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Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2020

Kirkus Reviews' Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2020 names 500 books across 5 categories. 131 of them also won or were shortlisted for an award.

Fiction

  1. 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrandsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vanesource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Shadow Intelligence by Oliver Harrissource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Actress by Anne Enrightsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Afterlife by Julia Alvarezsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. All the Devils Are Here by Louise Pennysource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Amnesty by Aravind Adigasource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Beowulf by Maria Dahvana Headleysource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Bestiary by K-Ming Changsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Black Bottom Saints by Alice Randallsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorsesource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Black Sunday by Tola Rotimi Abrahamsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Cleanness by Garth Greenwellsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Collected Stories by Shirley Hazzardsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Collected Stories by Lorrie Mooresource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLeansource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Days of Distraction by Alexandra Changsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Deacon King Kong by James McBridesource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Dead Land by Sara Paretskysource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Dear Ann by Bobbie Ann Masonsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Driftwood by Marie Brennansource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swansonsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Fair Warning by Michael Connellysource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Fiebre Tropical by Juliana Delgado Loperasource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Goldilocks by Laura Lamsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrellsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Homeland Elegies by Ayad Akhtarsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhangsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. I Don't Expect Anyone to Believe Me by Juan Pablo Villalobos, translated by Daniel Hahnsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. If I Had Two Wings by Randall Kenansource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Interior Chinatown by Charles Yusource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Jack by Marilynne Robinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Lake Like a Mirror by Ho Sok Fong, translated by Natascha Brucesource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alamsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Like Lovers Do by Tracey Livesaysource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Love Lettering by Kate Claybornsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Luster by Raven Leilanisource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Man of My Time by Dalia Sofersource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Master of Poisons by Andrea Hairstonsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Memorial by Bryan Washingtonsource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Missionaries by Phil Klaysource (opens in a new tab)
  42. New Waves by Kevin Nguyensource (opens in a new tab)
  43. One Night Two Souls Went Walking by Ellen Cooneysource (opens in a new tab)
  44. One by One by Ruth Waresource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Piranesi by Susanna Clarkesource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Precious You by Helen Monks Takharsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Rest and Be Thankful by Emma Glasssource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Robert Ludlum's the Bourne Evolution by Brian Freemansource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Run Me to Earth by Paul Yoonsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Sansei and Sensibility by Karen Tei Yamashitasource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Season of the Wolf by Maria Valesource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburnsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuartsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsnersource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reidsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Summer by Ali Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Take Me Apart by Sara Sligarsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbertsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. That Time of Year by Marie NDiaye, translated by Jordan Stumpsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. The Awkward Black Man by Walter Mosleysource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Book of V. by Anna Solomonsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The City We Became by N.K. Jemisinsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Cold Millions by Jess Waltersource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Devil of Downtown by Joanna Shupesource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Discomfort of Evening by Marieke Lucas Rijneveld, translated by Michele Hutchisonsource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Exiles by Christina Baker Klinesource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Fallen by Carlos Manuel Álvarez, translated by Frank Wynnesource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Golden Cage by Camilla Läckberg, translated by Neil Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Index of Self-Destructive Acts by Christopher Behasource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwabsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The King of Warsaw by Szczepan Twardoch, translated by Sean Gasper Byesource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Kingdom by Jo Nesbø, translated by Robert Fergusonsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpesource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Last Taxi Driver by Lee Durkeesource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Lehman Trilogy by Stefano Massini, translated by Richard Dixonsource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Lives of Edie Pritchard by Larry Watsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante, translated by Ann Goldsteinsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Mirror & the Light by Hilary Mantelsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrichsource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evanssource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Poet King by Ilana C. Myersource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Prettiest Star by Carter Sickelssource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghuesource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Roommate by Rosie Danansource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyawsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Seventh Perfection by Daniel Polanskysource (opens in a new tab)
  87. The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenezsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennettsource (opens in a new tab)
  89. These Ghosts Are Family by Maisy Cardsource (opens in a new tab)
  90. Thin Girls by Diana Clarkesource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasisource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Trouble the Saints by Alaya Dawn Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Truthtelling by Lynne Sharon Schwartzsource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Utopia Avenue by David Mitchellsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Want by Lynn Steger Strongsource (opens in a new tab)
  96. We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barrysource (opens in a new tab)
  97. What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunezsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. What Happens at Night by Peter Cameronsource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Writers & Lovers by Lily Kingsource (opens in a new tab)
  100. You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Dariasource (opens in a new tab)

