Best Books of the Year
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Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2021

Kirkus Reviews' Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2021 names 501 books across 5 categories. 136 of them also won or were shortlisted for an award.

Fiction

  1. A Lonely Man by Chris Powersource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Lot Like Adiós by Alexis Dariasource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Radical Act of Free Magic by H.G. Parrysource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbertsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Afterparties by Anthony Veasna Sosource (opens in a new tab)
  6. American Estrangement by Saïd Sayrafiezadehsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Battle Royal by Lucy Parkersource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooneysource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Bewilderment by Richard Powerssource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Billy Summers by Stephen Kingsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Bina by Anakana Schofieldsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Bolla by Pajtim Statovci, translated by David Hackstonsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Bombshell by Sarah MacLeansource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Build Your House Around My Body by Violet Kupersmithsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Chronicles From the Land of the Happiest People on Earth by Wole Soyinkasource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Crossroads by Jonathan Franzensource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Damnation Spring by Ash Davidsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLeansource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Destroyer of Light by Jennifer Marie Brissettsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peterssource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heinysource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Echo Tree by Henry Dumassource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch by Rivka Galchensource (opens in a new tab)
  24. False Witness by Karin Slaughtersource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Fight Night by Miriam Toewssource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Filthy Animals by Brandon Taylorsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily Kingsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Foregone by Russell Bankssource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrandsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Great Circle by Maggie Shipsteadsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whiteheadsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Harrow by Joy Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  33. How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbuesource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Hummingbird Salamander by Jeff VanderMeersource (opens in a new tab)
  35. I Love You but I've Chosen Darkness by Claire Vaye Watkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  36. In Memory of Memory by Maria Stepanova, translated by Sasha Dugdalesource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Infinite by Brian Freemansource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Intimacies by Katie Kitamurasource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Kin by Miljenko Jergović, translated by Russell Scott Valentinosource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishigurosource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Lady Joker, Volume 1 by Kaoru Takamura, translated by Allison Markin Powell and Marie Iidasource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Land of Big Numbers by Te-Ping Chensource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Lean Fall Stand by Jon McGregorsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aokisource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Loop by Brenda Lozano, translated by Annie McDermottsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Machinehood by S.B. Divyasource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Matrix by Lauren Groffsource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Milk Blood Heat by Dantiel W. Monizsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Monkey Boy by Francisco Goldmansource (opens in a new tab)
  50. My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  51. No Gods, No Monsters by Cadwell Turnbullsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwoodsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Northern Spy by Flynn Berrysource (opens in a new tab)
  54. One Last Stop by Casey McQuistonsource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Our Country Friends by Gary Shteyngartsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Palmares by Gayl Jonessource (opens in a new tab)
  57. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henrysource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weirsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosbysource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Reality and Other Stories by John Lanchestersource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Red Island House by Andrea Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Second Place by Rachel Cusksource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Secrets of Happiness by Joan Silbersource (opens in a new tab)
  64. Seven Days in June by Tia Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Skinship by Yoon Choisource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Arsonists' City by Hala Alyansource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Blackmailer's Guide to Love by Marian Thurmsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Blizzard Party by Jack Livingssource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Committed by Viet Thanh Nguyensource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Corpse Flower by Anne Mette Hancock, translated by Tara Chacesource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enríquez, translated by Megan McDowellsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochonsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Waltonsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Five Wounds by Kirstin Valdez Quadesource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Free Bastards by Jonathan Frenchsource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Fugitivities by Jesse McCarthysource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Great Mistake by Jonathan Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Life of the Mind by Christine Smallwoodsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towlessource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jefferssource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osmansource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohensource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harrissource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastiansource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Removed by Brandon Hobsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Rib King by Ladee Hubbardsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. The Sentence by Louise Erdrichsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. The Soulmate Equation by Christina Laurensource (opens in a new tab)
  89. The Souvenir Museum by Elizabeth McCrackensource (opens in a new tab)
  90. The Twilight Zone by Nona Fernández, translated by Natasha Wimmersource (opens in a new tab)
  91. The War for Gloria by Atticus Lishsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Three Rooms by Jo Hamyasource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Trust by Domenico Starnone, translated by Jhumpa Lahirisource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Unthinkable by Brad Parkssource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Untraceable by Sergei Lebedevsource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Walking on Cowrie Shells by Nana Nkwetisource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Wayward by Dana Spiottasource (opens in a new tab)
  98. What Storm, What Thunder by Myriam J. A. Chancysource (opens in a new tab)
  99. What's Mine and Yours by Naima Costersource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Winter in Sokcho by Elisa Shua Dusapin, translated by Aneesa Abbas Higginssource (opens in a new tab)
  101. Zorrie by Laird Huntsource (opens in a new tab)

