The most recommended new fiction books

Who picked these books? Meet our 589 experts.

589 authors created a book list connected to new fiction, and here are their favorite new fiction books.
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Book cover of Today I Am a River

Danna Smith Author Of One Blue Gnu

From Danna's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Poet Reader Yogi Grandma

Danna's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Danna Smith Why did Danna love this book?

These days, children’s lives are busier than ever! I love that this book helps all kids slow down and use their imaginations as they pretend their way through the pages.

The author’s joyful message is front and center: “You can be anything!” Are you the wind, “touching flowers with fingertips?” Are you the rain, “born of clouds, sister to thunder and lightning?” Or maybe today you are a river, slowly drifting to the sea.

Each page brought me closer to calmness with the peace of poetry and nature. Anna Emilia Laitinen’s soft watercolor illustrations are gorgeous! I first checked this book out of the library but had to buy a copy for our home library so we could turn to it again and again. 

By Kate Coombs, Anna Emilia Laitinen (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Today I Am a River as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Today I am sunlight!
Heart happy,
Bright as a yellow bird
flying to the top of the sky.

Bright, lyrical poems and lovely illustrations celebrate the natural world and invite children to imagine themselves immersed in it. As they pretend they are a skunk or a snake, a cloud or a star, they will move their bodies and enjoy imaginative play.

From the creative team who brought you Breathe and Be: A Book of Mindfulness Poems, Today I Am a River is perfect for quiet time or bedtime, as well to spark activities at storytime or in the classroom. It…


Book cover of A Day of Reckoning

Ian Ross Author Of Battle Song

From Ian's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader History-obsessed Italophile

Ian's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Ian Ross Why did Ian love this book?

The Viking and Anglo-Saxon age is very popular in historical fiction at the moment, but Matthew Harffy’s new novel, his best yet, takes us away from the familiar environment of north-eastern Europe to explore the world of al-Andalus—Muslim Spain—instead. 

Through the eyes of Hunlaf and his crew, we get to journey through a fabulous and exotic landscape, but the momentum of the storytelling never flags. What I find most impressive is the way that Harffy uses a propulsive action-led plot as a vehicle to explore an amazingly rich and colourful historic environment and to portray a fascinating encounter between very different cultures.

By Matthew Harffy,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Day of Reckoning as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Hunlaf battles peril and intrigue on a dangerous voyage to Muslim Spain. AD 796. Sailing in search of an object of great power, Hunlaf and his comrades are far from home when they are caught up in a violent skirmish against pirates. After the bloody onslaught, an encounter with ships from Islamic Spain soon sees them escorted under guard to the city of Qadis, one of the jewels of the Emirate of Al-Andalus and the true destination of their voyage. Hunlaf believes the Emir's lands hold the key to his search, but there are dangerous games at play. To achieve…


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Book cover of The City Sings Green & Other Poems About Welcoming Wildlife

The City Sings Green & Other Poems About Welcoming Wildlife by Erica Silverman, Ginnie Hsu (illustrator),

A unique and artful blend of poetry, science, and activism, this picture book shows how city dwellers can intervene so that nature can work her magic.

In Oslo, Norway: citizens create a honeybee highway that stretches from one side of the city to the other, offering flowerpots, resting spots, bee…

Book cover of Peek-a-Flap Space

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Author Of The Transformational Path: How Healing, Unlearning, and Tuning into Source Helped Me Manifest My Most Abundant Life

From Claudia's 2-year-old's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Clairaudient medium Spiritual creative Entrepreneur Bibliophile Francophile

Claudia's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, Claudia's 2-year-old's favorite books.

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Why did Claudia's 2-year-old love this book?

The chunky flaps on this book are incredible for tiny hands! As any parent knows, flap books are prone to ripping, but not this one! He can explore all of space to his heart’s desire, and he gets very excited by the bright and beautiful illustrations!

This book is a winner with my little spaceman.

By Jaye Garnett, Junissa Bianda (illustrator), Cottage Door Press (editor)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Peek-a-Flap Space as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Welcome to the planetarium where you will begin your SPACE exploration! Friendly little astronauts guide you through the solar system, give you a lesson on our sun, land you on the moon, and take you inside a space ship. Big chunky flaps look inside and under and all around, with fun peek-a-boo holes to keep you guessing. A wonderful book for curious kids who want to know who, why, and what! Space is a really big subject and this lift-a-flap board book can help you explain stars and the sun, planets and the moon.

Check out more peek-a-flap and lift-a-flap…


Book cover of Cuckoo in the Nest

Ruth Leigh Author Of The Diary of Isabella M Smugge

From my list on books you read and re-read even though you know every word by heart.

Why am I passionate about this?

I learned to read at four and have been telling stories ever since. Books were my escape from unhappiness into a new and endless world. Left to myself, I’d read ten or so weekly, and my mind was packed with characters, dialogue, jokes, prose, and poetry like an over-brimming literary reservoir. Words are my thing, and I am an avid collector of them. I was reading David Copperfield at eight and specialised in 18th and 19th-century literature at university. I’ve written five books and am working on the sixth. I love writing humour but have also authored Jane Austen Fan Fiction and poetry. Without books, my world is nothing.

Ruth's book list on books you read and re-read even though you know every word by heart

Ruth Leigh Why did Ruth love this book?

I simply loved this book. It took me straight back to the long, hot summer of 1976 and to the confusing feelings around being a teenager. The smell of phone boxes, flares, awful hair – it was all there.

