The most recommended competition books

Phoebe Clappsaddle and the Tumbleweed Gang

By Melanie Chrismer, Virginia Roeder (illustrator),

By Doris Fisher Author

Why did Doris love this book?

Phoebe Clapsaddle was a southern belle who lived on a ranch. This fiction book involves the Tumbleweed Gang who made an acquaintance with Phoebe after they visited her town. Appalled by their lack of manners and impolite speech, Phoebe decides they need her southern charm and culture. Phoebe teaches them lessons in riding, roping, and good manners. There are more Tumbleweed Gang adventures in other books, too. I know the author personally. Phoebe Clapsaddle’s name is in her family tree. Though she didn’t know if Phoebe was a southern belle cowgirl, the author loved her name so much, she wanted to write a book about her as a main character.

Phoebe Clappsaddle and the Tumbleweed Gang

By Melanie Chrismer, Virginia Roeder (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Phoebe Clappsaddle and the Tumbleweed Gang as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Long ago in south Texas lived a Southwestern belle named Phoebe Clappsaddle. When the good-for-nothing Tumbleweed Gang blew into town, it was time for Phoebe to teach them a lesson in riding, roping, and good manners.

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Coming soon!

Court of Fives

By Kate Elliott,

From the list on speculative fiction featuring sisters.

By Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne Author

Why did Lee love this book?

Kate Elliott’s young adult series feels a bit like Game of Thrones meets Little Women (both of which I loved, so Elliott’s concept was a dream mash-up for me!). The protagonist, Jessamy, lives in a fantasy world divided by class, a domain where laudable competitors compete in a series of various trials and tribulations called the Fives. As a writer, I found Elliott’s world so well thought out and executed, but it was the Little Women elements of this series that most claimed my reader heart. I treasured the quieter moments between Jessamy and her sisters, who are all memorable, fully rendered, and compelling, and the relationships between them, complex and real.

Court of Fives

By Kate Elliott,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Now available in paperback, World Fantasy Award finalist Kate Elliott's first young adult novel was praised by Kirkus for its "gripping, original plot; vivid, complicated characters; and layered, convincingly detailed world building."

Jessamy's life is a balance between acting like an upper-class Patron and dreaming of the freedom of the Commoners. But away from her family she can be whomever she wants when she sneaks out to train for The Fives, an intricate, multilevel athletic competition that offers a chance for glory to the kingdom's best contenders.

Then Jes meets Kalliarkos, and an improbably friendship between two Fives competitors--one of…

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Fantasy

The Gollywhopper Games

By Jody Feldman, Victoria Jamieson (illustrator),

From the list on competition/game aspects at the heart of the story.

By Kim Long Author

Why did Kim love this book?

I love the idea of a competition run by a game/toy factory that is its own game that requires solving all kinds of different puzzles. There are brainteasers the reader can try and solve on their own, but it’s also a blast sitting back and reading how the competitors navigate other puzzles, like an obstacle course and maze. Family and friend relationships also play an important role as the main character strives to come out the winner!

The Gollywhopper Games

By Jody Feldman, Victoria Jamieson (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Gollywhopper Games as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Jody Feldman's popular, award-winning novel about a group of kids playing the Gollywhopper Games-the fiercest toy company competition in the country-will appeal to fans of The Amazing Race and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Gil Goodson has been studying, training, and preparing for months to compete in the Gollywhopper Games. Everything is at stake. Once Gil makes it through the tricky preliminary rounds and meets his teammates in the fantastical Golly Toy and Game Company, the competition gets tougher. Brainteasers, obstacle courses, mazes, and increasingly difficult puzzles and decisions-not to mention temptations, dilemmas, and new friends (and enemies)-are all that…

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Coming soon!

Catching Fire

By Suzanne Collins,

From the list on sci-fi where food plays a defining role.

By Buffy Naillon Author

Why did Buffy love this book?

You can’t get much more food-oriented in science fiction than a novel called The Hunger Games, and true to its name, food and food politics play a central role in the book’s theme. The book’s author, Suzanne Collins, uses juxtaposition and food politics throughout the series to highlight the difference between the haves and the have-nots. While all the books in the Hunger Games series highlight these discrepancies, it’s Collins’s second book Catching Fire where the differences are most pronounced. The feast in the Capitol, along with its potions to induce vomiting (and by extension, encourage more eating), stands out in particular: The reaction of the book’s main character, Katniss Everdeen, herself a poor girl from the Seam of District 12 makes this scene both comical and revolting.

Catching Fire

By Suzanne Collins,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The second book in the ground-breaking Hunger
Games trilogy.

