Our 2021 best picture books list boasts 24 excellent works for children, including two bilingual books and several glowing tributes to mothers. 

Seven superb titles made SLJ's list of must-have chapter books, including a retelling of Don Quixote and charming take on the “new sibling” genre.

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. 

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.

With a range of grade levels (kindergarteners to high schoolers) and genres (fantasy and horror, among others), there’s something for everyone in these 17 comics picks.

After months of deliberation, the editors and our insightful reviewer committee members have selected 139 exemplary titles as the best books for children and teens published this year.

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.

Save the date and register to join us “In Community” for a full-day, virtual program on Oct. 28.