Middle Grade

  1. Africa, Amazing Africa by Atinukesource (opens in a new tab)
  2. African Icons by Tracey Baptistesource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Amber & Clay by Laura Amy Schlitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Ambushed! by Gail Jarrowsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Amira & Hamza by Samira Ahmedsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Ancestor Approved by Cynthia Leitich Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Art of Protest by De Nicholssource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Bad Sister by Charise Mericle Harpersource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Barb the Last Berzerker by Dan Abdo and Jason Pattersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Batpig by Rob Harrellsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Being Clem by Lesa Cline-Ransomesource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Black Artists Shaping the World by Sharna Jacksonsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Black Boy Joy by Kwame Mbaliasource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Borders by Thomas Kingsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatramansource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Boy Meets Ghoul by Birdie Milanosource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Boy, Everywhere by A.M. Dassusource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Can You Whistle, Johanna? by Ulf Stark, translated by Julia Marshallsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Riverasource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Cold-Blooded Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Buncesource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Crossing the Stream by Elizabeth-Irene Baitiesource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevassource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Da Vinci's Cat by Catherine Gilbert Murdocksource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Dawn Raid by Pauline Vaeluaga Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Do Animals Fall in Love? by Katharina von der Gathen, translated by Shelley Tanakasource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Dust & Grim by Chuck Wendigsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Escape by Ming and Wahsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Fergus and Zeke and the 100th Day of School by Kate Messnersource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Fish and Sun by Sergio Ruzziersource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Hear My Voice / Escucha Mi Voz by Warren Binfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Hello, Earth! by Joyce Sidmansource (opens in a new tab)
  32. How to Find What You're Not Looking For by Veera Hiranandanisource (opens in a new tab)
  33. I'm on It! by Andrea Tsurumisource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Island Book by Evan Dahmsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. It Doesn't Take a Genius by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovichsource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Jo Jo Makoons by Dawn Quigleysource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Kaleidoscope by Brian Selznicksource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Knight of the Cape by Terry Catasús Jenningssource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Legacy by Nikki Grimessource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Lilla the Accidental Witch by Eleanor Crewessource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Living Ghosts & Mischievous Monsters by Dan SaSuWeh Jonessource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Living With Viola by Rosena Fungsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Maya and the Robot by Eve L. Ewingsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Merci Suárez Can't Dance by Meg Medinasource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Monster Friends by Kaeti Vandornsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Niños by María José Ferrada, translated by Lawrence Schimelsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Not All Heroes by Josephine Cameronsource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Orca Rescue! by Donna Sandstromsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Ottilie Colter and the Narroway Hunt by Rhiannon Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Picturing a Nation by Martin W. Sandlersource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Playing the Cards You're Dealt by Varian Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Recognize! by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchacsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. River Magic by Ellen Booraemsource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Robert Smalls by Joel Christian Gillsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Rock, Fossil, and Shell Hunting by Jennifer Swansonsource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Room to Dream by Kelly Yangsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Root Magic by Eden Roycesource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Saving Sorya by Trang Nguyễn, translated by Trang Nguyễnsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. See the Dog by David LaRochellesource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Shackleton's Endurance by Joanna Grochowiczsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Shell Quest by Steph Waldosource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Sisters of the Neversea by Cynthia Leitich Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. Soul Lanterns by Shaw Kuzki, translated by Emily Balistrierisource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Stamped (For Kids) by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendisource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinskisource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  68. Summer of Brave by Amy Noelle Parkssource (opens in a new tab)
  69. Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Gilessource (opens in a new tab)
  70. Temple Alley Summer by Sachiko Kashiwaba, translated by Avery Fischer Udagawasource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillosource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Genius Under the Table by Eugene Yelchinsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Golden Hour by Niki Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Great Bear by David A. Robertsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The House That Wasn't There by Elana K. Arnoldsource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuerasource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khorsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Mailbox in the Forest by Kyoko Hara, translated by Alexandrea Malliasource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The One Thing You'd Save by Linda Sue Parksource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroudsource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Protest by Samantha Thornhillsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Sea in Winter by Christine Daysource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Sea-Ringed World by María García Esperón, translated by David Bowlessource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Secret of the Magic Pearl by Elisa Sabatinelli, translated by Christopher Turnersource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Secrets of Dinosaurs by Yang Yang, translated by Mo Chensource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Swallows' Flight by Hilary McKaysource (opens in a new tab)
  87. The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursusource (opens in a new tab)
  88. The Way of the Hive by Jay Hoslersource (opens in a new tab)
  89. The Year I Flew Away by Marie Arnoldsource (opens in a new tab)
  90. This Is Our Rainbow by Katherine Locke and Nicole Mellebysource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Time Villains by Victor Piñeirosource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoffsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Treasure of the World by Tara Sullivansource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Treaty Words by Aimée Craftsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Unsettled by Reem Faruqisource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrantsource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Ways to Grow Love by Renée Watsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. We Belong by Cookie Hiponiasource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Willa of Dark Hollow by Robert Beattysource (opens in a new tab)
  100. ¡¡Manu!! by Kelly Fernándezsource (opens in a new tab)

