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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 The Galaxy, and the Ground Within

Sarah Hagger-Holt Why did I love this book?

This book - the third in the Wayfarers series - took my breath away with its creativity,

It looks at what life is like thousands of years in the future for the only surviving human colony, living off-planet in a multi-species multiverse.

It made me cry and laugh and, above all, think. With such a light and natural touch, this book explores death, climate change, gender diversity, migration, and the role of ritual and tradition. All in ways that prompt us to be kinder, more loving, more open in our lives.

If you’re not a fan of science fiction or fantasy, well, neither am I. But Becky Chambers’ books are different. It seems wrong to describe a book with a cast of alien characters as ‘full of humanity’ - but this one certainly is.

By Becky Chambers,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Galaxy, and the Ground Within as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND HUGO AWARD WINNER FOR BEST SERIES. Winner of The Kitschie Red Tentacle for Best Novel.

The stunning finale to the award-winning Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers, author of the beloved The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.

When a freak technological failure halts traffic to and from the planet Gora, three strangers are thrown together unexpectedly, with seemingly nothing to do but wait.

Pei is a cargo runner at a personal crossroads, torn between her duty to her people, and her duty to herself.

Roveg is an exiled artist, with a deeply…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Just Sayin': My Life in Words

Sarah Hagger-Holt Why did I love this book?

I love hearing about how other writers work, what shaped their way of seeing the world, and what inspires or enrages them. I want to learn from their approaches and their stories. And who better to learn from than Malorie Blackman, one of the best storytellers for children and young people around and a champion for libraries, reading for pleasure, and diverse books that reflect their readers?

This book is written as if she is talking to you. Among other things, she talks about her childhood, vividly describes experiences of homelessness and poverty, calls out racism and sexism as she sees it, and explains how she responds to abuse and doesn't give up.

It's a great read, not just for aspiring writers but for anyone who loves a good story.

By Malorie Blackman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Just Sayin' as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'It's very candid, and movingly so.... Not only in Blackman a grafter- even more, and in the face of more, than we already knew. She's someone with whom you do not mess. Good on her. She's earned it' The Telegraph

Malorie Blackman is one of Britain's best and most beloved children's authors, the landmark Noughts & Crosses series included amongst her many books. Her journey to becoming a writer was a long one, but throughout it all she retained a sense of wonder and humour.

Before her BAFTA award wins, her OBE and appointment as Children's Laureate in 2013, Malorie…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Good Turn

Sarah Hagger-Holt Why did I love this book?

Most of the books I read are aimed at 10-13-year-olds, and I have devoured so many fantastic middle-grade books in the last year. The Good Turn is one of the best.

It’s a proper gripping mystery, with tense moments, that keeps you guessing for a long time. The main characters, a trio of 10-year-old adventurers, are so real and each so well-drawn, that you can almost hear them speak. And the final reveal is all the more powerful for exposing the real-life injustice of the Windrush Scandal.

At a time when politicians stir of hatred against migrants and anyone who is ‘different’, we all need stories like this, which remind us that we should be outraged and we can act to support and stand up for each other.

By Sharna Jackson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Good Turn as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

A thrilling, pacy adventure about friendship, bravery and real-life injustice from the award-winning author of High Rise Mystery

'For 9+ readers, this gripping, thoughtful update to the Blytonesque "secret society" genre engages squarely with racism and social injustice.' Guardian

'Brilliant; a joy to the very end' Katherine Rundell

Josephine Williams is definitely a leader - and her teachers know it! What other eleven-year-old is desperate for MORE schoolwork?

Looking for more challenging tasks, Josie enlists her friends Wesley and Margot into her very own Scout troop, the Copseys, named after the street they all live on. Together they start their…


Plus, check out my book…

Just Like Everyone Else

By Sarah Hagger-Holt,

Book cover of Just Like Everyone Else

What is my book about?

13-year-old Aidan lives with his loud, large, and loving family down the road from best friend Jack. When Aidan’s mum agrees to be a surrogate for a gay couple, Justin and Atif, Aidan worries about what this will mean for himself and his family.

It pushes him to think more about his identity and whether he is ready to come out.

Meanwhile, Jack is bullied at school for seeming gay, and Aidan’s reaction threatens to drive the two friends apart just when they both most need a friend.