Booklist

Booklist is the American Library Association’s nationally distributed book and media review publication. Since 1905, Booklist has been proud to publish thousands of book and audiobook reviews each year, helping library and education workers decide what to buy and how to guide patrons and students of all ages in choosing what to read, view, or listen to.

Booklist

Adult Nonfiction

Spotlight on Reference

Top 10 Reference Books • These top 10 reference books were reviewed in Booklist between May 15, 2021, and May 1, 2022, and represent useful resources for libraries of all sizes.

Adult Fiction

Self-Published Books Showcase

Spotlight on Historical Fiction

Top 10 Historical Fiction • From a barrier-leaping African American woman in the Gilded Age to a military coup in Guatemala and the woman bookseller who first published James Joyce’s Ulysses a century ago, the most radiant historical novels of the past 12 months illuminate many lives and times.

Top 10 Historical Fiction Debuts • The first-time historical novelists called out here as the best in a year of many excellent debut works bring fluency in history, emotional intelligence, and vivid imagination to tales of individuals navigating tyranny, war, exile, racism, and love around the world.

Read-alikes • Russian Lies and Nuclear Roulette

Graphic Novels

Youth Nonfiction

Continuing SERIES NONFICTION SHOWCASE

Youth Fiction

Focus on Board Books

Spotlight on Historical Fiction

Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth • Love, danger, adventure, and irascible animals all have a place in the cream of this year’s crop of historical fiction. All the selected titles were reviewed in Booklist between May 15, 2021, and May 1, 2022.

Adding Context with Read-alongs

Audio

Spotlight on Historical Fiction

Top 10 Historical Fiction on Audio for Youth • Notable on this year’s list are verse novels, new perspectives on classics, and the first appearance of a post-9/11–set title as historical fiction for young listeners.

Booklist Backlist • Medieval Times