Americans in the JMRL catalog.
See all lists by Find it list adult - In the Kingdom of Ice Read Alikes
Real-life adventures in cold climates and the ice that sustains them. Books on Tap January 2021
See all lists by Find it list adult
- Goals, Motivation, and Habits
Books that will help you build new habits and break down old ones in pursuit of your goals.
See all lists by Find it list adult - A-Z : A Picture Book for Every Letter
26 Picture Books that start with each letter of the alphabet! A fun way to find new-to-you books.
See all lists by Find it list childrens - Plays Written by Women
From classic to contemporary, browse a sampling of JMRL's collection of plays written by women.
See all lists by Find it list adult - Read Local: Virginia Authors For Teens
This list is a compilation of authors who live in the state of Virginia and write for teens.
See all lists by Find it list ya - YA Pacific Asian American Heritage
Books with Pacific-Asian American characters or themes.
See all lists by Find it list ya - Contemporary Native American & Indigenous Voices
Recent books for adults by Native American own voices.
See all lists by Find it list adult - Christian Fiction by Black Authors
Black authors writing novels with contemporary Christian themes. These books range from sweet to sizzling. Thank you to Meredith Dickens, our collection development manager, for selecting these titles.
See all lists by Find it list adult - Feelings: Shelf-Help for Littles
Books about feelings for young children.
See all lists by Find it list childrens - Books on Tap
Upcoming titles for Books on Tap book club, which meets on the first Thursday of the month.
See all lists by Find it list adult
- Historical Fiction - African Americans
This list contains older classic historical fiction titles and some newer titles. In all of them the main characters and the themes of the book focus on African Americans and their history and culture.
See all lists by Find it list adult
- Humorous Teen Fiction
It feels great to sink into a good book—and even better when that book can elicit some laughs. These books feature different kinds of humor including dark humor, hyperbole/exaggeration, sarcasm, satire, surprise, irony and pun.
See all lists by Find it list ya
- Philosophy Book Club List
Books covering works written by philosophers, as well as books about philosophy, or philosophical concerns such as happiness, meaning and freedom.
See all lists by Find it list adult - Indigenous Own Voices Stories
A list of stories written by indigenous people in honor of Native American History Month
See all lists by Find it list childrens - Virginia Genealogical Resources
Resources for genealogical researchers available for viewing at the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society Reading Room.
See all lists by Find it list adult
- Breathing for Health
A Find It list of materials related to breathing and meditation for health and wellbeing
See all lists by Find it list adult
- Star Wars Picks for Teens
Lovers of all things Star Wars Reads in the teen section of the library. We combined a selection of graphic novels and fiction for your enjoyment.
See all lists by Find it list ya - Royal Reads: Picture Books
Picture books of Princes, Princesses, Queens, and Kings
See all lists by Find it list childrens - Quick Reads for Teens
Sometimes you just need a quick read - a short book that you can pick up and polish off fast.
See all lists by Find it list ya
- Challenged + Banned Books 2015-2019
According to the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom, these were the most challenged books between 2015-2019.
See all lists by Find it list adult - LatinX Experience Adult Fiction
During Latinx Heritage Month, JMRL is proud to highlight the cultures, contributions and resilience of Latinx, Hispanic and Latino-identified communities around the world.
See all lists by Find it list adult
- Ready for YA? Staff Picks for Younger Readers
Books for those transitioning from the Children's to the Young Adult collection.
See all lists by Find it list ya - Chapter Books for Slytherins
Slytherins may enjoy these tales of darkness, pride, cunning, and ambition.
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Chapter Books for Hufflepuffs
Hufflepuffs may enjoy these tales of hard work, loyalty, and fairplay.
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Chapter Books for Ravenclaws
Ravenclaws may enjoy these tales of wit, wisdom, and learning.
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Chapter Books for Gryffindors
Gryffindors may enjoy these stories of adventure, bravery, and determination.
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Immigrants & Refugees (Younger Readers)
Picture Books starring immigrant and refugee travelers around the world.
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Immigrants & Refugees (Older Readers)
Books starring immigrants and refugees in their travels across the world.
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Picture books about People with Disabilities
Picture Books starring characters with disabilities.
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Chapter Stories About People with Disabilities
Chapter books starring characters with disabilities.
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Indigenous Heroes and Heroines
Books starring indigenous characters.
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- The Story of US Immigration (Adult Non-Fiction )
Welcoming Week (September 12-20,2020) is a time for us to “affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.” Find related JMRL programs at jmrl.org/calendar. Check out this selection of titles to learn more about the story of immigration in the United States.
See all lists by Find it list adult
- The Story of US Immigration (Adult Fiction)
Welcoming Week (September 12-20,2020) is a time for us to “affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.” Find related JMRL programs at jmrl.org/calendar. Check out this selection of titles to learn more about the story of immigration in the United States.
See all lists by Find it list adult
- Funny Picture Books to make you LOL
Favorite funny picture books chosen by Central Children's Staff
See all lists by Find it list childrens - Celebrating Pride (Older Readers)
LGBTQ+ themed books for older readers
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Step-Up Books (Ages 6-8)
Easier chapter books that feature larger fonts and more pictures.
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Step-Up Books (Series)
These unique series books are designed for growing readers who are between leveled readers and traditional chapter books.
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Celebrating Pride (Younger Readers)
LGBTQ+ themed books for younger readers
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Black American Picture Books
Picture books featuring Black American characters and stories
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Books for Babies & Toddlers
Board and picture books for babies and toddlers
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Grief Picture Books
Picture Books about grief that can be used to start conversations.
See all lists by Find it list childrens
- Black History Month - 2020 Theme: African Americans and the Vote
Selected books to celebrate Black History Month, February 2020.
See all lists by Camila f. Perdue - Staff Picks
JMRL staff reads widely and is happy to share many 'good reads' with you. Here are some recommendations for this month's reading.
See all lists by Camila f. Perdue