Books selected for this bibliography are written primarily for children in grades K-12. The selection committee looks for books that emphasize human relations, represent a diversity of groups and are sensitive to a broad range of cultural experiences, present an original theme or a fresh slant on a traditional topic, are easily readable and of high literary quality, and have a pleasing format and, when appropriate, illustrations that enrich the text. Each book is read by several reviewers, and books are included on the list by committee assent; annotations do not necessarily reflect the judgment of the entire committee.

Online access to the most recent list is restricted to current NCSS members. 

Publishers’ names appear in abbreviated form; complete names and addresses are available in such standard reference works as Literary Market Place (Bowker) and from the Children’s Book Council (CBC). Titles are arranged by broad subject categories and subthemes. Although many are appropriate for more than one subject category, they have been placed where their usefulness in social studies education appears greatest. Annotators have also indicated the thematic strand of National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies to which the book relates. Although many titles have multi-strand applications, space restraints dictate including a maximum of three strands per title.

The Notable Trade Books for Young People list is published each year as an insert to the May/June issue of Social Education and online.