Best Books of the Year
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Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2023

Kirkus Reviews' Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2023 names 500 books across 5 categories. 150 of them also won or were shortlisted for an award.

Fiction

  1. A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannonsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A House for Alice by Diana Evanssource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Line in the Sand by Kevin Powerssource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A New Race of Men From Heaven by Chaitali Sensource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Absolution by Alice McDermottsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrerasource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Ana María and the Fox by Liana De la Rosasource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Beyond the Door of No Return by David Diop, translated by Sam Taylorsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Biography of X by Catherine Laceysource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Birnam Wood by Eleanor Cattonsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Blade of Dream by Daniel Abrahamsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Blaze Me a Sun by Christoffer Carlsson, translated by Rachel Willson-Broylessource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Breaking and Entering by Don Gillmorsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Bright Young Women by Jessica Knollsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomonsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyahsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Code of the Hills by Chris Offuttsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Crook Manifesto by Colson Whiteheadsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Day by Michael Cunninghamsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Dayswork by Chris Bachelder and Jennifer Habelsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Dearborn by Ghassan Zeineddinesource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Essex Dogs by Dan Jonessource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Every Man a King by Walter Mosleysource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Family Meal by Bryan Washingtonsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Fat Time by Jeffery Renard Allensource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Games and Rituals by Katherine Heinysource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Georgie, All Along by Kate Claybornsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urreasource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Good Women by Halle Hillsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Greek Lessons by Han Kang, translated by Deborah Smith and Emily Yae Wonsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Green for Danger by Christianna Brandsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Happiness Falls by Angie Kimsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Heart Sutra by Yan Lianke, translated by Carlos Rojassource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Holler, Child by LaToya Watkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  35. How to Tame a Wild Rogue by Julie Anne Longsource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Immortal Longings by Chloe Gongsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Infinity Gate by M.R. Careysource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Jana Goes Wild by Farah Heronsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Knockout by Sarah MacLeansource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Land of Milk and Honey by C Pam Zhangsource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Wardsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Lies and Sorcery by Elsa Morante, translated by Jenny McPheesource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Liquid Snakes by Stephen Kearsesource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Lone Women by Victor LaVallesource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Loot by Tania Jamessource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Lucky Dogs by Helen Schulmansource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Lucky Red by Claudia Cravenssource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Marry Me by Midnight by Felicia Grossmansource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Monica by Daniel Clowessource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Mortal Follies by Alexis Hallsource (opens in a new tab)
  51. My Work by Olga Ravn, translated by Sophia Hersi Smith and Jennifer Russellsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Night Will Find You by Julia Heaberlinsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. North Woods by Daniel Masonsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barrysource (opens in a new tab)
  55. One Last Kill by Robert Dugonisource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Promise by Rachel Eliza Griffithssource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Reykjavík by Ragnar Jónasson and Katrín Jakobsdóttir, translated by Victoria Cribbsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Ripe by Sarah Rose Ettersource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Roman Stories by Jhumpa Lahiri and Todd Portnowitz, translated by Jhumpa Lahirisource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Parksource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamedsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Sterling Karat Gold by Isabel Waidnersource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakrabortysource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Apartment by Ana Menéndezsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Armor of Light by Ken Follettsource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Bee Sting by Paul Murraysource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghesesource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Curious Lives of Nonprofit Martyrs by George Singletonsource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Deep Sky by Yume Kitaseisource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The End of Drum-Time by Hanna Pylväinensource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrandsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhonsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Great Reclamation by Rachel Hengsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBridesource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The House on via Gemito by Domenico Starnone, translated by Oonagh Stranskysource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Last Animal by Ramona Ausubelsource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Lost Americans by Christopher Bollensource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Maniac by Benjamín Labatutsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Museum of Human History by Rebekah Bergmansource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The New Earth by Jess Rowsource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The New Life by Tom Crewesource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Stolen Coast by Dwyer Murphysource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Sun Walks Down by Fiona McFarlanesource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Unsettled by Ayana Mathissource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Vulnerables by Sigrid Nunezsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The World Wasn't Ready for You by Justin C. Keysource (opens in a new tab)
  87. The Wren, the Wren by Anne Enrightsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. These Burning Stars by Bethany Jacobssource (opens in a new tab)
  89. This Is Not Miami by Fernanda Melchor, translated by Sophie Hughessource (opens in a new tab)
  90. Tom Lake by Ann Patchettsource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Translation State by Ann Leckiesource (opens in a new tab)
  92. We Are the Crisis by Cadwell Turnbullsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. We Must Not Think of Ourselves by Lauren Grodsteinsource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Wednesday's Child by Yiyun Lisource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Western Lane by Chetna Maroosource (opens in a new tab)
  96. When Trying to Return Home by Jennifer Maritza McCauleysource (opens in a new tab)
  97. White Cat, Black Dog by Kelly Linksource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Witness by Jamel Brinkleysource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Yellowface by R.F. Kuangsource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Your Love Is Not Good by Johanna Hedvasource (opens in a new tab)

