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Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2025

Kirkus Reviews' Kirkus Best Books of the Year 2025 names 500 books across 5 categories. 60 of them also won or were shortlisted for an award.

Fiction

  1. A Gorgeous Excitement by Cynthia Weinersource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdarsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana Herrerasource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A/S/L by Jeanne Thorntonsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Are You Happy? by Lori Ostlundsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Atavists by Lydia Milletsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Audition by Katie Kitamurasource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Aunt Tigress by Emily Yu-Xuan Qinsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Beartooth by Callan Winksource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Brother Brontë by Fernando A. Floressource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Bug Hollow by Michelle Hunevensource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Buried Above Ground by Mike Ripleysource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwabsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryansource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Chaos by Constance Faysource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Clown Town by Mick Herronsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Culpability by Bruce Holsingersource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddinsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichiesource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Engines of War by R.S. Fordsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Evensong by Stewart O'Nansource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Female Fantasy by Iman Hariri-Kiasource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Flashlight by Susan Choisource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Flesh by David Szalaysource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Fog and Fury by Rachel Howzell Hallsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Fonseca by Jessica Francis Kanesource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Fresh, Green Life by Sebastian Castillosource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Gaysians by Mike Curatosource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Great Black Hope by Rob Franklinsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Heart the Lover by Lily Kingsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. House of Day, House of Night by Olga Tokarczuk, translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jonessource (opens in a new tab)
  33. How to Dodge a Cannonball by Dennard Daylesource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Hunchback by Saou Ichikawa, translated by Polly Bartonsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. I Gave You Eyes and You Looked Toward Darkness by Irene Solà, translated by Mara Faye Lethemsource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Isola by Allegra Goodmansource (opens in a new tab)
  37. It Had to Be Him by Adib Khorramsource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Katabasis by R.F. Kuangsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. King of Ashes by S.A. Cosbysource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vastisource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Lessons in Magic and Disaster by Charlie Jane Anderssource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Make Your Way Home by Carrie R. Mooresource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Marguerite by the Lake by Mary Dixie Cartersource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Martha's Daughter by David Haynessource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Minor Black Figures by Brandon Taylorsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Moderation by Elaine Castillosource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Murder Takes a Vacation by Laura Lippmansource (opens in a new tab)
  48. North Sun by Ethan Rutherfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Old School Indian by Aaron John Curtissource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Once Was Willem by M.R. Careysource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Palaver by Bryan Washingtonsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. People Like Us by Jason Mottsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Pick a Color by Souvankham Thammavongsasource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthewssource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Sacrament by Susan Straightsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Sons and Daughters by Chaim Grade, translated by Rose Waldmansource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Spent by Alison Bechdelsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. The Antidote by Karen Russellsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garciasource (opens in a new tab)
  60. The Blackfire Blade by James Logansource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgeysource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jonessource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Wardsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumbsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Dentist by Tim Sullivansource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Director by Daniel Kehlmann, translated by Ross Benjaminsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalamisource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Earl That Got Away by Diana Quincysource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuongsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Hounding by Xenobe Purvissource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Isle in the Silver Sea by Tasha Surisource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Lack of Light by Nino Haratischwili, translated by Charlotte Collins and Ruth Martinsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Librarians by Sherry Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvatersource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desaisource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Man Who Died Seven Times by Yasuhiko Nishizawa, translated by Jesse Kirkwoodsource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Missing Kidney by Maxine Rosalersource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Old Man by the Sea by Domenico Starnone, translated by Oonagh Stranskysource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Pelican Child by Joy Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Slip by Lucas Schaefersource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachmansource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Wax Child by Olga Ravn, translated by Martin Aitkensource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Wayfinder by Adam Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudessource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Wilderness by Angela Flournoysource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Words of Dr. L by Karen E. Bendersource (opens in a new tab)
  87. Theft by Abdulrazak Gurnahsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLeansource (opens in a new tab)
  89. Thrilled to Death by Lynne Tillmansource (opens in a new tab)
  90. Twist by Colum McCannsource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Unlikely Story by Ali Rosensource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Unloved by Peyton Corinnesource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngartsource (opens in a new tab)
  94. We Do Not Part by Han Kang, translated by e. yaewon and Paige Aniyah Morrissource (opens in a new tab)
  95. We Loved to Run by Stephanie Reentssource (opens in a new tab)
  96. What We Can Know by Ian McEwansource (opens in a new tab)
  97. When We Were Real by Daryl Gregorysource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghysource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Will There Ever Be Another You by Patricia Lockwoodsource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Wreck by Catherine Newmansource (opens in a new tab)

