Current 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 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 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 the opportunity 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 for conferences.

YART Volunteer Form

While we will keep this form active year round, please complete the form by October 1, 2022 in order to be considered for 2023 positions.

Nominate a librarian for the Young Adult Reading Incentive Award

Honoring a librarian for exceptional ability to motivate young adults to read.

Click the button below to access the NOMINATION Form for the 2023 YARI Award:

YARI Submission Form 2022 2023

Please submit a copy of the submission form, the essay and supporting material by March 1, 2023 to: sonja1of3@gmail.com with the subject line YARI 2023.

To learn more about the YARI Award, click the button below.

Young Adult Reading Incentive Award