This paper defines an already existing body of literature in trade books whose intrinsic characteristics provide a superstructure of support that make it particularly attractive to readers engaged in ongoing growth beyond beginning or emergent reading who, for whatever reason, cannot be considered mature or independent enough readers to engage comfortably a text form such as "the novel." The paper explores the characteristics of the genre; traces its roots and origins; provides examples of transitional literature available in trade books (and reasons why children like or dislike them); attempts to establish judgment criteria; and supplies a list of such literature for use in classrooms as well as suggestions for ways to use it. A 22-item bibliography and an appendix of suggested transitional literature titles conclude the paper. (SR)