Staff-suggested materials ahead! RevisedNovember 22, 2022 You can always count on library staff to recommend some of the year's best books, music and movies. Here's hoping you discover new favorites! Library staff loved these 129 titles published in 2022. 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 cookinghistoryhorrorhumor and satireidentity and culturelove storiesmysterynonfictionpeoplereferencescience fictionseasonalsportsthriller and suspense Tin C says:A charming, rhyming picture book that celebrates Pride and honors its history. Chaz C says:Laugh-out-loud funny and delightful. Rog Bennett is a favorite soccer commentator, and now a favorite human. Tin C says:Enjoy these scary stories with a side of funny. Kelly B says:A perfect spooky read for Halloween! Heather H says:If you're a fan of the podcast And That's Why We Drink, or just want a creepy-fun road trip, this book will check all your boxes! Amanda K says:A lush story of a trans woman finding love in Regency England. Great if you love "Gentleman Jack." Or love in general. Amanda K says:Though society views this heroine's relentlessness as less-than-desirable, her determination makes for a charming and refreshing Regency read. Julie M says:A sweet, nautical tale about the value of diverse talents. Stephanie B says:Imagine a world where the tea you drink has magical elements. Take a sip, if you dare. Sarah C says:A cute little romcom with a whole lot of sugar and extra spice to steam up your holiday. Don't let Santa catch you reading this. Sa-sizzle! Cora S says:This little NASA robot will melt your heart. Julie M says:Just in time for spring, this vibrant book uses simple text to highlight the joy of the journey from seed to flower. Marisa W says:QTPOC folks shine in this sci-fi tale which focuses on community, identity and the strength of friendship against light-years of space and time. Stephanie B says:A deep dive into the rage of loss, betrayal, abuse, regret and everything in between. You will root for Salahudin and Noor the whole book. Meredith R says:I'd like a one-way ticket to this cozy, glowing city so I can live in the illustrations forever. Kelly B says:Fascinating details on how other animals and insects perceive their world. Amazing what's happening all around us. Cora S says:This book has made me a beaver believer! Hillary K says:With loads of family drama, boorish villains and social pressure, Austen fans will delight in cheering for plucky protagonist Marnie Barnes. Heather W says:Ever read a book and wish you were part of the family it's about? That was me while reading this. Julie M says:See if you can guess the clever solution to the dilemma in this beautifully illustrated rhyming story, based on a real incident in Vinalhaven, Maine. Ellie K says:This colorful introduction to birds for babies is a delight and has our family spotting and naming birds outside! April O says:Unraveling a web of untold family secrets and stories is poignant, bittersweet, but certainly not a piece of cake. Morgan H says:Need I say more? Jess P says:A candy-colored horror comedy that brutally confirmed my middle-aged status, but was incredibly fun nonetheless. Dierric R says:If you are looking for a light-hearted read with one-part magic mixed with a little bit of love, this will give you all the feels! Amy B says:A dysfunctional family's secrets unravel into murder when they are alone on a tidal island, separated from the outside world for eight hours. April O says:Beautifully mythical and real, I swear this album gets better every time I listen to it! Heather H says:Spooky! "Dead Silence" is perfect for those who want their horror/science-fiction fix. Stephanie B says:A delightful sapphic romance with hilarious side characters in a swoonworthy setting. Thad P says:Eerie, eldritch and entertaining. It kept me up way too late several nights in a row wondering what was going to happen next, and still surprised me. Thad P says:The artist formerly known as… Dickens? Well, maybe. Two unlikely lives, utterly different, but oddly alike. Susan A says:Fabulously funny! Do read this adorable, hilarious tale, but don't eat bees! Lily D says:Marvel's "Black Panther" is more than just a movie or a character. This moving essay collection reflects on its incredible impact and legacy. Heather H says:This stunning film brings the King to life in a way that is at once glamorous, visceral and heartbreaking. Chaz C says:You know how these stories end, but what if you could choose a different path? Kara R says:A middle-aged mom tapped to save the world? Who better! Metaphysical martial arts + surrealist sci-fi + heartfelt family drama = best movie all year. Susan A says:This has everything I look for in a great summer read: a little romance, a little intrigue, broken hearts and an unexpected twist. Morgan H says:An enchanting ode to the power of sharing stories that is as beautifully illustrated as it is written; I could wander around these pages for days. Brian C says:A fascinating travelogue of pandemic-era Manhattan wherein the affluent have fled and the tameless run wild in the abandoned streets. Dierric R says:Whether curly, coily, wavy or straight, Marlene discovers that no matter what type, all hair is GOOD hair. Morgan H says:Experience the world through the eyes, hands and feet of a toddler in this sweet and rhyming read-aloud. Kristin M says:Still one of the most unique voices (literally and figuratively) in humor writing, Sedaris