Procedures

The Tejas Star Reading List (TSRL) provides a recommended reading list developed by TLA members from the Texas Association of School Librarians (TASL), the Children’s Round Table, Public Library Division (PLD), and the Latino Caucus. The purpose of the list is to encourage children ages 5-12 to explore multicultural books and to discover the cognitive and economic benefits of bilingualism and multilingualism. The Tejas Star Reading List is intended for recreational reading, not to support a specific curriculum. Due to the diversity of this age range, Texas librarians should purchase titles on this list according to their individual collection policies.

Collection Development Statement
The Tejas Star 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.

Suggestion Criteria

• It is preferred that the suggested book has received a positive review from a major reviewing source such as School Library Journal, Horn Book, Publisher’s Weekly or Kirkus Review or from a member(s) of the Tejas Star selection committee. The person making the suggestion must have read the book.
• Suggestions are accepted from the field and the committee until December 1st of the calendar year.
• Field/community suggestions must be submitted through the official online form below.

Selection Criteria

• To be eligible for inclusion in the 2025-2026 list, the suggested book must have been published within the current and previous two years (2024, 2023, 2022).
• Titles shall reflect a variety of reading levels for readers ages 5-12.
• The book must be authentic in portraying the Hispanic/Latino culture, if applicable.
• The book must be written in Spanish/English bilingual format or in Spanish. Spanish translations of books originally written in English are eligible for consideration, except newer or revised translations of older books.
• The book must be of high literary quality and have wide appeal.
• If the book is published outside the U.S., the book must be of interest to children in Texas schools.

Suggest a Title

2023 Tejas Star Suggested Titles

Tejas Star Procedures Manual