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Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2019

Kirkus Reviews' Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2019 names 426 books across 5 categories. 142 of them also won or were shortlisted for an award.

Fiction

  1. A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World by C.A. Fletchersource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Girl Returned by Donatella Di Pietrantonio, translated by Ann Goldsteinsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Prince on Paper by Alyssa Colesource (opens in a new tab)
  4. All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenbergsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Bad Axe County by John Galligansource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Bangkok Wakes to Rain by Pitchaya Sudbanthadsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon Jamessource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Blood of an Exile by Brian Naslundsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Bloomland by John Englehardtsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Bowlaway by Elizabeth McCrackensource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Brazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLeansource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage by Bette Howlandsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Cantoras by Carolina De Robertissource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Celestial Bodies by Jokha Alharthi, translated by Marilyn Boothsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Deception Cove by Owen Laukkanensource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillipssource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk, translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jonessource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Early Riser by Jasper Ffordesource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Exhalation by Ted Chiangsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Fall; Or, Dodge in Hell by Neal Stephensonsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Feast Your Eyes by Myla Goldbergsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Aknersource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Forever Wolf by Maria Valesource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Full Throttle by Joe Hillsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbertsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemisource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristosource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Good Girl, Bad Girl by Michael Robothamsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Grand Union by Zadie Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Heaven, My Home by Attica Lockesource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Henry, Himself by Stewart O'Nansource (opens in a new tab)
  32. How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse by K. Easonsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrnesource (opens in a new tab)
  34. In West Mills by De'Shawn Charles Winslowsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Inland by Téa Obrehtsource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Knife by Jo Nesbø, translated by Neil Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippmansource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Look How Happy I'm Making You by Polly Rosenwaikesource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luisellisource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Maggie Brown & Others by Peter Ornersource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Middlegame by Seanan McGuiresource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Miracle Creek by Angie Kimsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Murmur by Will Eavessource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Night School by Zsófia Bán, translated by Jim Tuckersource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchetsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Normal People by Sally Rooneysource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Olive, Again by Elizabeth Stroutsource (opens in a new tab)
  48. On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuongsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Orange World and Other Stories by Karen Russellsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Out of Darkness, Shining Light by Petina Gappahsource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Oval by Elvia Wilksource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Patsy by Nicole Dennis-Bennsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Phantoms by Christian Kiefersource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Rabbits for Food by Binnie Kirshenbaumsource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonsource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Right After the Weather by Carol Anshawsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Rusty Brown by Chris Waresource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstinesource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Save Me From Dangerous Men by S.A. Lelchuksource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Sing to It by Amy Hempelsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Spring by Ali Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Steel Crow Saga by Paul Kruegersource (opens in a new tab)
  64. Supper Club by Lara Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Territory of Light by Yuko Tsushima, translated by Geraldine Harcourtsource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Bitterroots by C.J. Boxsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Bride Test by Helen Hoangsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Chain by Adrian McKintysource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Chestnut Man by Søren Sveistrup, translated by Caroline Wrightsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Dutch House by Ann Patchettsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Flight Portfolio by Julie Orringersource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Fox and Dr. Shimamura by Christine Wunnicke, translated by Philip Boehmsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Fragility of Bodies by Sergio Olguín, translated by Miranda Francesource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Grammarians by Cathleen Schinesource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Heavens by Sandra Newmansource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Iron Dragon's Mother by Michael Swanwicksource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakrabortysource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waitesource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Lesson by Cadwell Turnbullsource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Lost Man by Jane Harpersource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa, translated by Stephen Snydersource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Nickel Boys by Colson Whiteheadsource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Old Drift by Namwali Serpellsource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Other Americans by Laila Lalamisource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Promise by Silvina Ocampo, translated by Suzanne Jill Levine and Jessica Powellsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Remainder by Alia Trabucco Zerán, translated by Sophie Hughessource (opens in a new tab)
  87. The River by Peter Hellersource (opens in a new tab)
  88. The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyonssource (opens in a new tab)
  89. The Stranger Inside by Lisa Ungersource (opens in a new tab)
  90. The Topeka School by Ben Lernersource (opens in a new tab)
  91. The Wall by John Lanchestersource (opens in a new tab)
  92. The Warehouse by Rob Hartsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coatessource (opens in a new tab)
  94. The World Doesn't Require You by Rion Amilcar Scottsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Trust Exercise by Susan Choisource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts by Kate Racculiasource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Wanderers by Chuck Wendigsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Where We Come From by Oscar Cásaressource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Women Talking by Miriam Toewssource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Wyoming by JP Grittonsource (opens in a new tab)
  101. Your House Will Pay by Steph Chasource (opens in a new tab)

