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Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2017

Kirkus Reviews' Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2017 names 425 books across 5 categories. 131 of them also won or were shortlisted for an award.

Fiction

  1. 4 3 2 1 by Paul Austersource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Cast of Vultures by Judith Flanderssource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwabsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. After the Flare by Deji Bryce Olukotunsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. All Grown Up by Jami Attenbergsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Colesource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Stroutsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Augustown by Kei Millersource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Autonomous by Annalee Newitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Autumn by Ali Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Lockesource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Borne by Jeff VanderMeersource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchetsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Catapult by Emily Fridlundsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Defectors by Joseph Kanonsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Dirty Dancing at Devil's Leap by Julie Anne Longsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Duke With Benefits by Manda Collinssource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Dunbar by Edward St. Aubynsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Everything Belongs to Us by Yoojin Grace Wuertzsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Exit West by Mohsin Hamidsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Exposed by Lisa Scottolinesource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillipssource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Five-Carat Soul by James McBridesource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Fresh Complaint by Jeffrey Eugenidessource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Future Home of the Living God by Louise Erdrichsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Golden Hill by Francis Spuffordsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Grace by Paul Lynchsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Hate to Want You by Alisha Raisource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machadosource (opens in a new tab)
  30. House of Spies by Daniel Silvasource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Ill Will by Dan Chaonsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Improvement by Joan Silbersource (opens in a new tab)
  33. In Security by Edward Schwarzschildsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Keep Her Safe by Sophie Hannahsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunderssource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ngsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Little Sister by Barbara Gowdysource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Live From Cairo by Ian Bassingthwaightesource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egansource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Marlena by Julie Buntinsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Midwinter Break by Bernard MacLavertysource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingallssource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Murder in Saint-Germain by Cara Blacksource (opens in a new tab)
  45. My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallentsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. New People by Danzy Sennasource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Noumenon by Marina J. Lostettersource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Pachinko by Min Jin Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Pages for Her by Sylvia Brownriggsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnettsource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Radiant Terminus by Antoine Volodine, translated by Jeffrey Zuckermansource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Recluce Tales by L.E. Modesitt Jr.source (opens in a new tab)
  53. Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregorsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwansource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Rogue Magic by Kit Brisbysource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Salt Houses by Hala Alyansource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Say Nothing by Brad Parkssource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Wardsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Standard Deviation by Katherine Heinysource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Temporary People by Deepak Unnikrishnansource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Animators by Kayla Rae Whitakersource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Answers by Catherine Laceysource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Arrangement by Sarah Dunnsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Burning Girl by Claire Messudsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Changeling by Victor LaVallesource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Clockwork Dynasty by Daniel H. Wilsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Dark Dark by Samantha Huntsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Day of the Duchess by Sarah MacLeansource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perrysource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Fifth Element by Jorgen Brekke, translated by Steven T. Murraysource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Floating World by C. Morgan Babstsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Gift by Barbara Browningsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Golden Legend by Nadeem Aslamsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Late Show by Michael Connellysource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Locals by Jonathan Deesource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O’Neillsource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roysource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermottsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Power by Naomi Aldermansource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyensource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Remnant by Charlie Fletchersource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Resurrection of Joan Ashby by Cherise Wolassource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Smack by Richard Langesource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Song of the Orphans by Daniel Pricesource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Stars Are Legion by Kameron Hurleysource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisinsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. The Stone in the Skull by Elizabeth Bearsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. The Talented Ribkins by Ladee Hubbardsource (opens in a new tab)
  89. The Teeth of the Comb & Other Stories by Osama Alomar, translated by C.J. Collinssource (opens in a new tab)
  90. The Undateable by Sarah Titlesource (opens in a new tab)
  91. The Vanishing Princess by Jenny Diskisource (opens in a new tab)
  92. The Veneration of Monsters by Suzanne Burnssource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Ties by Domenico Starnone, translated by Jhumpa Lahirisource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Uncertain Glory by Joan Sales, translated by Peter Bushsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Wait Till You See Me Dance by Deb Olin Unferthsource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Walkaway by Cory Doctorowsource (opens in a new tab)
  97. What It Means When a Man Falls From the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimahsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmonssource (opens in a new tab)
  99. White Tears by Hari Kunzrusource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevinsource (opens in a new tab)

