The Absolute Best of the Year
Best Picture Books
Before Morning
Big
Every Dreaming Creature
On Account of the Gum
Sophie's Squash
Stella: Queen of the Snow
The Truth About Dragons
You're Strong With Me
Best Middle Grade and Graphic Novels
Greenglass House
Simon Sort of Says
Sorceline
Things in the Basement
The Very, Very Far North
Best Adult and Young Adult
Of the Wild
The Black Flamingo
Half a Soul
Nest Egg
The Science of Everyday Life
(I did mean to only choose 5 in each category, but please read these picture books; it's worth it, I promise)
Best of December
Beauty
by Robin McKinley
Rarely have I seen a classic tale woven so seamlessly with original elements and delightful reflections than in this middle grade/YA Beauty and the Beast retelling. If you like Beauty and the Beast, you'll likely love this book too.
Before Morning
by Joyce Sidman
Mostly pictures with a delicate poem fluttering across its pages, Before Morning is a powerful yet gentle evocation full of winter wonder and dreams of warmth. I love reading this one aloud to myself before bed.
The Fire Within
by Chris d'Lacey
This middle grade magical realism follows college student David as he moves into Liz and Lucy's spare room and becomes enmeshed in an epic backyard drama involving squirrels, rat traps, vicious crows, and unexpected allies. Through it all, there's a hint of wonder and the possibility of live dragons hidden in plain sight. This book will forever be on my favorites shelf for its charm and brilliance in portraying young Lucy. I wish I could say the same for the sequels, but honestly, don't bother.
Greenglass House
by Kate Milford
Milo is ready for a peaceful and predictable Christmas break, but his family's BnB is suddenly overrun with unexpected guests. A thievery happens early on, and Milo, along with his new friend, must figure out what's going on before the snow melts if he has any hope of the cozy Christmas he'd wished for. I love that this book discusses multi-racial adoptive families and includes a hint of magic along with the thrilling mystery and thoughtful storytelling.
Medusa
by Katherine Marsh
Has Katherine Marsh done it again? Strange things have been happening around Ava, and suddenly she's transferred to an academy in Europe where she discovers that she has secret powers—just not the ones she was hoping for. I was expecting another Percy Jackson ripoff, and while there are certainly similar elements, this middle grade mythology book takes things from a whole new perspective and discusses how others' negative expectations of you can affect your future. It's a little bit feminist and a little bit racially aware, but mostly it's about not letting others define you.
Stella: Queen of the Snow
by Marie-Louise Gay
Stella and her little brother explore the snow in this playful picture book. There isn't much of a plot, but the characters are authentic and cleverly written, perfect for experiencing the wonders of winter. The rest of the series is delightful as well.
Tabby or Not Tabby
by Eryn Scott
The second in the Whiskers and Words cozy mystery series, Tabby or Not Tabby follows Lou as she discovers one of her customers dead in his home and must narrow down the suspects in a town seemingly full of people who hated the guy! I like all the Whiskers and Words mysteries, but this one is especially thrilling with its alternating high stakes and cozy cat and book moments.
Winterfrost
by Michelle Houts
The perfect book to end the year with, Winterfrost is a middle grade magical realism with a good dose of folktale. Betina is left alone for the first time to care for the farm and her baby sister, but when a glittering frost covers the world, it seems like anything could happen—and perhaps it does.
Best of November
The Unforgettable Guinevere St Clair
by Amy Makechnie
Mystery, mental health, adventure, friendship, humor, and bravery all mix together in this stunning middle grade novel. Yes, I know I've pitched this book before, but it deserves all my love.
The Accidental Apprentice
by Amanda Foody
One boy doesn't fit in with the others in his dull little village, but when he accidentally bonds with a wolf spirit, he must go on a quest to either get rid of the bond or discover where he truly belongs. This middle grade fantasy was exactly what I was looking for: clever and humorous with a touch of mystery and a lot of magic.
Cinder
by Marissa Meyer
A sci-fi Cinderella story, this tale follows Cinder as she tries to get out from under her oppressive stepmother's thumb but discovers that she might be more than just a second-class citizen. No, this isn't the best book I've read this year, but sometimes you need a fun YA sci-fi with familiar elements, and this one is easy to read.
