Staff-suggested materials ahead! RevisedJanuary 3, 2026 You can always count on library staff to recommend some of the year's best books. Here's hoping you discover new favorites! Library staff loved these 108 titles published in 2025. Audience - Any -All agesFamilies-Babies-Toddlers-Preschoolers-Kids-TweensTeensAdults Format - Any -audiobookbook-board book-chapter book-graphic novel-picture book-readermusicvideo Genre - Any -award winnersbook club pickscomics and graphic novelsfamily lifefantasyfictionfood and cookingHispanic Latino heritagehistoryhumor and satireidentity and cultureLGBTQIA+love storiesmysteryNative American heritagenonfictionpeoplereferencescary and horrorscience fictionseasonalsportsthriller and suspense Desi T says:A thrilling and nuanced look at soucouyant or Boo Hag mythology. Fans of creepy tales will be on the edge of their seats. Tim P says:Looking for some cozy, queer fantasy? Step into another endearing world of fantasy and self-discovery from the creator of The Tea Dragon Society. Jodi L says:What to do with a boarding school full of kids on their last chance? Send them off on a scavenger hunt with one rule: don't get caught. Ashley B says:Born of a fanfiction sensation, Alchemised is a dark and twisted tale of a wartime romance meant to entrance and disturb the reader. Hillary K says:An excellent addition to any baby's bookshelf. I love the bold color and friendly animal faces! Jodi L says:In this enchantingly fun middle grade romcom, West African trickster god Anansi said, "Be careful what you wish for," and Birdie said, "Bet." Jodi L says:"Yay, space!" --Barbie and Taylor Jenkins Reid, probably. Desi T says:A swoon-worthy teen romance between a budding psychiatrist and mellow surfer. The friendship gets you hooked and you stay for the romance. Hillary K says:Look no further for the perfect tummy-time companion for your baby on the go! Hillary K says:Bright colors, rhyming text and clever die-cuts make this board book extra a-peel-ing! April O says:Timely & powerful. Find the humans and stories behind banned books, learn the importance of the freedom to read and get tools to fight censorship. Hannah M says:My favorite historical fiction novel this year! Atmospheric and well researched, Gaynor is a master storyteller. Lori W says:I listened to this audiobook while driving in holiday traffic and it was a much-appreciated stress reliever! Nate's easy humor put a smile on my face. Susan A says:I love a good "who done it?" mystery and this one kept me guessing up until the very end. Morgan H says:Big feelings and big laughs collide when Mei Mei learns a big lesson about guilt and forgiveness. Carol F says:Dual timelines expose a heart-shattering thread of love, loss, lies and longing that interrupts the life of a couple coming to terms with grief. Annie C says:A character-heavy plot drives this story forward, through hundreds of years. Dark, lyrical and atmospheric. Vampires have never been so good. Ashley B says:Anyone who has ever been "cooped up" with a large family, had the chickenpox, or both, will relate to this humorous slice-of-life graphic novel. Carol F says:Chloe may be dead, but she still calls the shots at the Bruce mansion. Annie C says:A cyberpunk dystopia that feels eerily like a possible future. A fun ride, with awesome twists, sets the stage for the first of a new trilogy! Susan A says:A whirlwind time-traveling adventure awaits! Libby V says:A history-driven yet readable book outlining America's cult-ish past. Heather W says:Meet another plucky redhead you can't help but root for in this graphic novel twist on the beloved classic. Amie W says:A fascinating biography of little-remembered Ohio native Helen Gibson, silent film star and first Hollywood stuntwoman. Amy B says:Danika Dizon, a tarot reader and aspiring PI, is determined to solve her first case. This book has "Veronica Mars" vibes. Hope it becomes a series! David C says:Full of romance, sadness and spice, this book offers a magical look at a community of queer witches in the wake of the AIDS epidemic. Lori W says:The bones of this novel form a gripping technothriller, but at its soul is an epic love story. A captivating read for both the heart and mind! Meredith R says:Hilarious and perfect for kids in early elementary who loved The Book with No Pictures or Mo Willems' Pigeon books. Annie C says:Strong female characters shine bright in this deep, emotional, messy and vibrant work. Adichie's storytelling is as beautiful as ever. Eric N says:Think the pandemic couldn't have been any worse? Think again. Becca B says:A vibrant tribute to both the trash collectors that keep society running and the all-consuming interests of little ones. Morgan H says:Calling all bellies! Dive into a sunny day at the local pool where tummies of all kinds are seen, celebrated