All Iowa Reads titles are selected by three committees of volunteers: one committee selects the title for adults, one selects the titles for teens, and a third committee selects the titles for kids. Members of the committees read widely, seeking books with broad appeal. In a series of meetings, members discuss possibilities. The list is narrowed to approximately five titles which are read by all members. Members provide their honest impressions independent of outside influence, and the final selection is made by consensus.