digs deeper in Happy-Go-Lucky. Chaz C says:What makes a home? This book is a beautiful meditation that might give you some answers. Carol V says:Modernized fairy tale heroines go to group therapy, their stories are irresistible and filled with dark humor. Hillary K says:With every snort, hrumpf and stomp, a mother cleverly convinces her feisty, dino-loving youngster to get dressed! Julie M says:A heart-wrenching saga of living in a society where you can trust no one, yet are determined to use your voice to shine light on the darkness. Coleman M says:I have never rooted harder for someone who so openly resents their own fans. Chaz C says:I get it, little monster. But sometimes it's about getting what we need and not what we want. Chaz C says:Something brilliant this way comes. Morgan H says:Powerful and hopeful, Iveliz is as real as it gets. Catherine S P says:While Jasmine is tunnel vision-focused on her future, current events challenge her to embrace certain parts of herself like she never has before. Kelly B says:Never underestimate the power of women of a certain age. Julie M says:An adorable tale of an equally adorable owl that uses cleverness (and friendship) to overcome obstacles-- and save the kingdom! Amanda K says:A delicious food scrapbook of my childhood. Hillary K says:During a walk with dad, Saya and Kunoichi become stealthy superheroes! Essentially wordless, kids can add their own spin to this delightful story. Dierric R says:In a town where things start to go awry, Bones Malone and his friends must face their own worst nightmares to solve a mystery before it's too late. Becca B says:Such a boppy, fun album. Don't let this one fly "Under the Radar." Leah B says:A little dark, a little creepy, but cute animal sidekicks? A perilous mystery to solve? Evil magic to defeat? Sign me up! Julie M says:Peek-through cutouts provide a clue for the surprise animal hiding on the next page. Morgan H says:Believe the hype on this one. Exquisite, affirming and immediately on my shortlist of Best Memoirs Ever. Carmi D says:A beautiful true story about finding love, hope and the miracle within us, despite living in the face of injustice. Jeff D says:Spoon is taken for granted but they have put out more good, even great, albums than whoever your favorite band is. Lucifer on the Sofa is great. Lori W says:Animal attraction or lasting love? Visit our very own Columbus Zoo and see who is coupling up in the ape house. Hint: it's not the gorillas. WOWZA! Catherine S P says:Conflict, zany antics and lack of communication make it uncertain whether clarity will shine through for Lulu and Milagro. Cora S says:Learn from the experts about Ohio's curious critters, including star-nosed moles, flying squirrels and jumping mice. Annie C says:Miyazaki vibes, full of magic and set in a lush and beautiful world that I could hang out in forever. Susan A says:A daring, funny, heart-warming adventure! Meredith R says:An absolute delight of a coming-of-age graphic novel memoir. Stephanie B says:A humanity horror and ghost story that takes place during the beginning of the civil rights movement. You won't be able to put this book down. Coleman M says:"A cada copia que ves, Tú dale tu bendición, Y ya no quiero competir, Si no hay comparación." When it comes to Rosalía, there is truly no comparison. Hannah M says:So many recipes paired with a great storyline! What more could you ask for? Cora S says:Paulsen's last book will blow you away with lyrical descriptions of nature and survival. Chaz C says:"It all begins with knowing nothing lasts forever, so you might as well start packing now. In the meantime, practice being alive." Libby V says:Sometimes it's good to be a homebody. Or, in Poopsie's case, a home-kitty. Annie C says:If you like coconut and curry this is for you! A great collection of stories and recipes. I made the yellow rice three days in a row-- so tasty. Jeff D says:Brubaker and Phillips' best work yet! Danger, mystery and great characters you can't forget = everything you need in a crime comic. Lily D says:Some days I love sports. The next, I'm overwhelmed by their negative impact. This local author helped me reconcile and now this book is a favorite. Meredith R says:For everyone who has ever dreamed of posing majestically. Lily D says:I'm excited to see a book celebrating Asian America! It was an engaging read with its collection of essays, infographics and colorful illustrations. Thad P says:How does a carnelian bead carved in India wind up in the English midlands 1,000 years ago? Glad you asked. A great storyteller tells a great story. Annie C says:Right on time for the biggest baking season of the year! I love a cookbook that encourages you to put your own spin on things and this does just that. Stephanie B says:I picked this up because of the author. I stayed because of the queer vampires. Heather H says:Stay Awake will keep you burning the midnight oil late into the night! Desi T says:This cute rom-com introduces readers to the Sikh culture in such a warm and inviting way. Sunny G is such a fun and lovable character. Lily D says:In a crazy and hectic world, we should slow down and give thanks for the little things in life that bring us joy. Julie M says:A true crime book for kids that uses engaging graphics to fill you in on all the details of a famous, unsolved art heist. Julie M says:This book is for both children and adults! For kids, it is fun to read. For adults, no story has hit