2024 SPOT Reading List Announced

We are so pleased to announce the 2024 SPOT Reading List!

The Spirit of Texas (SPOT) Reading Program hopes to encourage a greater understanding of what it means to be a Texan, and to develop an appreciation for the literary works of and about Texas and Texans. SPOT is a recommended reading list developed by public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table (YART). The purpose of the list is to encourage youths in grades 6-12 to explore a variety of current, quality books from Texas authors and illustrators, develop critical reading skills, and to encourage greater interaction between Texas authors and illustrators, Texas librarians, and Texas youth.

The books on this list reveal so many diverse experiences of living in Texas and what it means to be a Texan.

The SPOT Reading List is not designed to support any particular curriculum. Librarians are not required or expected to purchase every book on the list. Due to the diversity in age range and topics, librarians should follow their local collection development policies and guidelines when considering which titles to purchase for their library.

• Rebecca Balcárcel:  Shine On, Luz Véliz!  (Middle Grade)
• Kalynn Bayron: The Vanquishers (The Vanquishers, #1)  (Middle Grade) and Secret of the Reaping  (The Vanquishers, #2)  (Middle Grade)
• Laekan Zea Kemp:  An Appetite for Miracles  (Both YA and Middle Grade);  Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza  (Omega Morales, #1) (Middle Grade);  Omega Morales and the Curse of El Cucuy  (Omega Morales, #2) (Middle Grade)
• Jasminne Mendez: Aniana del Mar Jumps In  (Middle Grade)
• Andrea Mosqueda : Just Your Local Bisexual Disaster  (Young Adult)
• Kathryn Ormsbee: Vivian Lantz’s Second Chances  (Middle Grade)
• Kacy Ritter:  The Great Texas Dragon Race  (Middle Grade)
• Robin Roe: Dark Room Etiquette  (Young Adult)