The most recommended design books

Who picked these books? Meet our 415 experts.

415 authors created a book list connected to design, and here are their favorite design books.
When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

What type of design book?

Loading...

Book cover of The Noh Family

Sarah Suk Author Of The Space between Here & Now

From my list on YA that take you on a journey through South Korea.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I was a kid growing up in Canada, many of my classmates didnā€™t know about Korea. Theyā€™d guess I was Chinese or Japanese, and when Iā€™d tell them Iā€™m Korean, theyā€™d say, ā€œWhatā€™s that?ā€ Things have changed since then and now Korea is well-known all around the world, and thatā€™s reflected in our bookshelves too. Iā€™m delighted to see that there are more books out there today that reflect my culture and heritage, in a wide range of genres, age groups, and settings! Speaking of setting, here are some young adult novels that take place in South Korea that I enjoyed, and I hope you will too.

Sarah's book list on YA that take you on a journey through South Korea

Sarah Suk Why did Sarah love this book?

We love a good drama in this house and The Noh Family delivers!

When Chloe takes a 23-and-Me test and discovers that she has extended family in Seoul, she flies across the world to meet them for the very first timeā€¦ only to find out theyā€™re one of the richest families in South Korea. The glitz and glamour and the twists and turns in this book make for an incredibly compelling read. A great page turner.

By Grace K. Shim,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Noh Family as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

When her friends gift her a 23andMe test as a gag, high school senior Chloe Chang doesn't think much of trying it out. She doesn't believe anything will come of it - she's an only child, her mother is an orphan, and her father died in Seoul before she was even born, and before her mother moved to Oklahoma. It's been just Chloe and her mum her whole life. But the DNA test reveals something Chloe never expected - she's got a whole extended family from her father's side half a world away in Korea.

Turns out her father's familyā€¦


Book cover of The Belles

Christina Bacilieri Author Of The Last Refuge

From my list on YA books that blend fantastical magic with dystopian worlds.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve always been drawn to stories where characters discover the magic within and channel it to confront overwhelming odds. Dystopian fantasies meld the intricate worldbuilding of an oppressive world with a characterā€™s unique abilities to fight back. When I was a young adult, these types of books made the most challenging moments in life manageable, not only for the escapism but for their message of hope. They reminded me I wasnā€™t alone and that my voice mattered. At their core, theyā€™re made for the dreamer in all of us. They inspired me to become an author and write about the transformative power of self-discovery.

Christina's book list on YA books that blend fantastical magic with dystopian worlds

Christina Bacilieri Why did Christina love this book?

The descriptions blew me away; it was like I was really in OrlĆ©ans, eating buckets of rainbow macaroons. Dhonielle Claytonā€™s prose envelopes your senses in this glittering world and works as a plot device to make the charactersā€™ dark acts even more jarring.

Camellia is a Belle with the coveted power to manipulate skin and bone to transform others. Her greatest ambition is to be chosen to serve the Queen and her court, but Camellia learns the courtā€™s splendor masks a rotten core. We follow her journey to save her fellow Belles and the kingdom.

The narrative explores the dark underbelly of a society obsessed with external beauty and the wicked lengths characters will go to possess it. In true dystopian form, this book prompted me to think deeply.

By Dhonielle Clayton,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Belles as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Beauty. Power. Magic. What would you give to have it all?

The dazzling New York Times instant bestseller from the author of TINY PRETTY THINGS (coming to NETFLIX soon)

Camellia and her sisters control beauty.

They are Belles and they can make you 'perfect'.

Glossy hair, smooth skin, flawless body.

You'll feel better once it's done. The results are worth the pain.

And when they fade, the Belles will fix you all over again . . .

But it will cost you.

Are you willing to pay the price?

'Heart-pounding' Samantha Shannon, New York Times bestselling author

'Diverse' Tomi Adeyemi,ā€¦


Book cover of The Usborne Book of the Future: A Trip in Time to the Year 2000 and Beyond

Tom Cheesewright Author Of Future-Proof Your Business

From my list on helping you take control of your future.

Why am I passionate about this?

The future is the one thing in which we are all invested. In order to shape the future we must be able to visualise possibilities, prepare for consequences, and take action. My job is to help companies, charities, and governments to see and prepare for the future. But so many of the lessons that I find myself trying to teach to leaders have their parallels in our personal and working lives - including mine. In a time of great uncertainty about the future, we all must take time out to picture where weā€™re going, make choices about our direction, and invest in ourselves to achieve our dreams.

Tom's book list on helping you take control of your future

Tom Cheesewright Why did Tom love this book?

This is the book that made me a futurist! And I know many other people it has inspired as well.

The Book of the Future offered a vision of life in the year 2000 and beyond, covering cities, space, robots, medicine, farming, energy, and more, with incredible illustrations and rich information. It was my favourite book from the age of three and it has stayed with me ever since. 

When I became a professional futurist I wrote to Usborne to tell them how important this book was to me, and ten years later, they agreed to reissue it.

Read it for an optimistic view of the future from the 1970s.

By Kenneth W. Gatland,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Usborne Book of the Future as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

First published in 1979, the Usborne Book of the Future is a fondly-remembered book from a time when people dreamed of the future as a place filled with wonder and amazing new technology. After more than 40 years of science fiction focussing on dystopias and doom, it's time to remind readers young and old that, in fact, the Future is STILL a place that holds hope and excitement.

The book is built in three sections. The first explores all kinds of robots, the jobs they will do on land, sea and in space, and where they will get power from.ā€¦


Book cover of Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction

Jeanie and David Stiles Author Of Cabin: A Guide to Building the Perfect Getaway

From my list on hand-illustrated books on building.

