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Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2022

Kirkus Reviews' Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2022 names 500 books across 5 categories. 146 of them also won or were shortlisted for an award.

Fiction

  1. 2 A.M. in Little America by Ken Kalfussource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Calm & Normal Heart by Chelsea T. Hickssource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrerasource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowlandsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Afterlives by Abdulrazak Gurnahsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathewssource (opens in a new tab)
  7. An Olive Grove in Ends by Moses McKenziesource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Babel by R.F. Kuangsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Bliss Montage by Ling Masource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Book Lovers by Emily Henrysource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreadessource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Calling for a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeahsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Canción by Eduardo Halfon, translated by Lisa Dillman and Daniel Hahnsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Companion Piece by Ali Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolversource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Devil House by John Darniellesource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Diablo Mesa by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Childsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Didn't Nobody Give a Shit What Happened to Carlotta by James Hannahamsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Dr. No by Percival Everettsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Darksource (opens in a new tab)
  21. From Bad to Cursed by Lana Harpersource (opens in a new tab)
  22. God's Children Are Little Broken Things by Arinze Ifeakandusource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Heartbreaker by Sarah MacLeansource (opens in a new tab)
  24. If I Survive You by Jonathan Escofferysource (opens in a new tab)
  25. If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Noor Nagasource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Invasion of the Spirit People by Juan Pablo Villalobos, translated by Rosalind Harveysource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybournsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century by Kim Fusource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmussource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Liberation Day by George Saunderssource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Mecca by Susan Straightsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon Jamessource (opens in a new tab)
  33. More Than You'll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrezsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. My Volcano by John Elizabeth Stintzisource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Natural History by Andrea Barrettsource (opens in a new tab)
  36. New and Selected Stories by Cristina Rivera Garza, translated by Sarah Booker and Francisca González Arias and Lisa Dillman and Cristina Rivera Garza and Alex Rosssource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Taltysource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Nobody Gets Out Alive by Leigh Newmansource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muirsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalezsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ngsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Out There by Kate Folksource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Pollak's Arm by Hans von Trotha, translated by Elisabeth Lauffersource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Portrait of an Unknown Lady by María Gainza, translated by Thomas Bunsteadsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Pretend It's My Body by Luke Dani Bluesource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrewssource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Sacrificio by Ernesto Mestre-Reedsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Saint Death's Daughter by C.S.E. Cooneysource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Scary Monsters by Michelle de Kretsersource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Scattered All Over the Earth by Yoko Tawada, translated by Margaret Mitsutanisource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandelsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Secret Identity by Alex Segurasource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Seeking Fortune Elsewhere by Sindya Bhanoosource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Stories From the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofanasource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm by Laura Warrellsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. The 6:20 Man by David Baldaccisource (opens in a new tab)
  59. The Angel of Rome by Jess Waltersource (opens in a new tab)
  60. The Art of Prophecy by Wesley Chusource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Berlin Exchange by Joseph Kanonsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Book of Goose by Yiyun Lisource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk, translated by Jennifer Croftsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Bride Goes Rogue by Joanna Shupesource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osmansource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Candy House by Jennifer Egansource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramontsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Changsource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Family Izquierdo by Rubén Degolladosource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Furrows by Namwali Serpellsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Haunting of Hajji Hotak by Jamil Jan Kochaisource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Hero of This Book by Elizabeth McCrackensource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochonsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrandsource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Kingdom of Sand by Andrew Holleransource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Last Suspicious Holdout by Ladee Hubbardsource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamidsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Maid by Nita Prosesource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Marquess Makes His Move by Diana Quincysource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Pages by Hugo Hamiltonsource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Paradox Hotel by Rob Hartsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Passenger by Cormac McCarthysource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Guntysource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenezsource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Swimmers by Julie Otsukasource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The World We Make by N.K. Jemisinsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straubsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevinsource (opens in a new tab)
  89. Trust by Hernan Diazsource (opens in a new tab)
  90. Two Nights in Lisbon by Chris Pavonesource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Vladimir by Julia May Jonassource (opens in a new tab)
  92. We Had to Remove This Post by Hanna Bervoets, translated by Emma Raultsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottolinesource (opens in a new tab)
  94. When I Sing, Mountains Dance by Irene Solà, translated by Mara Faye Lethemsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhillsource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Where We End & Begin by Jane Igharosource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Witches by Brenda Lozano, translated by Heather Clearysource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Yonder by Jabari Asimsource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Young Mungo by Douglas Stuartsource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Your Nostalgia Is Killing Me by John Weirsource (opens in a new tab)

