We the People Bookshelf is a joint initiative, between the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office to encourage young people to read and understand classic books in the K-12 reading levels while exploring themes in American history, culture and ideas.

This year’s theme is the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. A collection of 15 books for young readers will be given to 2,000 libraries across the United States through a competitive grant application. Book titles are noted below. The online application for this new theme will be available September 19, 2006 through January 31, 2007 at http://www.wethepeople.gov/bookshelf.