Nonfiction

  1. 1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows by Ai Weiwei, translated by Allan H. Barrsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Bigger Picture by Vanessa Nakatesource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Brave and Cunning Prince by James Hornsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofasource (opens in a new tab)
  5. A Human History of Emotion by Richard Firth-Godbeheresource (opens in a new tab)
  6. A Quantum Life by Hakeem Oluseyi and Joshua Horwitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. A Worse Place Than Hell by John Mattesonsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. All That She Carried by Tiya Milessource (opens in a new tab)
  9. App Kid by Michael Saymansource (opens in a new tab)
  10. As You Were by David Tromblaysource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Becoming Abolitionists by Derecka Purnellsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Being a Human by Charles Fostersource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Belonging and Betrayal by Charles Dellheimsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Boyz N the Void by G'Ra Asimsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Carefree Black Girls by Zeba Blaysource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Children Under Fire by John Woodrow Coxsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Corruptible by Brian Klaassource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Covered With Night by Nicole Eustacesource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Disruption by Aki J. Peritzsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Dress Codes by Richard Thompson Fordsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Dvořák's Prophecy by Joseph Horowitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Economy Hall by Fatima Shaiksource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefesource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Entertaining Race by Michael Eric Dysonsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Every Day the River Changes by Jordan Salamasource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Everybody by Olivia Laingsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Fear of a Black Universe by Stephon Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Featherhood by Charlie Gilmoursource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Floating in a Most Peculiar Way by Louis Chude-Sokeisource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Geniuses at War by David A. Pricesource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Homo Irrealis by André Acimansource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Horizontal Vertigo by Juan Villoro, translated by Alfred MacAdamsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith IIIsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. How to Make an Apple Pie From Scratch by Harry Cliffsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. I Live a Life Like Yours by Jan Grue, translated by B.L. Crooksource (opens in a new tab)
  36. In the Midst of Civilized Europe by Jeffrey Veidlingersource (opens in a new tab)
  37. It's Better to Be Feared by Seth Wickershamsource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Journey to the Edge of Reason by Stephen Budianskysource (opens in a new tab)
  39. King of the Blues by Daniel de Visésource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Last Best Hope by George Packersource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Letters to Camondo by Edmund de Waalsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Letters to My White Male Friends by Dax-Devlon Rosssource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Liberty Is Sweet by Woody Holtonsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Liner Notes for the Revolution by Daphne A. Brookssource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Looking for the Good War by Elizabeth D. Sametsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Mothers, Fathers, and Others by Siri Hustvedtsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Mud Sweeter Than Honey by Margo Rejmer, translated by Zosia Krasodomska-Jones and Antonia Lloyd-Jonessource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Names for Light by Thirii Myo Kyaw Myintsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Nice White Ladies by Jessie Danielssource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Nuestra América by Claudio Lomnitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Operation Pedestal by Max Hastingssource (opens in a new tab)
  52. People Love Dead Jews by Dara Hornsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Pessoa by Richard Zenithsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Power and Liberty by Gordon S. Woodsource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Punch Me Up to the Gods by Brian Broomesource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Racism, Not Race by Joseph L. Graves Jr. and Alan H. Goodmansource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Read Until You Understand by Farah Jasmine Griffinsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Rock Me on the Water by Ronald Brownsteinsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Seek You by Kristen Radtkesource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Smalltime by Russell Shortosource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Smile by Sarah Ruhlsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Sometimes I Trip on How Happy We Could Be by Nichole Perkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Squirrel Hill by Mark Oppenheimersource (opens in a new tab)
  64. State of Emergency by Tamika D. Mallory and Ashley A. Colemansource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Surviving the White Gaze by Rebecca Carrollsource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Tacky by Rax Kingsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones, Caitlin Roper, Ilena Silverman and Jake Silversteinsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Baseball 100 by Joe Posnanskisource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Black Church by Henry Louis Gates Jr.source (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwellsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrowsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Devil You Know by Charles M. Blowsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Disordered Cosmos by Chanda Prescod-Weinsteinsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Education of Corporal John Musgrave by John Musgravesource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Empathy Diaries by Sherry Turklesource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Glitter in the Green by Jon Dunnsource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Ground Breaking by Scott Ellsworthsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Letters of Shirley Jackson by Shirley Jackson and Bernice M. Murphysource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Plague Year by Lawrence Wrightsource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Plant Hunter by Cassandra Leah Quavesource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Power of Women by Denis Mukwegesource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Rise and Fall of Osama Bin Laden by Peter Bergensource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Secret of Life by Howard Markelsource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Shattering by Kevin Boylesource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Sound of the Sea by Cynthia Barnettsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Young H.G. Wells by Claire Tomalinsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. There Is Nothing for You Here by Fiona Hillsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. This Is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollansource (opens in a new tab)
  89. Those We Throw Away Are Diamonds by Mondiant Dogon and Jenna Krajeskisource (opens in a new tab)
  90. Tom Stoppard by Hermione Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Toxic Legacy by Stephanie Seneffsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Twelve Caesars by Mary Beardsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Unbound by Tarana Burkesource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Under a White Sky by Elizabeth Kolbertsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghornsource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Walk With Me by Kate Clifford Larsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Welcome to Dunder Mifflin by Brian Baumgartner and Ben Silvermansource (opens in a new tab)
  98. What White People Can Do Next by Emma Dabirisource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Who Will Pay Reparations on My Soul? by Jesse McCarthysource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Wildland by Evan Osnossource (opens in a new tab)