Riley and the Reclusive Ravens
by Tiffany Liu
Riley likes spiders, snakes, and bugs, and when she sees three shadowy silhouettes, she's determined to make friends with the reclusive birds. This adorable picture book is full of read-aloud fun and a reminder of the power of persistence.
Tress of the Emerald Sea
by Brandon Sanderson
Imagine that the princess in the Princess Bride was clever and strong and also happened to live on a planet covered in deadly mushroom spores. This gripping adult sci-fi fantasy is full of clever episodes and lovable characters. I'm very glad I read this book.
The Truth About Dragons
by Julie Leung
One little boy grows up hearing about two kinds of dragons: eastern and western, but he struggles to see how the two can both fit in the same world. This beautiful picture book explores what it means to be mixed-race (although I think it would also apply to mixed-race adoption). It touched my heart, reminding me that what people assume about us doesn't have to define us, and both sides of a person can be beautiful.
Best of October
Assistant to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Evie is desperate for a new job but wasn't prepared to become the local evil villain's assistant, but is he so evil after all? This lighthearted adult fantasy book is overdramatic and a bit satirical, and while it has its serious moments, it made me smile a lot.
Aster and the Accidental Magic
by Thom Pico
Aster does not want to live high in the mountains away from her friends and former life, but when she meets some local forest spirits and elemental powers, she figures she can at least have a little adventure. Aster is such a rude little thing, but I love the trouble she gets into and out of in this cartoony graphic novel.
Big
by Vashti Harrison
When does "big" go from a complement (what a big girl! Dram big!) to an insult? This picture book absolutely had me in tears with the way it really understood what it's like to fail to be petite and how one can grow anyway.
Every Dreaming Creature
by Brendan Wenzel
This picture book doesn't have much of a plot, but it's beautifully told and exactly what I needed so I could fall asleep.
The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza
by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris
In this silly graphic novel, rats are eating the moon, which is causing all sorts of problems. The first cat in space teams up with a robot and a queen to stop disaster on both earth and the moon, but they get into all sorts of tiny catastrophes along the way. I laughed out loud and added this series to my instant buy list.
The House Witch
by Delemhach
In this episodic adult fantasy, Fin becomes the palace chef, but he must hide a deadly secret: he's a witch, something that's barely legal. This book is episodic, which is no surprise given its origins as a webseries, but it has a satisfying resolution and a cast of delightful characters. Generally, it's cozy and whimsical, just what I was expecting after seeing that cover art.
I Really Dig Pizza
by Candy James
Archie finds a pizza, and he's delighted, so he hides it where no one can find it. But then Reddie comes by looking for a pizza, and together they must solve the mystery of the missing pizza! This easy reader graphic novel is so silly and fun. I was disappointed in the sequels, but there's potential yet.
Lulu Sinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors
by Gail D. Villanueva
Lulu suddenly discovers she's been blessed with special powers, but she doesn't care so much about her new responsibility of keeping the realms safe; she just wants to get revenge on the creature that kidnapped her mom. This middle grade mythology adventure definitely tips its hat at the Percy Jackson series, but I love the diversity and humor that stand on their own while exploring Filipino legends.
Mamo
by Sas Milledge
In an attempt to save her mother from a mysterious illness, Jo seeks out Orla, a witch who intends to visit briefly but doesn't want to revisit the town that trapped her as a child. This is a gorgeous graphic novel with bit of shivery spookiness. I loved how gentle and warm the ending was despite the tumultuous story.
The Starlight Watchmaker
by Lauren James
Hugo is a watchmaker scraping out a living by assisting privileged students with their timepieces. But when Dorian arrives demanding repairs for a watch that's missing a dangerous power element, the two decide to get to the bottom of the theft and discover that corruption at the school runs deep. This sci-fi novella is beautifully written and makes some clever points. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
Stories of the Islands
by Clar Angkasa
Three classic fairy tales are reimagined in this empowering graphic novel set in Indonesia. Although I didn't recognize the exact tales, many of the universal themes can be found in fables around the world. I loved seeing the women respected and understood as well as strong and clever. The illustrations are absolutely lovely as well.