Middle Grade

  1. A Hatful of Dragons by Vikram Madansource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Sporting Chance by Lori Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Miansource (opens in a new tab)
  4. All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvatsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. All Together Now by Hope Larson, Hillary Sycamore and Karina Edwardssource (opens in a new tab)
  6. All the Dear Little Animals by Ulf Nilsson, translated by Julia Marshallsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Astronauts by Jim Ottavianisource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Beetle & the Hollowbones by Aliza Laynesource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Blood and Germs by Gail Jarrowsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Boy Meets Hamster by Birdie Milanosource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Breaking the News by Robin Terry-Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Bringing Back the Wolves by Jude Isabellasource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Brother's Keeper by Julie Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Cast Away by Naomi Shihab Nyesource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Chance by Uri Shulevitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Class Act by Jerry Craftsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Condor Comeback by Sy Montgomerysource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Consent (For Kids!) by Rachel Briansource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Curse of the Night Witch by Alex Astersource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolksource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisnerossource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Eva Evergreen by Julie Abesource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayerisource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Exploring the Elements by Isabel Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradleysource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Finish the Fight! by Veronica Chambers and the staff of the New York Timessource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Fly on the Wall by Remy Laisource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Flying Over Water by N.H. Senzai and Shannon Hitchcocksource (opens in a new tab)
  31. From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Markssource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Girl Giant and the Monkey King by Van Hoangsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Go With the Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemannsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Hockey Night in Kenya by Danson Mutinda and Eric Walterssource (opens in a new tab)
  35. How We Got to the Moon by John Roccosource (opens in a new tab)
  36. In the Role of Brie Hutchens... by Nicole Mellebysource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazarsource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Leaving Lymon by Lesa Cline-Ransomesource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Letters From Cuba by Ruth Beharsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Lifting as We Climb by Evette Dionnesource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Lightfall by Tim Probertsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Lizard's Tale by Weng Wai Chansource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Loretta Little Looks Back by Andrea Davis Pinkneysource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Machines That Think! by Don Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Martin McLean, Middle School Queen by Alyssa Zaczeksource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Maya and the Rising Dark by Rena Barronsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryansource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business by Lyla Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Modern Art Explorer by Alice Harmansource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Music for Tigers by Michelle Kadarusmansource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Once Upon an Eid by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeedsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Our Friend Hedgehog by Lauren Castillosource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejiasource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Parksource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorsesource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Rick by Alex Ginosource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Rise of the Halfling King by David Bowlessource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Sal & Gabi Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandezsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Santiago's Road Home by Alexandra Diazsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Saucy by Cynthia Kadohatasource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Serena Says by Tanita S. Davissource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZottesource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlakesource (opens in a new tab)
  64. Small Mercies by Bridget Kronesource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Something to Say by Lisa Moore Raméesource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Spindlefish and Stars by Christiane M. Andrewssource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kimsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. Star-Spangled by Tim Grovesource (opens in a new tab)
  69. Stuck Together by Brian "Smitty" Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankmansource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Canyon's Edge by Dusti Bowlingsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Girl and the Ghost by Hanna Alkafsource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Great Bunk Bed Battle by Tina Küglersource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Lemon Tree (Young Readers' Edition) by Sandy Tolansource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street by Lauren Oliversource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Maps of Memory by Marjorie Agosín, translated by Alison Ridleysource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Mayflower by Kate Messnersource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Missing by Michael Rosensource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbertsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Secret Life of Sam by Kim Ventrellasource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Ship We Built by Lexie Beansource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Sisters of Straygarden Place by Hayley Chewinssource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Talk by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Water Bears by Kim Bakersource (opens in a new tab)
  87. This Book Is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewellsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. This Is Your Time by Ruby Bridgessource (opens in a new tab)
  89. This Poem Is a Nest by Irene Lathamsource (opens in a new tab)
  90. Trending by Kira Vermondsource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Twins by Varian Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preussource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  94. We Had to Be Brave by Deborah Hopkinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. What Lane? by Torrey Maldonadosource (opens in a new tab)
  96. When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed and Iman Geddysource (opens in a new tab)
  97. When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Kellersource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Who Gives a Poop? by Heather L. Montgomerysource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Yara's Spring by Jamal Saeed and Sharon E. McKaysource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Yorick and Bones by Jeremy Tankard and Hermione Tankardsource (opens in a new tab)