and special. April O says:I scream. You scream. Everybody Scream for this perfect album! Flee into the woods and give it a listen! Morgan H says:Calling all Frog and Toad fans: these bite-sized stories about a spunky hedgehog and her grandma are too sweet (and silly!) to be missed. Cora S says:Even the font is based on, you guessed it, tuberculosis. Green draws you into his fascination with this disease using his skilled storytelling. Hillary K says:A simple concept, but so well done. Playful, rhyming text and bright illustrations make this intro to colors a standout! Amanda K says:If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, invite Alton Brown. No one can whip up a story of food, humor and heart like he can. Terry M-R says:Are you interested in fungi, slugs and eels ("oh my!")? Try out this nature journal/memoir that celebrates resilience in the ecological world. Chaz C says:I could not put this one down. If you remember the early aughts, this is a must read. Terry M-R says:Ever wonder what it takes to search for a hiker lost in the wilderness? Experience the race against time with Heartwood! Hillary K says:An irresistible introduction to many topics, including counting, conservation and collective nouns. Tim P says:Whether you grew up Catholic, queer, both or neither, this book melds beautiful art, clever imagery and a message of self-love and self-acceptance. Cora S says:A well-researched biography that draws you right in! Heather W says:When your town's nickname is "Slasherville," you'd better be willing to do whatever it takes to survive living there. Annie C says:A fun, high-seas adventure with all the creepy vibes. Art that delights and will also make you squirm. Stephanie B says:If you've ever noticed people in customer service acting like zombies-- what if they were just having their literal life force taken from them? Leah D says:A "Freaky Friday" story that explores identity in a fresh, yet timeless, way. April O says:A classic tale of drunkenly writing your obituary, then discovering the meaning of life. Jodi L says:A childhood friends-to-enemies-to-lovers sapphic romance between two battling valedictorians? Say less. Susan A says:They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but how does that play out between artist and writer? Rachel N says:If you too have been personally victimized by Greek tragedies and philosophers, you may be entitled to emotional compensation by way of this book. Hillary K says:With so many smells and sounds and so much to see, smell and touch, a busy Saturday market really is a feast for the senses! Julie M says:Enjoy a rollicking read-aloud of cooperative make-believe! Hillary K says:Full of mischief and mayhem-- as well as the letter M-- this title will leave your child wanting more, more, more! Hillary K says:Your little one will love following along with Mog and Nicky as they go through their day, each doing things in their own way. Amie W says:A cozy mystery that's just a little bit dark, with a cast of misfit characters. Amie W says:This book felt like it could have been an episode of the TV show "Murder, She Wrote," which I loved! Sarah C says:IMHO Backman is a literary genius. This raw, funny and emotional journey will leave you in tears-- he's sure to cause a tissue shortage with this one. Libby V says:A wholesome and colorful picture book where it is completely normal to be gay. Lex B says:What if Dracula was set in space with "Murderbot" as the protagonist? This charming sci-fi romp pits a spaceship’s AI against the infamous vampire. Amanda K says:Follow this charming little otter through beautiful ocean illustrations, and learn that it's okay to ask for help and that you're not alone. Desi T says:Reality television meets realistic fiction in this novel. Multiple glow-ups and romantic flare-ups make for a really engaging read. Meredith R says:This sweet story about time-travelling pen pal letters was a pick-me-up I didn't know I needed. You'll love it! Stephanie B says:All I've ever wanted is a Lady Zorro. Here she is folks! La angel de Coloma! Jade B says:This book is a refusal to be silent in the wake of genocide. Beautifully illustrated and tactfully written, I recommend to teens and adults alike. Thad P says:'Tis the time of year again when soups, stews and warm hearty dinners start to have great appeal. Here is a tasty way to get some new and easy ideas. Andrew C says:Why wait another month to ferry along a summer wavelength? Stephanie B says:Although this is a teen novel, as an adult I think this book spoke to me more now than if I had read it earlier. Angeline Boulley writes beyond age. Hannah M says:Mystery, magic and a local author? Highly recommend! Rachel N says:This beautifully written coming-of-age story weaves magical realism, family trauma and self discovery