The fully revised and updated fourth edition of Children's Literature in Action offers a concise but comprehensive introduction to the body of literature for children (ages 0–12) for pre-service librarians and educators who work in the school or public library setting.

This well-regarded text by Sylvia M. Vardell and new co-author Marianne Martens follows a genre-based approach, providing an overview of genres, featured authors and titles, most important awards, selection criteria, and practical applications for each major genre in the field. Each chapter includes:

· Practitioner perspectives
· Exemplary titles
· Sample reviews
· Major award winners
· Historical perspectives
· Instructional standards
· Relevant assignments
· Related professional resources

The fourth edition adds new material on the growing body of middle grade literature, graphic novels and manga for young readers, new mixed-genre categories, cross-curricular connections, trends in nonfiction, and the latest digital materials and tools. It includes expanded content on diverse and inclusive literature and international perspectives.

Readers will become knowledgeable about the wide variety of quality literature available for all young readers and learn how to mindfully select, evaluate, and promote good books in every genre in the library, the classroom, and across the curriculum.