Year archive

Best books of 2021

Books selected by independent literary juries and editorial teams in 2021, gathered into one transparent, source-linked reading list. The chronology uses the award year for prizes and list year for editorial recommendations.

Selections
388
Authors
385
Lists & prizes
16

Showing 49–96 of 388

2021Young readers

Borders

Thomas King, illustrated by Natasha Donovan

NPR Books We Love

2021Young readers

Bright Star

Yuyi Morales

NPR Books We Love

2021Graphic novels

Celestia

Manuele Fior, translated by Jamie Richards

NPR Books We Love

2021Poetry

Curb

Divya Victor

NPR Books We Love

2021Young readers

Firebreak

Nicole Kornher-Stace

NPR Books We Love