News & Features

While the popularity of manga ticked up sharply in 2020, it really took off in 2021. Publishers are getting the hint and bringing out new titles in familiar genres, as well as some that are new to American readers. Here’s a look at 10 of our favorite manga of 2021.

Download the full list of SLJ’s 2021 Best Books as a nifty PDF that you can share with patrons, educators, and other readers.

COVID-19 is still a very real part of our daily lives and front of mind for young people. Here are four books a­ddressing ­viruses and germs that ­educators can share with students.

The fine arts bring joy to the soul, and these women creators have produced works that do just that. Corita Kent is profiled twice, and readers are also treated to a behind-the-scene tour of how art exhibits are put together.

The top 10 audiobooks represent the best of November 2020 to October 2021 releases, with selections for all age groups and interests. Realistic fiction, speculative fiction, poetry, and more are represented, and exceptional narration enhances the fascinating stories.

For the first time in years, we created a breakout list of poetry titles. These six selections include the latest from powerhouse poets Joyce Sidman, Jack Prelutsky, and Nikki Grimes.

The 2021 list of best middle grade books counts with 26 novels, including unforgettable works by Joseph Bruchac, Jasmine Warga, and Kate DiCamillo.

Malinda Lo’s National Book Award-winning Last Night at the Telegraph Club, the blockbuster Blackout, and Angie Thomas’s latest are just some of the 25 YA titles that made our Best Books of 2021. 

A whopping 35 books were selected for this year’s Best Nonfiction list---our longest yet. From STEM works to eye-opening historical accounts, these titles will fill all of your curricular needs.