closer to home. Tin C says:Put that book down! Enjoy this silly, fun, interactive book. Hannah M says:A brownie recipe for every day of the week! Jeff R says:Family mysteries, maps and a little bit of magic; in The Cartographers, Peng Shepherd weaves all these elements together into a first-rate thriller. Hannah M says:For all the readers out there with wanderlust, this is for you. Coleman M says:Sure, social media companies can take credit for rising polarization, misinformation and political violence. But don't worry, it gets worse. Hillary K says:Really, the only appropriate conversation to have while indulging in these treats is debating whether or not "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie. Becca B says:Equal parts cozy and creepy, The Clackity is the perfect Halloween read. Ideal for fans of Coraline, A Series of Unfortunate Events and Small Spaces. Stephanie B says:Poignant prose about a biracial Jewish girl, sent to live with her aunt in Prague, who discovers a cemetery of ghost children and mystery ghost boy. Thad P says:You think you're having a bad day? You ain't seen nothing yet. Follow big beasties and little critters on the single worst day planet Earth ever had. Julie M says:This book will have you rooting for the main character as she seeks to map the unknown, both in her physical world and in her personal life. Lori W says:Book a stay at the Regency Grand Hotel where Molly the maid will keep your suite in a state of perfection! Even if someone is dead in your bed… Carol V says:This magical realism has a lyrical slow burn that is the perfect read when paired with a blanket, a snowy day and cat snuggles. Annie C says:One of the most beautiful things I have ever read. Kelly B says:Suspense and mystery surround a young duchess as she fights to survive. Amanda K says:Emma. In the library. With the candlestick. Which of Jane Austen's beloved main characters could possibly be a murderer? Brian C says:A fun way to remember that you don't remember what you thought you remembered. Jeff R says:In a style that's as insightful as it is accessible, Pink uses the lens of regret to focus our attention on those things that matter the most. Amanda K says:Sublime! In a world built against him, Arlo's search for love and identity is at once immersive, thought-provoking and absolutely uplifting. Courtney K says:Queer Percy Jackson meets The Hunger Games, I'll be waiting impatiently for the sequel! Morgan H says:It's hard to imagine perfecting a fairy tale after 200 years of existence, unless you're Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen. Amy B says:When I finished this book, I immediately looked to see if the author was working on a sequel. I need more adventures with Claudia Lin! Heather W says:A sweet, witchy love story about family, self-esteem and belonging. Gave me some T.J. Klune vibes. Becca B says:Talk about being stuck inside for years! A strangely prescient translated classic. Hilary H says:"Carrie" meets "Get Out" in this knockout retelling of a classic thriller that will have you captivated until the very last page. Lori W says:Friendship is magical, but can it be conjured? Sit a spell with the Little Witchling and find out! Annie C says:Kenji explains the processes of wok cooking in a very approachable way. The wok is now on heavy rotation in my kitchen and I've loved every recipe! Morgan H says:This little slice of sunshine holds up a magnifying glass to the glimmers of hope hiding in plain sight all around us on even the gloomiest of days. Heather W says:In a small town where nothing ever seems to change, the arrival of a new student has the potential to change everything. Susan A says:Not your typical princess fairy tale, but oh, so good! Sarah C says:I treasured every minute of reading this smart, complicated and joyful story about Sam and Sadie's turbulent, yet magical, decades-long friendship. Susan A says:Witty, funny, satirical and dark...yes, all that! You'll find yourself rooting for Tracy to come out on top of the world! Susan A says:A boy on a mission to set things right when his world is turning upside down. April O says:I learned so much from these amazing characters and their multifaceted representation of the deaf community. Page-turning story with a great impact! Kara R says:Cringe in commiseration over an awkward time of puberty and boy bands. Jeff D says:A mind-bending mystery where every truth revealed leads to more questions, but... what if your memory is wrong? What if it's not yours at all? Susan A says:Powerful and engaging; this beautifully illustrated, graphic novel-style history book is a standout. Jess P says:Biting, hilarious and SO VERY dark, I basically had *shocked emoji* face the whole time I was reading it. Stephanie B says:In this coming-of-age story, a queer, biracial teen moves in with her dying grandma in a small southern town with a dark, mysterious past. April O says:A supermemoir! Feats of strength include being inspiring, funny, unflinchingly honest and entirely bingeable as an audiobook! Courtney K says:You don't need a blizzard to cozy up with this book, where second-chance romance and supportive friends are everywhere you look. Annie C says:When the souls of the birds stop arriving home to the Great Tree, Zuli must head out on an epic quest to try and save them! Lily D says:Yu-Gi-Oh! meets Percy Jackson in this action-packed fantasy! Bonus: these are the funniest chapter titles I've ever read.