Middle Grade

  1. A Field Guide to Mermaids by Emily B. Martinsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Place to Call Home by Lauren Castillosource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Always, Clementine by Carlie Sorosiaksource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Amira & Hamza by Samira Ahmedsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig Kingsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Aviva vs. the Dybbuk by Mari Lowesource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternacksource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Brand New Boy by David Almondsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Bridges by Dan Zettwochsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Caprice by Coe Boothsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Celia Cruz by Claudia Romo Edelman and William Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Coming Up Cuban by Sonia Manzanosource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Cornbread & Poppy by Matthew Cordellsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguiresource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Different by Mónica Montañés, translated by Lawrence Schimelsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoffsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Dionysos by George O'Connorsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Dream, Annie, Dream by Waka T. Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Freestyle by Gale Galligansource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortegasource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Full of Life by Isabel Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Ghostcloud by Michael Mannsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Gigi and Ojiji by Melissa Iwaisource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Holler of the Fireflies by David Barclay Mooresource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Honey and Me by Meira Drazinsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. How to Build a Human by Pamela S. Turnersource (opens in a new tab)
  27. I Begin With Spring by Julie Dunlapsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. I Did It! by Michael Emberleysource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Isla to Island by Alexis Castellanossource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arangosource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone by Tae Kellersource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Just Harriet by Elana K. Arnoldsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Little Monarchs by Jonathan Casesource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Lolo’s Light by Liz Garton Scanlonsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Maddie and Mabel by Kari Allensource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Marshmallow Clouds by Ted Kooser and Connie Waneksource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Merci Suárez Plays It Cool by Meg Medinasource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Moonwalking by Zetta Elliott and Lyn Miller-Lachmannsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Nikhil Out Loud by Maulik Pancholysource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Northwind by Gary Paulsensource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Nowhere Better Than Here by Sarah Guillorysource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Oh, Sal by Kevin Henkessource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Omar Rising by Aisha Saeedsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Our Own Little Paradise by Marianne Kaurin, translated by Olivia Laskysource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Piece by Piece by David Aguilar and Ferran Aguilar, translated by Lawrence Schimelsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Pride by Stella Caldwellsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Reina Ramos Works It Out by Emma Otheguysource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Rewilding by David A. Steensource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Roll for Initiative by Jaime Formatosource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Seen and Unseen by Elizabeth Partridgesource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Shahrzad and the Angry King by Nahid Kazemisource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Shine on, Luz Véliz! by Rebecca Balcárcelsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Singing With Elephants by Margarita Englesource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence by Sonja Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Sky Wolf's Call by Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowingersource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Star Child by Ibi Zoboisource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Storm by Nicola Skinnersource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Swim Team by Johnnie Christmassource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Tangled Up in Nonsense by Merrill Wyattsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. The Antiracist Kid by Tiffany Jewellsource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Deadliest Hurricanes Then and Now by Deborah Hopkinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Flamingo by Guojingsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Hanmoji Handbook by Jason Li, An Xiao Mina and Jennifer 8. Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Kaya Girl by Mamle Wolosource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Language of Seabirds by Will Taylorsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvatsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Legend of the Dream Giants by Dustin Hansensource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Marvellers by Dhonielle Claytonsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhillsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Patron Thief of Bread by Lindsay Eagarsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Pear Affair by Judith Eaglesource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Polter-Ghost Problem by Betsy Uhrigsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Puffin Keeper by Michael Morpurgosource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Real Dada Mother Goose by Jon Scieszkasource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Secret Battle of Evan Pao by Wendy Wan-Long Shangsource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Secrets of the Stormforest by L.D. Lapinskisource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck by Matt Phelansource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Tryout by Christina Soontornvatsource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Turtle of Michigan by Naomi Shihab Nyesource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Woman Who Split the Atom by Marissa Mosssource (opens in a new tab)
  82. They Call Her Fregona by David Bowlessource (opens in a new tab)
  83. Those Kids From Fawn Creek by Erin Entrada Kellysource (opens in a new tab)
  84. Thunderbird by Sonia Nimr, translated by M. Lynx Qualeysource (opens in a new tab)
  85. Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls by Atinukesource (opens in a new tab)
  86. Tumble by Celia C. Pérezsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. Twig by Skottie Youngsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. Twin Cities by Jose Pimientasource (opens in a new tab)
  89. Voices of the People by Joseph Bruchacsource (opens in a new tab)
  90. We Are Wolves by Katrina Nannestadsource (opens in a new tab)
  91. We Were the Fire by Shelia P. Mosessource (opens in a new tab)
  92. We the People! by Don Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. We're in This Together by Linda Sarsoursource (opens in a new tab)
  94. What the Jaguar Told Her by Alexandra V. Méndezsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Wild Ride by Keith Calabresesource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Wildoak by C.C. Harringtonsource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Windswept by Margi Preussource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Worser by Jennifer Zieglersource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Yonder by Ali Standishsource (opens in a new tab)

