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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,641 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

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My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy

Jamie Krakover Why did I love this book?

I love MG fantasy, and this one had all the best things: fast-paced, great characters with a strong female lead, tons of action and adventure, unexpected twists and turns, and a hellhound.

I loved how some of the seemingly most minute details were woven into the story. The book reeled me in, and wouldn’t let go from start to finish. I didn’t want this one to end.

By Angie Thomas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Nic Blake and the Remarkables as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Internationally bestselling superstar author Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut with the launch of an inventive, hilarious, and suspenseful new contemporary fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore.

It’s not easy being a Remarkable in the Unremarkable world. Some things are cool—like getting a pet hellhound for your twelfth birthday. Others, not so much—like not being trusted to learn magic because you might use it to take revenge on an annoying neighbor.

All Nic Blake wants is to be a powerful Manifestor like her dad. But before she has a chance to convince him to teach her…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of I Hope This Finds You Well: Poems

Jamie Krakover Why did I love this book?

This is not a book I normally would have picked up on my own. But when someone in my book club recommended it and described that it was blackout poetry made from angry posts/emails, I was intrigued.

When I dove in, I found not only some of the most painful comments and emails from internet trolls but also beautiful, empowering poetry made from the dark and painful words.

I truly enjoyed this unique take of turning a negative into something truly powerful and moving.

By Kate Baer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Hope This Finds You Well as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An Instant New York Times Bestseller

The author of the #1 New York Times bestseller What Kind of Woman returns with a collection of erasure poems created from notes she received from followers, supporters and detractors—an artform that reclaims the vitriol from online trolls and inspires readers to transform what is ugly or painful in their own lives into something beautiful. 

“I'm sure you could benefit from jumping on a treadmill”

“Women WANT a male leader . . . It’s honest to god the basic human playbook”

These are some of the thousands of messages that Kate Baer has received…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of A Thousand Recipes for Revenge

Jamie Krakover Why did I love this book?

I tend to read quite a bit of fantasy in the MG and YA spaces but don’t read as much adult fantasy. When my book club suggested A Thousand Recipes for Revenge, it sounded up my alley.

What I found within the pages was a unique magic system based off food and taste and intriguing characters with high stakes. I enjoyed this one and am looking forward to the sequel.

By Beth Cato,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Thousand Recipes for Revenge as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Cato has created a richly imagined world full of tasty surprises and thrilling adventure-I already hunger for more." -Kevin Hearne, New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Druid series

A world on the brink of war and a mother and daughter on the run, in a thrilling novel of swashbuckling adventure, culinary magic, and just desserts.

Adamantine "Ada" Garland has an empathic connection to food and wine, a magical perception of aromas, flavors, and ingredients. Invaluable property of the royal court, Ada was in service to the Five Gods and to the Gods-ordained rulers of Verdania-until she had enough…


Plus, check out my book…

Tracker220

By Jamie Krakover,

Book cover of Tracker220

What is my book about?

In a world where the government tracks every move through brain-interfacing chips, one glitch threatens the network. Sixteen-year-old Kaya Weiss is that glitch.

With the government controlling every aspect of her life, from her freedom to her observance of a tech-free Shabbat, Kaya seeks refuge with the rebel Ghosts. But trusting them means betraying the only tech she's ever known.

My 5-year-old's favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Revenge of the Dinotrux

Jamie Krakover Why did they love this book?

It’s dinos and trucks, two of my son’s favorite things combined into one.

The dinotrux are a mixture of everyone’s favorite dinosaurs and construction vehicles, and they are bored. And when the dinotrux get bored, they create mayhem and destruction wherever they go until their misbehaving ways can be corrected. Which leads to much laughter and mayhem while reading too!

By Chris Gall,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Revenge of the Dinotrux as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Young fans of all things big and noisy will make trax for this dynamic dino-diversion," said Kirkus Reviews of this second book in the popular Dinotrux series, now available in this oversize board book edition. Millions of years ago, DINOTRUX ruled the earth. But in the present day, people rule them! Their rusty fossils are trapped in a museum surround by screaming kids, and now they're ready to break out and let off some really old steam. DINOTRUX ARE ON THE LOOSE! Who will win the daring standoff between man and prehistoric beast? Find out in this rip-roaring sequel to…


My 5-year-old's 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Dog Park

Jamie Krakover Why did they love this book?

Dog Park is a story of dogs in their element running, playing, and sometimes getting into disagreements, something my son really resonated with. 

At its heart, it’s a story about friendship, how to make friends, and how to get along. Plus, there’s an animated YouTube video that highlights the story and a series that lets you continue the story with the favorite characters, which always adds to my son’s reading experience.

By Jennifer Stolzer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dog Park as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Lily, Parker, and Cowboy spend a fun day at the tdog park, but when Cowboy tries to make a new friend, things do not go as planned.Based on the award-winning short film "Dog Park" by Jennifer Stolzer"Best Animation" - St. Louis Filmmaker's Showcase"Best Animation" - Webster University Film FestivalShown at St. Louis International Film Festival, 2008


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My 5-year-old's 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Bug in the Bog: Ready-To-Read Pre-Level 1

Jamie Krakover Why did they love this book?

My son picked this up at the library on a whim, and we were both surprised at how witty and fun it was. It’s filled with fun sounds, rhyming words, silly creatures, and a funny, unexpected ending. My son loves making the sound effects and laughs every time we read it.

By Jonathan Fenske,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Bug in the Bog as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

From Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor–winning author and illustrator Jonathan Fenske comes a funny, rhyming Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read with a twist ending!

See the bug in the bog. See the frog in the bog. Will the frog eat the bug in the bog? Find out what happens in this laugh-out-loud Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read with an ending you will not see coming!


Explore all books for 5-year-olds

My book recommendation list