Best Books
by Gigi Little, November 2, 2023 8:10 AM
Best Fiction of 2023 | Best Nonfiction of 2023 | Best Graphic Novels of 2023 | Best Horror of 2023 | Best Romance of 2023 | Best Science Fiction & Fantasy of 2023
It’s coming! Do you feel it? That rumble under your feet? That is the approach of something amazing! In fact, it’s so thunderous that the trees are shaking and the ground is jumping and — careful! — you can hardly stay on your feet, until… almost… almost… YES, it’s here! The very first of Powell’s Best Books of 2023 lists. My very favorite category: Kids and Teens.
No wonder it made such a rumbly ruckus as it came. It’s sooooo heavy — filled with ten tons of terrific tomes: from picture books to medieval romcoms, from graphic memoirs to gothic horror. You’ll find giant jellyfish, brainy minotaurs, witch’s broom races, vengeful specters, accidental cults, toilet weasels (hmm?), intrepid squirrels and starry-eyed pigs, shirt-o-sauruses and sweater sheep. Stories that explore identity, family, race and gender, cruelty and kindness, joy and silliness, the ingenuity of humankind and the power — and fragility — of the natural world. We love these rumbly books from the bottom of our rumbly hearts — and we hope you will too.
FOR YOUNGER KIDS
by Chloe Savage
I can’t recommend this book enough. It has an enjoyable storyline, combined with fantastic illustrations, where you will lose time delving into the fabulous details. This is a book you will easily return to multiple times before you’ve really taken it all in. — Elizabeth H.
by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey
There Was a Party for Langston celebrates Langston Hughes, “whose ABC’s became drums, bumping jumping thumping / like a heart the size of the whole wide world.” This book bumps and thumps, too, using rhythmic words, expressive art, and loads of heart to pay tribute to an important man. — Gigi L.
by Chris Harris, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi
My Head Has a Bellyache is the newest work of pure genius from Chris Harris. He is a master of writing poetry for kids that adults will like just as much. This book is smart in the best of snarky ways, tender here and there without leading to fake barfing noises from kids, and always funny in ways that make you feel like you're in on the secret joke. This is an excellent gift for a wide age range, including yourself! — April C.
by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Cátia Chien
With its soft pastel and colored illustrations, this is a calm and quiet book. It is a gentle reflection on appreciating what you have, finding peace in the moment, and feeling connected through life’s ups and downs. It is both sad and hopeful and needs to be shared. — Elizabeth H.
by Michelle Sterling, illustrated by Sarah Gonzales
In Maribel’s Year, young Maribel and her mother watch the changing of the seasons for a year, as they wait for her father to join them in America from the Philippines. Gorgeous illustrations on each page, dedicated to a month in each country, beautifully depict the connection of father and daughter from far away. A great picture book, perfect for ages four and up. — Kim T.
by Kate Ristau
Kate Ristau’s new Mythwakers series sets out to teach kids all about mythology but in a new and super fun way: through the point of view of its characters. First up is Asterion, the famous minotaur. Asterion is goofy, kind of cheeky, and full of fascinating facts about his mythological life and the true history of Ancient Greece. With Ristau’s light, breezy style and loads of hilarious jokes and asides, Mythwakers: The Minotaur is a great way for kids to find and foster a love of mythology and history. I can’t wait to find out what figure, and what mythological world, is up next. — Gigi L.
by Vincent D’Onofrio, Illustrated by Shelly Cunningham
This picture book is absolutely enchanting. The gorgeous illustrations perfectly complement the text to make for a beautiful story about friendship and what we can do for others. — Lyla D.
by Joy Harjo, illustrated by Michaela Goade
A poem reminding us to take time to honor the world and our place in it. Immerse yourself in this wonderful book. Feel the rhythm of the words, let the message wash over you, and revel in the stunning illustrations. — Elizabeth H.
by Aaron Becker
In the wordless picture book genre with such beautiful titles as Journey, Quest, and Return, master storyteller Aaron Becker does it again. The Tree and the River wordlessly guides the reader through a time lapse, with a tree as the main focus, exploring both natural and human developments in a captivating view on human civilization and the impact of its resources. — Kim T.
by Isaac Peterson
Such a simple story, just a fox in the woods at night, but the minimal, poetic language and the sweeping art in smoky grays and washes of yellow-orange make Gray Fox in the Moonlight an exquisite encounter as well as a celebration of the simple fact that no matter what parents must do, they always return to keep their children cozy and safe. — Gigi L.
by Matthew Cordell
Meet Evergreen, an inspiring little squirrel who perseveres to complete a challenging journey across the forest. Her Mama knew she could do it, we knew it too, but watching Evergreen triumph is still reassuring. — Elizabeth H.
by Jennifer Thermes
The Indestructible Tom Crean is a visually stunning nonfiction picture book about the incredible true stories of Tom Crean and his adventures on The Discovery, Terra Nova, and Endurance expeditions in the Arctic. Jennifer Thermes captures this fascinating life of a great explorer and unsung hero in exploration history with fascinating facts, stories and beautiful illustrations. — Kim T.