Middle Grade

  1. A House Without Mirrors by Mårten Sandén, translated by Karin Altenbergsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Properly Unhaunted Place by William Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  3. All's Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamiesonsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Amina's Voice by Hena Khansource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Armstrong & Charlie by Steven B. Franksource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Auma's Long Run by Eucabeth Odhiambosource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolksource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Binny Bewitched by Hilary McKaysource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Blueberry Pancakes Forever by Angelica Bankssource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Bound by Ice by Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallacesource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan, translated by Helen Wangsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Calico Girl by Jerdine Nolensource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Castle in the Stars by Alex Alice, translated by Anne Smith and Owen Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Charlie & Mouse by Laurel Snydersource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garciasource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Clutch by Heather Camlotsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver by Lorri Hornsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Dragonfly Song by Wendy Orrsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Elizabeth and Zenobia by Jessica Millersource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Fault Lines in the Constitution by Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Felix Yz by Lisa Bunkersource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Flying Lessons & Other Stories by Ellen Ohsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Forever, or a Long, Long Time by Caela Cartersource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Fred Korematsu Speaks Up by Laura Atkins and Stan Yogisource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Ghosts of Greenglass House by Kate Milfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Harry Miller's Run by David Almondsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kellysource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Higher, Steeper, Faster by Lawrence Goldstonesource (opens in a new tab)
  29. I'm Just No Good at Rhyming by Chris Harrissource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Isaac the Alchemist by Mary Losuresource (opens in a new tab)
  31. It All Comes Down to This by Karen Englishsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Let's Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin & Turn It Out! by Patricia C. McKissacksource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Life on Surtsey by Loree Griffin Burnssource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Beharsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Meet Cindy Sherman by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordansource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Mighty Jack and the Goblin King by Ben Hatkesource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Nightlights by Lorena Alvarezsource (opens in a new tab)
  38. One Last Word by Nikki Grimessource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Out of Wonder by Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworthsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Patina by Jason Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Quicksand Pond by Janet Taylor Lislesource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Refugee by Alan Gratzsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Rise of the Jumbies by Tracey Baptistesource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Saving Marty by Paul Griffinsource (opens in a new tab)
  45. See You When I See You by Rose Lagercrantzsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Silent Days, Silent Dreams by Allen Saysource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Song of the Wild by Nicola Daviessource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell-Boycesource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Superstar by Mandy Davissource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Swing It, Sunny by Jennifer L. Holm, Matthew Holm and Lark Piensource (opens in a new tab)
  51. The Adventurers Guild by Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulossource (opens in a new tab)
  52. The End of the Wild by Nicole Helgetsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartayasource (opens in a new tab)
  54. The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérezsource (opens in a new tab)
  55. The Harlem Charade by Natasha Tarpleysource (opens in a new tab)
  56. The Lotterys Plus One by Emma Donoghuesource (opens in a new tab)
  57. The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coatssource (opens in a new tab)
  58. The March Against Fear by Ann Bausumsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. The Murderer's Ape by Jakob Wegelius, translated by Peter Gravessource (opens in a new tab)
  60. The Notations of Cooper Cameron by Jane O'Reillysource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Pants Project by Cat Clarkesource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Quilts of Gee's Bend by Susan Goldman Rubinsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Secret of Nightingale Wood by Lucy Strangesource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Shadow Cipher by Laura Rubysource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Mooresource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winstonsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Avisource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradleysource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertagsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. Thornhill by Pam Smysource (opens in a new tab)
  71. Us, in Progress by Lulu Delacresource (opens in a new tab)
  72. Where's Halmoni? by Julie Kimsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. Whichwood by Tahereh Mafisource (opens in a new tab)
  74. You're Amazing, Anna Hibiscus by Atinukesource (opens in a new tab)
  75. Yours Sincerely, Giraffe by Megumi Iwasasource (opens in a new tab)