Picture Books

  1. A Sky-Blue Bench by Bahram Rahmansource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Alien Nation by Sandro Bassisource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Amira's Picture Day by Reem Faruqisource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Areli Is a Dreamer by Areli Moralessource (opens in a new tab)
  5. As Babies Dream by Lesléa Newmansource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Before We Sleep by Giorgio Volpe, translated by Angus Yuen-Killicksource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Being You by Megan Madison and Jessica Rallisource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Best Day Ever! by Marilyn Singersource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Black and White by Debora Vogrigsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Federsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Bright Star by Yuyi Moralessource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Can You See Me? by Gökçe Irtensource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Caution! Road Signs Ahead by Toni Buzzeosource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Classified by Traci Sorellsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Dad Bakes by Katie Yamasakisource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Dancing With Daddy by Anitra Rowe Schultesource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Dream Street by Tricia Elam Walkersource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Hosource (opens in a new tab)
  19. From the Tops of the Trees by Kao Kalia Yangsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Full Moon by Camilla Pintonatosource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Grasshopper by Tatiana Ukhovasource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Hide-And-Seek by Shasha Lvsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. How War Changed Rondo by Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv, translated by Oksana Lushchevskasource (opens in a new tab)
  24. How to Apologize by David LaRochellesource (opens in a new tab)
  25. I Am Odd, I Am New by Benjamin Girouxsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. I Am the Subway by Kim Hyo-eun, translated by Deborah Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. I Sang You Down From the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumnersource (opens in a new tab)
  28. I See You See by Richard Jacksonsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Invasion of the Unicorns by David Biedrzyckisource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Jenny Mei Is Sad by Tracy Subisaksource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Jump at the Sun by Alicia D. Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Like a Dandelion by Huy Voun Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Little Bird's Day by Sally Morgansource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Little Witch Hazel by Phoebe Wahlsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Mel Fell by Corey R. Taborsource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peñasource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Moon Pops by Heena Baek, translated by Jieun Kiaersource (opens in a new tab)
  38. More Than Just a Game by Madison Mooresource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Most Days by Michael Leannahsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. My Art, My World by Rita Winkler, Mark Winkler and Helen Winklersource (opens in a new tab)
  41. My First Day by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huỳnh Kim Liênsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. My Two Border Towns by David Bowlessource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Nicky & Vera by Peter Síssource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Nina by Traci N. Toddsource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Ollie Feels Fine by Toni Yulysource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Olu & Greta by Diana Ejaitasource (opens in a new tab)
  47. On the Other Side of the Forest by Nadine Robert, translated by Paula Ayersource (opens in a new tab)