Best of September
The Castle of Tangled Magic
by Sophie Anderson
Olia loves the castle her family has lived in for generations. Even though they're no longer considered royalty, Olia feels obligated to save her home and the surrounding village when a magical force threatens its many towers.
I've been wanting to read this middle grade fantasy for a very long time, and I was not at all disappointed. It references Russian fairy tale elements and has just enough chaos to make it feel like a classic.
A Deadly Education
by Naomi Novik
When young mages get their powers, monsters start attacking them, so they've been collected into a school. But the school doesn't exactly work as intended, and students have to fight their way out.
This young adult fantasy is dark, but it's also beautiful. It's more episodic than I was expecting, but I don't mind.
Estranged
by Ethan M. Aldridge
Edmund knows he's a changeling, but that doesn't make him any happier when his human counterpart shows up and demands his help after a coup in the Fae kingdom.
A beautifully-illustrated graphic novel full of creative details and thoughtful moments amid its many adventurous challenges.
The Faerie Godmother's Apprentice Wore Green
by Nicky Kyle
A dragon has been pestering a small village, but the tavern keeper's daughter refuses to believe it's her fault, even when the faerie godmother's apprentice offers proof.
This novella definitely feels self-published, but it has an intriguing plot and some excellent thoughtful moments.
Flora and the Peacocks
by Molly Idle
Flora is back, this time ready to dance with the peacocks. The peacocks aren't both cooperative, however.
Another lovely wordless book that tells so much with a few brushstrokes and some strategic interactive pages.
Sophie's Squash
by Pat Zeitlow Miller
Sophie's squash is the perfect size to cuddle and hold, so Sophie names her Belinda and the two become inseparable. But squashes aren't meant to last forever.
This funny picture book captures the essence of childhood belief. I love the dignity it gives to Sophie, and the ending was simply delightful.
Sorceline
by Sylvia Douyé
Six young people arrive on a magical island with the hope of becoming the sorcerer's apprentice. In the meantime, they care for the magical animals nearby. But something is attacking the creatures on the island, and if Sorceline can't uncover the mystery, the whole school may be doomed.
Twisty and fully of magic, this graphic novel doesn't hesitate to get spooky. I love the art, and the mood of it is perfect for autumn.
Witch Hazel
by Molly Idle
Two friends reenact memories until the older one becomes a story herself.
I don't know what else to say about this little picture book, only that it had me in tears, and you should read it too.
Witches Garden
by Laurel Lorenzini
Mags is the local potion-maker and needs to grow the perfect ingredients to keep her town safe, but someone is sabotaging her screaming strawberries. With so much to do, Mags isn't sure she can get to the bottom of this mystery.
Such a cute little illustrated chapter book. The story is sweet and fast-paced, and the characters original and charming.
Best of August
Basil and Oregano
by Melissa Capriglione
A cute romance set in a magical baking school. Need I say more? This sweet graphic novel had me heading to the kitchen for some baking magic of my own.
The Black Flamingo
by Dean Atta
This novel in verse explores the intersection of queer and Black in a way that left me full of feels. It's beautiful and painful and everything a poem should be.
This Book Just Ate My Dog
by Richard Byrne
Be careful with this picture book! The pages are terribly mischievous.
Investi-Gators
by John Patrick Green
I can't believe it's taken me this long to find this silly adventure series! Mystery, puns, imagination, and a sprinkle of kindness mix together for a perfect graphic novel pick me up.
Aloha Chicken Mysteries: Nest Egg
by Josi Avari
Looking for a cozy mystery with pineapples, possible murder, a pinch of romance, and a whole lot of chickens?
Things in the Basement
by Ben Hatke
Is it possible for Ben Hatke to write a book I don't love? In this graphic novel, a young boy ventures into the basement to retrieve his sister's sock, but he finds an awful lot more. The imagination and heart in this story are breathtaking, but the story is such an easy read.