Middle Grade

  1. A First Guide to Cats by John Bradshawsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A First Guide to Dogs by John Bradshawsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A First Time for Everything by Dan Santatsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Pocketful of Stars by Aisha Bushbysource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuerasource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Alone by Paul Tom, translated by Arielle Aaronsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Aniana Del Mar Jumps In by Jasminne Mendezsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmithsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Calling the Moon by Aida Salazar and Yamile Saied Méndezsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Chinese Menu by Grace Linsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Code Red by Joy McCulloughsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Coyote Queen by Jessica Vitalissource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Don't Want to Be Your Monster by Deke Moultonsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Elf Dog and Owl Head by M.T. Andersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Extra Normal by Kate Alice Marshallsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Facing the Mountain by Daniel James Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Farewell Cuba, Mi Isla by Alexandra Diazsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Flying Up the Mountain by Elizabeth-Irene Baitiesource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Forever Friends by Susan Lubnersource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Forever Twelve by Stacy McAnultysource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Ginny Off the Map by Caroline Hickeysource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Gone Wolf by Amber McBridesource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Grumbones by Jenn Bennettsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Henry, Like Always by Jenn Baileysource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Heroes of the Water Monster by Brian Lee Youngsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Hidden Truths by Elly Swartzsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Hornbeam All In by Cynthia Rylantsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. How to Make a Movie in 12 Days by Fiona Hardysource (opens in a new tab)
  31. How to Stay Invisible by Maggie C. Ruddsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Jawbreaker by Christina Wymansource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargravesource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom by Nina Varelasource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Juniper’s Christmas by Eoin Colfersource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Just Jerry by Jerry Pinkneysource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Just a Pinch of Magic by Alechia Dowsource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu by Maisie Chansource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Maggie Lou, Firefox by Arnolda Dufour Bowessource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Making More by Katherine Roysource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Mascot by Charles Waters and Traci Sorellsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Mexikid by Pedro Martínsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait by Leonard S. Marcussource (opens in a new tab)
  44. My Head Has a Bellyache by Chris Harrissource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Not an Easy Win by Chrystal D. Gilessource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Oliver's Great Big Universe by Jorge Chamsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tangsource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Pine Island Visitors by Polly Horvathsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Rain Remembers by Courtne Comriesource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Ruby Lost and Found by Christina Lisource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Salsa Magic by Letisha Marrerosource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Saving H'non by Trang Nguyễn and Jeet Zdũng, translated by Trang Nguyễn and Jeet Zdũngsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqisource (opens in a new tab)
  55. School Trip by Jerry Craftsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. See the Ghost by David LaRochellesource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Shira & Esther's Double Dream Debut by Anna E. Jordansource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bowsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Sisters of the Lost Marsh by Lucy Strangesource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arangosource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Starboard by Nicola Skinnersource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Tethered to Other Stars by Elisa Stone Leahysource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Book That No One Wanted to Read by Richard Ayoadesource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Carrefour Curse by Dianne K. Salernisource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Deep! by Lindsey Leighsource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Demon Sword Asperides by Sarah Jean Horwitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Dreamatics by Michelle Cuevassource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía by Alexandra Alessandrisource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Eyes & the Impossible by Dave Eggerssource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The House of the Lost on the Cape by Sachiko Kashiwaba, translated by Avery Fischer Udagawasource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidtsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Lost Year by Katherine Marshsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Magicians by Blexbolex, translated by Karin Snelsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayerisource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Daysource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Monkey Trial by Anita Sanchezsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Mossheart's Promise by Rebecca Mixsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Moth Keeper by K. O'Neillsource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Night Raven by Johan Rundberg, translated by A.A. Primesource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Notorious Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroudsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Ojja-Wojja by Magdalene Visaggiosource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow by Elaine Dimopoulossource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Skull by Jon Klassensource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Stars and Other Stories by Jarvissource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rexsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshirosource (opens in a new tab)
  88. The Swifts by Beth Lincolnsource (opens in a new tab)
  89. The Wheel of the Year by Fiona Cooksource (opens in a new tab)
  90. The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry by Chad Morris and Shelly Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  91. The Winterton Deception by Janet Sumner Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Tiger Daughter by Rebecca Limsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Too Small Tola Gets Tough by Atinukesource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Treasure Island by Jewell Parker Rhodessource (opens in a new tab)
  95. We Need to Talk About Vaginas by Allison K. Rodgerssource (opens in a new tab)
  96. We Still Belong by Christine Daysource (opens in a new tab)
  97. What It's Like to Be a Bird (Adapted for Young Readers) by David Allen Sibleysource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Where's Joon? by Julie Kimsource (opens in a new tab)
  99. World Made of Glass by Ami Polonskysource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends by Kaz Windnesssource (opens in a new tab)

