Best Books of the Year: 2022

There's nothing quite like getting lost in a book—something our deputy editor of Books, Regan McMahon, knows all too well. Her favorite selections for this year speak to all kinds of curious readers, including delightful adventure stories, fantasy-inspired folklore, and powerful coming-of-age narratives. To inspire your next read, check out this curated list of top picks from this year, and don't miss the rest of our 2022 favorites linked below.

Make sure to check out the rest of our Best of 2022 favorites: Movies | TV | Video Games | Podcasts | U.K. Films

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Cartoonish chicken singing
BOOK

Con Pollo: A Bilingual Playtime Adventure

age 2+

Fun, easy read-aloud introduces English and Spanish words.

Happy rabbit and scared bear together
BOOK

I'm Not Scared, You're Scared!

age 3+

Funny, sweet adventure story of friendship and facing fears.

By: Seth Meyers (2022)
Diverse group of children playing and reading
BOOK

All Are Neighbors

age 4+

Colorful images celebrate diverse, inclusive neighbors.

By: Alexandra Penfold (2022)
Eyes That Speak to the Stars Poster Image
BOOK

Eyes That Speak to the Stars

age 4+

Little boy learns his eyes are beautiful in gorgeous sequel.

By: Joanna Ho (2022)
book cover of Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon
BOOK

Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon

age 4+

Classic tale gets fun update from a Chinese perspective.

Kick Push Poster Image
BOOK

Kick Push

age 5+

Kid explores new neighborhood in fun tale of self-pride.

By: Frank Morrison (2022)
The World Belonged to Us Book Cover
BOOK

The World Belonged to Us

age 5+

Colorful tribute to the past honors inner-city culture.

By: Jacqueline Woodson (2022)
The Year We Learned to Fly Poster Image
BOOK

The Year We Learned to Fly

age 5+

Empathy and empowerment fly high in this meaningful book.

By: Jacqueline Woodson (2022)
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers cover
BOOK

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers

age 6+

Inspiring tales of young women currently changing the world.

By: Rebel Girls (2022)
Patchwork Book Cover
BOOK

Patchwork

age 6+

Poetic picture book shows kids' lives full of possibility.

By: Matt de la Peña (2022)
Black girl with big Afro decorated with a flower
BOOK

Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution

age 8+

Inspiring tale of girl chasing her dream to be a violinist.

By: Sherri Winston (2022)
Black boy looking upward with hand on chin
BOOK

The Lucky Ones

age 8+

Clever, optimistic tale of Black boy in 1967 Mississippi.

Maizy Chen's Last Chance Poster Image
BOOK

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

age 9+

Heartfelt novel tackles identity, racism, and immigration.

By: Lisa Yee (2022)
Marikit and the Ocean of Stars
BOOK

Marikit and the Ocean of Stars

age 9+

Sweet, quirky quest tale steeped in Filipino folklore.

Book cover: smiling Latina girl with luchador mask on
BOOK

Tumble

age 9+

Latina girl wrestles identity and family with authenticity.

By: Celia C. Pérez (2022)
Miss Quinces Book Cover
BOOK

Miss Quinces

age 10+

Heartwarming tale of 15-year-old's party angst.

By: Kat Fajardo (2022)
Covershot
BOOK

Nura and the Immortal Palace

age 10+

Girl faces off against mythical beings in unique fantasy.

By: M.T. Khan (2022)
Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting
BOOK

Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting: Serwa Boateng, Book 1

age 10+

Kids fight Ghanaian vampires and racism in exciting fantasy.

By: Roseanne A. Brown (2022)
Ain't Burned All the Bright Poster Image
BOOK

Ain't Burned All the Bright

age 12+

Emotional, artistic reflection on COVID, racial strife.

By: Jason Reynolds (2022)
The Ivory Key
BOOK

The Ivory Key: The Ivory Key, Book 1

age 12+

Royal siblings hunt for magic in exciting fantasy.

By: Akshaya Raman (2022)