We asked staffers at children’s publishing houses to tell us about their favorite children’s or YA book they read this year. Our only condition: it couldn’t be a book that their company had published. Here we present their recommendations—happy reading!
David Levithan, SVP/publisher and editorial director, Scholastic
Once in a blue moon (i.e., every few years), a book comes along that moves and astonishes me so much that I become evangelical about it, even though I had nothing whatsoever to do with its creation. I was lucky enough to be sent an early copy of Cory McCarthy’s Postscript (Dutton), and the rest of my time has been spent waiting until February for it to hit shelves so everyone else can read it. It is, at heart, about how we must dive deeply into our own humanity and the humanity of others in order to navigate a destroyed world. But no summary can do such a unique book justice—you have to lose yourself in its sentences and paragraphs in order to find yourself in its characters and world. This is the kind of book that I will buy by the dozen, because if I find a friend who hasn’t read it, I am going to want to give them a copy immediately. It is a masterpiece, and exactly the book I needed to read to help me get through 2025, and I am sure it will be a book many will have the same response to in 2026 and for many, many more years to come.
Caitlin Ek, publicist, children’s books, Chronicle Books
Don’t Eat Eustace by Lian Cho (HarperCollins) is the best kind of picture book—charming, unexpected, thoughtfully designed (that rope bordering the illustrations throughout is such a lovely touch). The tension builds as the book moves forward and Eustace remains in the pot of soup—how will it end!? Lian Cho is one of those creators where every book is better than the last, and Eustace was an absolute delight!
Carol Hinz, associate publisher, Millbrook Press and Carolrhoda Books
On a long drive back from a trip with my family this fall, I started reading A World Without Summer by Nicholas Day (Random House Studio). An early chapter discusses Iceland—a source of great fascination in our family—so I decided to read it aloud to my husband and two kids (ages 12 and 15). They were hooked! I went on to continue reading the book to them for the next several hours, making a dull drive infinitely more lively. I was impressed by the way Day wove together history and science with the story of how Mary Shelley came to write Frankenstein, and I thought the “Some Questions for the Reader, Also Known as You” sections were particularly inspired. As someone who loves nonfiction, this book would have been one of my favorites of the year had I read it by myself, but reading it aloud to my family made it all the more special!
Maggie Salko, marketing manager, Candlewick Press, Holiday House, and Peachtree
I’m not always the first to jump at a BookTok recommendation, but I was so glad I picked up The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala (Scholastic/PUSH) after seeing a few videos about it, because I was obsessed with every page I read. A quaint island town with a mysterious secret! Drag queens leading people through the apocalypse! Teens with flamethrowers! The Dead of Summer truly has it all, culminating in a thrilling story about a group of queer teens as they protect their Provincetown-like village from a dangerous threat arising from the water that surrounds their island. While the book has plenty of horror and chills, it’s also full of queer joy and the power of resistance and community. I’ll warn you now: this is the first in a series, and before you get to the cliffhanger ending that had me screaming, don’t worry, book two is in production. I can’t recommend this book enough and can’t wait to pre-order the next one!
Justin Krasner, editorial director, Sourcebooks eXplore
I love any picture book that teaches, tickles, and has a bit of a bite. Caroline Perry and Sydney Hanson’s I Am Not Happy! (Simon & Schuster) does all three delightfully. It turns the internet’s favorite relentlessly cheerful quokka on its head and introduces us to a hero who admits, “Behind my twinkling smile lies an ocean of inner torment.” It’s a pitch-perfect reminder for readers of all ages not to judge a book by its cover—and a small, sparkling gift for those of us with a resting bitch face and those cursed with what can only be described as a permanent resting bliss face.
Isaac Loewen, sales associate, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
I am lucky enough to be in a profession that constantly introduces me to fantastic new books, but every year for the past five years I have found myself returning to Megan Whalen Turner’s The Thief (Greenwillow). I rediscovered it during the pandemic when my desire to read began to decline and found it as exciting and invigorating as when I initially read it two decades earlier. It’s something I return to every year, a reminder of why I love to work with children’s books.
