Book List

15 Best January Books for Young Readers

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

A PLACE FOR VANISHING

by Ann Fraistat

A compelling, darkly creative, and intensely haunting examination of the masks we wear. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

IN UTERO

by Chris Gooch ; illustrated by Chris Gooch

Coming-of-age meets cosmic horror; unforgettably striking, both visually and emotionally. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

SLUGFEST

by Gordon Korman

The pastries aren’t all that’s sweet in a tale rich in wins both public and personal. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

SHARK TEETH

by Sherri Winston

A deeply satisfying tale with an irresistible protagonist. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

AMIL AND THE AFTER

by Veera Hiranandani ; illustrated by Prashant Miranda

A quietly brilliant, deeply insightful story of living in uncertain times. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

BARRACOON

by Zora Neale Hurston ; adapted by Ibram X. Kendi ; illustrated by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson

A powerful enslavement narrative from a literary icon, deftly retold for a younger audience. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

WHEN YOU HAVE TO WAIT

by Melanie Conklin ; illustrated by Leah Hong

A relatable and beautifully rendered tale about the value of patience. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

TIME TO MAKE ART

by Jeff Mack ; illustrated by Jeff Mack

An inspiring and empowering manifesto for young creators. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

YOU BROKE IT!

by Liana Finck ; illustrated by Liana Finck

A hilarious and heartwarming exposé of adults’ often ridiculous expectations for children. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

THE LAST STAND

by Antwan Eady ; illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey & Jarrett Pumphrey

A sumptuously illustrated, bittersweet story that’s at once an ode to and a eulogy for Black American farms. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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