Spirit of Texas (SPOT) Current List

Collection Development Statement
The Spirit of Texas (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.

Annual 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.

Beginning with the 2020 list, SPOT- Middle and SPOT- High School will be combined into one list.

2024 Nominations

Click the button below to submit a nomination for the 2024 Spirit of Texas Reading List.

2024 SPOT Nomination Form

To see the titles currently nominated for the 2024 Spirit of Texas Reading List, click the button below:

2024 CURRENT SPOT Nominations

To learn more about nomination criteria, please click here.

2023 Spirit of Texas Reading List

SPOT Resources Website

2023 Spirit of Texas Reading List – Printable Versions

2023 SPOT LIST – ALPHA BY AUTHOR

2023 SPOT LIST – ALPHA BY TITLE

2023 HANDOUT

2023 SPOT Annotated List

Spirit of Texas 2023 Middle-Grade Authors

Jacquetta Nammar Feldman Wishing Upon the Same Stars https://jacquettanammarfeldman.com/	Yehudi Mercado Chunky and Chunky Goes to Camp https://www.supermercado.pizza/	J. Elle A  Taste of Magic https://www.authorjelle.com/

Spirit of Texas 2023 Young Adult + Middle-Grade Authors

Kat Fajardo Miss Quinces https://www.katfajardo.com/

Spirit of Texas 2023 Young Adult Authors

Photo Credit: Michael Mercado Smith	Photo Credit: Tiffany Asha	Photo Credit: Eileen Meny Photography	Photo Credit: Stephanie Girard
Guadalupe Garcia McCall Echoes of Grace https://ggmccall.com/	Holly Green In the Same Boat https://www.hollygreenwrites.com/	Phil Stamper The Gravity of Us https://philstamper.com/	Amy Tintera The Q https://www.amytintera.com/

Past Authors

YART Volunteers

Ready to take your love of reading young adult books to the next level? Volunteering for one of YART’s reading committee lists allows you to help curate a diverse list of books that meet the needs of all young adults in Texas.  You can also volunteer for one of YART’s executive board positions to help advocate for YA reading, publicize reading lists, work with publishers, and plan conferences.

YART Volunteer Form

While we will keep this form active year-round, please complete the form by October 1, 2023, to be considered for 2024 positions.

Nominate a library worker for the YARI Award.

YARI AWARD NOMINATION GOOGLE FORM