It’s almost time for SLJ’s Best Books 2024, and it’s our biggest Best Books list yet!

This year, the selection committees chose 193 titles, compared to 169 last year. The books are spread across nine categories: audio, manga, transitional, middle grade, graphic novels, poetry, nonfiction, picture books, and YA.

The reviews editors noticed a few trends in Best Books 2024, including an uptick in novels in verse (especially in middle grade and YA) and stories showing concern for the environment and humanity’s impact on climate change. The list will offer horror and thrillers, cozy fantasy, and, in graphic novels, “fish out of water” tales about people immigrating from or living in other countries. There is also a wider representation of characters with disabilities where disability is not the focus of the narrative.

“I continue to be amazed at the diversity in children’s publishing that continues to expand and flourish. Every child can truly see themselves in these books,” says Shelley Diaz, SLJ reviews director. “It is such a powerful thing, especially when we consider how many censors want to do away with books that portray marginalized experiences and present the hard truths of American history.”

New to the 2024 Best Books, manga is no longer a separate Top 10 list but integrated into Best Books with 22 titles selected, showcasing portal fantasies and eco-horror settings.

The Best Books lists will roll out online starting Tuesday, November 19 with Audio and Manga. Here are the rest of the scheduled announcements:

Wednesday, November 20: Transitional and Middle Grade

Thursday, November 21: Graphic Novels and Poetry

Friday, November 22: Nonfiction

Monday, November 25: Picture Books and YA

Also on the 25th, join the “Behind the Scenes: SLJ’s 2024 Best Books” webcast at 1:30 pm ET. The free virtual event will include the issue's cover reveal, plus a panel discussion moderated by Diaz. The panelists will be SLJ editors Jasmine Amari and Florence Simmons, along with reviewer and middle school librarian Monisha Blair. Each will present three of their favorite titles from the list.