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 SPOT Reading List

• 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)

Handout PDF 

SPOT Resources Website

2025 Nominations

To learn more about nomination criteria, please click here.

YART Volunteers

Thank you to all who volunteered! Please visit the Young Adult Round Table community on Engage to learn about new committee members and officers.

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.

While we will keep this form active year-round, please complete the form by October 1, 2024, to be considered for 2025 positions.

YART Volunteer Form

Nominate a library worker for the YARI Award.

YARI AWARD NOMINATION GOOGLE FORM