After winning the brutal Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta return
to their district, hoping for a peaceful future. But their victory
has caused rebellion to break out ... and the Capitol has decided
that someone must pay.

As Katniss and Peeta are forced to visit the districts on the
Capitol's Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. Unless they
can convince the world that they are still lost in their love
for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

Then comes the cruellest twist: the contestants for the
next Hunger…

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Spin the Dawn

By Elizabeth Lim,

From the list on sci-fi showcasing the beauty of Asian culture.

By Wera Niyom Author

Why did Wera love this book?

As an avid fan of Mulan, I really enjoyed this book because of the strong-willed female character who is determined to support her family even though she lives in a society that doesn’t necessarily support a female head for a household. What sold me on the book, aside from the rich Chinese culture and mythology, was the character’s narration. I was able to empathize with her. Liz did a great job of making the magic come to life, making the scissors sound enchanting with every use. I wish I had a pair of those scissors! Another thing that drew me to this story was the tailor competition. I like to embroider and also sew occasionally, so I think Liz did this type of art justice with her elegant descriptions.

Spin the Dawn

By Elizabeth Lim,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping fantasy about a teenage girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars. And don’t miss Elizabeth Lim’s new novel, the instant New York Times bestseller, Six Crimson Cranes!

“All the cutthroat competition of a runway fashion reality show and the thrilling exploits of an epic quest." —The Washington Post

Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can…

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The Betrayals

By Bridget Collins,

From A.F.E.'s 3 favorite reads in 2023.

By A.F.E. Smith Author

Why did A.F.E. love this book?

I’ve loved Bridget Collins as an author since I read her debut YA book, The Traitor Game. Then came the great success of her first adult novel, The Binding, which made her a household name.

All her books show the same unbeatable knack for writing complicated, intense, and fully immersive relationships, and this book is no different.

It’s part dark academia, part twisted love story/rivalry, part exploration of the rise of fascism – all written with the author’s usual spellbinding prose and ability to conjure atmosphere, set in a world that’s a distorted mirror of our own.

As with all her books, it lingered in my mind long after I’d read the final page.

The Betrayals

By Bridget Collins,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

LOSE YOURSELF IN THE MOST EPIC BOOK OF THE YEAR.

'BEAUTIFUL' JOANNA CANNON
'MESMERISING' ERIN KELLY
'TOTALLY ADDICTIVE' JOANNA GLEN
'SUMPTUOUS' OBSERVER
'DIZZYINGLY WONDERFUL' THE TIMES

WINNING WAS EVERYTHING...
UNTIL IT DESTROYED THEM

Two young men, Leo and Carfax, close friends and fierce rivals.
A family ripped apart by madness and tragedy.
One woman, her life built upon a lie, with a mysterious connection to them all...

'INGENIOUS' GUARDIAN
'A STORYTELLER OF RARE IMAGINATION' MAIL ON SUNDAY
'BRILLIANT' WOMAN & HOME
'A RICH DELIGHT' SANDRA NEWMAN
'CAPTIVATING' DAILY MIRROR
'AN IMMERSIVE, IMAGINATIVE SLICE OF STORYTELLING' DAILY EXPRESS
'MAGICAL' IRISH INDEPENDENT

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I Really Want to Win

By Simon Philip, Lucia Gaggiotti (illustrator),

From the list on help children develop good sportsmanship.

By Claire Annette Noland Author

Why did Claire love this book?

On School Sports Day, an exuberant girl is already planning her celebration because she knows she is going to win. When she loses several competitions to another girl, she is anything but gracious as she makes excuses and decides sports aren’t her thing. She wants trophies and ribbons so she competes in a spelling bee and dance contest and loses – to the same competitor! Our narrator is mad but when she sees her nemesis lose and happily congratulate the winner, she begins to understand that winning isn’t everything.

Filled with humor and whimsy, this is a book where children can easily identify good and bad sportsmanship as they come to realize that doing their best is what really matters. It also shows that everyone has special talents – they just need to practice to get better.

I Really Want to Win

By Simon Philip, Lucia Gaggiotti (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Really Want to Win as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Today is Sports Day. I CAN'T WAIT! And as I know that I'll be great, I've planned how I will celebrate - because I'm going to win.

Our heroine is determined that she's going to win all the events at school sports day. The problem is that winning isn't as easy as it looks. She doesn't win the running race or the tug of war - and she can't even win a game of hide-and-seek. But maybe winning isn't really the point?

A joyful picture book with an important message from the author and illustrator of I Really Want the…

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Sports romance

The Heir

By Kiera Cass,

From Tayler's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

By Tayler Marie Brooks Author

Why did Tayler love this book?