  48. On the Trapline by David A. Robertsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. One Million Oysters on Top of the Mountain by Alex Nogués, translated by Lawrence Schimelsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Over the Shop by JonArno Lawsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Pura's Cuentos by Annette Bay Pimentelsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Rissy No Kissies by Katey Howessource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Room for Everyone by Naaz Khansource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Ruffles and the Red, Red Coat by David Mellingsource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Shaped by Her Hands by Anna Harber Freeman and Barbara Gonzalessource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Sharkblock by Christopher Franceschellisource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Something's Wrong! by Jory Johnsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Song for Jimi by Charles R. Smith Jr.source (opens in a new tab)
  59. Strollercoaster by Matt Ringlersource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Ten Little Dumplings by Larissa Fansource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Big Bad Wolf in My House by Valérie Fontaine, translated by Shelley Tanakasource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Big Bath House by Kyo Maclearsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Big House and the Little House by Yoshi Uenosource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Capybaras by Alfredo Soderguitsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Day the Rain Moved In by Éléonore Douspis, translated by Shelley Tanakasource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Dog Walk by Sven Nordqvistsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Electric Slide and Kai by Kelly J. Baptistsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee by Julie Leungsource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Gravity Tree by Anna Crowley Reddingsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Longest Letsgoboy by Derick Wildersource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Longest Storm by Dan Yaccarinosource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Lost Package by Richard Hosource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterersource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Mysterious Sea Bunny by Peter Raymundosource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The New Friend by Charlotte Zolotowsource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Night Walk by Marie Dorléanssource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The People Remember by Ibi Zoboisource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Smile Shop by Satoshi Kitamurasource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Snail With the Right Heart by Maria Popovasource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Sour Cherry Tree by Naseem Hrabsource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Strangest Thing in the Sea by Rachel Poliquinsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Wind May Blow by Sasha Quintonsource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Wind and the Trees by Todd Stewartsource (opens in a new tab)
  84. This Is Still Not a Book! by Jean Julliensource (opens in a new tab)
  85. To Carnival! by Baptiste Paulsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. Twenty-One Steps by Jeff Gottesfeldsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. Two Grooms on a Cake by Rob Sanderssource (opens in a new tab)
  88. Unspeakable by Carole Boston Weatherfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  89. Watercress by Andrea Wangsource (opens in a new tab)
  90. We All Play by Julie Flettsource (opens in a new tab)
  91. We Are Still Here! by Traci Sorellsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. We Shall Overcome by Bryan Colliersource (opens in a new tab)
  93. What Does Little Crocodile Say? by Eva Montanarisource (opens in a new tab)
  94. What Will You Be? by Yamile Saied Méndezsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterlingsource (opens in a new tab)
  96. When We Say Black Lives Matter by Maxine Beneba Clarkesource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Wishes by Mượn Thị Vănsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Without Separation by Larry Dane Brimnersource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Your Legacy by Schele Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Your Mama by NoNieqa Ramossource (opens in a new tab)

