December 2024 Resource Spotlight: NoveList Plus and NoveList K-8 Plus

The cold temperatures of winter have arrived which is the perfect time to curl up with a good book! If you need ideas for your next read, try NoveList Plus, opens a new window or NoveList K-8 Plus, opens a new window – the library's readers' advisory resources. NoveList Plus provides recommendations for all ages, while NoveList K-8 Plus is designed for kids and young teens.

There are different ways you can use Novelist's databases to find books. For example, if you have a favorite book, author or series, you can use the search feature to find similar books. At the top of the page, change Keyword to Title, Author or Series, and fill in the search bar. Depending on your search, you will find links to Author, Title, and/or Series Read-alikes in the results. 

If you'd rather peruse reading recommendations, you can also choose Browse By from the top menu. In NoveList Plus, you have the option to browse by Genre, Appeal, Themes, Award Winners and Audiobooks. In NoveList Plus K-8, you can explore by Genre, Appeal and Award Winners.

Among the features on NoveList’s main page is the I'm in the mood for books that are... section. This section shows four mood-themed lists from which to choose titles. The mood themes change monthly.

You can also choose Try our appeal mixer to create your own personalized selection of mixed-appeal books. Here you have the option of combining up to three of the following categories:  

• Identities - choose from terms denoting backgrounds of traditionally underrepresented people who play a significant role in the story.
• Illustration - select illustrative qualities of the book, covering everything from color and drawing type to the mood evoked by the illustrations.
• Characterization - descriptive terms about the main character(s).
• Storyline - pick how the story is told and structured, both in terms of plot and perspective.
• Mood - describes the feeling that a book evokes.
• Style - covers how the world of the story is evoked, such as pace and setting.

After choosing a category, make a selection from the list provided. Click Find Titles to see your own combo! 

Additionally, NoveList has links to many Recommended Reads Lists on the main page. The lists are divided between Fiction and Nonfiction and organized by age and topic. There are so many great pre-made lists available to browse!

If you're looking to explore NoveList further, check out the Quick Links in the main menu! These links provide helpful information including:

• Articles – to access various readers’ advisory articles, such as best practices and more. 
• Book Club Resources - “to discover new titles for your reading group, find tips for running a successful book club, and more” 
• Genre Guides – to learn more about various reading genres, such as Manga, Fantasy Fiction, Cozy Mysteries, Thrillers, etc. 
• Page to Screen – find out which books have been adapted into TV shows and movies 
• Story Elements Index – learn all about the many genres, appeals and themes assigned to books to discover which best fits you and hooks your attention. 
• Working with Youth - links to readers advisory articles, genre guides, etc. grouped under Younger Kids (0-8) Older Kids (9-12) & Teens (13-18)

NoveList can be found on the library’s Digital Library, opens a new window and A-Z Online Resources, opens a new window webpages. For more on how to use it, click the links under How Do I? from NoveList’s top menu and try out the NoveList Plus-Book Recommendations Niche Tutorial in English, opens a new window & Spanish, opens a new window. In addition, you can always receive one-on-one help from a librarian by calling 330-744-8636, emailing ASK@libraryvisit.org, opens a new window or visiting any library, opens a new window. Happy reading!