Pennsylvania Center
for the Book

The mission of the Pennsylvania Center for the Book is to study, honor, celebrate, and promote books, reading, libraries, and literacy to the citizens and residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Photo of a person reading a picture book.

Photo of a hand placing a Baker's Dozen seal on a picture book.

Book Awards

Our awards celebrate exceptional picture books, children’s poetry, graphic novels, and community reads that inspire lifelong literacy.

colorful mural on side of brick building celebrating August Wilson and his plays, 2037 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh.

Literary & Cultural Resources

Discover Pennsylvania’s literary and cultural heritage through interactive maps and digital tools that deepen learning with primary sources and place-based exploration.

small children sitting on floor with books

Teaching Materials

These research-informed resources and lesson plans support a wide range of learners while aligning with both Pennsylvania and national curriculum standards.

New at the Center

Navy blue graphic with a 2026 Baker's Dozen award seal and the covers of Sand Cakes by Kallie George and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth, Seven Little Ducklings by Annette Leblanc Cate, Broken by X. Fang, Balloon by Bruce Handy and illustrated by Julie Kwon, My Grandma and Grandpa Rock! by Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo and illustrated by Tiffany Everett, and A Quick Trip to the Store by Sam Wedelich.

Baker's Dozen Booklist

2026 Booklist

The Pennsylvania Center for the Book is excited to announce the 2026 Baker's Dozen: 13 Best Books for Family Literacy booklist!

Established in 2003, the Baker’s Dozen: 13 Best Books for Family Literacy booklist identifies the top 13 books that support family literacy goals published in the previous calendar year for children between three and six years of age. For the 2026 booklist, jurors reviewed more than 900 titles to select the top 13 children's books published in 2025 that support family literacy.

Are you an educator or librarian interested in sharing the 2026 Baker's Dozen list with families and patrons? Contact us here to request free 2026 Baker's Dozen bookmarks (while supplies last)!

View the 2026 Baker's Dozen booklist here.

Pennsylvania Great Reads

2026 Awardees

The Pennsylvania Center for the Book is excited to announce Lilac and the Switchback by Cordelia Jensen and Evensong by Stewart O'Nan as the 2026 Pennsylvania Great Reads from Great Places!

The national Great Reads from Great Places program highlights the literary heritage of all 50 U.S. states and six U.S. territories.

Each state and territorial Center for the Book annually selects one youth title and one adult title to represent their respective state or territory in the Roadmap to Reading at the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival. We are excited to have these two titles represent Pennsylvania at this year's festival!

Learn more about the 2026 Pennsylvania Great Reads here.

A Reading Road Trip

Pennsylvania's Episode Now Streaming!

American Stories: A Reading Road Trip, a new series created by PBS Books in partnership with the Library of Congress and its Affiliate Centers for the Book, recently explored Pennsylvania's literary heritage!

Timed with America’s 250th anniversary, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip celebrates the literary heritage and storytelling traditions that have shaped the nation.

The episodes explore the voices, books, libraries, bookstores, and cultural landmarks that have defined the creative identity of each state and territory. Pennsylvania's episode is now streaming on the PBS Books website!

Learn more about the episode here.