Middle Grade

  1. A Little Too Haunted by Justine Pucella Winanssource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A World Worth Saving by Kyle Lukoffsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Adi of Boutanga by Alain Serge Dzotap, translated by Alain Serge Dzotapsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship by Shifa Saltagi Safadisource (opens in a new tab)
  6. An Immense World (Young Readers Edition) by Ed Yongsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Bad Badger by Maryrose Woodsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Beasts by Ingvild Bjerkeland, translated by Rosie Hedgersource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Bibsy Cross and the Time Capsule by Liz Garton Scanlonsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Bird of a Thousand Stories by Kiyash Monsefsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Brianna Banana, Helper of the Day by Lana Buttonsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Cabin Head and Tree Head by Scott Campbellsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Chickenpox by Remy Laisource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Cincinnati Lee, Curse Breaker by Heidi Heiligsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Coach by Jason Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Confessions From the Group Chat by Jodi Meadowssource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Danilo Was Here by Tamika Burgesssource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Dead Ends! by Lindsey Fitzharris and Adrian Tealsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Dear Jackie by Jessixa Bagleysource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Defanged by H.E. Edgmonsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Displaced by Patrick Ochiengsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Dream On by Shannon Halesource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Earthrise by Leonard S. Marcussource (opens in a new tab)
  24. El Niño by Pam Muñoz Ryansource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Finding Lost by Holly Goldberg Sloansource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Fresh Start by Gale Galligansource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Giant by Judith McQuoidsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Graciela in the Abyss by Meg Medinasource (opens in a new tab)
  29. How the Word Is Passed (Adapted for Young Readers) by Clint Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyaressource (opens in a new tab)
  31. I'm a Dumbo Octopus! by Anne Lambeletsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. It's About Time! by Don Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. It's All or Nothing, Vale by Andrea Beatriz Arangosource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams by Katherine Patersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Lone Wolf Goes to the Library by Kiah Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Maggie Lou Meets Her Match by Arnolda Dufour Bowessource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Max in the Land of Lies by Adam Gidwitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Monkey King and the World of Myths by Maple Lamsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. My Presentation Today Is About the Anaconda by Bibi Dumon Tak, translated by Nancy Forest-Fliersource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Night Chef by Mika Songsource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Nightmare Jones by Shannon Bramersource (opens in a new tab)
  42. No Purchase Necessary by Maria Marianayagamsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Oasis by Guojingsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Okchundang Candy by Jung-soon Go, translated by Aerin Parksource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Omnibird by Giselle Clarksonsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garciasource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Orris and Timble by Kate DiCamillosource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Outside by Jennifer L. Holmsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Outsider Kids by Betty C. Tangsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Partypooper by Jeff Kinneysource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegatesource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Rick Kotani's 400 Million Dollar Summer by Waka T. Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Scarlet Morning by ND Stevensonsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Scattergood by H.M. Bouwmansource (opens in a new tab)
  55. School Dance by Sarah Saxsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Sea Legs by Jules Bakessource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Seabird by Michelle Kadarusmansource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Secrets of the Purple Pearl by Kate McKinnonsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Seeds of Discovery by Lori Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  60. The Best Worst Summer of Esme Sun by Wendy Wan-Long Shangsource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Boy Who Lived in a Shell by John Himmelmansource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloudsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Dirt! by Lindsey Leighsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Doomsday Detectives by Cindy Jenson-Elliottsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Edge of the Silver Sea by Alex Mullarkysource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Five Wolves by Peter McCartysource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Forest of a Thousand Eyes by Frances Hardingesource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Freedom Seeker by Ruchira Guptasource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Garden Just Beyond by Lindsey Leavittsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace Linsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze by Derrick Barnessource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Ink Witch by Steph Cherrywellsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Island of Forgotten Gods by Victor Piñeirosource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Last Ember by Lily Berlin Doddsource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Last Resort by Erin Entrada Kellysource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang by Stan Yansource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls by Judith Rossellsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glasersource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Peach Thief by Linda Joan Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Floressource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundellsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Reel Wish by Yamile Saied Méndezsource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Sky Was My Blanket by Uri Shulevitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Stolen Songbird by Judith Eaglesource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Story of Gumluck and the Heroes by Adam Rexsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Strongest Heart by Saadia Faruqisource (opens in a new tab)
  87. The Summer of the Bone Horses by Virginia Driving Hawk Snevesource (opens in a new tab)
  88. The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayerisource (opens in a new tab)
  89. The Trouble With Heroes by Kate Messnersource (opens in a new tab)
  90. The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartmansource (opens in a new tab)
  91. The Unlikely Aventuras of Ramón and El Cucuy by Donna Barba Higuerasource (opens in a new tab)
  92. The Village Beyond the Mist by Sachiko Kashiwaba, translated by Avery Fischer Udagawasource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Troubling Tonsils! by Aaron Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbittsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Weird Sad and Silent by Alison McGheesource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Will's Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodessource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Words With Wings and Magic Things by Matthew Burgesssource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Xolo by Donna Barba Higuerasource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Yoli's Favorite Things by Patricia Santanasource (opens in a new tab)
  100. You Were Made for This World by Stephanie Sinclair and Sara Sinclairsource (opens in a new tab)

