Best Books of the Year: 2023

Last updated: November 28, 2023

Curious readers, unite! Mandie Caroll, Senior Editor of Book Reviews, has curated a wrap-up of some of the best of this year's releases. Her favorites follow compelling characters and cover a wide range of important topics. There are tales that grapple with life after death, evocative short stories that tackle racism, and even a sweet fable about a skull buddy that promotes gentle kindness. Inspire your family's next read by checking out the list below, and be sure to browse the rest of our 2023 favorites linked below!

Check out the rest of our Best of 2023 favorites: Movies | TV Shows | Video Games | Podcasts | U.K./International Films

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Native American girl with feater in her hiar, in front of a river and a large sun with bird flying

BOOK

My Powerful Hair

age 4+

Gorgeous, poignant story of Indigenous connection, culture.

Carole Lindstrom Picture Book (2023)

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Girl with pink glasses and pigtails steps into a book page filled with colorful tropical birds, foliage, and flowers.

BOOK

Once Upon a Book

age 4+

Beautiful, vibrant celebration of imagination and stories.

Grace Lin , Kate Messner Picture Book (2023)

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Something, Someday book cover: A young Black boy, wearing a blue shirt, bends to the side as he uses a large red watering can to pour water on a small green plant against a bright yellow background

BOOK

Something, Someday

age 4+

One small act makes a huge impact in poetic picture book.

Amanda Gorman Picture Book (2023)

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Spanish is the Language of My Family book cover: A boy stands on a stage in front of a microphone with a sign that reads "Annual Spanish Spelling Bee"; a panel of adult judges sits in front, backs to the reader

BOOK

Spanish is the Language of My Family

age 4+

Triumphant spelling bee victory reveals powerful lessons

Michael Genhart Picture Book (2023)

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Say My Name book cover: Asian girl in pink flower shirt on left speaks to Asian boy in blue shirt on right with shapes and icons floating colorfully around them

BOOK

Say My Name

age 5+

Diverse cultures, names in beautiful, lyrical picture book.

Joanna Ho Picture Book (2023)

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Langston Hughes resting on a crown, other Black characters hold up the crown while dancing against a blue background.

BOOK

There Was a Party for Langston

age 5+

Upbeat ode honors famous activist and word-making man.

Jason Reynolds Picture Book (2023)

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The Skull book cover: Little girl sits in front of a tree holding a skull

BOOK

The Skull

age 6+

Girl befriends talking skull in gently spooky folktale.

Jon Klassen Horror (2023)

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An American Story Book Cover

BOOK

An American Story

age 7+

Passionate illustrations add to honest depiction of slavery.

Kwame Alexander Picture Book (2022)

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The Eyes and the Impossible Book Cover: A dog running on a sunlit path through a forest

BOOK

The Eyes and the Impossible

age 8+

Outstanding animal adventure has deep, complex emotions.

Dave Eggers Fantasy (2023)

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Black girl with sparkles in her fist and animal on shoulder in foreground; two Black boys background

BOOK

The Manifestor Prophecy: Nic Blake and The Remarkables, Book 1

age 8+

Wild tale of girl's guest to save family and learn secrets.

Angie Thomas Fantasy (2023)

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Big Tree book cover with tree seedling against flaming backdrop

BOOK

Big Tree

age 9+

Thrilling, science-packed tale of sibling seeds on a quest.

Brian Selznick Science (2023)

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Covershot:: Drew, Liam, and Drew take a selfie

BOOK

School Trip: New Kid, Book 3

age 9+

New kids conquer fears on funny, insightful Paris trip.

Jerry Craft Graphic Novel (2023)

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A large group of East and Southeast Asian American kids walking in an airport.

BOOK

You Are Here: Connecting Flights

age 9+

Powerful Asian American stories tackle racism and identity.

Ellen Oh Contemporary Fiction (2023)

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Cover shows a comic book version of Dan Santat in front of Notre Dame

BOOK

A First Time for Everything

age 10+

Delightful details of the author's first Euro trip and kiss.

Dan Santat Graphic Novel (2023)

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Something Like Home book cover: Girl with red ponytail snuggles brown puppy on a hill above a city skyline filled with birds

BOOK

Something Like Home

age 10+

Girl faces new home with aunt in gripping novel in verse.

Andrea Beatriz Arango Coming of Age (2023)

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More Than A Dream book cover: Photo of three women (two Black and one White) stand arm in arm in front of the Lincoln Memorial

BOOK

More Than a Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

age 12+

Powerful must read story about a pivotal day in US history.

Yohuru Williams , Michael G. Long History (2023)

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Family Style Book Cover: A bowl of noodle soup on a blue-green background below the book title

BOOK

Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam

age 13+

Heartfelt, hopeful graphic memoir about family and food.

Thien Pham Graphic Novel (2023)

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I Have Something to Tell You Book Cover: A dark yellow background with the book title in a bubble and an illustration of the author in a blue T-shirt

BOOK

I Have Something to Tell You (For Young Adults): A Memoir

age 13+

Warm, inspiring memoir of becoming proud, out, and gay.

Chasten Buttigieg Autobiography (2023)

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Accountable book cover: Dark teal background with book's title and subtitle written in white over black graffiti-like images of a group of people

BOOK

Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed

age 14+

Timely must-read true story about racism and social media.

Dashka Slater Coming of Age (2023)

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The Siren, the Song, and the Spy book cover: A green mermaid with pointed ears and dripping with pearls lounges on a rocky shore while behind her a dragon flies through the sky and a distant city burns

BOOK

The Siren, the Song, and the Spy

age 14+

Epic fantasy sequel ramps up the intrigue and action.

Maggie Tokuda-Hall Fantasy (2023)

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