Middle Grade

  1. A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Raméesource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Place to Belong by Cynthia Kadohatasource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Story About Cancer (With a Happy Ending) by India Desjardins, translated by Solange Ouelletsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. All the Greys on Greene Street by Laura Tuckersource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Beast Rider by Tony Johnston and María Elena Fontanot de Rhoadssource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Bernard Pepperlin by Cara Hoffmansource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Broken Strings by Eric Walters and Kathy Kacersource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunnsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Child of the Dream by Sharon Robinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphysource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Disaster Strikes! by Jeffrey Klugersource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Each Tiny Spark by Pablo Cartayasource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Eventown by Corey Ann Haydusource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Focused by Alyson Gerbersource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Free Lunch by Rex Oglesource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Hector by Adrienne Wrightsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Hobgoblin and the Seven Stinkers of Rancidia by Kyle Sullivansource (opens in a new tab)
  20. I Can Make This Promise by Christine Daysource (opens in a new tab)
  21. I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiaksource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Infinite Hope by Ashley Bryansource (opens in a new tab)
  23. It Rained Warm Bread by Gloria Moskowitz-Sweet and Hope Anita Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Jimena Pérez Puede Volar / Jimena Pérez Can Fly by Jorge Argueta, translated by Elizabeth Bellsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Just South of Home by Karen Strongsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Lalani of the Distant Sea by Erin Entrada Kellysource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Lety Out Loud by Angela Cervantessource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Lizzie Flying Solo by Nanci Turner Stevesonsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Look Both Ways by Jason Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Midsummer's Mayhem by Rajani LaRoccasource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Monstrous by Carlyn Becciasource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Mummies Exposed! by Kerrie Logan Hollihansource (opens in a new tab)
  33. My Fate According to the Butterfly by Gail D. Villanuevasource (opens in a new tab)
  34. New Kid by Jerry Craftsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Orange for the Sunsets by Tina Athaidesource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Other Words for Home by Jasmine Wargasource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidtsource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Pie in the Sky by Remy Laisource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Planet Earth Is Blue by Nicole Panteleakossource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconissource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Rabbit's Bad Habits by Julian Goughsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Reaching for the Moon by Katherine Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Right as Rain by Lindsey Stoddardsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Rocket to the Moon! by Don Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Roll With It by Jamie Sumnersource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Sal & Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandezsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Sincerely, Harriet by Sarah Winifred Searlesource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Spy Runner by Eugene Yelchinsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Stargazing by Jen Wangsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Strange Birds by Celia C. Pérezsource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Suffragette by David Robertssource (opens in a new tab)
  52. The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatramansource (opens in a new tab)
  53. The Crossover by Kwame Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  54. The First Dinosaur by Ian Lendlersource (opens in a new tab)
  55. The Last Last-Day-Of-Summer by Lamar Gilessource (opens in a new tab)
  56. The Library of Ever by Zeno Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  57. The Line Tender by Kate Allensource (opens in a new tab)
  58. The Long Ride by Marina Budhossource (opens in a new tab)
  59. The Magnificent Migration by Sy Montgomerysource (opens in a new tab)
  60. The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring Blakesource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Moon Within by Aida Salazarsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjaminsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Poison Eaters by Gail Jarrowsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Runaways by Ulf Stark, translated by Julia Marshallsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Usual Suspects by Maurice Broaddussource (opens in a new tab)
  66. This Promise of Change by Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levysource (opens in a new tab)
  67. This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrewssource (opens in a new tab)
  68. Tito the Bonecrusher by Melissa Thomsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  69. Torpedoed by Deborah Heiligmansource (opens in a new tab)
  70. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbaliasource (opens in a new tab)
  71. Troublemaker for Justice by Jacqueline Houtman, Walter Naegle and Michael G. Longsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. Voyage of the Frostheart by Jamie Littlersource (opens in a new tab)
  73. We're Not From Here by Geoff Rodkeysource (opens in a new tab)
  74. What the Eagle Sees by Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowingersource (opens in a new tab)
  75. Wild Honey From the Moon by Kenneth Kraegelsource (opens in a new tab)