Nonfiction

  1. 38 Londres Street by Philippe Sandssource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Flower Traveled in My Blood by Haley Cohen Gillilandsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirstsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Year With the Seals by Alix Morrissource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Aflame by Pico Iyersource (opens in a new tab)
  7. America, América by Greg Grandinsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. American Scare by Robert W. Fieselersource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Art Work by Sally Mannsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Articulate by Rachel Kolbsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Awake by Jen Hatmakersource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Bad Company by Megan Greenwellsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Baldwin by Nicholas Boggssource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Banished Citizens by Marla A. Ramírezsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Black Moses by Caleb Gaylesource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Black in Blues by Imani Perrysource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Blank Space by W. David Marxsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Blessings and Disasters by Alexis Okeowosource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Book of Lives by Margaret Atwoodsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Born in Flames by Bench Ansfieldsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. By the Second Spring by Danielle Leavittsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Capitalism by Sven Beckertsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Claire McCardell by Elizabeth Evitts Dickinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Dark Renaissance by Stephen Greenblattsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Dead and Alive by Zadie Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Dinner With King Tut by Sam Keansource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Do Admit by Mimi Pondsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Eminent Jews by David Denbysource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Empty Vessel by Ian Kumekawasource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Flashes of Brilliance by Anika Burgesssource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Girl on Girl by Sophie Gilbertsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Girls Play Dead by Jen Percysource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Goliath's Curse by Luke Kempsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Hotshot by River Selbysource (opens in a new tab)
  35. How to Be Well by Amy Laroccasource (opens in a new tab)
  36. How to Cook a Coyote by Betty Fussellsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNallysource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlanesource (opens in a new tab)
  39. John & Paul by Ian Lesliesource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Joyride by Susan Orleansource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Kicking the Hornet's Nest by Daniel E. Zoughbiesource (opens in a new tab)
  42. King of Kings by Scott Andersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Languages of Home by John Edgar Widemansource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Lorne by Susan Morrisonsource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Love and Need by Adam Plunkettsource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Mailman by Stephen Starring Grantsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Mark Twain by Ron Chernowsource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Matriarch by Tina Knowles and Kevin Carr O'Learysource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Memorial Days by Geraldine Brookssource (opens in a new tab)
  50. More Everything Forever by Adam Beckersource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Mother Emanuel by Kevin Sacksource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roysource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Murderland by Caroline Frasersource (opens in a new tab)
  54. No Sense in Wishing by Lawrence Burneysource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Paper Girl by Beth Macysource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Raising Hare by Chloe Daltonsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Red Scare by Clay Risensource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Replaceable You by Mary Roachsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Searches by Vauhini Varasource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Shadow Cell by Andrew Bustamante and Jihi Bustamantesource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Shattered by Hanif Kureishisource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Splendid Liberators by Joe Jacksonsource (opens in a new tab)
  64. Strangers in the Land by Michael Luosource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Taking Manhattan by Russell Shortosource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Talk to Me by Rich Benjaminsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Afghans by Åsne Seierstad, translated by Seán Kinsellasource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Afterlife of Malcolm X by Mark Whitakersource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Autobiography of H. Lan Thao Lam by Lana Linsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Beast in the Clouds by Nathalia Holtsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The CIA Book Club by Charlie Englishsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Conjuring of America by Lindsey Stewartsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Fate of the Day by Rick Atkinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Golden Hour by Matthew Specktorsource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Golden Road by William Dalrymplesource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The History of Money by David McWilliamssource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Intermediaries by Brandy Schillacesource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Killing Fields of East New York by Stacy Hornsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Life and Poetry of Frank Stanford by James McWilliamssource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Mission by Tim Weinersource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Next One Is for You by Ali Watkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Philosopher in the Valley by Michael Steinbergersource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Right of the People by Osita Nwanevusource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Running Ground by Nicholas Thompsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  85. The Tragedy of True Crime by John J. Lennonsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. The Waterbearers by Sasha Bonétsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. Their Accomplices Wore Robes by Brando Simeo Starkeysource (opens in a new tab)
  88. Things Become Other Things by Craig Modsource (opens in a new tab)
  89. Things in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Lisource (opens in a new tab)
  90. This Unruly Witness by Lauren Muller, Becky Thompson, Dominique C. Hill and Durell M. Calliersource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Three or More Is a Riot by Jelani Cobbsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. To Lose a War by Jon Lee Andersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Toni at Random by Dana A. Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Tonight in Jungleland by Peter Ames Carlinsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Troublemaker by Carla Kaplansource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Ubac and Me by Cédric Sapin-Defour, translated by Adriana Huntersource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Water Mirror Echo by Jeff Changsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. We Should All Be Birds by Brian Buckbee and Carol Ann Fitzgeraldsource (opens in a new tab)
  99. When It All Burns by Jordan Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  100. When You Listen to This Song by Lola Lafon, translated by Lauren Elkinsource (opens in a new tab)