Nonfiction

  1. A Billion Years by Mike Rindersource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Coastline Is an Immeasurable Thing by Mary-Alice Danielsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Heart That Works by Rob Delaneysource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Aftermath by Harald Jähner, translated by Shaun Whitesidesource (opens in a new tab)
  5. All Down Darkness Wide by Seán Hewittsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Allow Me to Retort by Elie Mystalsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Also a Poet by Ada Calhounsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. America, Goddam by Treva B. Lindseysource (opens in a new tab)
  9. American Midnight by Adam Hochschildsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. An Immense World by Ed Yongsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. And There Was Light by Jon Meachamsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Asian American Histories of the United States by Catherine Ceniza Choysource (opens in a new tab)
  13. At Home on an Unruly Planet by Madeline Ostrandersource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Aurelia, Aurélia by Kathryn Davissource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Bad Mexicans by Kelly Lytle Hernándezsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Birds and Us by Tim Birkheadsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Black Boy Smile by D. Watkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Black Joy by Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggettssource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Black Skinhead by Brandi Collins-Dextersource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Bravo Company by Ben Keslingsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Breathless by David Quammensource (opens in a new tab)
  22. By Hands Now Known by Margaret A. Burnhamsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Come to This Court & Cry by Linda Kinstlersource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Constructing a Nervous System by Margo Jeffersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Desperate Remedies by Andrew Scullsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Diary of a Misfit by Casey Parkssource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Different by Frans de Waalsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Dilla Time by Dan Charnassource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Ever Green by John W. Reid and Thomas E. Lovejoysource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Fatty Fatty Boom Boom by Rabia Chaudrysource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Feral City by Jeremiah Mosssource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Fine by Rhea Ewingsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. His Name Is George Floyd by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipasource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Homecoming by Rana Forooharsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Imagine a City by Mark Vanhoenackersource (opens in a new tab)
  36. In Love by Amy Bloomsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. In Sensorium by Tanaïssource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Indigenous Continent by Pekka Hämäläinensource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Koshersoul by Michael W. Twittysource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Lady Justice by Dahlia Lithwicksource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Legacy of Violence by Caroline Elkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Life on the Mississippi by Rinker Bucksource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Life's Work by David Milchsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Linea Nigra by Jazmina Barrera, translated by Christina MacSweeneysource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Manifesto by Bernardine Evaristosource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Memories of a Gay Catholic Boyhood by John D’Emiliosource (opens in a new tab)
  47. My Fourth Time, We Drowned by Sally Haydensource (opens in a new tab)
  48. My People by Charlayne Hunter-Gaultsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. My Seven Black Fathers by Will Jawandosource (opens in a new tab)
  50. My Three Dads by Jessa Crispinsource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Napoleon by Michael Broerssource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Nein, Nein, Nein! by Jerry Stahlsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Normal Family by Chrysta Biltonsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Putin by Philip Shortsource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Requiem for the Massacre by RJ Youngsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Russia by Antony Beevorsource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Sandy Hook by Elizabeth Williamsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Serious Face by Jon Mooallemsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Shelter by Lawrence Jacksonsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Shirley Hazzard by Brigitta Olubassource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Shy by Mary Rodgers and Jesse Greensource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Solito by Javier Zamorasource (opens in a new tab)
  63. South to America by Imani Perrysource (opens in a new tab)
  64. Stay True by Hua Hsusource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Strangers to Ourselves by Rachel Avivsource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Super-Infinite by Katherine Rundellsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Teaching White Supremacy by Donald Yacovonesource (opens in a new tab)
  68. Ted Kennedy by John A. Farrellsource (opens in a new tab)
  69. Tell Me Everything by Erika Krousesource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Abyss by Max Hastingssource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Arc of a Covenant by Walter Russell Meadsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Black Period by Hafizah Augustus Getersource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Evolution of Charles Darwin by Diana Prestonsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Facemaker by Lindsey Fitzharrissource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Fifth Act by Elliot Ackermansource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Grimkes by Kerri K. Greenidgesource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O'Rourkesource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Last Campaign by H.W. Brandssource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Mosquito Bowl by Buzz Bissingersource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Movement Made Us by David Dennis Jr. and David J. Dennis Sr.source (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Nineties by Chuck Klostermansource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Rise and Reign of the Mammals by Steve Brusattesource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Song of the Cell by Siddhartha Mukherjeesource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Storm Is Here by Luke Mogelsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Story of Russia by Orlando Figessource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Third Person by Emma Grovesource (opens in a new tab)
  87. The Trayvon Generation by Elizabeth Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  88. The Viral Underclass by Steven W. Thrashersource (opens in a new tab)
  89. The Vortex by Scott Carney and Jason Mikliansource (opens in a new tab)
  90. The White Mosque by Sofia Samatarsource (opens in a new tab)
  91. They Called Me a Lioness by Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takrurisource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Thin Places by Kerri ní Dochartaighsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Walking Gentry Home by Alora Youngsource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Watergate by Garrett M. Graffsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. What It Took to Win by Michael Kazinsource (opens in a new tab)
  96. What We Wish Were True by Tallu Schuyler Quinnsource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Why Didn't You Tell Me? by Carmen Rita Wongsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Wild New World by Dan Floressource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Woman by Lillian Fadermansource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Year of the Tiger by Alice Wongsource (opens in a new tab)