Nonfiction

  1. A Black Women's History of the United States by Daina Ramey Berry and Kali Nicole Grosssource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Furious Sky by Eric Jay Dolinsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A History of My Brief Body by Billy-Ray Belcourtsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Knock at Midnight by Brittany K. Barnettsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. A Peculiar Indifference by Elliott Curriesource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Abe by David S. Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Afropessimism by Frank B. Wilderson IIIsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyresource (opens in a new tab)
  9. And in the Vienna Woods the Trees Remain by Elisabeth Åsbrink, translated by Saskia Vogelsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Apollo's Arrow by Nicholas A. Christakissource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Becoming Wild by Carl Safinasource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Between Everything and Nothing by Joe Menosource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Between Two Fires by Joshua Yaffasource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Black Wave by Kim Ghattassource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Black Women, Black Love by Dianne M. Stewartsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Blood and Oil by Bradley Hope and Justin Schecksource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Bring That Beat Back by Nate Patrinsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Calder by Jed Perlsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Can't Even by Anne Helen Petersensource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Caste by Isabel Wilkersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Chasing Chopin by Annik LaFargesource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Conservatism by Edmund Fawcettsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Counterpoint by Philip Kennicottsource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Culture Warlords by Talia Lavinsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Dancing in the Mosque by Homeira Qaderi, translated by Zaman Stanizaisource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Dolly Parton, Songteller by Dolly Parton and Robert K. Oermannsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Eat the Buddha by Barbara Demicksource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Fathoms by Rebecca Giggssource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Fighting Words by Nancy F. Cottsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Filthy Beasts by Kirkland Hamillsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Full Dissidence by Howard Bryantsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Funny Weather by Olivia Laingsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Gambling With Armageddon by Martin J. Sherwinsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Girl Gurl Grrrl by Kenya Huntsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Golem Girl by Riva Lehrersource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Heaven by Emerson Whitneysource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolkersource (opens in a new tab)
  38. His Very Best by Jonathan Altersource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Hitler by Volker Ullrich, translated by Jefferson Chasesource (opens in a new tab)
  40. How to Make a Slave and Other Essays by Jerald Walkersource (opens in a new tab)
  41. If Then by Jill Leporesource (opens in a new tab)
  42. JFK by Fredrik Logevallsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Just Us by Claudia Rankinesource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Liar's Circus by Carl Hoffmansource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Life of a Klansman by Edward Ballsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Lightning Flowers by Katherine E. Standefersource (opens in a new tab)
  47. MBS by Ben Hubbardsource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Mediocre by Ijeoma Oluosource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Mill Town by Kerri Arsenaultsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Mythologies Without End by Jerome Slatersource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Nine Moons by Gabriela Wiener, translated by Jessica Powellsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Oak Flat by Lauren Rednisssource (opens in a new tab)
  53. One Mighty and Irresistible Tide by Jia Lynn Yangsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Operation Chastise by Max Hastingssource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Our Bodies, Their Battlefields by Christina Lambsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Our Time Is Now by Stacey Abramssource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Owls of the Eastern Ice by Jonathan C. Slaghtsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Places I've Taken My Body by Molly McCully Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Recollections of My Nonexistence by Rebecca Solnitsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Riding With the Ghost by Justin Taylorsource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Sigh, Gone by Phuc Transource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Sisters in Hate by Seyward Darbysource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Something That May Shock and Discredit You by Daniel Mallory Ortbergsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. Somewhere in the Unknown World by Kao Kalia Yangsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Stakes Is High by Mychal Denzel Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Standoff by Jamie Thompsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Surviving Autocracy by M. Gessensource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Address Book by Deirdre Masksource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Age of Football by David Goldblattsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Biggest Bluff by Maria Konnikovasource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Book of Rosy by Rosayra Pablo Cruz and Julie Schwietert Collazosource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Book of Unconformities by Hugh Rafflessource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Cost of Loyalty by Tim Bakkensource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Dead Are Arising by Les Payne and Tamara Paynesource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Folly and the Glory by Tim Weinersource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Great Secret by Jennet Conantsource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Invention of Medicine by Robin Lane Foxsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Last Million by David Nasawsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Last Negroes at Harvard by Kent Garrett and Jeanne Ellsworthsource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist by Adrian Tominesource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Other Madisons by Bettye Kearsesource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Purpose of Power by Alicia Garzasource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Second Chance Club by Jason Hardysource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  85. This Is What America Looks Like by Ilhan Omar and Rebecca Paleysource (opens in a new tab)
  86. Those Who Forget by Géraldine Schwarz, translated by Laura Marrissource (opens in a new tab)
  87. Three Rings by Daniel Mendelsohnsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trumpsource (opens in a new tab)
  89. True Crimes and Misdemeanors by Jeffrey Toobinsource (opens in a new tab)
  90. Twilight of Democracy by Anne Applebaumsource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Twilight of the Gods by Ian W. Tollsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Twisted by Emma Dabirisource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Unmaking the Presidency by Susan Hennessey and Benjamin Wittessource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Warhol by Blake Gopniksource (opens in a new tab)
  95. We Have Been Harmonized by Kai Strittmatter, translated by Ruth Martinsource (opens in a new tab)
  96. We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Coopersource (opens in a new tab)
  97. White Tears/Brown Scars by Ruby Hamadsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. White Too Long by Robert P. Jonessource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Why We're Polarized by Ezra Kleinsource (opens in a new tab)
  100. World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathilsource (opens in a new tab)