Nonfiction

  1. A Darker Wilderness by Erin Sharkeysource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Death in Malta by Paul Caruana Galiziasource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egansource (opens in a new tab)
  4. After the Miracle by Max Wallacesource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Althea by Sally H. Jacobssource (opens in a new tab)
  6. American Gun by Cameron McWhirter and Zusha Elinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. American Inheritance by Edward J. Larsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. American Whitelash by Wesley Lowerysource (opens in a new tab)
  9. An Amerikan Family by Santi Elijah Holleysource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Anansi's Gold by Yepoka Yeebosource (opens in a new tab)
  11. And Finally by Henry Marshsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Artificial by Amy Kurzweilsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. August Wilson by Patti Hartigansource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Becoming Ella Fitzgerald by Judith Ticksource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Biography of a Phantom by Robert "Mack" McCormicksource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Birchers by Matthew Dalleksource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Biting the Hand by Julia Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Black Af History by Michael Harriotsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Bootstrapped by Alissa Quartsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Breaking Through by Katalin Karikósource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Brothers by Nico Slatesource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Chinese Prodigal by David Shihsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Creep by Myriam Gurbasource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Crossings by Ben Goldfarbsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Deadly Quiet City by Murong Xuecunsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Elon Musk by Walter Isaacsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Empireland by Sathnam Sangherasource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant by Curtis Chinsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Everything/Nothing/Someone by Alice Carrièresource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Fashion Killa by Sowmya Krishnamurthysource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Fatherland by Burkhard Bilgersource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Fieldwork by Iliana Regansource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Founding Partisans by H.W. Brandssource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Good Girls by Hadley Freemansource (opens in a new tab)
  36. How Not to Be a Politician by Rory Stewartsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. How Not to Kill Yourself by Clancy Martinsource (opens in a new tab)
  38. How to Be by Adam Nicolsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclairsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Keysource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Impossible People by Julia Wertzsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. King by Jonathan Eigsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Larry McMurtry by Tracy Daughertysource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Lou Reed by Will Hermessource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Maestros & Monsters by Robert Boyerssource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woosource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Monsters by Claire Dederersource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Mott Street by Ava Chinsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Ocme by Bruce Goldfarbsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. On Great Fields by Ronald C. Whitesource (opens in a new tab)
  51. On Marriage by Devorah Baumsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Ordinary Notes by Christina Sharpesource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Orphan Bachelors by Fae Myenne Ngsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Our Migrant Souls by Héctor Tobarsource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Palo Alto by Malcolm Harrissource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Quartet by Leah Broadsource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Radical by Nature by James T. Costasource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Red Memory by Tania Branigansource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Rikers by Graham Rayman and Reuven Blausource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Rivermouth by Alejandra Olivasource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Say the Right Thing by Kenji Yoshino and David Glasgowsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Skinfolk by Matthew Pratt Guterlsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Sleeping With the Ancestors by Joseph McGill Jr. and Herb Fraziersource (opens in a new tab)
  64. Sonic Life by Thurston Mooresource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Spies by Calder Waltonsource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Stewdio by Chuck Dsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The 272 by Rachel L. Swarnssource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Best Minds by Jonathan Rosensource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Cost of Free Land by Rebecca Clarrensource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Dead Are Gods by Eirinie Carsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Declassification Engine by Matthew Connellysource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Exceptions by Kate Zernikesource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Great White Bard by Farah Karim-Coopersource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Humanity Archive by Jermaine Fowlersource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Hungry Season by Lisa M. Hamiltonsource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Last Island by Adam Goodheartsource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Long Reckoning by George Blacksource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The People's Hospital by Ricardo Nuilasource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Picnic by Matthew Longosource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Rooster House by Victoria Belimsource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Story of Art Without Men by Katy Hesselsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Sullivanians by Alexander Stillesource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Talk by Darrin Bellsource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Teachers by Alexandra Robbinssource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Times by Adam Nagourneysource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Upside-Down World by Benjamin Mosersource (opens in a new tab)
  87. The Wager by David Grannsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. The West by Naoíse Mac Sweeneysource (opens in a new tab)
  89. The Wise Hours by Miriam Darlingtonsource (opens in a new tab)
  90. The World by Simon Sebag Montefioresource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Trans Children in Today's Schools by Aidan Keysource (opens in a new tab)
  92. True West by Robert Greenfieldsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Twist by Adele Berteisource (opens in a new tab)
  94. We May Dominate the World by Sean A. Mirskisource (opens in a new tab)
  95. We've Got You Covered by Liran Einav and Amy Finkelsteinsource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Weathering by Arline T. Geronimussource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Winnie and Nelson by Jonny Steinbergsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Women We Buried, Women We Burned by Rachel Louise Snydersource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Worm by Edel Rodriguezsource (opens in a new tab)
  100. You Have to Be Prepared to Die Before You Can Begin to Live by Paul Kixsource (opens in a new tab)