Picture Books

  1. A Blue Kind of Day by Rachel Tomlinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Day for Sandcastles by JonArno Lawsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Gift for Nana by Lane Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Kunwinjku Counting Book by Gabriel Maralngurra and Felicity Wrightsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. A Land of Books by Duncan Tonatiuhsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. A River's Gifts by Patricia Newmansource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Abuelita and Me by Leonarda Carranzasource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Action! by Meghan McCarthysource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Apple and Magnolia by Laura Gehlsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Arab Arab All Year Long! by Cathy Campersource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Beauty Woke by NoNieqa Ramossource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Because Claudette by Tracey Baptistesource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Because of You, John Lewis by Andrea Davis Pinkneysource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Berry Song by Michaela Goadesource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Big Cats by Tyus D. Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Big Truck Little Island by Chris Van Dusensource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Black Gold by Laura Obuobisource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Blue by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammondsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Book of Questions by Pablo Neruda, translated by Sara Lissa Paulsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Bumblebee Grumblebee by David Elliotsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Caves by Nell Cross Beckermansource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Celia Planted a Garden by Phyllis Root and Gary D. Schmidtsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Choosing Brave by Angela Joysource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Creepy Crayon! by Aaron Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Dark on Light by Dianne Whitesource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Digestion! The Musical by Adam Rexsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Drawing Outdoors by Jairo Buitrago, translated by Elisa Amadosource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Everything in Its Place by Pauline David-Saxsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Farmhouse by Sophie Blackallsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Fire Chief Fran by Linda Ashmansource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Forever Home by Henry Colesource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Gibberish by Young Vosource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Going Places by Tonya Boldensource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Growing an Artist by John Parrasource (opens in a new tab)
  35. H Is for Harlem by Dinah Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Honeybee Rescue by Loree Griffin Burnssource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Hope Is an Arrow by Cory McCarthysource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Hot Dog by Doug Salatisource (opens in a new tab)
  39. How We Eat by Shuli de la Fuente-Lausource (opens in a new tab)
  40. I Am Golden by Eva Chensource (opens in a new tab)
  41. If You’re a Kid Like Gavin by Gavin Grimm and Kyle Lukoffsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Jigsaw by Bob Grahamsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. João by a Thread by Roger Mello, translated by Daniel Hahnsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer and Joe Wilsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Keepunumuk by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry and Alexis Buntensource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Knight Owl by Christopher Denisesource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Lionel Poops by Eric Veillésource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Listen to the Language of the Trees by Tera Kelleysource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Lou by Breanna Carzoosource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Magnolia