Picture Books

  1. A Bowl Full of Peace by Caren Stelsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Last Goodbye by Elin Kelseysource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Mystery in the Forest by Susanna Isern, translated by Jon Brokenbrowsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Portrait in Poems by Evie Robillardsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. A Stopwatch From Grampa by Loretta Garbuttsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. A Story for Small Bear by Alice B. McGintysource (opens in a new tab)
  7. A Stranger Comes to Town by Maria Kristjansdottirsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. A Way With Wild Things by Larissa Theulesource (opens in a new tab)
  9. All Because You Matter by Tami Charlessource (opens in a new tab)
  10. All of a Sudden and Forever by Chris Bartonsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. All the Birds in the World by David Opiesource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Bedtime for Sweet Creatures by Nikki Grimessource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Birrarung Wilam by Aunty Joy Murphy and Andrew Kellysource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Box by Carole Boston Weatherfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Claude by Emma Bland Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Construction People by Lee Bennett Hopkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Crossings by Katy S. Duffieldsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Dandan's Dream by Xiaowen Zhusource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Dandelion's Dream by Yoko Tanakasource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Dark Was the Night by Gary Goliosource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Desert Girl, Monsoon Boy by Tara Dairmansource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Digging for Words by Angela Burke Kunkelsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Drawing on Walls by Matthew Burgesssource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medinasource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Every Color of Light by Hiroshi Osada, translated by David Boydsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Feathered Serpent and the Five Suns by Duncan Tonatiuhsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Feel the Fog by April Pulley Sayresource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Hike by Pete Oswaldsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Honeybee by Candace Flemingsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. How to Solve a Problem by Ashima Shiraishisource (opens in a new tab)
  31. How to Tie a Shoe & Other Big Adventures by Skip Hillsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnessource (opens in a new tab)
  33. I Am the Wind by Michael Kargsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. I Love My Tutu Too! by Ross Burachsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scottsource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Ice! by Douglas Floriansource (opens in a new tab)
  37. In a Jar by Deborah Marcerosource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Jumbo by Chris Gallsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Letters From Bear by Gauthier David, translated by Sarah Ardizzonesource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Lift by Minh Lêsource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Little Fox by Edward van de Vendel, translated by David Colmersource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Looking for Smile by Ellen Tarlowsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Mail Duck by Erica Sirotichsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Memoirs of a Tortoise by Devin Scilliansource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Mexique by María José Ferrada, translated by Elisa Amadosource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Migrants by Issa Watanabesource (opens in a new tab)
  47. My Day With Gong Gong by Sennah Yeesource (opens in a new tab)
  48. My Favorite Color by Aaron Beckersource (opens in a new tab)