Picture Books

  1. 9 Kilometers by Claudio Aguilera, translated by Lawrence Schimelsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Letter for Bob by Kim Rogerssource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Place Called America by Jennifer Thermessource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimessource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Afterward, Everything Was Different by Jairo Buitrago, translated by Elisa Amadosource (opens in a new tab)
  6. All Aboard the Schooltrain by Glenda Armandsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. An American Story by Kwame Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Ancestory by Hannah Salyersource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Ancient Night by David Álvarez and David Bowlessource (opens in a new tab)
  10. At the Drop of a Cat by Élise Fontenaille, translated by Karin Snelson and Emilie Robert Wongsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Awake, Asleep by Kyle Lukoffsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Big by Vashti Harrisonsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Bing! Bang! Chugga! Beep! by Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Boyogi by David Barclay Mooresource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Breaking to the Beat! by Linda J. Acevedosource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Bridges by Marc Majewskisource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Contenders by Traci Sorellsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Corner by Zo-O, translated by Ellen Jangsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Darwin's Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular by Polly Owensource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Desert Jungle by Jeannie Bakersource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Desert Queen by Jyoti Rajan Gopalsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Do You Remember? by Sydney Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Dream Big, Laugh Often by Hanoch Piven and Shira Hecht-Kollersource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Evergreen by Matthew Cordellsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Every Dreaming Creature by Brendan Wenzelsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Everybody Has a Body by Molli Jackson Ehlertsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Friends Beyond Measure by Lalena Fishersource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Glitter Everywhere! by Chris Bartonsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Greenlight by Breanna Carzoosource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Holding Her Own by Traci N. Toddsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. How Do You Spell Unfair? by Carole Boston Weatherfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnettsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. How This Book Got Red by Margaret Chiu Greaniassource (opens in a new tab)
  34. How to Write a Poem by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaidosource (opens in a new tab)
  35. In Between by April Pulley Sayre and Jeff Sayresource (opens in a new tab)
  36. I’m From by Gary R. Gray Jr.source (opens in a new tab)
  37. Jovita Wore Pants by Aida Salazarsource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Jump In! by Shadra Stricklandsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Jumper by Jessica Lanansource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Like Lava in My Veins by Derrick Barnes and Adriano Lucassource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Little Land by Diana Sudykasource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Martina Has Too Many Tías by Emma Otheguysource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Mole Is Not Alone by Maya Tatsukawasource (opens in a new tab)
  44. My Baba's Garden by Jordan Scottsource (opens in a new tab)