Flower by Zora Neale Hurstonsource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Mama's Home by Shay Youngbloodsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Marcel's Masterpiece by Jeff Macksource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Maya’s Song by Renée Watsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Mina by Matthew Forsythesource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Moonlight by Stephen Savagesource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Mushroom Lullaby by Kenneth Kraegelsource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Music Is a Rainbow by Bryan Colliersource (opens in a new tab)
  58. My Fade Is Fresh by Shauntay Grantsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. My Uncle Is Coming Tomorrow by Sebastián Santana Camargo, translated by Elisa Amadosource (opens in a new tab)
  60. No! Said Custard the Squirrel by Sergio Ruzziersource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Not Done Yet by Tameka Fryer Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Odd Birds by Laura Gehlsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Off the Wall by Theodore Taylor IIIsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. On Baba's Back by Marianne Dubucsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. One Sky by Aaron Beckersource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Paradise Sands by Levi Pinfoldsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Patchwork by Matt de la Peñasource (opens in a new tab)
  68. People Are Wild by Margaux Megancksource (opens in a new tab)
  69. Playtime for Restless Rascals by Nikki Grimessource (opens in a new tab)
  70. Powwow Day by Traci Sorellsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. Sal Boat by Thyra Hedersource (opens in a new tab)
  72. Sanctuary by Christine McDonnellsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. Sandor Katz and the Tiny Wild by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and June Jo Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  74. See You Someday Soon by Pat Zietlow Millersource (opens in a new tab)
  75. Snow Angel, Sand Angel by Lois-Ann Yamanakasource (opens in a new tab)
  76. So Much Snow by Hyunmin Parksource (opens in a new tab)
  77. Sometimes I Grumblesquinch by Rachel Vailsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. Standing in the Need of Prayer by Carole Boston Weatherfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. Still This Love Goes On by Buffy Sainte-Mariesource (opens in a new tab)
  80. Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frostsource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Circles in the Sky by Karl James Mountfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Curiosities by Zana Fraillonsource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Depth of the Lake and the Height of the Sky by Kim Jihyunsource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Faith of Elijah Cummings by Carole Boston Weatherfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Great Zapfino by Mac Barnettsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Moon From Dehradun by Shirin Shamsisource (opens in a new tab)
  87. The Rainbow Parade by Emily Neilsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. The Sun Is Late and So Is the Farmer by Philip C. Steadsource (opens in a new tab)
  89. The Talk by Alicia D. Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  90. The Universe in You by Jason Chinsource (opens in a new tab)
  91. The World Belonged to Us by Jacqueline Woodsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Tiny Dino by Deborah Freedmansource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Tomatoes in My Lunchbox by Costantia Manolisource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Two Dogs by Ian Falconersource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Tía Fortuna's New Home by Ruth Beharsource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Until Someone Listens by Estela Juarez and Lissette Normansource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Where Wonder Grows by Xelena Gonzálezsource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Will It Be Okay? by Crescent Dragonwagonsource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Yellow Dog Blues by Alice Faye Duncansource (opens in a new tab)
  101. Yes We Will by Kelly Yangsource (opens in a new tab)