Nonfiction

  1. A Crack in Creation by Jennifer A. Doudna and Samuel H. Sternbergsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Moonless, Starless Sky by Alexis Okeowosource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Admissions by Henry Marshsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Ali by Jonathan Eigsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. An American Sickness by Elisabeth Rosenthalsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. An Odyssey by Daniel Mendelsohnsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Anatomy of Terror by Ali H. Soufansource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tysonsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Awakening by Nathaniel Franksource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Blitzed by Norman Ohler, translated by Shaun Whitesidesource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Bones by Joe Tonesource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Border by Kapka Kassabovasource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Calder by Jed Perlsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. China Lake by Barret Baumgartsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Chocolate City by Chris Myers Asch and George Derek Musgrovesource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Chokehold by Paul Butlersource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Churchill and Orwell by Thomas E. Rickssource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Convergence by Peter Watsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. David Bowie Made Me Gay by Darryl W. Bullocksource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Dying by Cory Taylorsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Everything Is Flammable by Gabrielle Bellsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Fallen Glory by James Crawfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Fear City by Kim Phillips-Feinsource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Freud by Frederick Crewssource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Goethe by Rüdiger Safranski, translated by David Dollenmayersource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Gorilla and the Bird by Zack McDermottsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Greater Gotham by Mike Wallacesource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Hank and Jim by Scott Eymansource (opens in a new tab)
  29. He Calls Me by Lightning by S. Jonathan Basssource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Henry David Thoreau by Laura Dassow Wallssource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Hararisource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Hoover by Kenneth Whytesource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Hourglass by Dani Shapirosource (opens in a new tab)
  34. How Emotions Are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrettsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Hue 1968 by Mark Bowdensource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Hunger by Roxane Gaysource (opens in a new tab)
  37. I Can't Breathe by Matt Taibbisource (opens in a new tab)
  38. I Hear She's a Real Bitch by Jen Aggsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Imagine Wanting Only This by Kristen Radtkesource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Improbable Destinies by Jonathan B. Losossource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Incendiary by Michael Cannellsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Istanbul by Bettany Hughessource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsleysource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Jonathan Swift by John Stubbssource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grannsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Life in Code by Ellen Ullmansource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Lights on, Rats Out by Cree LeFavoursource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Locking Up Our Own by James Forman Jr.source (opens in a new tab)
  50. Lou Reed by Anthony DeCurtissource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Love and Trouble by Claire Dederersource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Meetings With Remarkable Manuscripts by Christopher de Hamelsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Miracle Cure by William Rosensource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Monograph by Chris Ware by Chris Waresource (opens in a new tab)
  55. My Lai by Howard Jonessource (opens in a new tab)
  56. No One Cares About Crazy People by Ron Powerssource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Nomadland by Jessica Brudersource (opens in a new tab)
  58. One Long Night by Andrea Pitzersource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwoodsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Raptor by James Macdonald Lockhartsource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Roots, Radicals and Rockers by Billy Braggsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Scandinavians by Robert Fergusonsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Scars of Independence by Holger Hoocksource (opens in a new tab)
  64. Shattered by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnessource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Six Encounters With Lincoln by Elizabeth Brown Pryorsource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Sons and Soldiers by Bruce Hendersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Spoiler Alert by Michael Ausiellosource (opens in a new tab)
  68. Stalin by Stephen Kotkinsource (opens in a new tab)
  69. Tears We Cannot Stop by Michael Eric Dysonsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. Tell Me How It Ends by Valeria Luiselli, translated by Lizzie Davissource (opens in a new tab)
  71. Tenements, Towers & Trash by Julia Wertzsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Black Hand by Stephan Taltysource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Cooking Gene by Michael W. Twittysource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Egyptians by Jack Shenkersource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Empire Must Die by Mikhail Zygarsource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Evangelicals by Frances FitzGeraldsource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Expanding Blaze by Jonathan Israelsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Future Is History by M. Gessensource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Great Unknown by Marcus Du Sautoysource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Gulf by Jack E. Davissource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Holocaust by Laurence Reessource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The House of the Dead by Daniel Beersource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Inheritance by Niki Kapsambelissource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Invention of Angela Carter by Edmund Gordonsource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Kelloggs by Howard Markelsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Second World Wars by Victor Davis Hansonsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. The Seeds of Life by Edward Dolnicksource (opens in a new tab)
  88. The Songs We Know Best by Karin Roffmansource (opens in a new tab)
  89. The Story of the Jews Volume Two by Simon Schamasource (opens in a new tab)
  90. The Thin Light of Freedom by Edward L. Ayerssource (opens in a new tab)
  91. The Third Reich by Thomas Childerssource (opens in a new tab)
  92. The Unwomanly Face of War by Svetlana Alexievich, translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonskysource (opens in a new tab)
  93. This Long Pursuit by Richard Holmessource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Toscanini by Harvey Sachssource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Unwarranted by Barry Friedmansource (opens in a new tab)
  96. We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coatessource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Why Comics? by Hillary L. Chutesource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Why? by Peter Hayessource (opens in a new tab)
  99. You Don't Have to Say You Love Me by Sherman Alexiesource (opens in a new tab)
  100. You Say to Brick by Wendy Lessersource (opens in a new tab)