  45. My Powerful Hair by Carole Lindstromsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Swordersource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wyntersource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Not He or She, I'm Me by A.M. Wildsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rexsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. On the Tip of a Wave by Joanna Hosource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin and Kate Messnersource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Papa's Home by David Somansource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock by Jesús Trejosource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Penny & Pip by Candace Flemingsource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Remember by Joy Harjosource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Remembering by Xelena Gonzálezsource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll! by Tonya Boldensource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelowsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Taborsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Something, Someday by Amanda Gormansource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Sometimes It's Nice to Be Alone by Amy Hestsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Spanish Is the Language of My Family by Michael Genhartsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Stars of the Night by Caren Stelsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. Stickler Loves the World by Lane Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Stranded! by Ævar Þór Benediktssonsource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Summer Is for Cousins by Rajani LaRoccasource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Ten-Word Tiny Tales by Joseph Coelhosource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Amazing and True Story of Tooth Mouse Pérez by Ana Cristina Herreros, translated by Sara Lissa Paulsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Artivist by Nikkolas Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Bear and the Wildcat by Kazumi Yumoto, translated by Cathy Hiranosource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Book of Turtles by Sy Montgomerysource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Concrete Garden by Bob Grahamsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Courage of the Little Hummingbird by Leah Hendersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Fire of Stars by Kirsten W. Larsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Gentle Genius of Trees by Philip Buntingsource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Good Hair Day by Christian Trimmersource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Green Piano by Roberta Flack and Tonya Boldensource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Hospital Book by Lisa Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Indestructible Tom Crean by Jennifer Thermessource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Masjid Kamal Loves by Ashley Franklinsource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savagesource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Shade Tree by Suzy Lee, translated by Helen Mixtersource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Shape of You by Mượn Thị Vănsource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Tree and the River by Aaron Beckersource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Voice in the Hollow by Will Hillenbrandsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Walk by Winsome Binghamsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. The World's Best Class Plant by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernicksource (opens in a new tab)
  88. There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  89. To the Other Side by Erika Mezasource (opens in a new tab)
  90. Together We Swim by Valerie Bollingsource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Tomfoolery! by Michelle Markelsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. We Are Here by Tami Charlessource (opens in a new tab)
  93. We Are Lions! by Jens Mattsson, translated by B.J. Woodsteinsource (opens in a new tab)
  94. We Go Way Back by Idan Ben-Baraksource (opens in a new tab)
  95. What Happened to You? by James Catchpolesource (opens in a new tab)
  96. When You Can Swim by Jack Wongsource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Yellow Butterfly by Oleksandr Shatokhinsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Yoshi, Sea Turtle Genius by Lynne Coxsource (opens in a new tab)
  99. You and the Bowerbird by Maria Gianferrarisource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Zora, the Story Keeper by Ebony Joy Wilkinssource (opens in a new tab)