  49. My Rainbow by Trinity Neal and DeShanna Nealsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Nacho's Nachos by Sandra Nickelsource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Nana Akua Goes to School by Patricia Elam Walkersource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Nerp! by Sarah Lynne Reulsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. No Voice Too Small by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson and Jeanette Bradleysource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Old Rock (Is Not Boring) by Deb Piluttisource (opens in a new tab)
  55. One Yellow Sun by Michael Arndtsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Our Favorite Day of the Year by A.E. Alisource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Packs by Hannah Salyersource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Perkin's Perfect Purple by Tami Lewis Brown and Debbie Loren Dunnsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Pretty Tricky by Etta Kanersource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Ritu Weds Chandni by Ameya Narvankarsource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Salma the Syrian Chef by Danny Ramadansource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Saturdays Are for Stella by Candy Wellinssource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Sharing by Yusuke Yonezusource (opens in a new tab)
  64. She Was the First! by Katheryn Russell-Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Starcrossed by Julia Denossource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Story Boat by Kyo Maclearsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Sugar in Milk by Thrity Umrigarsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Barnabus Project by Terry Fan, Eric Fan and Devin Fansource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Bear and the Moon by Matthew Burgesssource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Bear in My Family by Maya Tatsukawasource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Blue House by Phoebe Wahlsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Blue Table by Chris Raschkasource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Ghoul by Taghreed Najjar, translated by Michel Moushabecksource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish by Lil Miss Hot Messsource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The House of Madame M by Clotilde Perrin, translated by Daniel Hahnsource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Life of the Buddha by Heather Sanchesource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Most Amazing Bird by Michael Arvaarluk Kusugaksource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Most Beautiful Thing by Kao Kalia Yangsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Ocean Calls by Tina M. Chosource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Old Truck by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphreysource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbardsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Paper Boat by Thao Lamsource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Paper Kingdom by Helena Ku Rheesource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Suitcase by Chris Naylor-Ballesterossource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Word for Friend by Aidan Cassiesource (opens in a new tab)
  86. There Must Be More Than That! by Shinsuke Yoshitakesource (opens in a new tab)
  87. Trap the Monster! by Agnese Baruzzisource (opens in a new tab)
  88. Two Dogs on a Trike by Gabi Snydersource (opens in a new tab)
  89. Uncle Bobby's Wedding by Sarah S. Brannensource (opens in a new tab)
  90. We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstromsource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Weekend Dad by Naseem Hrabsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Where Are You, Agnes? by Tessa McWattsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. William Still and His Freedom Stories by Don Tatesource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Window by Marion Arbonasource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Winged Wonders by Meeg Pincussource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Woke by Mahogany L. Browne, Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwoodsource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelowsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Your Place in the Universe by Jason Chinsource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Zip, the World's Greatest Robot by Rebecca Purcellsource (opens in a new tab)
  100. ‘Ohana Means Family by Ilima Loomissource (opens in a new tab)