Best of July
Penny and Her Marble
by Kevin Henkes
Penny finds a marble, but she worries she might be stealing it and is consumed with guilt. This adorable picture book considers what it means to be honest and the benefits of asking when in doubt.
Zola's Elephant
by Randall de Sève
Zola is the fantastic new girl who just moved in, but surely someone so cool and magical is too busy to make friends with her humble neighbor. This book is a visual masterpiece with a clever story.
If You Find a Leaf
by Aimée Sicuro
Sometimes a leaf is just a leaf, but other times ...
This book plays with foliage in a multimedia style and encourages readers to use their imaginations. I'll definitely be making use of some of the leaf-preserving techniques described at the end.
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries
by Heather Fawcett
Emily Wilde is a unique character who balances cleverness and knowledge with social ineptitude. This story takes so many delicious twists full of magic, peril, and a sprinkle of unexpected romance.
The School Between Winter and Fairyland
by Heather Fawcett
What, another Heather Fawcett book?
In this middle grade fantasy, we get to explore how easy it is to get used to systematic oppression and how freedom is often uncomfortable. There's also magic, friendship, and so much creativity and art.
Very Good Hats
by Emma Straus
Yet another example of a picture book that encourages readers to use their imaginations. This book congratulates readers for discovering the many hats all around us and encourages us to find more.
The Mossheart's Promise
by Rebecca Mix
I mean, really, one look at this cover, and you just know this book is going to be enchanting. I'm happy to report that it lives up to everything you'd expect just by looking at it.
Best of June
Winnie the Pooh
by A.A. Milne
This is a classic for a reason. I didn't enjoy it nearly as much when I was a child, but now that I have my own copy, it's the sort of thing I'll definitely be pulling out whenever I need a taste break. Very cozy and clever.
Midsummer's Mayhem
by Rajani LaRocca
Shakespeare and a baking competition collide in this fast-paced middle grade magical realism adventure.
My Calamity Jane
by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
Yet another humorous retelling of a historical figure. This trio of authors never fail to get me in stitches.
Chivalry
by Neil Gaiman and Collen Doran
An elderly woman brings home what turns out to be the Holy Grail and soon finds herself with a persistent knight offering her anything he can think of in exchange for the relic. This story is just too funny.
Too Early
by Nora Ericson
Take a deep breath and watch the sunrise along with this protagonist. A gentle picture book that feels like a breath of fresh air.
Pusheen the Cat's Guide to Everything
by Claire Belton
This is it: if it's not in here, you don't need to know it. Pusheen the cat has you covered.
In all seriousness, this is a set of short comics with Pusheen's signature combination of sleep, food, and cuteness.
Unicorn for a Day
by Golan Vankin
If you've ever wondered what magical realism looks like, take a peek at this picture book. Masterfully written and illustrated, this story makes you wonder how much magic there really might be in the world.
Sam's New Sister
by Michelle Olson
I'm becoming a huge fan of books with photos as illustrations, and this one is a lovely example.
Ludwig and the Rhinoceros
by Noemi Schneider
What is real? Ludwig pokes at a branch of philosophy as his father insists that if you can't prove something is there, it probably isn't, but Ludwig maintains that if you can't prove it, it's still possible. This is a simple picture book with a big idea.
Best of May
Snapdragon
by Kat Leyh
Snapdragon is afraid of the old witch down the street, but with a little understanding, she might end up with a few new friends instead. If you read no other graphic novels this year, please pick this one up.
D
by Michel Faber
All the D's are disappearing from the world, so Dhikilo sets off with a sphinx (but not a professor) into a kooky magical world where anything can happen. This book is unexpected in the best way, although if you like your stories to make sense, you might want to skip this one.
If We Were Ducks
by Hailee Kay
A cozy little picture book that balances a variety of ways to say I love you.
Half a Soul
by Olivia Atwater
When Dora was a child, a faerie stole half her soul. This has led to some interesting complications.
The first in the Regency Faerie Tales series, this book captures an interesting intersection of disability and magic with a little romance and mystery sprinkled in. I've since read the whole trilogy and can recommend it to anyone who thinks that "regency fairy tale" sounds good.