Teen

  1. A Door in the Dark by Scott Reintgensource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Long Stretch of Bad Days by Mindy McGinnissource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Long Time Coming by Ray Anthony Shepardsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. All That It Ever Meant by Blessing Musaririsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. All These Sunken Souls by Circe Moskowitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. All You Have to Do by Autumn Allensource (opens in a new tab)
  7. All the Fighting Parts by Hannah V. Sawyerrsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. All the Things We Never Said by Yasmin Rahmansource (opens in a new tab)
  9. America Redux by Ariel Aberg-Rigersource (opens in a new tab)
  10. An Appetite for Miracles by Laekan Zea Kempsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. An Echo in the City by K.X. Songsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. And Don't Look Back by Rebecca Barrowsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Before the Devil Knows You're Here by Autumn Krausesource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsallsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Champion of Fate by Kendare Blakesource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Charming Young Man by Eliot Schrefersource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwoodsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. City of Nightmares by Rebecca Schaeffersource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Cold Girls by Maxine Raesource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Courage to Dream by Neal Shustermansource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Delicious Monsters by Liselle Samburysource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Different for Boys by Patrick Nesssource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Emmett by L.C. Rosensource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Finding My Elf by David Valdessource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Fire From the Sky by Moa Backe Åstot, translated by Eva Apelqvistsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Forever Is Now by Mariama J. Lockingtonsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. From Here by Luma Muflehsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Funeral Songs for Dying Girls by Cherie Dimalinesource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Gather by Kenneth M. Cadowsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Gay Club! by Simon James Greensource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Good as Gold by Candace Bufordsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by Linda Chengsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbertsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Hungry Ghost by Victoria Yingsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. I Am Not Alone by Francisco X. Storksource (opens in a new tab)
  36. I'll Take Everything You Have by James Klisesource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertallisource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Impossible Escape by Steve Sheinkinsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim by Patricia Parksource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Into the Bright Open by Cherie Dimalinesource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Into the Light by Mark Oshirosource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Invisible Son by Kim Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Iron Wolf by Siri Pettersen, translated by Tara Chacesource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Just a Hat by S. Khubiarsource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Look on the Bright Side by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemannsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Mage and the Endless Unknown by SJ Millersource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Messenger by Marc Bernardinsource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Mindwalker by Kate Dylansource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Money Out Loud by Berna Anatsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Monstrous by Sarah Myersource (opens in a new tab)
  51. More Than a Dream by Yohuru Williams and Michael G. Longsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. My Flawless Life by Yvonne Woonsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. No One Left but You by Tash McAdamsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemiansource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Pedro & Daniel by Federico Erebiasource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Phoebe's Diary by Phoebe Wahlsource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Plan A by Deb Calettisource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Promise Boys by Nick Brookssource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Saints of the Household by Ari Tisonsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Salt the Water by Candice Ilohsource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Savage Her Reply by Deirdre Sullivansource (opens in a new tab)
  62. She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Transource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burtonsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. Sinner's Isle by Angela Montoyasource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Some Shall Break by Ellie Marneysource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Spin by Rebecca Caprarasource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Star Splitter by Matthew J. Kirbysource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Blackwoods by Brandy Colbertsource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Blood Years by Elana K. Arnoldsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Buried and the Bound by Rochelle Hassansource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Davenports by Krystal Marquissource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdarsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Eternal Return of Clara Hart by Louise Finchsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Fall of Whit Rivera by Crystal Maldonadosource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be by Shannon Gibneysource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Grimoire of Grave Fates by Hanna Alkaf and Margaret Owensource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Love Match by Priyanka Taslimsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Moonlit Vine by Elizabeth Santiagosource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Narrow by Kate Alice Marshallsource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Next New Syrian Girl by Ream Shukairysource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Prince & the Coyote by David Bowlessource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph Whitesource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Sum of Us (Adapted for Young Readers) by Heather McGheesource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Voice Upstairs by Laura E. Weymouthsource (opens in a new tab)
  85. This Cursed Light by Emily Thiedesource (opens in a new tab)
  86. This Delicious Death by Kayla Cottinghamsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. Those Pink Mountain Nights by Jen Fergusonsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. Throwback by Maurene Goosource (opens in a new tab)
  89. Transmogrify! by g. haron davissource (opens in a new tab)
  90. Under This Forgetful Sky by Lauren Yerosource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Unnecessary Drama by Nina Kenwoodsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Unraveller by Frances Hardingesource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulleysource (opens in a new tab)
  94. We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBridesource (opens in a new tab)
  95. When Ghosts Call Us Home by Katya de Becerrasource (opens in a new tab)
  96. When It All Syncs Up by Maya Ameyawsource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrestsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Wings in the Wild by Margarita Englesource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Writing in Color by Nafiza Azad and Melody Simpsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  100. You by Ruta Sepetyssource (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 2023