This book focuses on the selection of books in an elementary school and on the resources designed to help in that process. Resources that support other aspects of collection development are identified, along with a number of established surveys of children's literature that discuss specific titles. The following chapters are included: (1) "Understanding the Selection Process" is an overview of the range of activities involved; (2) "Establishing and Applying General Selection Criteria" describes criteria that are valid for evaluating all genres; (3) "Selecting Books that Reflect Our Diverse World" addresses criteria related to multicultural and international aspects of the books; (4) "Using Selection Tools" describes the major guides and the review media one can consult in the selection decision process; (5) "Selecting Picture Books," examines the role that illustrations play in picture books, including artistic elements, factors of composition and choice of medium, and criteria related to illustrations; (6) "Selecting Fiction"; (7) "Selecting Genre Fiction"; (8) "Selecting Folk Literature"; (9) "Selecting Rhymes and Poetry"; (10) "Selecting Information Books"; (11) "Applying Criteria for Particular Subjects" shows how to apply the appropriate selection standards for biographies, books about the visual arts, how-to-do-it books, and books in science and technology, social sciences, and mathematics; (12) "Selecting Reference Books"; and (13) "Selecting Professional Books." Includes a glossary and an index. (MES)