Nonfiction

  1. A Pilgrimage to Eternity by Timothy Egansource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Agent Jack by Robert Huttonsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. All the Powers of Earth by Sidney Blumenthalsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. An American Summer by Alex Kotlowitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. An Elegant Defense by Matt Richtelsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Antisocial by Andrew Marantzsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Arabs by Tim Mackintosh-Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Archaeology From Space by Sarah Parcaksource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Assad, or We Burn the Country by Sam Daghersource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Audience of One by James Poniewoziksource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Becoming Dr. Seuss by Brian Jay Jonessource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Beneath the Tamarind Tree by Isha Sesaysource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Biased by Jennifer L. Eberhardtsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Big Wonderful Thing by Stephen Harrigansource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Black Is the Body by Emily Bernardsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Blowout by Rachel Maddowsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Bottle of Lies by Katherine Ebansource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Breathe by Imani Perrysource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrowsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Charged by Emily Bazelonsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Coventry by Rachel Cusksource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Dead Blondes and Bad Mothers by Sady Doylesource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Diderot and the Art of Thinking Freely by Andrew S. Curransource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Edison by Edmund Morrissource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Empty Planet by Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Fall and Rise by Mitchell Zuckoffsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Family Papers by Sarah Abrevaya Steinsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Fentanyl, Inc. by Ben Westhoffsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Figuring by Maria Popovasource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Floating Coast by Bathsheba Demuthsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Go Ahead in the Rain by Hanif Abdurraqibsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Gods of the Upper Air by Charles Kingsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Good Talk by Mira Jacobsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Hard to Love by Briallen Hoppersource (opens in a new tab)
  35. How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jonessource (opens in a new tab)
  36. How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendisource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Hymns of the Republic by S.C. Gwynnesource (opens in a new tab)
  38. I Like to Watch by Emily Nussbaumsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. In the Country of Women by Susan Straightsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machadosource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Inheritance by Dani Shapirosource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Know My Name by Chanel Millersource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Kochland by Christopher Leonardsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Maid by Stephanie Landsource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Mama's Last Hug by Frans de Waalsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Mamaskatch by Darrel J. McLeodsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottliebsource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbothamsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. My Parents by Aleksandar Hemonsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Native Country of the Heart by Cherríe Moragasource (opens in a new tab)
  51. No Visible Bruises by Rachel Louise Snydersource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Our Man by George Packersource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Our Wild Calling by Richard Louvsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Parkland by Dave Cullensource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Picnic Comma Lightning by Laurence Scottsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Sand & Steel by Peter Caddick-Adamssource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefesource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Self-Portrait in Black and White by Thomas Chatterton Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  59. She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twoheysource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Stealing Green Mangoes by Sunil Duttasource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Stony the Road by Henry Louis Gates Jr.source (opens in a new tab)
  62. Survival Math by Mitchell S. Jacksonsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Tell Me Who You Are by Winona Guo and Priya Vulchisource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Adventures of Alexander Von Humboldt by Andrea Wulfsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Art of Leaving by Ayelet Tsabarisource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The British Are Coming by Rick Atkinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Buried by Peter Hesslersource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Club by Leo Damroschsource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Edge of Every Day by Marin Sardysource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Europeans by Orlando Figessource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Great Successor by Anna Fifieldsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The History of Rock & Roll, Volume 2 by Ed Wardsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Human Swarm by Mark W. Moffettsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Light Years by Chris Rushsource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Lost Gutenberg by Margaret Leslie Davissource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Mastermind by Evan Ratliffsource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Narrow Corridor by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graffsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Outlaw Ocean by Ian Urbinasource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Seine by Elaine Sciolinosource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Source of Self-Regard by Toni Morrisonsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Undying by Anne Boyersource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Ungrateful Refugee by Dina Nayerisource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wellssource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Witches Are Coming by Lindy Westsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The World According to Fannie Davis by Bridgett M. Davissource (opens in a new tab)
  87. They Will Have to Die Now by James Verinisource (opens in a new tab)
  88. Things We Didn't Talk About When I Was a Girl by Jeannie Vanascosource (opens in a new tab)
  89. This Land by Christopher Ketchamsource (opens in a new tab)
  90. This Land Is Their Land by David J. Silvermansource (opens in a new tab)
  91. This View of Life by David Sloan Wilsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentinosource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Underland by Robert Macfarlanesource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Until We Reckon by Danielle Seredsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. War Flower by Brooke Kingsource (opens in a new tab)
  96. What I Stand On by Wendell Berrysource (opens in a new tab)
  97. When Death Becomes Life by Joshua D. Mezrichsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. When Death Takes Something From You Give It Back by Naja Marie Aidt, translated by Denise Newmansource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Why You Like It by Nolan Gassersource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Women's Work by Megan K. Stacksource (opens in a new tab)

