Staff-suggested materials ahead! RevisedSeptember 1, 2026 You can always count on library staff to recommend some of the year's best books, movies and music. Here's hoping you discover new favorites! Library staff loved these 58 titles published in 2026. Filter results for Staff Picks.rss Audience - Any --Babies-Toddlers-Preschoolers-Kids-TweensTeensAdults Format - Any -audiobooksbooks-board books-graphic novels-picture booksmusicvideo Genre - Any -Arab American heritageAsian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander heritagebiography and memoirBlack and African American heritagebook clubcomics and graphic novelscozyDisability Prideearly literacyfantasyfictionfood and cookingHispanic Latino heritagehistorical fictionhistoryhumorJewish American heritageLGBTQIA+ Prideliterary fictionmysteryNative American heritagenonfictionpoetry and verseromancescary and horrorscience fictionsocial justicespicysportsthriller and suspensetrue crimewinter holiday cookingwomen's and girls' experiences Heather F says:If you like a quick Freida McFadden mystery, but want to trade the cabin in the woods for a mansion, this is the book for you! David C says:A pretty boy knight falls for a grumbly mad sorcerer after a prophecy binds them together in this hilariously whimsical, gay romantic fantasy. Heather W says:A badger and seagull learn what it means to be a family. I found this charming sequel to "Bad Badger: A Love Story" practically perfect in every way. Sarah C says:A smart, twisty reimagining of Little Women as a gripping murder mystery. Packed with secrets and suspects at every turn. Impossible to put down! Stephanie B says:This book made Cleopatra my new Roman... err... Egyptian empire. Eric N says:Does for eBay what Jaws did for the beach. Heather W says:For anyone who has ever felt like they are faking it-- you aren't the only mango. Andrew C says:The perfect soundtrack for finding a new season, a new way, a new whatever. Hannah M says:A revenge story so good, Taylor Swift would be proud. Jodi L says:Follow a real-life crew of shady swindlers and grifters through an elaborate hoax full of twists, political bribes and dangerous showdowns! Thad P says:Nobody lives forever, but with these six easy and relatable guidelines you can make the most of the time you do have. And yes there will be ice cream. Ashley B says:In this haunting and tragic first volume, a lonely man shows the great lengths he will go to in order to protect and preserve the ones he loves. Jodi L says:A slightly scary primer for kids that faces the classic conundrum: was that a nightmare or am I a full-on shapeshifter? David C says:Clever, creepy and cutting, this thriller takes a harsh look at society's obsession with "sad gay stories" and those who profit off them. Susan A says:Unraveling the truth becomes complicated and unsettling when you're second guessing everything. Jenn E says:Sequins, sparkles, friends, a parade and a city full of accessible options for everyone makes a great book for everyone! Chris V says:Prepare to party up with another pantless protagonist. A must-read for fans of Dungeon Crawler Carl. (Each even has an Easter Egg of the other!) Jodi L says:(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Play the Accordion Under the Thumb of an Authoritarian Regime!) Tim P says:Alice Oseman did not disappoint with this series finale. A heart-felt ending to a beautiful romance. A showcase of queer joy. Amie W says:A small town police chief investigates the cases of missing women and uncovers secrets about herself and everyone she knows. Jenn E says:This was a wild, claustrophobia inducing, ride. Just like the caves it was set in, there were twist and turns all the way to the end. Julie M says:Stunning illustration and text that is paradoxically simple yet complex, issue an invitation to slow down and experience a year with a mountain. Heather W says:To be honest, this is my lifelong dream. Meow. Susan A says:Interstellar intrigue with a slow burn. Stephanie B says:Packs a punch dealing with censorship, mental health, age discrepancy in relationships, grief and working through past relationship trauma. Fun! Jenn E says:Anyone who has been asked a million and one questions at bedtime, this book is for you. Heather F says:What do you get when you add a grumpy football player, a quirky flamingo zookeeper and a whole lot of witty banter? One hilarious rom-com! Lily D says:Make your heart feel warm and fuzzy by reading the perfect gifts children would give their loved ones. Stephanie B says:What if the Evil Stepmother from Cinderella had some trauma to work through? And if she knew secrets of the castle she should never know. Cora S says:If you're looking for a bingeable YA rom-com, this is the book for you! April O says:Sofia and Anna Marie are as different as oil and water, but put them together with the right recipes and they become sweet as cake. Amie W says:Mabel has lots of secrets, and you won't be able to put this book down until all of them are revealed. Amie W says:When Mebel's husband leaves her after decades of marriage, she learns to cook and to question everything about her life and marriage. Morgan H says:Perfect for fans of Kelly Yang and anyone who needs a reminder that hope and change are within our reach. Eric N says:The best movie of the year? It’s already here. Susan A says:From charcuterie summer rolls to pho and other noodle soups, this blend of fusion and traditional Vietnamese cuisine is the chef's kiss! Jenn E says:My toddler and I both loved this fun, rhyme filled book about our favorite food. After reading it (and reading it again) we ate lots of pasta. Susan A says:A captivating sci-fi thrill ride that feels both imaginative and profoundly human. Morgan H says:When a spelling lesson sparks big questions, Poppy finds the courage to share her feelings in this uplifting story of acceptance and belonging. Heather W says:Let's hear it for the strong women and girls! Sarah C says:Over nine long days, Max’s seemingly flawless foundation cracks as scandal threatens to smear the beauty empire she’s worked so hard to create. Jodi L says:If I no longer needed sleep, I'd probably just get really good at Stardew Valley. These 7th graders have better ideas! Kara R says:Snow piling up? Time to get to work! Lex B says:Immediately running to the park with a bag of potato chips. Feel free to join if you want your own bear fairy. Lily D says:While the story is fiction, the Great Green Wall project is real and I loved learning about it through this picture book! Heather W says:A sweet reminder that there is no one way to be a family-- and that should be celebrated! Stephanie B says:If the Elsewhere Express existed, I'm sure I would have a ticket with how many times I catch myself daydreaming... Jodi L says:These angsty young billionaires navigating webs of secrets and deception would give the Hawthorne brothers a run for their money! Sarah C says:Nobody’s innocent, everyone’s scheming, and somehow I’m rooting for the con artists! Another superb title by Garcia-Moreno. Amie W says:I can't resist a mystery with a badly-behaved elderly sleuth! April O says:Lucy has feelings so big, they are ruining her life... but maybe they will unlock a super power that helps people and builds friendships. Chaz C says:A well-researched, well-written account of an American cult and the harm and questions left in its wake. Becca B says:The cat distribution system spares none, least of all gardening, tea-sipping skeletons. Desi T says:A unique blend of fantasy, romance and intrigue. Masterfully read by Bahni Turpin. David C says:This new installment of The Dresden Files does not disappoint as Harry copes with a terrible loss while trying to keep his friends and city safe. Amanda K says:A quick but poignant read. You'll think about these characters and feel their stories long after you've turned the last page. Lex B says:Oh Hel, how I've missed you. If you'd love to see pining sapphics investigate the line between monstrosity and humanity, check out my favorite series. Annie C says:An emotional story that captures the little pieces of what makes us human. You can feel the love, the grief and the bits of hope on this journey.