Jill Santopolo, VP and publisher, Philomel
This past year, my daughter’s teacher gave her a copy of Jenny’s Birthday Book by Esther Averill (New York Review Books), which was first published in 1954 and republished in 2005. I had somehow missed this classic as a child and as an editor, but both my daughter and I were delighted by this story of a cat birthday party in what we assume is Central Park. The flights of imagination and fancy are unexpected and wonderful—cats dancing the Sailor’s Hornpipe, a ride on a fire truck driven by a cat named Pickles, a song written into the story that must be sung as you go—and the art style is reminiscent of Goodnight Moon. The book has no real conflict and a very simple plot; it’s mostly just a joyful cat romp through New York City. We did have to make an adjustment to the text for sensitivity reasons, but other than that, this book has stood the test of time and is a classic we have added to our rotation.
Erika West, assistant manager, production editorial, HarperCollins Children’s Books
I found the graphic novel Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen (Random House Graphic) while browsing new releases at the library. I’d read The Magic Fish and was excited to discover his new book. I love the expressiveness of Trung’s characters: the subtle arch of an eyebrow or tilt of the mouth between panels when Angelica confides in her best friend that she is DMing with the bear mascot of their local theater communicates so much about their relationship without words. I feel like I’m sitting across from them on the bus, watching the conversation unfold. In the author’s note, Trung says he wanted his sophomore book to be lighter and fun, but he “tripped and fell face-first into [his] feelings.” What appears at first glance to be a cheerful, magical rom-com contains emotional depths that anyone can relate to: processing grief for a loved one, climbing out from the pits of burnout, and learning to be vulnerable and reach out to those around us for support.
Seale Ballenger, VP, publicity, Scholastic Trade
I’m a pushover for picture books with animals, and Cat Nap by Brian Lies (Greenwillow) was my favorite this year. It’s a charming story about a kitten who chases a mouse through a framed poster and ultimately through art history. The illustrations are delightful and perfectly suited for anyone wanting to share the magic of reading with a child.
Emily Daluga, editor, children’s books, Chronicle Books
I think my favorite book of the year would have to be The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln (Dutton). I’d been seeing it in lots of bookstores, and I was just so charmed by the adorable cover and interior art. And as someone who was raised reading loads of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie mysteries, this book did not disappoint and felt like absolute catnip to me! Much like the Knives Out movies, it was the classic mystery story made new, and I was endlessly impressed by each twist and turn of the plot, the colorful cast of characters, and the thoughtful take on the power of words and names. In my opinion, mysteries are some of the hardest books to write, and I just completely adored this one!
Kevin Armstrong, senior production designer, Chronicle Books
I really loved Let’s Be Bees by Shawn Harris (Holiday House/Porter). He’s always doing really weird, interesting things with his art process and media. And the story is always heartwarming, direct, and unpretentious.
Lisa Bosley, marketing director, brand and licensed publishing, Random House Children’s Books
I was blown away by The Lamplighter by Crystal J. Bell (Flux). I love reading spooky stories in the Halloween season and this is one of the best I’ve ever read. The story is of a young woman who is responsible for lighting the lamps in her 19th-century fishing village famous for its lucky ship figureheads. When girls start disappearing in town, she is alone in trying to track down the monster responsible while the village blames her. The ending was not what I expected (in a good way!) and I give the author incredible props for taking risks and breaking tropes. And that cover—chef’s kiss! This YA book is full of true horror vibes, complex relationships, and perfect for your next spooky read. You can bet I’ll be keeping an eye on Bell to see what else she comes up with!
Samantha Knoerzer, assistant editor, Odd Dot
Earlier this year I read The Pirate and the Porcelain Girl by Emily Riesbeck and NJ Barna (Simon & Schuster) and absolutely loved it! I discovered it through a Goodreads recommendation list and was so glad I did. This was a wonderful soft launch, enemies-to-lovers graphic novel adventure featuring two strong and interesting female main characters, which explored the importance of self-acceptance and embracing imperfections. It also featured phenomenal art that I couldn’t look away from!