Picture Books

  1. A Book of Maps for You by Lourdes Heuersource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Line Can Go Anywhere by Caroline McAlistersource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Place for Us by James E. Ransomesource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Aggie and the Ghost by Matthew Forsythesource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka Con La Papa by Sara Andrea Fajardosource (opens in a new tab)
  6. And She Was Loved by Andrea Davis Pinkneysource (opens in a new tab)
  7. And They Walk On by Kevin Maillardsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Anything by Rebecca Steadsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Astro by Manuel Marsol, translated by Lizzie Davissource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Balloon by Bruce Handysource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Before I Lived Here by Stacy S. Jensensource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Big Enough by Regina Linkesource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Big Family Beach Day by Nina Crewssource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Blue by Suzanne Kaufmansource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Broken by X. Fangsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Caboose by Travis Jonkersource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Cat Nap by Brian Liessource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Ceecee by Shana Kellersource (opens in a new tab)
  19. City Summer, Country Summer by Kiese Laymonsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Taborsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Croco by Azul López, translated by Kit Maudesource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Dawn by Marc Martinsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Dear Acorn (Love, Oak) by Joyce Sidmansource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Every Monday Mabel by Jashar Awansource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Everybelly by Thao Lamsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Everyday Bean by Stephanie Graeginsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Firefly Song by Colleen Paeffsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Fireworks by Matthew Burgesssource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Fish Fry Friday by Winsome Binghamsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Five Little Friends by Sean Taylorsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. For a Girl Becoming by Joy Harjosource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Go Tell It by Quartez Harrissource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Go, Sloth, Go! by Toni Yulysource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Home by Matt de la Peñasource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Home Is a Wish by Julia Kuosource (opens in a new tab)
  37. How Sweet the Sound by Kwame Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  38. How We Love by Kati Douglas and Ashley Jeffersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Hurricane by Jason Chinsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. I Am We by Leslie Barnard Boothsource (opens in a new tab)
  41. I Would Give You My Tail by Tanya Tagaqsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. I'm Like a Tree and a Tree's Like Me by Sylvaine Jaoui, translated by Claudia Zoe Bedricksource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Island Storm by Brian Flocasource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Jim! by Jerrold Connorssource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Late Today by Jungyoon Huh, translated by Aerin Parksource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Let's Be Bees by Shawn Harrissource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Midnight Motorbike by Maureen Shay Tajsarsource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Mistaco by Eliza Kinkzsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Moon Song by Michaela Goadesource (opens in a new tab)
  50. My Home Is in My Backpack by Eugenia Perrella, translated by Sally Polsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Night Light by Michael Emberleysource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Nightsong by Sally Soweol Hansource (opens in a new tab)
  53. One Can by Lana Button and Eric Walterssource (opens in a new tab)
  54. One Day in June by Tourmalinesource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Our Lake by Angie Kangsource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Papilio by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor and Andy Chou Mussersource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Pencil by Hye-Eun Kimsource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Pilgrim Codex by Vivian Mansour, translated by Carlos Rodríguez Cortezsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Popo the Xolo by Paloma Angelina Lopezsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Raven's Ribbons by Tasha Spillettsource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Recess by Lane Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Safe Crossing by Kari Percivalsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Shibu's Tail by Tess Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  64. Smash, Crash, Topple, Roll! by Catherine Thimmeshsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Some of Us by Rajani LaRoccasource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Stalactite & Stalagmite by Drew Beckmeyersource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Sunday by Marcelo Tolentino, translated by Rahul Berysource (opens in a new tab)
  68. Sundust by Zeke Peñasource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice by Amy Alznauersource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Gift of the Great Buffalo by Carole Lindstromsource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The History of We by Nikkolas Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The House That Floated by Guojingsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahisource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Invisible Parade by Leigh Bardugosource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Keeper of Stories by Caroline Kusin Pritchardsource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Littlest Drop by Sascha Alpersource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Moving Book by Lisa Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Music Inside Us by James Howesource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Peanut Man by Carmen Agra Deedysource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Polar Bear and the Ballerina by Eric Velasquezsource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbors by Chloe Savagesource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole by Cecilia Heikkilä, translated by Polly Lawsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle by Sy Montgomerysource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Witch in the Tower by Júlia Sardàsource (opens in a new tab)
  85. This Is Orange by Rachel Poliquinsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. This Year, a Witch! by Zoey Abbottsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. To See an Owl by Matthew Cordellsource (opens in a new tab)
  88. To Walk the Sky by Patricia Morris Buckleysource (opens in a new tab)
  89. Together, United (An All Because You Matter Book) by Tami Charlessource (opens in a new tab)
  90. Tuck Me In! by Nathan W. Pylesource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Tíos and Primos by Jacqueline Alcántarasource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Vida by Duncan Tonatiuhsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. We Are the Scrappy Ones by Rebekah Taussigsource (opens in a new tab)
  94. We Are the Wibbly by Sarah Tagholmsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. When Alexander Graced the Table by Alexander Smalls and Denene Millnersource (opens in a new tab)
  96. When I Hear Spirituals by Cheryl Willis Hudsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Where Are You, Brontë? by Tomie dePaolasource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Where the Deer Slip Through by Katey Howessource (opens in a new tab)
  99. You and Me, Anemone by Rachel Vailsource (opens in a new tab)
  100. Your Forest by Jon Klassensource (opens in a new tab)

