The OBCB list is developed every five years as a tool for various audiences (students preparing for college, educators, librarians, and parents). It offers opportunities for independent reading and lifelong learning. From the list, readers are bound to find something that will expand their worldview and help them gain an understanding of the ever-changing world.
There is something for everyone within these lists. Adults new and old will find something to expand their worldview and gain understanding of the ever-changing world we call home. The list is divided into the following five categories:
YALSA would like to give a special thanks to the 2019 Outstanding Books for the College Bound and Lifelong Learners Committee. In the midst of the pandemic, they very generously and diligently stepped up to curate a new OBCB list after the 2018 committee’s work on the previous list.
The 2019 Outstanding Books for the College Bound and Lifelong Learners Committee members are: Yolanda Hood, chair, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada; Donna Steel Cook, Central ISD, Pollok, Texas; Kelsey Hughes, South Bowie Branch, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Bowie, MD; Jane Nichols, Oregon State University Libraries and Press, Corvallis, OR; Jennifer Powell, Tarrant High School, Tarrant, AL. Jamie Watson, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD.
The 2018 Outstanding Books for the College Bound and Lifelong Learners Committee members are: Joy Millam, chair, Valencia High School, Placentia, CA; Ava Brillat, Otto G. Richter Library, Coral Gables, FL; Donna Cook, Central High School/Independent School District, Pollok, TX; Vilia Garcia, Harlingen High School South, Harlingen, TX; Yolanda Hood, University Of Wyoming Libraries, Laramie, WY; Kelsey Hughes, Crownsville, MD; Carrie Jacquin, St.Teresa's Academy, Kansas City, MO; Stacey McKenna, The Ohio State University/Central Ohio Technical, Pataskala, OH; Cate Merlin, Peabody Institute Library, Peabody, MA; Jane Nichols, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR; Jeremiah Paschke-Wood, University of Arizona Libraries, Tucson, AZ; Beth Pelayo, St. Charles East High School, St. Charles, IL; Jennifer Powell, Tarrant High School, Birmingham, AL; Sarah E. Sheehan, Mary Alice & Tom O'Malley Library, Riverdale, NY; Jamie Watson, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD; and Lizz Zitron, Pierce College, Puyallup, WA.
YALSA’s portfolio of book and media awards helps strengthen library services for and with teens by identifying quality, age appropriate resources for librarians and library workers to share with the teens in their communities. Learn more about YALSA’s other book and media lists.