FOR OLDER KIDS
by M. T. Anderson, illustrated by Junyi Wu
In Elf Dog and Owl Head, National Book Award finalist M. T. Anderson spins a tale of a boy and an unusual dog in this fantasy-mixed-with-reality middle reader, great for ages eight and up. Excellent world building and fascinating characters told by a master storyteller make this a cozy read for the cold and rainy season. — Kim T.
by Patricia C. Wrede
I’ve reread Patricia C. Wrede’s Enchanted Forest Chronicles more times than I can count, and I was thrilled to learn she was putting out another middle grade novel this year (her first in over a decade!). Dark Lord’s Daughter is a portal fantasy; where the Enchanted Forest Chronicles are set entirely in a world of princesses and dragons, this new title follows Kayla (and her adoptive mom and brother) as they are swept away from a state fair in our world to a land of fantasy and magic. Wrede here ponders nature versus nurture with her hallmark wit and humor, and I can’t wait for the eventual sequel! — Madeline S.
by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Shawn Harris
A delightful adventure story told by the fastest dog you will ever meet. Except that you will not meet him, or even notice him, because he is so very fast. Written with humor and beautifully illustrated. And there’s even a special deluxe wood-bound edition for a unique gift option. —Elizabeth H.
by Pedro Martín
On this cross-countries (two: America to Mexico) road trip, I fell in love with Pedro and his whole chaotic family. How can you not? Pedro’s voice is charming, and his family’s strivings and misadventures are equal parts poignant and a rip-roaring good time. Exploring themes of culture, identity, connection, and good old awkward kidhood, Mexikid is a graphic memoir that is drawn with flair and written with humor and heart. —Gigi L.
by K. O'Neill
The Moth Keeper captures magic and beauty as only New Zealand graphic novelist K. O’Neill can. Anya is the lone guardian of the enchanted Moon-Moths which pollinate the Night-Flower tree and offers gifts and blessings to the community. An important role comes with great sacrifice as Anya becomes isolated and wonders what it would be like to see the sun for the first time. This is a wonderful middle grade graphic novel tale of found family, adventure, and fantasy by the author of The Tea Dragon Society. — Kim T.
by Laini Taylor, illustrated by Jim Di Bartolo
Local author/artist couple Laini Taylor (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Strange the Dreamer) and Jim Di Bartolo (The Boy Who Became a Dragon, Night of Cake and Puppets) have teamed up to deliver a rip-roaring sci-fi graphic novel adventure! Billie Blaster is practically destined for scientific greatness, as the daughter of two genius scientists. But when her rivalry with another budding scientist (Tiny Hector Glum) spins out of control, she has to embark on an adventure to outer space to stop an intergalactic war that’s totally definitely maybe not her fault. Whoops? — Madeline S.
by Seaerra Miller
I love this story of a father and daughter on a road trip, looking for aliens and navigating their complicated relationship. The illustrations are gorgeous and really bring the characters and the UFO convention to life. If you like graphic novels and want to believe, this book is for you! — Jennifer H.
by Erin Bow
This book is heartbreaking, but also hopeful and funny. Yes, funny. Erin Bow manages to completely pull that off in a book about the survivor of a school shooting. It’s about the impact of living with trauma, what it takes to move forward, and the support of friends. This is a powerful book, and one that would fit right in at a book club. — Elizabeth H.
by Dan Santat
A First Time for Everything chronicles the awkward middle school years of Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat during a trip to France, Germany, Switzerland, and England. Santat's signature sense of humor shines through in this charmingly illustrated journey of finding self-confidence, many first experiences, and self-discovery. An excellent graphic memoir for ages twelve and up. — Kim T.
by Rick Riordan
I'm a bit obsessed with Rick Riordan. I'll try anything he writes, and his Rick Riordan Presents imprint is always quality (and a great example of true allyship), but it all started with Percy — and now he's graduating high school! I feel like Mushu in Mulan: "My little baby's all grown up,” and applying for colleges in the most Percy way imaginable: obtaining letters of recommendation by fulfilling three mythical quests. Honestly, from what I remember of applying to colleges, that sounds pretty accurate to the average high-schooler’s experience. — Madeline S.