Teen

  1. A Queen of Gilded Horns by Amanda Joysource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Sitting in St. James by Rita Williams-Garciasource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badgersource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Time of Fear by Albert Marrinsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Aetherbound by E.K. Johnstonsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O'Donoghuesource (opens in a new tab)
  7. All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and C.L. Hermansource (opens in a new tab)
  8. American Jaguar by Elizabeth Webbsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafisource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenzsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Beasts of Prey by Ayana Graysource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Before We Disappear by Shaun David Hutchinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Beyond the Blue Border by Dorit Linke, translated by Elisabeth Lauffersource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Black Birds in the Sky by Brandy Colbertsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Blood Like Magic by Liselle Samburysource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Boy From Buchenwald by Robbie Waisman and Susan McClellandsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Chasing the Truth by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twoheysource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Chessboxer by Stephen Daviessource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Concrete Rose by Angie Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Determined to Stay by Jody Sokolowersource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Disability Visibility (Adapted for Young Adults) by Alice Wongsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians but Were Afraid to Ask (Young Readers Edition) by Anton Treuersource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffneysource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonadosource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Feminist Af by Brittney Cooper, Chanel Craft Tanner and Susana Morrissource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Fifteen Hundred Miles From the Sun by Jonny Garza Villasource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Four Streets and a Square by Marc Aronsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Freedom Swimmer by Wai Chimsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry by Paula Yoosource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Gone to the Woods by Gary Paulsensource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdarsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Himawari House by Harmony Beckersource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillosource (opens in a new tab)
  34. How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love With the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gillilandsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentnersource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoonsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Losource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Let's Talk About It by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolansource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Like Other Girls by Britta Lundinsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Little Thieves by Margaret Owensource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Mazie by Melanie Crowdersource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Misfit in Love by S.K. Alisource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Mister Impossible by Maggie Stiefvatersource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quachsource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Nubia by L.L. McKinneysource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Off the Record by Camryn Garrettsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. On the Hook by Francisco X. Storksource (opens in a new tab)
  48. One Great Lie by Deb Calettisource (opens in a new tab)
  49. One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulitesource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Our Stories Carried Us Here by Julie Vang, Tea Rozman and Tom Kaczynskisource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Paul Robeson by Martin Dubermansource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Rainbow in the Dark by Sean McGintysource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Redemptor by Jordan Ifuekosource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Revolution in Our Time by Kekla Magoonsource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Rise Up! by Crystal M. Flemingsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Run by John Lewis and Andrew Aydinsource (opens in a new tab)
  57. She's Too Pretty to Burn by Wendy Heardsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Slingshot by Mercedes Helnweinsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kempsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Tell It True by Tim Lockettesource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Awakening of Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Tiffany D. Jacksonsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Block by Ben Oliversource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Broken Raven by Joseph Elliottsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morrissource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Crossroads at Midnight by Abby Howardsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Dark Side of Social Media by Bradley Steffenssource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gouldsource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Devil's Music by Nathan Pagesource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpesource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohlsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Hazards of Love by Stan Stanleysource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Life I'm In by Sharon G. Flakesource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Mirror Season by Anna-Marie McLemoresource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Other Talk by Brendan Kielysource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimonssource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Project by Courtney Summerssource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks (Young Readers Edition) by Jeanne Theoharissource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The River Has Teeth by Erica Waterssource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Sisters of Reckoning by Charlotte Nicole Davissource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Wide Starlight by Nicole Lesperancesource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Woman All Spies Fear by Amy Butler Greenfieldsource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Words in My Hands by Asphyxiasource (opens in a new tab)
  84. Tonight We Rule the World by Zack Smedleysource (opens in a new tab)
  85. Traitors Among Us by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuchsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. Vampires, Hearts & Other Dead Things by Margie Fustonsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. Vial of Tears by Cristin Bisharasource (opens in a new tab)
  88. Walls by L.M. Elliottsource (opens in a new tab)
  89. We Are the Ashes, We Are the Fire by Joy McCulloughsource (opens in a new tab)
  90. We Light Up the Sky by Lilliam Riverasource (opens in a new tab)
  91. What Beauty There Is by Cory Andersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. When Can We Go Back to America? by Susan H. Kameisource (opens in a new tab)
  93. When Night Breaks by Janella Angelessource (opens in a new tab)
  94. When We Make It by Elisabet Velasquezsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. When We Were Infinite by Kelly Loy Gilbertsource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Where I Belong by Marcia Argueta Mickelsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  97. White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jacksonsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. You'd Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgowsource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Your Heart, My Sky by Margarita Englesource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Zara Hossain Is Here by Sabina Khansource (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 2021