Top 20 Books of 2021: 10-6

20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1

10: How To Find What You’re Not Looking For by Veera Hiranandani [Kokila (Penguin Random House) | Grades 3-7]

Because Newbery Honor author Veera Hiranandani tells Ariel Goldberg’s story from a second-person point of view in a captivating, nuanced, and brilliant way that I hadn’t experienced before. -John

9: Wishes by Muon Thi Van, illustrated by Victo Ngai [Orchard Books (Scholastic) | Grades K-3]

Because it’s the perfect combination of poetry and story. -Travis

8: Willowdeen by Katherine Applegate [Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan) | Grades 3-6]

Because Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate poetically reminds us The earth is old and we are not, and that is all you must remember… -John

7: Stuntboy, In the Meantime by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Raul the Third [Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (Simon & Schuster) | Grades 2-7]

Because Stuntboy is the hero we all need. -Travis

6: Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor [Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins) | Grades PreK-2]

Because it’s the most satisfyingly inventive book of 2021. -Travis

20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1

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Filed under: Best of, Best of 2021