The New York Public Library is kind of like a literary Kris Kringle.
Throughout the year, the institution has gifted us with stellar reading lists when we needed them most (i.e. the Election and Juneteenth kids' books roundups). Plus, it partnered with us to host virtual storytimes to keep tots occupied while at home.
Now, just in time for the holiday break, the Library has revealed the top books of the year for children, teens and adults. Yes, 2020 was challenging—to say the least—but these new releases added a much-needed sense of comfort for readers of all ages. Have a look at the top 10 selections in the children and YA categories, then peruse all of the librarian-curated picks!
Top 10 Children's Books
Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith
Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez
Go with the Flow by Lily Williams & Karen Schneeman
Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann
Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar
Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration by Samara Doyon, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
You Matter by Christian Robinson
View all of the selections online.
Top 10 Children's Books in Spanish
¿Cómo lo ves? by Vera Galindo
Amigas by Lauren Ace, illustrated by Jenny Lovlie
La bañera by Lisa Biggi, illustrated by Paloma Corral
La belleza del final by Alfredo Colella, illustrated by Jorge González
Los carpinchos by Alfredo Soderguit
Manos a la tierra: Crea tu propio jardín by Kirsten Bradley, illustrated by Aitch
Mi abuelo by Émilie Chazerand, illustrated by Nicolas Duffaut
Mi lazarilla, mi capitán by Gonzalo Moure, illustrated by Maria Girón
Música en el jardín by Mariana Ruiz Johnson
Los tomates de Mila by Sanne Dufft
View all of the selections online.
Top 10 Teen Books
All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson
Displacement by Kiku Hughes
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles
Poisoned Water: How the Citizens of Flint, Michigan, Fought for Their Lives and Warned the Nation by Candy J. Cooper with Marc Aronson
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
We Are Not Free by Traci Chee
We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez
View all of the selections online.
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