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 143 titles published in 2025. 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 Thad P says:Seeing the world from the comfort of a railway coach has always been a dream of mine. Some are scattered around the world but some are close to home. Rachel N says:Long-harbored secrets come unmoored in this Scottish folklore-inspired adventure where two total strangers risk all they hold dear on each other. 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. Julie M says:The amazing true story of how one volcano impacted the entire world. 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. LaNesha S says:A simple playdate turns into every mother's nightmare. No child, a fake address and a web of lies. You won't be able to put this thriller down! Rachel N says:Do you have what therapists call a "complicated relationship" with your family? Well, you might just have some feelings about this book. 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." Chaz C says:I was so engrossed in this novel, I burned my frozen pizza. 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! Sarah C says:Follow Bashir’s epic adventure after he discovers a magic ring with a jinn inside. Full of action, humor and magic. Perfect for Percy Jackson fans. Susan A says:Fear of failure can be your worst enemy. 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. Terry M-R says:Inside this book's exotic cover, discover the secrets concealed in a peat bog for over 2,000 years! Susan A says:This story had me drawn in, immersed and enchanted. I loved every minute and am hungry for more. Chris V says:When moving to a new city isn't enough, trying waking up as the drunken stowaway in the wagon of a hero of legend. Sure beats coffee! Morgan H says:Big feelings and big laughs collide when Mei Mei learns a big lesson about guilt and forgiveness. Jenn E says:Want to read a book about a curious kitten chasing a mouse through works of art? Of course you do! Lily D says:You can never have too many cats... or can you? Stephanie B says:We love a cozy fantasy. Great for fans of TJ Klune or Travis Baldree. Now, send me off to another universe please! 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! Libby V says:A history-driven yet readable book outlining America's cult-ish past. Cora S says:You'll want to keep reading to learn all the layers of this family drama. 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! Jess P says:A lovely and hilarious fever dream collection of stories, featuring a time-traveling David Bowie as a dog. What else can you ask for? 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. Eric N says:Think the pandemic couldn't have been any worse? Think again. 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. Eric N says:Finals and summer internships might take a backseat when you’re fighting to survive a real-life movie slasher! Hillary K says:A simple concept, but so well done. Playful, rhyming text and bright illustrations make this intro to colors a standout! Leah D says:A sweeping wartime and family saga with many revelations, spanning decades and multiple countries. The audio was superb! 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. Heather W says:Feel festive all year long with this short story collection that celebrates a year's worth of holidays across many cultures. 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. Lily D says:I can't say enough good things about this story. The power of queer resilience and love is unmatched. Terry M-R says:Party like it's the Gilded Age with this lighthearted biography of the fun, fabulous socialite Mamie Fish. Tim P says:An adorable adventure, set in an adorable landscape with adorable goats. Goat Magic is a cozy, queer romance perfect for Pride month. Libby V says:A reverse parent-trap story set out on the sea! Jeff D says:This is the 14th book in the series and every one is a gem of crime and comedy with characters you will love. The TV show nobody saw was great, too! Lex B says:Waiter, I'll have the botanical body horror with a side of queer romance. And yes, I'd like it set in a manor haunted by death and carnivorous plants. Hilary H says:Lily King delivers another gut punch of a love story. Why do I punish myself like this? 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! Annie C says:A warm blanket of grief. For all the lovers of stories about stories. 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. 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? Annie C says:A fun, high-seas adventure with all the creepy vibes. Art that delights and will also make you squirm. 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. 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. Lex B says:Leap into Pride month with this tale of young lesbian dancers. This visually stunning graphic novel is as tender and gentle as it is relatably tragic. 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! Tim P says:The mountains are Guinea Pigs and the islands are Axlotls, what more could you ask for? A fun adventure story for fans of The Tea Dragon Society. Hillary K says:Full of mischief and mayhem-- as well as the letter M-- this title will leave your child wanting more, more, more! Tim P says:Mental health can be a hard topic to bring up, especially with kiddos. This story does it in a gentle and caring way. Tim P says:A heartwarming and deep story of identity, found family, standing up to hatred, but most of all, hope. A good read for scary season, or any season. April O says:A hard hitting, light sci-fi romance about memory tampering and friendship that is oh so memorable and poignant. 