Picture Books

  1. A Map Into the World by Kao Kalia Yangsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Place to Land by Barry Wittensteinsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Ray of Light by Walter Wicksource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhangsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Angryman by Gro Dahle, translated by Tara Chacesource (opens in a new tab)
  6. B Is for Baby by Atinukesource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeedsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Birdsong by Julie Flettsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Bodega Cat by Louie Chinsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Crab Cake by Andrea Tsurumisource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Dancing Hands by Margarita Englesource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Did You Burp? by April Pulley Sayresource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Dinosaur Feathers by Dennis Nolansource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Eek, You Reek! by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemplesource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Fix That Clock by Kurt Cyrussource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Freedom Soup by Tami Charlessource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillardsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Going Down Home With Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyonssource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Harold & Hog Pretend for Real! by Dan Santatsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Hello by Aiko Ikegamisource (opens in a new tab)
  21. How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  22. I Miss My Grandpa by Jin Xiaojingsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. I Remember by Lee Bennett Hopkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  24. It Began With a Page by Kyo Maclearsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thornsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Let 'Er Buck! by Vaunda Micheaux Nelsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Lion of the Sky by Laura Purdie Salassource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Little Doctor and the Fearless Beast by Sophie Gilmoresource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Little Mole's Wish by Sang-Keun Kim, translated by Chi-Young Kimsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddoursource (opens in a new tab)
  31. My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbinsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. My Shoes and I / Mis Zapatos Y Yo by René Colato Laínezsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Nine Months by Miranda Paulsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Noodlephant by Jacob Kramersource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Ojiichan's Gift by Chieri Uegakisource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Paws + Edward by Espen Dekkosource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Princess Puffybottom…and Darryl by Susin Nielsensource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Rabbit and the Motorbike by Kate Hoeflersource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Red House, Tree House, Little Bitty Brown Mouse by Jane Godwinsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. River by Elisha Coopersource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percivalsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Saturday by Oge Morasource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Small in the City by Sydney Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Snail & Worm All Day by Tina Küglersource (opens in a new tab)
  45. So Big! by Mike Wohnoutkasource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Soldier for Equality by Duncan Tonatiuhsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Songs in the Shade of the Cashew and Coconut Trees by Nathalie Soussana and Jean-Christophe Hoarau, translated by Hélène Roulston and David Lytlesource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Stormy by Guojingsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Summer by Cao Wenxuan, translated by Yan Dingsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Survival by Anna Claybournesource (opens in a new tab)
  51. The Bell Rang by James E. Ransomesource (opens in a new tab)
  52. The Boring Book by Shinsuke Yoshitakesource (opens in a new tab)
  53. The Day the Universe Exploded My Head by Allan Wolfsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. The Girl and the Wolf by Katherena Vermettesource (opens in a new tab)
  55. The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown by Mac Barnettsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnessource (opens in a new tab)
  57. The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota's Garden by Heather Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog by Paul B. Janeczkosource (opens in a new tab)
  59. The Ranger by Nancy Vosource (opens in a new tab)
  60. The Roots of Rap by Carole Boston Weatherfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Second Sky by Patrick Guestsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Undefeated by Kwame Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Wolf Will Not Come by Myriam Ouyessadsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Women Who Caught the Babies by Eloise Greenfieldsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Titanosaur by José Luis Carballido and Diego Polsource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Treasure by Mireille Messiersource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Truman by Jean Reidysource (opens in a new tab)
  68. Wait, Rest, Pause by Marcie Flinchum Atkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  69. What Is Given From the Heart by Patricia C. McKissacksource (opens in a new tab)
  70. When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoffsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. When Sadness Is at Your Door by Eva Elandsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. When Spring Comes to the DMZ by Uk-Bae Lee, translated by Chungyon Won and Aileen Wonsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndezsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. Who Wet My Pants? by Bob Sheasource (opens in a new tab)
  75. Zombies Don't Eat Veggies! by Jorge Lacera and Megan Lacerasource (opens in a new tab)

