Girl sitting on a stack of books using rolled up cardboard as a telescope
Staff-suggested materials ahead!

Revised

November 16, 2020
Everything else in 2020 may have been upended, but you can always count on library staff to recommend some of the year's best books, music and movies. Because so many of these titles are always available on hoopla and Kanopy, there's no waiting to read, watch or listen. Here's hoping you discover new favorites!

Library staff loved these 54 titles published in 2020.

Sarah C says:
This darker, deadlier version of Hogwarts is fun, twisty and oozing snark! When the school wants to kill you, survival is the only grad requirement.
A Deadly Education
Carol V says:
These short stories are fantastical, dark and humorous all at once. You will find yourself clamoring for the author's previous works!
And I Do Not Forgive You
Heather W says:
Can fake-dating lead to real love? This sweet and snarky, laugh-out-loud romance will make you want to believe it can.
Boyfriend Material
Amanda K says:
Leap, twirl and pose your way through this dance class and learn that ballet isn't just for girls.
Boys Dance!
Carol V says:
We know you've binge watched Tiger King and discussed it with everyone you know. Continue your foray into big cats and the bizarre with Cat Tale!
Cat Tale
Morgan H says:
Not every book about grief sticks the landing, but this one right here? This one scores a perfect 10 and gets all the gold medals.
Dancing at the Pity Party
Sandy D says:
People in L.A. are being terrorized by the Midnight Man. What are his motives and what does the symbol he leaves at the crime scene mean?
Dark Corners of the Night
Sarah C says:
Heartstrings tugged. Grab your tissues and settle in. Once you start this breathtaking story, you won't stop until you're hugging it at the end.
Dear Edward
Lara P says:
If you think about language, you won't think about it the same way after reading this book. A unique and refreshing take on language's complexities.
Don't Believe a Word
Jess P says:
A wry, gorgeous and endlessly fun remake of the enduring classic.
Emma
Lisa F says:
"Folklore" is the album we always knew Taylor Swift could make. This gave me goosebumps on a hot summer day.
Folklore
Sarah L says:
For every girl who wants revenge...
Foul Is Fair
Stephanie B says:
Fútbol, feels and feminism! Yes, please! The audiobook for Furia sweeps you into the world and culture of everything Argentinian. A must-listen.
Furia
Sarah L says:
Parenthood can be hard and Lucy Knisley's doodles make it easier. Perfect for new parents, a quick read or a laugh. Or all of the above.
Go to Sleep (I Miss You)
Heather H says:
I devoured this book in about three days! Kate White's new thriller keeps piling on the suspense page after page.
Have You Seen Me?
Morgan H says:
A perfect summer adventure story for misfits, introverts and dreamers everywhere-- or anyone whose heart needs a hideout from reality.
Here in the Real World
Ellie K says:
The perfect antidote for any of the plans you thought you had for 2020.
Julia's House Moves On
Tin C says:
A bear-y cute and beautifully illustrated story of a girl's bond with a bear.
Kodi
Libby V says:
A chilling debut novel that reveals just how far people are willing to go to protect their families.
Lakewood
Sarah C says:
A gritty and gut-punching story about sisters, drug addiction and hope that is so relevant to our society right now. Not a comfortable read, but wow!
Long Bright River
Stefanie S says:
If you're not already familiar with Amber Lewis' decorating style, prepare to swoon.
Made for Living
Tin C says:
A charming friendship story with animals that feels like a new age Winnie the Pooh. Great first chapter book or a fun story to read together.
Our Friend Hedgehog
Andrew C says:
With surprises at every turn, this wicked satire tightropes between elation and dread and poignantly explores social bonding and inequality.
Parasite = Kisaengch'ung
Jeff D says:
In 2004, Clarke published her first book, now considered a fantasy classic. In 2020, her second novel is just as entertaining and unique.
Piranesi
Jess P says:
Get tissues for this one. Brandon Taylor's debut novel will pierce your heart and take your breath away.
Real Life
Amanda K says:
A glitzy reimagining of A Room with a View. This upgraded novel of manners will leave you swooning.
Sex and Vanity
Ellie K says:
