Booklists

As we closed out 2025, many books rose to the top, including lots of manga and new offerings from middle grade favorites Gordon Korman and Sara Pennypacker.

Our 2025 Best Books list celebrates the many pages and words that make up the superb works published for children this year. Taking another look at this year’s selections, the editors have highlighted some of the words that ring rung true and have reverberated in hearts and minds.

Kimmel creates a brand-new tale that feels ancient and wise; Kurpiel finds so much more in these mighty giants.

This month’s board book roundup is bursting with variety. From globe-trotting adventures to nature facts, silly animals, dancing feet, and everything in between, there’s something for every child.

These illustrated works, including a board book, early reader, and two picture books, are heartwarming picks that are sure to be hits beyond Valentine’s Day.

Lunar New Year is February 17. Here are some titles to share with young readers, including a new chapter book from Grace Lin.

Share these selections from Hena Khan, Saadia Faruqi, Huda Fahmy, and more in January and all year long.
 

A creepy YA focusing on Edgar Allan Poe's descendant, a nonfiction title honoring Black basketball players, and board book and audiobook offerings appear on the first starred list of 2026.

Contrary to popular belief, SLJ reviews editors read non-children’s books. Every now and then, we’ll dip into some (gasp) adult books, though some of us can’t step out of the kid lit world for long. Here are our favorite books we read this year—and why.