10 More Night-Nights: Home Again
by Vanessa Cain
One little girl is waiting for a big surprise, but when will it get here? With clever rhymes and a wholesome message, this picture book is a touchstone for any families that have had to be separated.
Moo and Bark
by Pam Obi
Moo is a calf brimming with curiosity, but that tendency gets him into trouble. This lovely little picture book explores the concept of belonging along with the wonders of nature and a little bit of advice.
Ocean's Lullaby
by Denis Mikhalkin
Looking to relax? This picture book offers a meditative journey through ocean vistas. It's the perfect thing for helping your little ones visualize a good night's sleep.
The Extraordinary Curiosities of Ixworth and Maddox
by J.D. Grolic
Chloe stumbles across a curiosities shop one day and discovers more than she bargained for when she learns the proprietors are wizards. But all is not right in London, and Chloe is quickly whisked away on an adventure in which she'll have to learn to trust herself to save her friends.
An absolutely charming book; I hope there will be many more.
Best of April
Winter Tide
By Ruthanna Emrys
I saw "asexual" and "Lovecraftian" in the same blurb, and I was skeptical, but I'm so glad I read this book. It definitely has that "alone in space surrounded by monsters" feel, but it's also poignant and deep.
The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge
by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin
I don't usually include the illustrator in my notes, but this story wouldn't exist without Yelchin's macabre prints. Don't fall for the trap of getting this story as an audiobook. The text and images balance each other as we see things from two very different perspectives, offering insight into what it means that the conqueror always writes the history books.
I Love You Like No Otter
by Sophie Corrigan
This is a collection of greeting-card-ish puns that rely on animal words to convey affection. It makes me smile every time.
A Many Feathered Thing
by Lisa Gerlits
Growing up sometimes means branching out, keeping secrets, and adjusting to changing friend groups. This story experiments with how those things intersect with art. It's a poetic book in many ways.
Of the Wild
by Elizabeth Wambheim
If you love this book's cover, you won't be disappointed with the story. Fairies, found family, darkness, and hope all mingle together in a deliciously poetic tale populated with recovering children and the adults whose hearts become whole as they walk with them.
Aces Wild
by Amanda DeWitt
I know, I know, the story wasn't that thrilling. But if you're ace and you've ever wanted to find yourself in a book, this one offers lots of options with a little action and mystery sprinkled in for spice.
Lo & Behold
by Wendy Mass
Virtual Reality has made a lot of interesting steps lately, and this graphic novel cleverly explores some of the ways we interact with and benefit from this new horizon.
Best of March
The Elegance of the Hedgehog
by Muriel Barbery
You either hate or love this one. It's philosophical and clever yet also full of plot holes. What does it mean to truly see people? This book explores expectations based on first impressions and what it means to get to know someone.
You're Strong With Me
by Chitra Soundar
The story here is a simple poem about trusting the grownups in your life, which is all well and good, but if you've seen this cover, you probably know why its in the running for best books I've read this year. Those illustrations are absolutely dazzling.
Iron Hearted Violet
by Kelly Barnhill
Can Kelly Barnhill write a bad book? Iron Hearted Violet explores the concept of true beauty and the power of looking beyond what you expect.
Best of February
Grandpa's Window
by Laura Gehl
A poignant tale about life, death, remembering, and hope.
Hattie Hates Hugs
by Sarah Hovorka
Hattie loves her family, but family reunions mean hugs, and Hattie doesn't know how to tell everyone no. This clever book reminds us that consent is for anytime someone touches you, and it's OK to say no to any treatment.
How the Penguins Saved Veronica
by Hazel Prior
An elderly woman decides to use her fortune to visit Antarctica and save the penguins, but in the process, she learns a lot about herself. This cozy story reminds us that everyone is looking for a connection.
Kodi
by Jared Cullum
Katya doesn't really have any friends, but when she meets an injured bear, she has to do what's right. This beautifully-illustrated graphic novel speaks volumes about the power of friendship.
On Account of the Gum
by Adam Rex
So, one morning you wake up with gum in your hair. It can't get any worse than that ... right?