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. Julie M says:Cuddle up with this celebration of winter and explore the wonders of nature's light. Heather H says:Brilliantly composed, Ben Wickey's graphic novel brings the Salem witch trials to life in a way that is both gripping and deeply convicting. Amie W says:A cozy mystery that's just a little bit dark, with a cast of misfit characters. April O says:Plot twists that'll give ya whiplash… what a fun ride! Amie W says:This book felt like it could have been an episode of the TV show "Murder, She Wrote," which I loved! 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. Becca B says:Beautiful and searing, El Akkad explores power dynamics and optics in global politics, with a focus on Palestinian struggle. 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. Hilary H says:A fun and engaging STEM read-aloud for young kids. The illustrations are spot on, and the narration is hitting. Carmi D says:The pineapple upside down dump cake was easy to make and so good, I had to keep from devouring the whole thing! 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! Thad P says:With knowledge, good intent and humor, the author reminds us of all the kindness, love and empathy that can be found in the bible. Susan A says:Cozy up, relax and enjoy this playfully illustrated introduction to Shabbat! 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. 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. Amy B says:Brené Brown uses her unique brand of research and storytelling to share what daring leadership looks like during times of immense change. Heather H says:A beautiful book about family traditions! And, yes, it absolutely inspired me to make homemade hummus. 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. 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." Morgan H says:Science becomes poetry in this snuggly celebration of the wonders of outer space and the sweetness of solitude. 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. Thad P says:Whether Roman remains in Vietnam or Chinese remains in ancient Ukraine, people build the best life they can wherever they wind up. Cora S says:This book left me clutching my favorite wooden spoon a little bit tighter. Rachel N says:An anxious, centuries-old hermit and a cast of begrudging new friends find themselves at the mercy of a mystery, its ghost and the grief of loving. Amy B says:For anyone who loves true crime documentaries, pub trivia games or British murder mysteries. Janice Hallett never disappoints! Meredith R says:Exactly the sort of escapist adventure I needed to shake off the winter blues. Daniel S says:Mark Latham skillfully combines a dark medieval fantasy world with an intricate Sherlockian mystery and well-realized pair of mismatched protagonists. Lori W says:Mom problems, pesky little brother, a not-so-secret crush and a recurring nightmare of doom with an unlucky birthday approaching…what could go wrong? 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. Stephanie B says:Scheele's green was a highly popular and vibrant color used for clothing and other textiles in the Victorian era. It was made using arsenic. Voilá! Susan A says:A rebel with a cause! Amanda K says:Fans of "Downton Abby" or "The Crown:" you're invited to this reverent and often humorous behind-the-scenes of life in service to Elizabeth II's heir. 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. Hilary H says:Incredibly unsettling and deeply beautiful. I'm still thinking about this book months later. 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. Becca B says:For some reason all I can think of is citrus puns. This picture book is the zest. Marmaladen with info. I'll stop, but only because I'm out of room. 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. Jeff D says:Tortoise has been confounding listeners for three decades, mixing jazz, ambient and Ennio Morricone. Sometimes all in the same song. 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! Libby V says:A book for my fellow classical mythology lovers with an explosive ending. Jodi L says:Gratz has done it again, folks. I lived on the edge of my seat for the entire last hour of this audiobook! 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. Susan A says:This one is layered with secrets, lies and love! 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. Jodi L says:"Pygmalion" → "She's All That" → What If You Fall for Me First? I ship Sofden so hard. Jeff D says:This book starts at 10 and keeps up the intensity! There are pauses for backstory and then we're back to the chase. Reminded me of early Stephen King. Heather W says:How far would you actually go for your "ride or die?" Jess P says:A tale of contemporary madness that's surreal and alien, and still too close for comfort. Jodi L says:Black cowboys! Rattlesnakes! Shootouts! Healing generational trauma! Extreme peril! Don't miss this one!!! 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.
