20 Best Books To Read in May

by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Imagine "The Hunger Games" refashioned into a rowdy, profane, and indignant blues shout at full blast. Full review >

by Luis Alberto Urrea

Top-shelf historical fiction delivered with wit and compassion. Full review >

by Celia Bell

An astonishingly accomplished debut that brings a past full of intrigue and ardor to life on the page. Full review >

by Abraham Verghese

By God, he's done it again. Full review >

by Kwame Alexander

This magnanimous hybrid-form memoir is rich with solace and wisdom. Full review >

by Héctor Tobar

A powerful look at what it means to be a member of a community that, though large, remains marginalized. Full review >

by Jonathan Eig

An extraordinary achievement and an essential life of the iconic warrior for social justice. Full review >

by Burkhard Bilger

A moving, humane biography of a minor Nazi official who did his job without the usual horrors. Full review >

by Ariel Aberg-Riger ; illustrated by Ariel Aberg-Riger

Beautifully illustrated, riveting, enraging, and empowering: a must-read. Full review >

by Angeline Boulley

A page-turning heist grounded in a nuanced exploration of critical issues of cultural integrity. Full review >

by Ruta Sepetys

Instructive and inspiring for storytellers of all ages. Full review >

by Elizabeth Santiago ; illustrated by McKenzie Mayle

Deeply moving, beautifully written, and inspiring. Full review >

by Brian Young

Thought-provoking and full of heart; a genuinely pleasurable read. Full review >

by Julie Lee

A gripping story about family, war, mourning, and resilience told with emotion and heart. Full review >

by Elaine Dimopoulos ; illustrated by Doug Salati

Use your milkweed: Read this! Full review >

by Katharina von der Gathen ; illustrated by Anke Kuhl ; translated by Shelley Tanaka

A whimsical, enlightening, and empowering volume to set readers on the path toward self-acceptance and body positivity. Full review >

by Jack Wong ; illustrated by Jack Wong

A gorgeously rendered love letter to swimming and the magical experiences that it can unlock. Full review >

by Jairo Buitrago ; illustrated by Rafael Yockteng ; translated by Elisa Amado

A stirring and thought-provoking reflection on the essential part stories play in making us human. Full review >

by Rajani LaRocca ; illustrated by Abhi Alwar

A gorgeous ode to change, growth, togetherness, and family. Full review >

by Claudia Guadalupe Martínez ; illustrated by Laura González

Rejoice and rally for the axolotl! Full review >