Picture Books

  1. A Different Pond by Bao Phisource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Greyhound, a Groundhog by Emily Jenkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Village Is a Busy Place! by V. Geethasource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Walk in the Forest by Maria Deksource (opens in a new tab)
  5. After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santatsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. All Aboard! by Nichole Marasource (opens in a new tab)
  7. All the Way to Havana by Margarita Englesource (opens in a new tab)
  8. And So It Goes by Paloma Valdivia, translated by Susan Ouriousource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Arthur and the Golden Rope by Joe Todd-Stantonsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransomesource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Bertolt by Jacques Goldstyn, translated by Claudia Zoe Bedricksource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaussource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Chirri & Chirra, in the Tall Grass by Kaya Doi, translated by Yuki Kanekosource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Circle, Triangle, Elephant! by Kenji Oikawa and Mayuko Takeuchisource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Crown by Derrick Barnessource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Draw the Line by Kathryn Otoshisource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Far Apart, Close in Heart by Becky Birthasource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Flowers for Sarajevo by John McCutcheonsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Fly! by Xavier Deneuxsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Good Night, Planet by Linierssource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  23. If Sharks Disappeared by Lily Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  24. In Your Hands by Carole Boston Weatherfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Kuma-Kuma Chan's Travels by Kazue Takahashi, translated by Alex Childsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Leaf by Sandra Dieckmannsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Leap! by JonArno Lawsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Lesser Spotted Animals by Martin Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Letters to a Prisoner by Jacques Goldstynsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Lines by Suzy Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Little Fox in the Forest by Stephanie Graeginsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Little Pig Saves the Ship by David Hyde Costellosource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Lucía the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garzasource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Mama Africa! by Kathryn Erskinesource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Martí's Song for Freedom / Martí Y Sus Versos Por La Libertad by Emma Otheguy, translated by Adriana Domínguezsource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Me Tall, You Small by Lilli L'Arronge, translated by Madeleine Stratfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Me and You and the Red Canoe by Jean E. Pendziwolsource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Mouse Is Small by Mary Murphysource (opens in a new tab)
  39. My Daddy Rules the World by Hope Anita Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. My Dog Mouse by Eva Lindström, translated by Julia Marshallsource (opens in a new tab)
  41. My Valley by Claude Ponti, translated by Alyson Waterssource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Nipêhon / I Wait by Caitlin Dale Nicholson and Leona Morin-Neilson, translated by Leona Morin-Neilsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Now by Antoinette Portissource (opens in a new tab)
  44. On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna, translated by Jill Davissource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Once Upon a Jungle by Laura Knowlessource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Opposite Surprise by Agnese Baruzzisource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messnersource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Robinson by Peter Síssource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Round by Joyce Sidmansource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Schomburg by Carole Boston Weatherfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Shake, Wiggle & Roll by Carli Davidsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Sleep Well, Siba and Saba by Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahlsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Stack the Cats by Susie Ghahremanisource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Stolen Words by Melanie Florencesource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Strange Fruit by Gary Goliosource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Sun and Moon by Gita Wolfsource (opens in a new tab)
  57. The Antlered Ship by Dashka Slatersource (opens in a new tab)
  58. The Butterfly Garden by Laura Westonsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. The Fog by Kyo Maclearsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. The Pond by Nicola Daviessource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Road Home by Katie Cottonsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! by Carmen Agra Deedysource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Jerry Pinkneysource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Watcher by Nikki Grimessource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Way Home in the Night by Akiko Miyakoshisource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Tidy by Emily Gravettsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Town Is by the Sea by Joanne Schwartzsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. Trio by Andrea Wisnewskisource (opens in a new tab)
  69. Walk With Me by Jairo Buitrago, translated by Elisa Amadosource (opens in a new tab)
  70. When a Wolf Is Hungry by Christine Naumann-Villeminsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. When's My Birthday? by Julie Foglianosource (opens in a new tab)
  72. Where's Rodney? by Carmen Bogansource (opens in a new tab)
  73. Why Am I Me? by Paige Brittsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordellsource (opens in a new tab)
  75. You Can't Be Too Careful! by Roger Mello, translated by Daniel Hahnsource (opens in a new tab)