Well, I haven’t made it to the last book in the series yet but I’m about to begin just as soon as I get off of this computer.

I loved America’s story, but Eadlyn has more spunk and independence. I loved seeing how she handled whatever came her way. Her strength is a huge highlight of the story.

The Heir

By Kiera Cass,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Kiera Cass's Number 1 New York Times bestselling Selection series has enchanted readers from the very first page. In this fourth romantic novel, follow Illea's royal family into a whole new Selection - and find out what happens after happily ever after.

Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series has enchanted readers from the very first page. In this fourth romantic novel, follow Illea's royal family into a whole new Selection-and find out what happens after happily ever after.

Eighteen years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon's heart. Now the time has come for…

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The Selection

By Kiera Cass,

From the list on YA dystopian to prepare you for the coming apocalypse.

By Derek Murphy Author

Why did Derek love this book?

The Selection is based on reality TV shows like The Bachelor – only he’s a prince and girls compete to be selected into a life of royal privilege.

Just one problem for America Singer, she’s already in love with someone from a lower class and isn’t interested in crowns or jewels…until she meets the prince and realizes not everything is as it appears.

Fated or chosen mate relationships aren’t just a YA dystopian trope; finding the perfect partner is something most of us aspire to, and it’s always thrilling to read about a heroine who refuses her destined path and challenges the social status quo; throwing away a happily ever after in favor of freedom and adventure strikes a chord I can relate to.

The Selection

By Kiera Cass,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Selection as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Thirty-five beautiful girls. Thirty-five beautiful rivals...

It's the chance of a lifetime and 17-year-old America Singer should feel lucky. She has been chosen for The Selection, a reality TV lottery in which the special few compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon's love.

Swept up in a world of elaborate gowns, glittering jewels and decadent feasts, America is living a new and glamorous life. And the prince takes a special interest in her, much to the outrage of the others.

Rivalry within The Selection is fierce and not all of the girls are prepared to play by the rules. But what they…

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The Hunger Games

By Suzanne Collins,

From Tayler's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

By Tayler Marie Brooks Author

Why did Tayler love this book?

I’ve always loved The Hunger Games since I read it 10 years ago with my friend.

Now after watching the movies, I could barely wait to get my hands on the books and start the whole thing again. I wasn’t disappointed. Reading the series was absolutely exceptional. I’m a major fan of suspense and this book is filled with action. I couldn’t put the books down!

The Hunger Games

By Suzanne Collins,

Why should I read it?

34 authors picked The Hunger Games as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. But Katniss has been close to death before - and survival, for her, is second nature. The Hunger Games is a searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present. Welcome to the deadliest reality TV show ever...

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A Magic Steeped in Poison

By Judy I. Lin,

From the list on YA featuring magical competitions.

By Tessa Barbosa Author

Why did Tessa love this book?

A steaming hot cup of tea is one of my favourite things in the world, and Judy’s book features a magical tea master’s competition. The tea magic was utterly captivating and inventive.

This isn’t a cosy fantasy though. Ning runs away from home to enter the competition, to save her sister from a mysterious illness, but she quickly encounters sabotage, jealousy, and a mysterious stranger who may or may not be on her side. I also have a soft spot for stories about sisters, so this one really had me invested.

A Magic Steeped in Poison

By Judy I. Lin,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked A Magic Steeped in Poison as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A #1 New York Times Bestseller!
A 2022 PEOPLE Magazine Best Book of Summer!

Judy I. Lin's sweeping debut A Magic Steeped in Poison, first in a duology, is sure to enchant fans of Adrienne Young and Leigh Bardugo.

I used to look at my hands with pride. Now all I can think is, "These are the hands that buried my mother."

For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it's her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her—the poison tea that now threatens to also take…

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The Easter Egg

By Jan Brett,

From the list on bunny books by a bunny lover.

By Natasha Wing Author

Why did Natasha love this book?

Speaking of classics, it seems like whatever Jan Brett publishes is an instant classic! Her detailed illustrations are luscious and worthy of pouring over time and again. Hoppi wants to decorate the winning egg so that he can be chosen to assist the Easter Rabbit in hiding eggs. As he views other rabbits’ eggs trying to figure out how he will decorate his, each rabbit gives him material he could use. Instead of trying to make a winning egg, Hoppi decides to make an egg he’s proud of. He comes upon a robin’s egg that fell out of the nest and keeps it warm. When Easter Bunny comes to choose the most special egg he chooses the robin egg – a surprise to all!