together on the back of a daring rescue mission. Chaz C says:One of my favorite horror writers does it again! This one is not for the squeamish, but it is definitely for fans of John Carpenter's The Thing. Becca B says:This stalagmight be my favorite picture book of the year. Heather H says:A beautiful book about family traditions! And, yes, it absolutely inspired me to make homemade hummus. Desi T says:An amazing return to the world of the Hunger Games. Haymitch's story and the subsequent characters are worth the cost of admission. David C says:A bold story of a young woman's fight in an alternate history, told as 10 moments that mirror the Dashavatara, the 10 avatars of Vishnu. Amanda K says:A charming, quick read for anyone who loves Jane Austen and wished they could travel back in time to live in her world. Terry M-R says:Brave women work the rails in 1920s Montana, delivering books to isolated communities; it is filled with betrayal, revenge, murder and romance! Eric N says:Vampires in Montana? This ain't your granddaddy's "Yellowstone." Daniel S says:A great new entry in this amusing, Cleveland-set cozy mystery series full of quirky characters, convoluted murders and delicious Chinese cuisine. Stephanie B says:At times mind-numbing and at other times thrilling, just like watching "Big Brother" or "Survivor." Stephanie B says:If The Exorcist was a gay love story between a human and a spirit. Hannah M says:Stuck in a reading slump? Pick up a Freida McFadden thriller. You won't be disappointed! David C says:Spooky, witty and charming: a perfect story for dark nights and fans of history! Jeff D says:The heroes of this fantasy novel would be the villains in any other... which makes this one a lot more fun. They swear more, too. Chris V says:A beautiful tale of redemption, found family and finding a way back up when you're one step away from that final fall. Tim P says:A heartbreaking yet beautiful and poignant look into friendships, new beginnings and growing up. I cried, I laughed and then I cried again. Amy B says:For anyone who loves true crime documentaries, pub trivia games or British murder mysteries. Janice Hallett never disappoints! Rachel N says:A dark academia-flavored fantasy complete with secret identities, lies and mystery, this book is the perfect start to scary season. Julie M says:An ode to the possibilities contained in a pine cone. Sarah C says:Would you choose to sleep through the heartbreak of grief-- even if it meant risking what you remember? Thought-provoking and perfect for book clubs. Susan A says:A rebel with a cause! Sarah C says:A witty debut blending true crime, historical fiction and romance with dazzling characters and a phenomenal narrator-- a must-listen! Daniel S says:How do you one-up a gripping novel of an outsider protagonist struggling to find his place? Split him across three worlds and triple his problems! Jodi L says:A fourth-wall-breaking narrator + eloquent, anthropomorphic woodland creatures = the autumnal read of your dreams. Lily D says:The Wild Robot makes her debut to even younger readers. As an adult, this story has moved me in countless ways, making it a must-read for all ages. Hillary K says:Little learners will love this charming read-aloud, a sweet introduction to opposites. Morgan H says:Go ahead and move to the edge of your seat for this moody and visually stunning thriller that unveils the dark side of secrets, power and obsession. Julie M says:"To see an owl is magic." Sometimes it takes a lot of effort, time and patience to make the magic happen! Heather F says:Lottie is an 80-year-old firecracker, and serial killer. Yet I would still take her as my grandma. Andrew C says:Even if you're not a fan of basketball, Staley has timely assists for you, sent with her singular style. Fans, you'll get buckets of surprises, too! Stephanie B says:I openly sobbed at work when I finished this book-- that's how lovely and magical it is. Amy B says:Vera Wong is at it again, using her persistent charm and homecooked food to investigate a mysterious death. A delightful and heartwarming sequel! Libby V says:A book for my fellow classical mythology lovers with an explosive ending. Cora S says:Read the whole thing or just a snippet-- either way, you'll find plenty of great advice! Becca B says:Seeing my therapist is nice and all, but checking out every Emily R. Austin book on Libby is FREE. Desi T says:This interactive book helps readers learn how to see and connect with the person behind the disability. The illustrations and humor are wonderful. Stephanie B says:I challenge you to find another book that is written with more wit, care and thoughtfulness. One of the best books of 2025. Lily D says:A YA romance with one of my favorite tropes? Sign me up! I had a great time listening to the audiobook as well.