Teen

  1. A Darkness at the Door by Intisar Khananisource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Girl's Guide to Love & Magic by Debbie Rigaudsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Thousand Steps Into Night by Traci Cheesource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Ain't Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  5. All My Rage by Sabaa Tahirsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. All Rise by Richard Conynghamsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Amazona by Canizales, translated by Sofía Huitrón Martínezsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Augusta Savage by Marilyn Nelsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Baby Teeth by Meg Grehansource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Beasts of Ruin by Ayana Graysource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Beating Heart Baby by Lio Minsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Big Lies by Mark Kurlanskysource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Bitter by Akwaeke Emezisource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults by Robin Wall Kimmerersource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Breathe and Count Back From Ten by Natalia Sylvestersource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Call Him Jack by Yohuru Williams and Michael G. Longsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Close-Up on War by Mary Cronk Farrellsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl by Joya Goffneysource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Crushing by Sophie Burrowssource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Destination Unknown by Bill Konigsbergsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Echoes of Grace by Guadalupe García McCallsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Family of Liars by E. Lockhartsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Four for the Road by K.J. Reillysource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Full Flight by Ashley Schumachersource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Gallant by V.E. Schwabsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph Whitesource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Heroines, Rescuers, Rabbis, Spies by Sarah Silberstein Swartzsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. High Spirits by Camille Gomera-Tavarezsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmedsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylorsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. How You Grow Wings by Rimma Onosetasource (opens in a new tab)
  32. I Miss You, I Hate This by Sara Saedisource (opens in a new tab)
  33. I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetyssource (opens in a new tab)
  34. I Was Born for This by Alice Osemansource (opens in a new tab)
  35. I'm the Girl by Courtney Summerssource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Inaugural Ballers by Andrew Maranisssource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Inheritance by Elizabeth Acevedosource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Inuunira by Brian Koonoosource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Kiss & Tell by Adib Khorramsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemoresource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Lawless Spaces by Corey Ann Haydusource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Lia and Beckett's Abracadabra by Amy Noelle Parkssource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Love From Mecca to Medina by S.K. Alisource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Love Radio by Ebony LaDellesource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Man Made Monsters by Andrea L. Rogerssource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Man O' War by Cory McCarthysource (opens in a new tab)
  47. My Good Man by Eric Gansworthsource (opens in a new tab)
  48. My Imaginary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadowssource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Notes From a Sickbed by Tessa Bruntonsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Nothing Burns as Bright as You by Ashley Woodfolksource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManussource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albertsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Our Shadows Have Claws by Yamile Saied Méndez and Amparo Ortizsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Queen of the Tiles by Hanna Alkafsource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Ready When You Are by Gary Lonesboroughsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Right Where I Left You by Julian Winterssource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Salt and Sugar by Rebecca Carvalhosource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Scout's Honor by Lily Andersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomonsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Self-Made Boys by Anna-Marie McLemoresource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Shuna's Journey by Hayao Miyazaki, translated by Alex Dudok de Witsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Socrates by Devra Lehmannsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Tasting Light by A.R. Capetta and Wade Roushsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The 9:09 Project by Mark H. Parsonssource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Arc by Ben Oliversource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Color of the Sky Is the Shape of the Heart by Chesil, translated by Takami Niedasource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Deep Blue Between by Ayesha Harruna Attahsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Devil's Music by Nathan Pagesource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Dragons Club by Cyn Bermudezsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jonessource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Epic Story of Every Living Thing by Deb Calettisource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Gaps by Leanne Hallsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Getaway by Lamar Gilessource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Ghosts of Rose Hill by R.M. Romerosource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee (Young Readers Adaptation) by David Treuersource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Last Laugh by Mindy McGinnissource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Lies We Tell by Katie Zhaosource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blumsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregorsource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin by Kip Wilsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Obsidian Butterfly by Lani Forbessource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Secrets We Keep by Cassie Gustafsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Silent Stars Go By by Sally Nichollssource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Fergusonsource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jacksonsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Words We Keep by Erin Stewartsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Acevessource (opens in a new tab)
  88. This Place Is Still Beautiful by XiXi Tiansource (opens in a new tab)
  89. Torch by Lyn Miller-Lachmannsource (opens in a new tab)
  90. Very Bad People by Kit Fricksource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Victory. Stand! by Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnessource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Wake the Bones by Elizabeth Kilcoynesource (opens in a new tab)
  93. We Are All We Have by Marina Budhossource (opens in a new tab)
  94. We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammondssource (opens in a new tab)
  95. We Weren't Looking to Be Found by Stephanie Kuehnsource (opens in a new tab)
  96. What the Fact? by Seema Yasminsource (opens in a new tab)
  97. What's Coming to Me by Francesca Padillasource (opens in a new tab)
  98. When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lambsource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Where Have All the Birds Gone? by Rebecca E. Hirschsource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Wind Daughter by Joanna Ruth Meyersource (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 2022