The Easter Egg

By Jan Brett,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Easter Egg as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Every year the Easter Rabbit arrives to pick up the eggs that the rabbits have been busy decorating. The rabbit who makes most beautiful gets to help hide the eggs on Easter morning. This year Hoppi is old enough to decorate an egg, and more than anything he wants to win. But everywhere he looks, he sees dazzling eggs from Miss Flora, Aunt Sassyfrass and others. Discouraged, Hoppi goes into the woods to think. Instead he finds a robin's egg that has fallen from its nest and a frantic Mother Robin flying overhead. Unselfishly, Hoppi takes over and keeps it…

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The Candymakers

By Wendy Mass,

From the list on competition/game aspects at the heart of the story.

By Kim Long Author

Why did Kim love this book?

Told in alternating points of view by several characters as they compete in a national competition to find the tastiest confection in the country, this book lets the reader into the minds of all the main competitors. The enemy isn’t really the enemy once we get to know their feelings and thoughts. Being in a candy factory is an added bonus, as it’s such a unique location.

The Candymakers

By Wendy Mass,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Four children have been chosen to compete in a national competition to find the tastiest confection in the country. Who will invent a candy more delicious than the Oozing Crunchorama or the Neon Lightning Chew?

Logan, the Candymaker's son, who can detect the color of chocolate by touch alone?

Miles, the boy who is allergic to merry-go-rounds and the color pink?

Daisy, the cheerful girl who can lift a fifty-pound lump of taffy like it's a feather?

Or Philip, the suit-and-tie wearing boy who's always scribbling in a secret notebook?

This sweet, charming, and cleverly crafted story, told from each…

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Mystery

The Perfect Escape

By Suzanne Park,

From the list on YA books about first love and discovering yourself.

By Jenn P. Nguyen Author

Why did Jenn love this book?

I have an odd fascination with zombies. Movies, shows, books, I love them all. I also know that I would never survive an actual zombie apocalypse because I have no survivor skills and my cardio sucks. Luckily, The Perfect Escape brings my love for all of that into a great YA rom-com. But it’s not all about the zombies and survival as the main characters, Nate and Kate, struggle with their own families and loves. It was a much deeper book than I expected, but it’s a great way to escape from your life for a few hours.

The Perfect Escape

By Suzanne Park,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Perfect Escape as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Indeed the perfect escape from, well, pretty much everything."—SARAH HENNING, author of Throw Like a Girl and the Sea Witch duology

Love is a battlefield in this hysterical romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Jenny Han and teen romance books.

Nate Jae-Woo Kim wants to be rich. When one of his classmates offers Nate a ridiculous amount of money to commit grade fraud, he knows that taking the windfall would help support his prideful Korean family, but is compromising his integrity worth it?

Luck comes in the form of Kate Anderson, Nate's colleague at the zombie-themed escape room where he…

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Where Dreams Descend

By Janella Angeles,

From the list on YA featuring magical competitions.

By Tessa Barbosa Author

Why did Tessa love this book?

Calling all Phantom of the Opera fans!

Kallia wants to be the most famous magician in the world, but she’s been kept hostage all of her life. She escapes her prison to join the competition to become the headliner for the Conquering Circus. She’s got talent, but there is magic woven into the city streets, and it’s hard to know who to trust, because her long-time mentor and captor, isn’t what he seems. He may not even be human.

Kalia is ruthlessly ambitious and I love that about her. This story is dark, decadent, and took me places I didn’t expect.

Where Dreams Descend

By Janella Angeles,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Where Dreams Descend as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In a city covered in ice and ruin, a group of magicians face off in a daring game of magical feats to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, only to find themselves under the threat of an unseen danger striking behind the scenes.

As each act becomes more and more risky and the number of missing magicians piles up, three are forced to reckon with their secrets before the darkness comes for them next.

The Star: Kallia, a powerful showgirl out to prove she's the best no matter the cost.

The Master: Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the…

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Mockingjay

By Suzanne Collins,

From the list on books to keep you on the edge of your seats.

By Patricia Marcantonio Author

Why did Patricia love this book?

Talk about nonstop. The final book in the Hunger Game series sends Katniss Everdeen on one thrilling and scary journey after another. Through war zones, as the rebels fight Capitol forces and right into the heart of the Capitol, above and below ground. She and her crew face not only human fighters but the horrific engineered mutts and traps. Emotionally, it’s no picnic either because her Hunger Games partner Peeta has been brainwashed to kill her. Then there’s all the political intrigue. Whew. I stayed up into the night to read this because the story wouldn’t let go of me.

Mockingjay

By Suzanne Collins,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Mockingjay as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The final book in the ground-breaking Hunger Games
trilogy.
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games
twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena
alive, she's still not safe.

