All of this year’s 193 Best Books of 2024 have been revealed! 

The Best Books process, as we always remember in the middle of it, is months long, even years—we already have contenders for the December 2025 issue!

We’re elated by the content this year; the authors and illustrators in these pages are not mincing words about where their books go or who they are for, and likely strive for years to get their works into the hands of readers. When the world seems so angry and impatient, these artists focus their energy, time, and passion into creating books for the young and curious. The Best Books list is the result of that work.

What our country has been through recently has been exhausting. Mind-numbing. Divisive. There is much to sort out. But what emerges every year from the curation of this list is evidence of the gigantic community working together, no questions asked, to campaign for literacy and an educated republic, by inviting young readers into the pages of a book. We’re tired, but we are so here for it. And we’d love to know what you think of our selections.

We were also blessed with a gorgeous cover by Ekua Holmes, the illustrator of Black Girl You Are Atlas. This stunning depiction of a Black child being carried by their grown-up perfectly captures the reason we all do what we do—to offer children worlds where they feel seen and secure. Scroll down to see that stellar cover.

Readers can access all of the Best Books lists on our landing page or through the individual posts. You can download the full PDF of the titles and annotations or a Google Sheet for easy ordering.