What's a librarian gotta do to go on Wakandan adventures with the coolest, smartest princess ever? This title was great on audio.
Shuri
Sandy D says:
Take a journey to Blackberry Island to see how the world takes on new meaning for three cousins as they lay plans for life-changing career choices.
Sisters by Choice
Coleman M says:
As 2020 comes to a close, immerse yourself in this fictional world devastated by a catastrophic pandemic. Just try not to lose any sleep over it.
Sleep Donation
Jess P says:
Feel all the Feelings! It's certainly an experience to laugh AND cry over an MS Paint stick figure.
Solutions and Other Problems
Annie C says:
This horror comic is wonderfully creepy and Erica Slaughter is my new favorite monster hunter.
Something Is Killing the Children (Vol. 1)
Hillary K says:
This not-a-history book offers a fresh, new perspective on issues like slavery, the civil rights movement, the war on drugs and Black Lives Matter.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
Hannah E says:
Like a cold sweet tea on a hot summer day! Now a Netflix series called "Sweet Magnolias."
Stealing Home
Cora S says:
Who knew a book about street addresses could be so interesting?
The Address Book
Sarah C says:
I truly loved the quirky cast of characters in this delightfully charming and clever little read whose mighty message shimmers and shines.
The Authenticity Project
Desi T says:
This prequel is a thought-provoking examination of one of the most disliked characters in The Hunger Games trilogy.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Hannah E says:
Historical fiction at its best! Intriguing, fast-paced plot and great characters. Like a 17th century "Game of Thrones."
The King at the Edge of the World
Jeff D says:
This movie is funny, horrifying and crazy. The acting is great, and it is in beautiful black and white. That is my kind of crazy.
The Lighthouse
Leah B says:
This brilliant, beautiful, philosophical story had me reading until 2am! So thought provoking and hopeful, rich with detail.
The Midnight Library
Annie C says:
A beautiful portrayal of a multi-generational family's experiences coping with war, and their ability to find love and strength in one another.
The Mountains Sing
Sarah L says:
If you're looking to educate yourself on systemic racism, this is a prolific text and a great place to start. It's also available in Spanish!
The New Jim Crow
Heather W says:
A sequel worth reading! I loved the characters, the writing and the audiobook is perfectly cast. There could be no other "Bob."
The One and Only Bob
Jeff D says:
Written by a Native American, this book has an authenticity when detailing reservation life that makes the supernatural elements even more effective.
The Only Good Indians
Ellie K says:
Love "The Crown?" Then you'll enjoy this story of the queen mother and the reminder that we've made it through hard times before and can do it again.
The Queen's Secret
Tin C says:
Ready for an adventure? This interactive graphic novel is sprinkled with puzzles and riddles.
The Runaway Princess
Sandy D says:
An elite boarding school, a secret club and a deadly game set the tone for mystery and mayhem in this psychological thriller.
The Suicide House
Amie W says:
I recommend reading this creepy mystery with all the lights on. People aren't the only guests staying at the Sun Down Motel!
The Sun Down Motel
Kate F says:
Complex, timely and beautifully written. One of my favorites of the year.
The Vanishing Half
Heather W says:
A dreamy, atmospheric fairy tale of a book that begs to be read under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate nearby. Snuggle in and be swept away.
The Way Past Winter
Desi T says:
I loved the unique blend of mystery and social justice in this compelling story.
This Is My America
Sarah L says:
This work is a beautifully woven, intricate quilt that will resonate with almost any reader. Yaa Gyasi's prose is stunning.
Transcendent Kingdom
Kate F says:
This sweet, coming-of-age graphic novel about identical twins navigating their first year of middle school is a true delight!
Twins
Hillary K says:
It's so hard when you can't hug your best friend. This book celebrates all the ways kids can show someone they care, even if they can't be together.
While We Can't Hug
Sarah L says:
Already binged "Jane the Virgin" and "Ugly Betty?" Addicted to telenovelas and soaps? Sexy, sweet and filled with romance, this is the book for you!
You Had Me at Hola