The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss.

And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one
else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not
the people of District 12.

now a major feature film starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson
& Liam Hemsworth

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES…

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The Long Walk

By Stephen King,

From the list on mixing horror with other genres.

By Richard Ayre Author

Why did Richard love this book?

Writing as Richard Bachman, this quite short story (for King) is set in a future where once a year, young people are invited to take part in the ‘Long Walk.’ The premise is simple; you walk until you can’t walk any further. Keep above a certain speed limit or, after a couple of warnings, the soldiers who trail the walkers will shoot you dead. The winner is the one who survives. It sounds stupid, but, my God, when I first read it, I felt as if I had been on the walk with the characters you get to know. Horrifying simply because of the skill of King’s writing in describing the feelings of utter exhaustion and terror along the way. Human horror at its peak.

The Long Walk

By Stephen King,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Long Walk as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this #1 national bestseller, “master storyteller” (Houston Chronicle) Stephen King, writing as Richard Bachman, tells the tale of the contestants of a grueling walking competition where there can only be one winner—the one that survives.

“I give my congratulations to the winner among your number, and my acknowledgements of valor to the losers.”

Against the wishes of his mother, sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty is about to compete in the annual grueling match of stamina and wits known as The Long Walk. One hundred boys must keep a steady pace of four miles per hour without ever stopping...with the winner being…

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Her Radiant Curse

By Elizabeth Lim,

From Katherine's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

By Katherine L. Bichler Author

Why did Katherine love this book?

I love Asian mythology, and Elizabeth seamlessly incorporates it into her fantasy world. The book is fast-paced, full of adventure, and weaves in tales of old folklore. If you love mythology of any kind, Elizabeth Lim’s books suck you right in. You will fall in love with her stories.

Her Radiant Curse

By Elizabeth Lim,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Her Radiant Curse as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the critically acclaimedauthor of SIX CRIMSON CRANES comes a fantasy tale of two sisters—one as beautiful as the other is monstrous—who must fight to save each other when a betrothal contest gone wrong unleashes an evil that could sever their bond forever!

One sister must fall for the other to rise.

Channi was not born a monster. But when her own father offers her in sacrifice to the Demon Witch, she is forever changed. Cursed with a serpent’s face, Channi is the exact opposite of her beautiful sister, Vanna—the only person in the village…

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Chain-Gang All-Stars

By Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah,

From Chris' 3 favorite reads in 2023.

By Chris McKinney Author

Why did Chris love this book?

Chain Gang All Stars is the kind of book you read and you wish you wrote.

From its concept (a dystopian future in which corporate prisons coerce inmates to fight to the death in front of both live and televised audiences) to its larger-than-life characters (the indomitable Loretta Thurwar and the lightning-quick Hurricane Staxxx), the novel is all at once horrifying, darkly comic, and heartbreaking.

It’s one of those books with everything. Biting social commentary? Check. A complicated love story? Check. Longlisted for a National Book Award, I’d put my money on this novel to win.

Chain-Gang All-Stars

By Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Chain-Gang All-Stars as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

She felt their eyes, all those executioners...

Enter a world where, watched by millions, prisoners fight like gladiators for the ultimate prize: their freedom.

'You cannot applaud [this] novel without getting blood on your hands...' NEW YORK TIMES

'A dystopian vision so...illuminating that it should permanently shift our understanding of who we are and what we're capable of doing' WASHINGTON POST

'Electrifying' GEORGE SAUNDERS

Welcome to Chain-Gang All-Stars, the popular and highly controversial programme inside America's private prison system. In packed arenas, live-streamed by millions, prisoners compete as gladiators for the ultimate prize: their freedom.

Fan favourites Loretta Thurwar and…

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Nevermoor

By Jessica Townsend,

From A.F.E.'s 11-year-old's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

By A.F.E. Smith Author

Why did A.F.E.'s 11-year-old love this book?

My son bought the first three Morrigan Crow books as a set this year and read them in quick succession. He loves the characters, especially Jupiter North and Fenestra, and the overarching plot that continues across the series. He’s really looking forward to the fourth book.

I can also add my own recommendation – he was so enthusiastic that I read them, too, and thoroughly enjoyed them. It's an exciting story and very funny in places.

Nevermoor

By Jessica Townsend,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Nevermoor as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A breathtaking, enchanting new series by debut author Jessica Townsend, about a cursed girl who escapes death and finds herself in a magical world--but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination.

Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks--and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.

But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters…

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The most recommended competition books

Who picked these books? Meet our 51 experts.

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