Horning is the director of the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC), housed in the School of Education. The CCBC is an examination, study, and research library, committed to identifying exceptional literature for children and adolescents. Horning says the library serves kids and young adults indirectly, by supporting teachers and librarians to choose impactful books for their classes and bookshelves.

For middle grade readers, she recommends pieces like “You Go First” by Erin Entrada Kelly and “The Dactyl Hill Squad” by Daniel Jose Older. Horning also makes suggestions for young adults, suggesting books such as “The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge” by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin.

Among her recommendations, Horning names Kevin Henkes, an alum of the School of Education’s Art Department and now a Madison-based children’s book author and illustrator. She recommends his books — “A Parade of Elephants” and “Winter Is Here” — for younger children, praising his beautiful illustrations and simple yet attention-capturing storylines.

Listen to the show and view a full list of Horning’s recommendations here.