Why are we passionate about this?

As the authors of 27 hand-illustrated books, we are acutely aware of the time and skill required for good rendering. We are old-schoolers ourselves, having cut our teeth on ā€œhow-toā€ books before computers came into vogue. Our readers often tell us that a computer drawing does not have the same appeal and clarity as hand drawing. We are able to ā€˜talkā€™ a reader through the process of building something with our drawings. We have also found that the best illustrated books often have the best content!

Jeanie's book list on hand-illustrated books on building

Jeanie and David Stiles Why did Jeanie love this book?

We love all of David Macauleyā€™s books. He uses hand-drawn black-and-white illustrations to describe the enormous effort and complicated processes involved in building some of the most magnificent structures in the world, from cathedrals to castles to pyramids. Cathedral was his first, and we think the best. Although intended for young readers, there are many builders, engineers, and architects that find wonder in Macauleyā€™s work. 

By David Macaulay,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cathedral as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

A 1974 Caldecott Honor Book

Readers worldwide recognize Caldecott Medal winner David Macaulay's imaginary Cathedral of Chutreaux. This critically acclaimed book has been translated into a dozen languages and remains a classic of children's literature and a touchstone for budding architects. Cathedral's numerous awards include a prestigious Caldecott Honor and designation as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year for Macaulay's intricate pen-and-ink illustrations.

Journey back to centuries long ago and visit the fictional people of twelfth-, thirteenth-, and fourteenth-century Europe whose dreams, like Cathedral, stand the test of time.

This title has been selected as aā€¦


Book cover of The Summer of Jordi Perez (And the Best Burger in Los Angeles)

Kayla Cagan Author Of Piper Perish

From my list on on art, creativity and chasing your dreams.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love reading about artists and creators because Iā€™ve been around them most of my life and they are the people I feel I understand the best ā€“ though Iā€™m always surprised by the new crafts, facets, and ideas I learn! I grew up in and around my motherā€™s ceramic shop, my best friends in high school were artists and I was their dorky theater friend, and the two YA books I wrote centered on issues that face young creators. The passion of creative people and artistic friends has always driven me to do my best and not give up on my dreams. 

Kayla's book list on on art, creativity and chasing your dreams

Kayla Cagan Why did Kayla love this book?

Spaldingā€™s book is such a fun read! It focuses on white blog writer and fashionista, Abby, who also happens to be plus-sized and wins the opportunity of a lifetime at her favorite local boutique. Itā€™s there that she meets fellow intern and photographer Jordi Perez, a Latinx teen who makes that Los Angeles summer so much more romantic, creative, and sweeter. Add in Abbyā€™s surprising bro-bestie Jax for some hamburger adventures and be prepared to swoon (and get hungry!) all around. Itā€™s a great story of love and art, art and love, and how two creative spirits learn to intertwine their gifts and their goals.

By Amy Spalding,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Summer of Jordi Perez (And the Best Burger in Los Angeles) as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

Seventeen, fashion-obsessed, and gay, Abby Ives has always been content playing the sidekick in other people's lives. While her friends and sister have plunged headfirst into the world of dating and romances, Abby's been happy to focus on her plus-size style blog and her dreams of taking the fashion industry by storm. When she lands a great internship at her favorite boutique, she's thrilled to take the first step toward her dream career. Then she falls for her fellow intern, Jordi Perez. Hard. And now she's competing against the girl she's kissing to win the coveted paid job at theā€¦


Book cover of A Wild Child's Guide to Endangered Animals

Michael Buckley Author Of The Snow Leopard's New Friend

From my list on explain rare & endangered species to kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

My passion for hunting Tibetan wildlife (with a camera) started with tracking the near-mythical Takin in Bhutan for BBC Wildlife Magazine. The Takin is a beast about the size of a moose and surprisingly agile on steep mountain slopes. Where wild animals live, there is always lots of beautiful wild scenery! But Wilderness is in very short supply on the planet these days. So, my passion branched into speaking up for these wild animals and for preserving their precious habitats. In various books, such as my guidebook to Tibet (Bradt Travel Guides), I profile the incredible animals of Tibet. But the biggest inspiration is the readers themselves. 

Michael's book list on explain rare & endangered species to kids

Michael Buckley Why did Michael love this book?

Author/illustrator Millie Marrota presents a veritable Noahā€™s Ark of 43 endangered species from around the globeā€”taking a trip through freshwaters, oceans, forests, mountains, tundras, deserts, grasslands and wetlands. Complete with a map detailing where each species can still be found, why they are endangered, and what to do about it.

Vivid illustrations of caribous, axolotls, agami herons, and many moreā€”all brought to life by Millie, who works from her studio by the sea in a little corner of West Wales, UK. Millie's intention is simply to create beautiful artwork that captivates, charms, and inspires curiosity in others for the natural world.

By Millie Marotta,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked A Wild Child's Guide to Endangered Animals 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?

What do the ingenious sea otter, the incredible shrinking reindeer, the tree-dwelling baby dragon or the Dodo's long-lost cousin have in common?

They are all at risk of disappearing from our world forever. This book is all about the amazing creatures that are now endangered around the globe, from oceans and forests to mountains and snow. Filled with beautiful beasts, glorious illustrations, facts and tales, it will make you fall in love with the animal kingdom - and maybe even try to save it.


Book cover of The Noh Family
Book cover of The Belles
Book cover of The Usborne Book of the Future: A Trip in Time to the Year 2000 and Beyond

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,714

readers submitted
so far, will you?