The Science of Everyday Life
by Marty Jopson
Have you ever wondered how baking soda works or why your fridge makes that weird noise? Wonder no more! This approachable and sometimes humorous book reveals all of your home's scientific secrets in bite-size chapters.
Stitch and the Samurai
by Hiroto Wada
What if Stitch had gone back in time and landed in Japan instead of Hawaii? I laughed so hard at this book and can't wait for more in this series.
The World's Longest Sock
by Juliann Law
The ultimate competition to knit the world's longest sock!
Best of January
The Very, Very Far North
by Dan Bar-El
One day, Duane arrived in the Very, Very Far North from ... wherever it is he came from. Duane loved napping and eating, but he also loved exploring and making friends, so he did all of these things a great deal.
This book basically has charming classic written all over it. If you like Frog and Toad, you'll probably love this one.
Unfamiliar
by Haley Newsome
Planchette is a kitchen witch who is moving to a new town where she hopes to make lots of friends. What she gets instead is a haunted house. Undeterred, she sets out to meet the locals and see if any of them are good at exorcisms. It turns out, the town is full of screw-ups, but if they work together, they might all get something they want.
Spoopy and Sweet. A great Halloween read, but not unsuitable for Valentine's Day ;)
Thirsty Mermaids
by Kat Leyh
Three mermaids are struggling to get enough liquor to satisfy their cravings, so they learn a spell to turn them human. It turns out dry land is full of weird concepts like modesty and capitalism, but the mermaids learn to adapt. They have to: they don't know how to undo the spell.
Yeah, this book is exactly what it sounds like; sensitive readers be wary. Despite its nudity and coarse humor, this book is remarkably charming and makes some excellent points about society and family.
Simon Sort of Says
by Erin Bow
Simon is ready to become a new Simon, and what better place than Grin and Bear It, Nebraska: an official quiet zone where there is no internet, no cell phones, no TV, and no one knows about Simon's dark past. Things are going well: Simon makes some new friends; his mom gets along well as the local funeral home director; his dad becomes an essential deacon in the local Catholic church. There are a few hiccups, such as the violent peacock in the funeral home's yard and the occasional fire drill, but Simon will be OK as long as no one discovers who he really is. But then his new best friend decides it's a good idea to impersonate space aliens for the local scientists, and between a science fair catastrophe, a service dog in training, a missing corpse, and a rogue holy squirrel, it begins to look like secrets won't be secrets as long as Simon hoped.
This one is so funny, but it also had me in tears a few times. Really well written and a great way to approach a difficult topic.
Sensory: Life on the Spectrum
compiled by Schnumn
A collection of comics written about autism by autistic people. Thought-provoking and compassionate.
Pilu of the Woods
by Mai K. Nguyen
The kids at school think Willow is a bit of a werido and a know-it-all, but she can't help but love the woods near her house. After another fight with her sister, Willow disappears into the woods and tries to cram down the monsters that make her feel and say things she doesn't mean. But then she hears a little fae girl crying nearby, and together they explore the woods, learn to talk about their feelings, and find a new definition for how to be kind.
So cute, but also deep and meaningful.
Lizard in a Zoot Suit
by Marco Finnegan
Flaca and Cuata are teenage girls who love going out and partying with the rest of their friends in 1940s Los Angeles. That very activity gets them into trouble when local Navy recruits start preying on local Mexican Americans, and the girls find themselves in the middle of the Zoot Suit Riots. Things get even more complicated when Cuata is rescued by a strange lizardman who emerges from the sewers. The little guy is wanted by a scientist for research, but Cuata is determined to help him reunite with his family.
A silly title but a sensitive story.
I'm a Unicorn
by Helen Yoon
Unicorn: a creature with one horn. Can it be any creature? Are there other criteria? One little critter checks the data, but the more he looks into it, the less sure he is. What does it really take to be a unicorn?
This is such an adorable little book. It's weirdly applicable to any identity crisis. I particularly love the way the emotions rise and fall throughout this story, and the humorous elements made the perfect finish.
This is such an adorable little book. It's weirdly applicable to any identity crisis. I particularly love the way the emotions rise and fall throughout this story, and the humorous elements made the perfect finish.