Phoebe Kosman, head of marketing and communications, Nosy Crow
Even though my kids, now eight and 11, have technically aged out of early readers, we still love to read them together—there’s an elegance, humor, and economy to the best early readers that’s unmatched by any other genre. This year’s standout for us was Lone Wolf Goes to School by Kiah Thomas and illustrated by K-Fai Steele (Holiday House/Porter). Not only does the curmudgeonly lupine protagonist make us feel seen at our most grumpily introverted—but also the wildly gregarious, selfie-seeking Jolly Hiker, indelibly depicted by Steele, has become shorthand in our house for a distinct brand of goofy, extroverted enthusiasm, as in “that was some real Jolly Hiker behavior.” Lone Wolf (and Jolly Hiker avoidance) forever!
Havilah Sciabbarrasi, editorial assistant, Random House Children’s Books
I felt like I’d struck gold when I stumbled across I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang (Scholastic Press) on TikTok, and thank goodness I decided to pick it up! The voices were pitch-perfect, and the author explores the pressures of academic success in relation to the Chinese American experience. It’s also a fabulous story about learning to let people dislike you and choose authenticity over external validation. I Hope This Doesn’t Find You follows Sadie, a high-achieving perfectionist who drafts hate emails she never plans on sending to her archnemesis and rival, Julian Gong, and the chaos that ensues once these emails are accidentally (you guessed it) sent to everyone in school The premise of this book is probably everyone who works in corporate’s worst nightmare, but I loved the romance and commentary here. Ann Liang is an insta-buy author for me now, and I only expect her star to rise.
Kayah Hodge, children’s digital marketing associate, Simon & Schuster
I’ve already gifted Taylor Cassidy’s Black History Is Your History (Atheneum) to my creative friend, my educator friend, and my entrepreneur friend. This collection of 12 true stories combines Black American history with Cassidy’s personal anecdotes, making it the best fusion of insightful chronicles and lighthearted fun. Aside from the captivating doodles throughout, Cassidy’s inviting tone and uplifting approach make this the absolute best read for reluctant readers, history buffs, young artists, aspiring scientists, and everyone in between. Peeking into this read is an opportunity to truly understand how Black history is closely connected to your history!
Tessa Meischeid, publicity manager, Scholastic Trade
The hill I will absolutely die on is that if you want to understand a thing at its most fundamental level, find a picture book about it. Picture books distill concepts to be understood by kids (definitely!), but they also artfully and completely incapsulate the thing in a way that helps everyone understand it better. My best friend was diagnosed with a rare genetic degenerative disease earlier this year and Yumi and Monster by Kam Redlawsk (Union Square Kids) came at exactly the time I needed it. It’s the story of a girl who is sick with an unnamed disease that manifests into a monster that follows her everywhere. Initially frustrated, she eventually comes to love the monster who once haunted her fairy tale. Once I had enough time with the book’s stunning art and important, emotional, and eye-opening message, I sent it to her and it’s one of her favorites now too.
Caitlyn Davis, trade marketing assistant, Candlewick, Holiday House, and Peachtree
When I heard on social media that Julie Soto, an author whose adult romance I devoured, had written a YA thriller, I knew I had to pick it up. The Thrashers (Wednesday Books) follows high school senior Jodi, a member of a friend group dubbed “The Thrashers.” After a girl from their class, who wanted “in” to the group, dies by suicide, the “Thrashers” are accused of bullying Emily to death. Soto is an expert at her craft, which comes through as the threads she weaves throughout the book bind together to create a mystery that kept me on the edge of the seat (and made me cancel plans to finish reading the book!). This genre-defying book is a thriller at heart, but has paranormal and romantic elements that pushed it to the top of my 2025 list.