Teen

  1. 1789 by Marc Aronson and Susan Campbell Bartolettisource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Breath Too Late by Rocky Callensource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Peculiar Peril by Jeff VanderMeersource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Phoenix First Must Burn by Patrice Caldwellsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Accidental by Alex Richardssource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Agnes at the End of the World by Kelly McWilliamssource (opens in a new tab)
  8. All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. All the Days Past, All the Days to Come by Mildred D. Taylorsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. All the Things We Never Knew by Liara Tamanisource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Almost American Girl by Robin Hasource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Banned Book Club by Hyun Sook Kim and Ryan Estradasource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Bearmouth by Liz Hydersource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Beauty Mark by Carole Boston Weatherfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Being Toffee by Sarah Crossansource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menonsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Blood Moon by Lucy Cuthewsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Burn by Patrick Nesssource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Call Me American (Adapted for Young Adults) by Abdi Nor Iftin and Max Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedosource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorramsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Dark Skies by Danielle L. Jensensource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Dark and Deepest Red by Anna-Marie McLemoresource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Daughters of Jubilation by Kara Lee Corthronsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Dear Justyce by Nic Stonesource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Deeplight by Frances Hardingesource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Each of Us a Desert by Mark Oshirosource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Early Departures by Justin A. Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badgersource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Every Body Looking by Candice Ilohsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Everything's Not Fine by Sarah J. Carlsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Flamer by Mike Curatosource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Furia by Yamile Saied Méndezsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Girl, Unframed by Deb Calettisource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Guardians of Liberty by Linda Barrett Osbornesource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Heads Up by Melanie Siebertsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Heartstopper by Alice Osemansource (opens in a new tab)
  38. How to Build a Heart by Maria Padiansource (opens in a new tab)
  39. I'll Be the One by Lyla Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Imaginary Borders by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez and Russell Mendellsource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Jane Against the World by Karen Blumenthalsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Jane Anonymous by Laurie Faria Stolarzsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Kent State by Deborah Wilessource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Long Way Down by Jason Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Me & Mr. Cigar by Gibby Haynessource (opens in a new tab)
  46. My Heart Underwater by Laurel Flores Fantauzzosource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Gilessource (opens in a new tab)
  48. One Earth by Anuradha Raosource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaamsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Queerfully and Wonderfully Made by Leigh Finkesource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Rad American History A-Z by Kate Schatzsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Raybearer by Jordan Ifuekosource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Redbone by Christian Staebler and Sonia Paolonisource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Sanctuary by Paola Mendoza and Abby Shersource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Sarah Bernhardt by Catherine Reefsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything by Raquel Vasquez Gillilandsource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Smash It! by Francina Simonesource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendisource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Strongman by Kenneth C. Davissource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Stupid Black Girl by Aisha Reduxsource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Super Fake Love Song by David Yoonsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yangsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Surrender Your Sons by Adam Sasssource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Black Flamingo by Dean Attasource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Cat I Never Named by Amra Sabic-El-Rayess and Laura L. Sullivansource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Circus Rose by Betsy Cornwellsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Edge of Anything by Nora Shalaway Carpentersource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The End by Mats Strandberg, translated by Judith Kirossource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Enigma Game by Elizabeth Weinsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Faithless Hawk by Margaret Owensource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdarsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnessource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Iron Will of Genie Lo by F.C. Yeesource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Last Halloween by Abby Howardsource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Loop by Ben Oliversource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Lucky Ones by Liz Lawsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyensource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hallsource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Flemingsource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Stepping Off Place by Cameron Kelly Rosenblumsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chimsource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbertsource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Way Back by Gavriel Savitsource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Wide World of Coding by Jennifer Connor-Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gongsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. This Is My America by Kim Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. Throwaway Girls by Andrea Contossource (opens in a new tab)
  89. Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabrysource (opens in a new tab)
  90. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomonsource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Watch Over Me by Nina LaCoursource (opens in a new tab)
  92. We Are Not Free by Traci Cheesource (opens in a new tab)
  93. We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchezsource (opens in a new tab)
  94. What I Carry by Jennifer Longosource (opens in a new tab)
  95. When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolksource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angelessource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Where We Go From Here by Lucas Rocha, translated by Larissa Helenasource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Wicked as You Wish by Rin Chupecosource (opens in a new tab)
  99. You Call This Democracy? by Elizabeth Ruschsource (opens in a new tab)
  100. You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnsonsource (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 2020