Top 20 Books of 2021: 20-16

It began with an idea.

A couple ideas.

What if there was a Best of the Year list that counted down from #20 to #1?

AND

What if this list could include children’s books of any stripe (graphic novel, nonfiction, picture book, middle grade, etc.)?

John Schu and I began with these ideas and for 12 years now we’ve been ending the year with our Top 20 Books countdown.

Over the next few days, we’ll share our favorites from 2021.

20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1

20. The Longest Storm by Dan Yaccarino [Astra | Grades K-2]

Because, as much as the pandemic is a story about science, it’s also a story about families. -Travis

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

19. Circle Under Berry by Carter Higgins [Chronicle | Grades PreK-1]

Because it is colorful and clever and clearly created to be read aloud over and over and over again. -John

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

18. Bad Sister by Charise Mericle Harper, illustrated by Rory Lucey [First Second | Grades 2-6]

Because, let’s admit it, at some point we’ve all been bad. -Travis

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

17. Bright Star by Yuyi Morales [Neal Porter Books (Holiday House) | Grades K-2]

Because it’s a soothing lullaby everyone needs to experience and share. -John

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

16. Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Floyd Cooper [Carolrhoda Books (Lerner) | Grades 3-6]

Because it takes on a challenging subject with truth and beauty. -Travis

20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1

Filed under: Best of 2021