Teen

  1. (S)kin by Ibi Zoboisource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe by Mahogany L. Brownesource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Girl Walks Into the Forest by Madeleine Rouxsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Most Perilous World by Kristina R. Gaddysource (opens in a new tab)
  5. A Time Traveler's History of Tomorrow by Kendall Kulpersource (opens in a new tab)
  6. A Touch of Blood by Sajni Patelsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guinsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. All the Tomorrows After by Joanne Yisource (opens in a new tab)
  9. American Spirits by Barb Rosenstocksource (opens in a new tab)
  10. And the River Drags Her Down by Jihyun Yunsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. And the Trees Stare Back by Gigi Griffissource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyensource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Bad in the Blood by Matteo L. Cerillisource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Ban This! by Christina Ellis, Renee Ellis, Edha Gupta, Ben Hodge, Patricia A. Jackson and Olivia Pituchsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Banned Together by Ashley Hope Pérezsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Beast by Richard Van Campsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Beautiful Brutal Bodies by Linda Chengsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Butterfly Heart by Moa Backe Åstot, translated by Agnes Broomésource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Clementine by Tillie Waldensource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Come Home to My Heart by Riley Redgatesource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Cope Field by T.L. Simpsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Dan in Green Gables by Rey Tercierosource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Daughter of the Underworld by Katharine Corr and Elizabeth Corrsource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Death in the Jungle by Candace Flemingsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Dropping Beats by Nathanael Lessoresource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Fall of the Fireflies by Guadalupe García McCallsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Fascinating Fungi by Karen Latchana Kenneysource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Fight Aids! by Michael G. Longsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Firebird by Elizabeth Weinsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Flip by Ngozi Ukazusource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Hazelthorn by CG Drewssource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murraysource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Holy Terrors by Margaret Owensource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Honeysuckle and Bone by Trisha Tobiassource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Huda F Wants to Know? by Huda Fahmysource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Hyo the Hellmaker by Mina Ikemoto Ghoshsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. I Am the Swarm by Hayley Chewinssource (opens in a new tab)
  38. I Wish I Didn't Have to Tell You This by Eugene Yelchinsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by Mariama J. Lockingtonsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. K-Jane by Lydia Kangsource (opens in a new tab)
  41. King of the Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwinsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Legendary Frybread Drive-In by Cynthia Leitich Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Love Craves Cardamom by Aashna Avachatsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Love at Full Tilt by Jenny L. Howesource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Malcolm Lives! by Ibram X. Kendisource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Mercy by Patricia Wardsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. My Fair Monster by Adrienne Riverasource (opens in a new tab)