Teen

  1. #Notyourprincess by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdalesource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Line in the Dark by Malinda Losource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardingesource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jacksonsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. American Street by Ibi Zoboisource (opens in a new tab)
  6. An Uninterrupted View of the Sky by Melanie Crowdersource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Arrow of Lightning by Joseph Bruchacsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Beasts Made of Night by Tochi Onyebuchisource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Beautiful Broken Girls by Kim Savagesource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Black Light Express by Philip Reevesource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Bull by David Elliottsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Buried Heart by Kate Elliottsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Crossing Ebenezer Creek by Tonya Boldensource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Devils Within by S.F. Hensonsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Disappeared by Francisco X. Storksource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Dreadnought by April Danielssource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Dreams Beyond the Shore by Tamika Gibsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevenssource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappiasource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Bellezasource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Eyes of the World by Marc Aronson and Marina Budhossource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Far From the Tree by Robin Benwaysource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Firebrand by A.J. Hartleysource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Girl Rising by Tanya Lee Stonesource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Glow by Megan E. Bryantsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Grendel's Guide to Love and War by Ariel Kaplansource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Grit by Gillian Frenchsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goosource (opens in a new tab)
  29. It's Not Like It's a Secret by Misa Sugiurasource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Landscape With Invisible Hand by M.T. Andersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Little & Lion by Brandy Colbertsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Long Way Down by Jason Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Loving vs. Virginia by Patricia Hruby Powellsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Noteworthy by Riley Redgatesource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Now or Never! by Ray Anthony Shepardsource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Overturned by Lamar Gilessource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Piecing Me Together by Renée Watsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Poppies of Iraq by Brigitte Findakly and Lewis Trondheim, translated by Helge Daschersource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Ramona Blue by Julie Murphysource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Release by Patrick Nesssource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Saints and Misfits by S.K. Alisource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Shadowhouse Fall by Daniel José Oldersource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Solo by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hesssource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcsersource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Sovereign by April Danielssource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Ten Miles One Way by Patrick Downessource (opens in a new tab)
  47. That Thing We Call a Heart by Sheba Karimsource (opens in a new tab)
  48. The 57 Bus by Dashka Slatersource (opens in a new tab)
  49. The Agony of Bun O'Keefe by Heather Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. The Authentics by Abdi Nazemiansource (opens in a new tab)
  51. The Bone Queen by Alison Croggonsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. The Closest I've Come by Fred Acevessource (opens in a new tab)
  53. The Dire King by William Rittersource (opens in a new tab)
  54. The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yeesource (opens in a new tab)
  55. The Foretelling of Georgie Spider by Ambelin Kwaymullinasource (opens in a new tab)
  56. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  57. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  58. The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenzsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. The Lines We Cross by Randa Abdel-Fattahsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimalinesource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Ocean in My Ears by Meagan Macviesource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Pain Eater by Beth Goobiesource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Weinsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Speaker by Traci Cheesource (opens in a new tab)
  65. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silverasource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Undefeated by Steve Sheinkinsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Vincent and Theo by Deborah Heiligmansource (opens in a new tab)
  68. Warcross by Marie Lusource (opens in a new tab)
  69. Water in May by Ismée Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  70. What Girls Are Made Of by Elana K. Arnoldsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menonsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. When Morning Comes by Arushi Rainasource (opens in a new tab)
  73. Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemoresource (opens in a new tab)
  74. Wonderful Feels Like This by Sara Lövestam, translated by Laura A. Wideburgsource (opens in a new tab)
  75. Yvain by M.T. Andersonsource (opens in a new tab)

About the Kirkus Best Books of the Year

Full lists per year: Fiction, Nonfiction, Teen, Middle Grade, and Picture Books for 2013-2025 (Kirkus's own alphabetical list pages). 2010-2012 come from Kirkus's complete-list pages; children's books are one Children's list in those years. 2010 Fiction and Nonfiction merge the Top 25 with that year's 'Best ... of 2010' genre lists, because Kirkus posted no single complete adult list. 2006, 2008, and 2009 come from the Best Books special-issue PDFs on the Wayback Machine: those issues are not split into fiction and nonfiction (category Adult), hold 25-47 picks, and the 'Under the Radar' and 'Second Look' recap sections are left out. 2007: the Young Adult list (40 picks) comes from Kirkus's Best Young-Adult Books of 2007 PDF on the Wayback Machine. Kirkus's 2007 Best Children's and Best of 2007 (adult) PDFs survive only as truncated or missing captures, so the Children's list (32 picks) is transcribed from a November 2007 Becky's Book Reviews post that copied the Kirkus children's special, and 2007 Fiction and Nonfiction are partial: only the 15 titles in Barnes & Noble's 'Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2007' collection (archived 2020), so they carry no expected count. No children's list was found for 2008 or 2009. Kirkus prints titles in capitals; titles here are converted to title case.

Organization: Kirkus Reviews. Official site (opens in a new tab)

The most recommended books of 2017