Teen

  1. 96 Words for Love by Rachel Roy and Ava Dashsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerersource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A House of Rage and Sorrow by Sangu Mandannasource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Thousand Sisters by Elizabeth Weinsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Accused! by Larry Dane Brimnersource (opens in a new tab)
  6. All-American Muslim Girl by Nadine Jolie Courtneysource (opens in a new tab)
  7. An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortizsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. As Many Nows as I Can Get by Shana Youngdahlsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Barely Missing Everything by Matt Mendezsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Becoming Beatriz by Tami Charlessource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Black Enough by Ibi Zoboisource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Bloom by Kevin Panettasource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Butterfly Yellow by Thanhhà Laisource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Catfishing on Catnet by Naomi Kritzersource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Cicada by Shaun Tansource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Courting Darkness by Robin LaFeverssource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Deposing Nathan by Zack Smedleysource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Frankly in Love by David Yoonsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Heroine by Mindy McGinnissource (opens in a new tab)
  21. His Hideous Heart by Dahlia Adlersource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Hope Is Our Only Wing by Rutendo Tavengerweisource (opens in a new tab)
  23. How It Feels to Float by Helena Foxsource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Hungry Hearts by Elsie Chapman and Caroline Tung Richmondsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. I Am the Night Sky by Next Wave Muslim Initiative Writerssource (opens in a new tab)
  26. I Was Their American Dream by Malaka Gharibsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Internment by Samira Ahmedsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Joe Quinn's Poltergeist by David Almondsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Last Bus to Everland by Sophie Cameronsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamakisource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson and Malik “Malik-16” Sharifsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Let’s Call It a Doomsday by Katie Henrysource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Light It Up by Kekla Magoonsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Love From a to Z by S.K. Alisource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Lovely War by Julie Berrysource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowlingsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. My Body My Choice by Robin Stevensonsource (opens in a new tab)
  38. On the Come Up by Angie Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Once & Future by Cory McCarthy and A.R. Capettasource (opens in a new tab)
  40. One Person, No Vote (Ya Edition) by Carol Anderson and Tonya Boldensource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribaysource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Pet by Akwaeke Emezisource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowellsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Rebel Girls by Elizabeth Keenansource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennettsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Shout by Laurie Halse Andersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Skip by Molly Mendozasource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Someday We Will Fly by Rachel DeWoskinsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Spin by Lamar Gilessource (opens in a new tab)
  51. The Beast Player by Nahoko Uehashi, translated by Cathy Hiranosource (opens in a new tab)
  52. The Dozier School for Boys by Elizabeth A. Murraysource (opens in a new tab)
  53. The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetyssource (opens in a new tab)
  54. The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davissource (opens in a new tab)
  55. The Grace Year by Kim Liggettsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. The Last True Poets of the Sea by Julia Drakesource (opens in a new tab)
  57. The Other Side by Juan Pablo Villalobos, translated by Rosalind Harveysource (opens in a new tab)
  58. The Spaces Between Us by Stacia Tolmansource (opens in a new tab)
  59. The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrussource (opens in a new tab)
  60. The Things She's Seen by Ambelin Kwaymullina and Ezekiel Kwaymullinasource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Waking Forest by Alyssa Weessource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkafsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. There Will Come a Darkness by Katy Rose Poolsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger and Steven Scottsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. This Time Will Be Different by Misa Sugiurasource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManussource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Voices by David Elliottsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. We Rule the Night by Claire Eliza Bartlettsource (opens in a new tab)
  69. We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejiasource (opens in a new tab)
  70. When the Ground Is Hard by Malla Nunnsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. Where the World Ends by Geraldine McCaughreansource (opens in a new tab)
  72. White Rose by Kip Wilsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. Who Put This Song On? by Morgan Parkersource (opens in a new tab)
  74. Wilder Girls by Rory Powersource (opens in a new tab)
  75. You Must Not Miss by Katrina Lenosource (opens in a new tab)

About the Kirkus Best Books of the Year

Full lists per year: Fiction, Nonfiction, Teen, Middle Grade, and Picture Books for 2013-2025 (Kirkus's own alphabetical list pages). 2010-2012 come from Kirkus's complete-list pages; children's books are one Children's list in those years. 2010 Fiction and Nonfiction merge the Top 25 with that year's 'Best ... of 2010' genre lists, because Kirkus posted no single complete adult list. 2006, 2008, and 2009 come from the Best Books special-issue PDFs on the Wayback Machine: those issues are not split into fiction and nonfiction (category Adult), hold 25-47 picks, and the 'Under the Radar' and 'Second Look' recap sections are left out. 2007: the Young Adult list (40 picks) comes from Kirkus's Best Young-Adult Books of 2007 PDF on the Wayback Machine. Kirkus's 2007 Best Children's and Best of 2007 (adult) PDFs survive only as truncated or missing captures, so the Children's list (32 picks) is transcribed from a November 2007 Becky's Book Reviews post that copied the Kirkus children's special, and 2007 Fiction and Nonfiction are partial: only the 15 titles in Barnes & Noble's 'Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2007' collection (archived 2020), so they carry no expected count. No children's list was found for 2008 or 2009. Kirkus prints titles in capitals; titles here are converted to title case.

Organization: Kirkus Reviews. Official site (opens in a new tab)

The most recommended books of 2019