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.

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.

This dedicated page features everything about the awards, including all of SLJ's reporting of the 2026 Youth Media Awards ceremony and recognized titles and creators; a complete list of winners and honor books; plus links to book reviews, author interviews, blog posts, and related coverage.

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