John Mendelson, president, Nosy Crow
Jason Chin’s Hurricane (Holiday House/Porter) is a book I would’ve loved as a kid, and now, as a weather-obsessed adult, I am so excited to share it with both children and fellow amateur meteorologist friends. The natural phenomenon of hurricanes in the western Atlantic is told quite literally from the 30,000-foot view of brave pilots flying through the hurricane itself and from the ground on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, as a family and community prepare for an incoming storm. The reader can enjoy and learn from this book on many levels. And don’t miss the cat who bravely rides out the storm! Hurricane is just the kind of book I’d love to publish and hope to see more of in the market.
Adriana Padilla Duran, design assistant, Bloomsbury Children’s Books
One of the books that meant the most to me this year was Babymouse: Queen of the World! by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm (Random House Graphix)—a graphic novel about the life of a chaotic mouse as she navigates school, friendships, and the everyday disasters of being a kid. I first discovered this book at the New York Public Library, as a child living in a homeless shelter, at a time when books were my escape. I loved the scratchy, imperfect linework, the bold pink-white-black palette, and Babymouse’s mix of ambition and everyday chaos, like the evil locker she battles before class. Babymouse felt so different from anything I’ve ever seen and somehow made me feel seen too. I related to her messiness, her determination, and her yearning to be something more. I read that book endlessly as a child. This summer, while I was an intern with Penguin Young Readers, I stumbled across a copy at a thrift store—and holding it again after all these years felt like everything has come full circle. Now as a design assistant at Bloomsbury, Babymouse reminds me of that little girl in the shelter who just wanted a future, and how stories truly shaped the one I have now. I absolutely encourage anyone to read Babymouse—it’s funny, messy, and wonderfully relatable, and I think we all need silly reads like this to remind us to be naturally chaotic, whimsical, and imperfect.
Jill Eisenberg, VP, business development, curriculum and literacy strategy, Lee & Low Books
One of my favorite picture books I found this year in our public library was Don’t Think of Tigers by Alex Latimer (Random House). The message is twofold: embrace the journey to become a better artist through practice and face your doubts about your abilities because even a “professional” artist has fears and makes mistakes on the way to becoming great. The story conveys this all while letting kids (the readers) make the illustrator do what they want, which is to draw a tiger. It’s so funny, you can’t help but read with a lot of expression, and it holds up on repeated read alouds. I’m not kidding when I tell you it will have the kids in your life laughing on the floor. This made the jump from library borrow to family purchase so we can read it again and again.
Erica Trotta, manager, library marketing, Random House Children’s Books
When I spotted the title Xolo in the middle grade graphic novel section of my local indie, I was instantly intrigued, knowing how rare it is to find stories about Aztec gods. This book, written by Donna Barba Higuera and illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson (Levine Querido), beautifully introduces readers to Aztec mythology in a fresh and heartfelt way. The stunning color illustrations and character design drew me in immediately, and the text seamlessly flowed through the artwork while standing strong on its own. The story of Xolotl, the dog-headed god of lightning who guides the sun through the underworld, resonated deeply with me, especially as it highlights the timeless bond between Xolotl and modern dogs—making it perfect for dog lovers. I teared up at the end, feeling a wonderful connection to this beautifully told myth.
Jenny Lu, manager, publicity, HarperCollins Children’s Books
I finally picked up I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (Dial) this past Independent Bookstore Day because one of my best friends has long cited it as their favorite book. I shouldn’t have been surprised because this book has always been so celebrated, but I was bowled over by this rich, expertly told novel about twins dealing with the tailspin of grief, trauma, and simply getting older. This is the type of book that reminds you why YA contemporary novels exist and why coming-of-age stories are so powerful. This journey of the hurt and healing of two young artists is so unflinchingly full of horrible, honest betrayals, so drenched and dripping with yearning, so precious about its ephemeral, ecstatic joys, it reminded me of what it felt like to be a teen and why that time is so beautiful and terrible.
