K-12 school libraries would be very well-served in purchasing this concise, well-researched book for their reference collections, as it does an excellent job of listing both contemporary and older children’s classics for a wide range of age groups.
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Martin’s stated purpose for writing his book is to give teachers, parents, and grandparents trustworthy guidance in choosing reading ... Read morematerial for children and teenagers. In this he succeeds admirably, providing lists of not-to-be-missed titles for readers of all ages and interests. . . .Martin’s work of synthesizing the many book lists, his knowledgeable commentary, and the book’s convenient one-volume format make this a useful resource, especially for those new to the world of children’s and young adult literature. . . .For me at least, part of the pleasure of the more idiosyncratic, individualistic lists is finding quirky, obscure books that I’ve never heard of before. . . .[H]is extensive bibliography provides plenty of guidance for those seeking more specialized reading recommendations.
Technical Services Quarterly
A Lifetime of Fiction: The 500 Most Recommended Reads for Ages 2 to 102 is both a work of love and scholarly discernment. I saw all my favorite books there and others that I now want to read
Frank Asch, author of Happy Birthday, Moon, a New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year A Lifetime of Fiction is an invaluable guide to the best American fiction titles
and downright fun to read all on its own. I found many old favorites as well as numerous how-have-I-missed-this titles. The book is a remarkable achievement, and I'd recommend it highly to anyone who loves to curl up with a good book.
Karen Cushman, Newbery award-winning author of The Midwife’s Apprentice and Catherine, Called Birdy This represents an amazing amount of work on the part of William Martin—to narrow down to 500, how many hundreds must he have read!—but one senses that it was a pleasure as well. It will certainly be a valuable resource to educators as well as the average reader.
Lois Lowry, Newbery award-winning author of The Giver and Number the Stars As I get nearer to 102, I read more books than ever. Martin’s reading lists are a reminder that there is something valuable to be learned at each stage of life. And sometimes what’s good for an 8 year old is also a delight at 80.
Deborah Meier, national school reform leader: author of In Schools We Trust: Creating Communities of Learning in an Era of Testing and Standardization In a country that loves lists, William Martin has given us one that belongs on everyone’s bookshelf. It is the ultimate guide to the best fiction available for every stage of life, beginning with preschool on through the contemporary classics that should be on every adult’s bucket list. From “Goodnight Moon” to “The Corrections” and “Lonesome Dove,” these are the books that endure. Parents wanting the best fiction for their children and young teens will find Martin’s advice unbiased and without any agenda other than to promote quality fiction.
Eleanor Clift, Newsweek/Daily Beast contributor This reference is an invaluable resource for educators, parents, and readers everywhere. Not only does it provide an easy methodology for identifying the most well known and most celebrated fiction books, it also uncovers some lesser-known gems that add depth and richness to the adventure of reading, regardless of your age. It’s a bucket list for anyone who loves reading and desires to instill that love in their children and students.
Bob Fayfich, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools The Headmaster of the Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, reminds Harry Potter “ it is our choices . . . that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” Wise words to consider even as we decide how to enrich our lives through literature! With his brief synopses, William Martin facilitates how to consider the best of literature having amassed recommendations from numerous authoritative sources. A Lifetime of Fiction is my reading roadmap for choices both professional and personal.
David W. Magill, Director, The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools A Lifetime of Fiction is a towering achievement. It belongs in every school’s library and on every parent’s bookshelf.
Kathryn Hughes Martin, homeschooling consultant and education instructor at California State University San Marcos William Martin's A Lifetime of Fiction is an impressive compilation of the best preschool to adult books. Martin has carefully analyzed a wide variety of resources to create an invaluable annotated bibliography for anyone interested in children's literature.
Mary G. Milligan, librarian at St. Luke's Episcopal School, San Antonio, Texas William Martin’s prodigious effort will prove of enormous benefit to every teacher, parent, librarian, and readers of all ages for many years to come.
David Morris, Vice President of Institute for Local Self Reliance, named by The Utne Reader as one of the top 100 visionaries in America What a great list of books, and many of my all time children's favorites: Seuss, Sendak, and even the book I buy for all new moms . . . Owl Babies!
Larry Rosenstock, founder and CEO of San Diego’s High Tech High Show Less