  48. My Perfect Family by Khadijah VanBraklesource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridgesource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Old as Stone, Hard as Rock by Alessandro Sanna, translated by Ammiel Alcalaysource (opens in a new tab)
  51. On Starlit Shores by Bex Glendiningsource (opens in a new tab)
  52. One Step Forward by Marcie Flinchum Atkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Pretty Girl County by Lakita Wilsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarellisource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Rebis by Irene Marchesini, translated by Carla Roncalli Di Montoriosource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Recommended Reading by Paul Cocciasource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Run Away With Me by Brian Selznicksource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Salvación by Sandra Proudmansource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Self Portrait by Ludwig Volbeda, translated by Lucy Scottsource (opens in a new tab)
  60. Silenced Voices by Pablo Leonsource (opens in a new tab)
  61. Silver Throat by Siri Pettersen, translated by Tara Chacesource (opens in a new tab)
  62. Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulleysource (opens in a new tab)
  63. Skipshock by Caroline O'Donoghuesource (opens in a new tab)
  64. Snowglobe 2 by Soyoung Park, translated by Joungmin Lee Comfortsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. Solo by Gráinne O'Briensource (opens in a new tab)
  66. Sometimes the Girl by Jennifer Mason-Blacksource (opens in a new tab)
  67. Song of a Blackbird by Maria van Lieshoutsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. Songs for Ghosts by Clara Kumagaisource (opens in a new tab)
  69. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collinssource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Assassin's Guide to Babysitting by Natalie C. Parkersource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Big Ask by Simon James Greensource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Corruption of Hollis Brown by K. Ancrumsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar by Sonora Reyessource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The House Saphir by Marissa Meyersource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Last Bookstore on Earth by Lily Braun-Arnoldsource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Leaving Room by Amber McBridesource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Others by Cheryl Isaacssource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylorsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Secret Astronomers by Jessica Walkersource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Singular Life of Aria Patel by Samira Ahmedsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Steps by Wendelin Van Draanensource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The Swans of Harlem (Adapted for Young Adults) by Karen Valbysource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Thrashers by Julie Sotosource (opens in a new tab)
  85. Then There Was One by Wendy Crosssource (opens in a new tab)
  86. These Bodies Ain't Broken by Madeline Dyersource (opens in a new tab)
  87. This Book Might Be About Zinnia by Brittney Morrissource (opens in a new tab)
  88. This Could Be Forever by Ebony LaDellesource (opens in a new tab)
  89. This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamakisource (opens in a new tab)
  90. This Thing of Ours by Frederick Josephsource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Thorn Season by Kiera Azarsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Torchfire by Moira Buffinisource (opens in a new tab)
  93. Truth Is by Hannah V. Sawyerrsource (opens in a new tab)
  94. Tyger by SF Saidsource (opens in a new tab)
  95. Under a Fire-Red Sky by Geraldine McCaughreansource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Under the Same Stars by Libba Braysource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  98. We Fell Apart by E. Lockhartsource (opens in a new tab)
  99. Where the Heart Should Be by Sarah Crossansource (opens in a new tab)
  100. White Lies by Ann Bausumsource (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 2025