FOR YOUNG ADULTS
by Jaha Nailah Avery
This preservation of stories over three hundred years in the making should be required reading, especially considering in 2023 we have conservative podcasters and talking heads stating that African American history, specifically involving slavery, is "embellished." Avery's mission to herald history as truth — bare, brutal, and beautiful as it is — sees its accomplishment met here, burning bright as the sun. — Stacy Wayne D.
by Margaret Owen
If we had the option for audio-clip blurbs, this one would be me squealing at a pitch only dogs can hear. I immediately fell madly in love with Owen’s 2021 masterpiece Little Thieves, a smart, snarky, thoughtful retelling of “The Goose Girl” fairy tale grounded in female agency. (I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, when the payoff of the literal “Find the Lady” game happened, I lost my mind.) That book stands wonderfully on its own, but I am excited beyond belief to see more of my favorite horrible goose girl Vanya, who has now started an accidental cult. Given how things tend to go for her, it’s unsurprising that this leads to her suitor and friend Emeric being chosen as a virgin sacrifice. Don’t worry; Vanya has naturally concocted a complex scheme to get them out of this. I adore her. — Madeline S.
For more, read bookseller Madeline S.'s interview with Margaret Owen upon the release of Panted Devils.
by Kendare Blake
Behind every great hero is an Aristene. Mythical female warriors who are sent by the Goddess, to guide their heroes to victory and Glory. They are the Heromakers. Reed's trials will resonate the most with the "horse-girls," the ones that want to be immortal, that want their horses to live with them forever, and go into great battles together. This was such a fun, unputdownable fantasy read that will leave you longing for the next installment. — Mecca A.
by Andrew Joseph White
Andrew Joseph White blew me away with Hell Followed With Us, so I was on board for this one before ever reading the synopsis. Need to know: somehow, AJW has asserted a new corner of queer horror that is retrograde, demented, deeply personal, and in the BioShock wheelhouse. Del Toro but make it YA, trans, and more bloody. This book! — Stacy Wayne D.
by Jasmine Walls
This fabulous and original YA graphic novel digs into an alternative queer history (grounded in truth) of magic and unsanctioned broom racing for people of color in the American South in the 1930s, including Black, Choctaw, Chinese, and Latine characters. Racing team the Night Storms are a found family of racers that Dominic Toretto and his crew would be proud to belong to, and like the Fast and the Furious franchise, the action and racing are grounded in the importance of personal connections and relationships. Most importantly, it’s an incredibly fun read! — Madeline S.
by Angeline Boulley
A companion novel set in the same world as Firekeeper’s Daughter is a reason to celebrate! Ten years after the events of the first book, we meet Daunis’s niece, Perry Firekeeper-Birch. Perry’s summer takes an unexpected turn when she accepts an internship at the tribal museum and soon realizes that she wants to help recover her tribe’s stolen history. With the help of her friends, she decides to take matters into her own hands. I really enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the thrilling mystery in this wonderful book. — Jennifer H.
by Phoebe Wahl
I'm a big fan of Phoebe Wahl's picture books! Sonya's Chickens, Little Witch Hazel, The Blue House among others are beloved in our picture book sections. In Phoebe's Diary, the author captures and captivates an older audience in an honest and wonderfully illustrated diary based on her own teen years. Warm and detailed illustrations along with angsty and charming prose made me sad to turn the last page in this illustrated young adult novel. — Kim T.
by Lex Croucher
Arthur and Gwendoline attempt to live up to their namesakes in this medieval romcom that is, delightfully, not an "enemies-to-lovers" tale, but an "enemies-to-queer-solidarity-that-bucks-tradition-and-arguably-fate" romp. If you thought the only thing A Knight's Tale was missing was a queer love story, or if you did time in the BBC Merlin fandom (hello!), this one's for you. — Madeline S.
by Ryan La Sala
If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times, Ryan La Sala understands the assignment. Beholder is infinitely more than what it seems and a masterclass in atmospheric horror. Never before has interior design been wrought into a full-fledged phobia. I'll just add it to the list of weird fears I'm slowly collecting. Thanks a lot, Ryan. — Stacy Wayne D.
by Susan Dennard
Winnie Wednesday is back! She's passed the Hunter trials and the forest is still holding onto its secrets and sending monsters her way. Is there really a Whisperer monster? Why does nobody believe her when she says it's not the werewolf, and what are those Dianas really up to? Get ready for some SLOW-BURN romance, changing friendships, changing family dynamics...and is being a Luminary really all it's cracked up to be? I'm still hardcore #UghJay forever and waiting on him to get his "boops." — Mecca A.
by Joy McCullough
McCullough showed her historical skillset with National Book Award Longlist debut Blood Water Paint, a novel in verse that fiercely told the story of painter and survivor Artemisia Gentileschi. Here, she turns those skills to Shakespeare’s dead heroines (primarily Lavinia, Juliet, Cordelia, and Ophelia, though plenty of others appear as well), who open this combination novel-in-verse/script-style tale, meeting in the liminal space under the trap door of every stage. Unique, impactful, and not to be missed, this beautifully crafted work is about girls and women reclaiming their own stories and writing their own endings: bloody, bold, and resolute. — Madeline S.
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Need more recommendations? Check out our list from last year: Best Books of 2022: Kids' and Teens.
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