2020 Staff Picks for Kids

It is December and that means it is time for us to share our favorite books from 2020. We are starting with our favorite books for kids (and those young at heart!). Be sure to keep an eye out for our favorites for teens and adults later this week.

Picture Books

Emergency Kittens by Jody Jensen Shaffer, illustrated by Dave Mottram – recommended by Seana T. and Lisa K. at Glen Allen
On Account of the Gum by Adam Rex, illustrated by the author – recommended by Ame H. at Library Administration
The Button Book by Sally Nicholls, illustrated by Bethan Woollvin – recommended by Gay Lynn V. at Twin Hickory
Don't Feed the Coos! by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Heather Fox – recommended by Hayley D. at Twin Hickory
Be You by Peter H. Reynolds, illustrated by the author – recommended by Barbra S. at Varina
Hike by Pete Oswald, illustrated by the author – recommended by Tracey B. at Libbie Mill
The Wanderer by Peter Van Den Ende, illustrated by the author – recommended by Maggie A. at Tuckahoe
Jack at the Zoo by Mac Barnett and Greg Pizzoli, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli – recommended by Rick S. at Library Administration
Evelyn Del Ray is Moving Away by Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sanchez – recommended by A. C. at Tuckahoe
Shirley Chisholm is a Verb! by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Rachelle Baker – recommended by Amanda S. at Fairfield
Tomorrow I'll Be Kind by Jessica Hische, illustrated by the author – recommended by Lea M. at Fairfield
The Cat Man of Aleppo by Karim Shamsi-Basha and Irene Latham, illustrated by Yuko Shimizu – recommended by Cammy K. at Varina
Just Like Me by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, illustrated by the author – recommended by Courtney M. at North Park
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon James – recommended by Kelsey C. at Varina
Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd, illustrated by Nneka Myers – recommended by Nideria B. at Sandston
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita L. Hubbard, illustrated by Oge Mora – recommended by Alicia A. at Library Administration
You Matter by Christian Robinson, illustrated by the author – recommended by Julia B. at Tuckahoe
Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal – recommended by Elizabeth P. at Libbie Mill
Dewdrop by Katie O’Neill, illustrated by the author – recommended by Robyn W. at Fairfield

Middle Grade

Spindlefish and Stars by Christiane Andrews – recommended by Gay Lynn V. at Twin Hickory
Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega – recommended by Hayley D. at Twin Hickory and Rick S. at Library Administration
The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate – recommended by Tracey B. at Libbie Mill
Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson – recommended by A. C. and Julia B. at Tuckahoe
Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of YOU! by Rachel Brian – recommended by Cammy K. at Varina
Nonsense! The Curious Story of Edward Gorey by Lori Mortensen, illustrated by Chloe Bristol – recommended by Julie S. at Glen Allen
Tristan Strong Destroys the World by Kwame Mbalia – recommended by Kendall H. at Library Administration
Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley – recommended by Rachel S. at Fairfield
Class Act by Jerry Craft – recommended by Amanda S. at Fairfield
Beetle & the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne – recommended by Lea M. at Fairfield
The Talk: Conversations About Race, Love, and Truth edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson – recommended by Courtney M. at North Park
Spy School Revolution by Stuart Gibbs – recommended by Drew C. at Twin Hickory
The List of Things that Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead – recommended by Kelsey C. at Varina
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh – recommended by Bec J. at Libbie Mill
Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes – recommended by Nideria B. at Sandston
The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman – recommended by Alicia A. at Library Administration
Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend – recommended by Elizabeth P. at Libbie Mill
Twins by Varian Johnson, illustrated by Shannon Wright – recommended by Robyn W. at Fairfield and Hannah H. at Tuckahoe
Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park – recommended by Kareemah H. at Varina

What was your favorite kids book of the year? For more suggestions, try My Next Read! Just fill out the form and we will send you a personalized book list.