Purposefully selected collections of literature can extend, contrast or illuminate an experience or perspective to effectively exploit the potential of children's literature to shape curriculum and engage student learning. This paper offers a practical framework for creating purposeful collections of literature. As an illustration of this process, we have formulated two guideline acronyms, SIMPLE (guidelines for identifying a theme) and CRITERIA (guidelines for selecting books), explained within the context of one particular theme: Children and the Great Depression.