Introducing NYPL's Best Books of 2021

The New York Public Library's Best Books Committees have read widely and discerningly, searching out the most unique, innovative, memorable, and relevant books for New Yorkers today. Today we are proud to announce our Best Books of 2021—our annual lists of recommendations for kids, teens, and adults.

These lists celebrate the diversity of stories, authors, and styles published this year. From literary fiction to fantasy, picture books to poetry, nonfiction to graphic novels, these books will inspire, engage, and surprise readers of all kinds and all ages.

Here you can explore the Library's top 10 books in four categories: books for kids, books in Spanish for kids, books for teens, and books for adults. Then you can find even more outstanding recommendations in our complete lists for kids, teens, and adults, and discover which Best Books titles are available in accessible editions.

Whether your kid is still mostly looking at the pictures or is becoming an independent reader, our Best Books for Kids list (with 100 titles) has books for readers of all ages, reading levels, and tastes. Here's our top 10.

Artie and the Wolf Moon by Olivia Stephens

Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui

The Big Bath House by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Gracey Zhang

Living with Viola by Rosena Fung

The Magical Imperfect by Chris Baron

Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

Over the Shop by JonArno Lawson, illustrated by Qin Leng

Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Raúl the Third

Welcome to Your Period! by Yumi Stynes and Dr. Melissa Kang, illustrated by Jenny Latham

The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form a Natural Kingdom by Lita Judge

This list has some books you may have seen in English and quite a few from around the world that you probably haven't seen yet.  This list is for kids who speak Spanish and kids who want to learn.  Here's our top 10—and check out our full list.

Érase una vez y mucho más será by Johanna Schaible

Escucha mi voz / Hear My Voice compiled by Warren Binford for Project Amplify

Lucero by Yuyi Morales, translated by Eida Del Risco

¡Mambo mucho mambo! El baile que atravesó la barrera del color by Dean Robbins, translated by Georgina Lázaro, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

Mis dos pueblos fronterizos by David Bowles, illustrated by Erika Meza

Nuncaseolvida (Neverforgotten) by Alejandra Algorta, translated by Aida Salazar, illustrated by Iván Rickenmann

Un pájaro en casa by Blanca Gómez

La selva de Zonia by Juana Martinez-Neal

Sunakay by Meritxell Martí, illustrated by Xavier Salomó

Tancho by Luciano Lozano

These books have all the feels. Our librarians have selected 50 titles for young adults, and there is bound to be something here for every teen. Here's our top 10.

Boys Run the Riot Vol. 1 by Keito Gaku

Crossroads at Midnight by Abby Howard

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan 

Nubia: Real One by L.L. McKinney, illustrated by Robyn Smith

Perfectly Parvin by Olivia Abtahi

Punching Bag by Rex Ogle 

The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon

Top 10 Books for Adults

Our librarians have put together a list of 100 books for adults— fiction, nonfiction, comics, and poetry. Here are our top 10 across genres and formats. We hope every reader finds something to love.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown: A Novel by Talia Hibbert

All Her Little Secrets: A Novel by Wanda M. Morris

The Dangers of Smoking in Bed: Stories by Mariana Enriquez, translated from Spanish by Megan McDowell

Hell of a Book: A Novel by Jason Mott 

How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

Mama Phife Represents: A Verse Memoir by Cheryl Boyce-Taylor

The Rock Eaters: Stories by Brenda Peynado

Shadow Life by Hiromi Goto

She Who Became the Sun: A Novel by Shelley Parker-Chan