“The single most important activity for building the
knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.”

—Jim Trelease, The Read-Aloud Handbook

New research by HarperCollins UK reveals that parents are losing the love of reading aloud, with fewer than half sharing that reading to children is “no fun for me.” Gen Z respondents think of reading as “more a subject to learn than a fun thing to do.”

Of course, this is alarming news for parents, educators, and all those who care about children and literacy.

But we, librarians and lovers of stories and information, have the solution. It’s been ingrained in us since we entered this profession—it’s why we entered this profession. Bring back readers’ choice.

Bring back read-alouds. Bring back the joy of reading.

This is our gospel truth. It’s why 28 librarians and five reviews editors came together to select 191 Best Books for children and young adults. Months of reading and discussion, spreadsheets and caffeine, all in service to this splendid list of enjoyable, excellent, and engaging books to preach that gospel.

We hope that this curated offering, filled with adventurous and fantastical stories, silly and breathtaking picture books, true-crime mysteries and stirring romances, and universally consumed manga and graphic novels, will be the joy-making resource that you need to impact the next generation of readers (and their grown-ups).