The main character, a 14-year-old would-be poet, has lost her mother and is living with her alcoholic father. She’s an attractive and engaging character, and when she was fostered by a local family, I assumed her life would get better. Not the case. The teenage daughter loathes her, and there are more secrets in this respectable family than in her own.

Funny, poignant, sad, and I hated to say goodbye to the characters. A fabulous read.

By Fran Hill,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Cuckoo in the Nest as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Fresh, authentic and darkly funny. It's a beautifully told story full of warmth and emotion without ever being sentimental - I absolutely loved it' Ruth Hogan, bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things

It’s the heatwave summer of 1976 and 14-year-old would be poet Jackie Chadwick is newly fostered by the Walls. She desperately needs stability, but their insecure, jealous teenage daughter isn't happy about the cuckoo in the nest and sets about ousting her.

When her attempts to do so lead to near-tragedy – and the Walls’ veneer of middle-class respectability begins to crumble – everyone in the…


Book cover of Owl Diaries Bind-Up 1: Eva's Treetop Festival & Eva Sees a Ghost

Kathryn Holmes Author Of Madison Morris Is NOT a Mouse!

From Kathryn's 6-year-old's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader Mom Dancer Cupcake enthusiast

Kathryn's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, Kathryn's 6-year-old's favorite books.

Kathryn Holmes Why did Kathryn's 6-year-old love this book?

As we tiptoe into independent reading, the Owl Diaries series has been a fun bridge. My child loves these books about young owl Eva and her friends in Miss Featherbottom’s class.

In Eva’s Treetop Festival, Eva decides to plan a festival for the community and learns a valuable lesson about asking for help when she needs it. The illustrations are bright and cheerful, the text is simple and clear, and the story is sweet and offers a gentle lesson. 

By Rebecca Elliott,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Owl Diaries Bind-Up 1 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Two Books in one! Now a gorgeous series on Apple TV.

This full-colour, highly illustrated diary series is perfect
for young readers who love friendship stories starring animal
characters!

"a bright and fun introduction to chapter books." Good
Book Mom

BOOK 1: EVA'S TREETOP FESTIVAL

Eva Wingdale gets in over her head when she offers to organize
a spring festival at school. Even with her best friend Lucy's help,
there is NO way she will get everything done in time. Will Eva
have to ask Sue (a.k.a. Meanie McMeanerson) for help? Or will the
festival have to be cancelled?!

BOOK…


Book cover of You Are Brave

Debra Williams Author Of Ah-Fur, Super Sleuth: The Case of The Missing Moggies

From Debra's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader Book reviewer Puppet creator

Debra's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Debra Williams Why did Debra love this book?

You Are Brave is inspired by the life of Sofia Sanchez. Sophia has Down's Syndrome and is now 15 years of age, but this book focuses on her younger life.
You Are Brave shows children that it’s okay not to be perfect at whatever you want to do but that everyone is good at something. The main theme inspires youngsters to not give up, to keep practising until they get a new thing right, and to show them they can be brave when they are told they cannot do something. It encourages children to be themselves.

By Sofia Sanchez, Margaret O'Hair, Sofia Cardoso (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked You Are Brave as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

An inspiring and inclusive picture book about overcoming obstacles
- brought to us by Sofia Sanchez, a successful model,
actress, and advocate for Down Syndrome.
Being different doesn't mean you can't succeed and
share your gifts and passions with the world!

That is the timely and important message of You Are Brave,
which helps readers learn their own self-worth. It encourages
children to overcome obstacles by sticking up for themselves
and others, trying new things, and showing the world how brave
they are!

This beautiful picture book accompanies 2021's You
Are Enough and 2023's You Are Loved.


It focuses on…


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Book cover of Caesar’s Soldier

Caesar’s Soldier by Alex Gough,

Who was the man who would become Caesar's lieutenant, Brutus' rival, Cleopatra's lover, and Octavian's enemy? 

When his stepfather is executed for his involvement in the Catilinarian conspiracy, Mark Antony and his family are disgraced. His adolescence is marked by scandal and mischief, his love affairs are fleeting, and yet,…

Book cover of Wish Lists and Road Trips

Kristyn J. Miller Author Of Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts

From my list on travel romance to take you around the globe.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a romance author, I pull a lot of inspiration from my travels. My husband always says that shared experiences strengthen bonds and I believe that wholeheartedly—which is why I think travel romances just work. Romance as a genre isn’t necessarily known for lush setting descriptions, but travel romances are sort of the exception to the rule, and I eat it up every time. If I close the book feeling like I’ve just got back from a vacation, it’s a five-star read for me. 

Kristyn's book list on travel romance to take you around the globe

Kristyn J. Miller Why did Kristyn love this book?

I have a soft spot for a good road trip romance and this one is seriously not talked about enough.

Two strangers—who are, of course, total opposites—miss their cruise ship and are forced to journey home together, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles-style. It starts in Costa Rica but covers the Southern U.S. all the way up the east coast. And you better believe that Lauren H. Mae puts all that forced proximity to good use. The tension. The pining. The rummy bears.

Give this one a try if you’re in the mood for a book that covers a lot of ground and has a lot of heart. 

By Lauren H. Mae,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wish Lists and Road Trips as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Two stranded strangers agree to travel together in order to return home, but when a slew of misadventures derail their plans, it might mean a chance to fall in love . . .

A sexy, opposites attract romance, ideal for fans of Emily Henry, Beth O'Leary and Christina Lauren.

'A steamy, sweet, rummy bear-fueled comedy of errors' Abby Jimenez

'Lauren weaves a beautiful story of self-discovery, loss and love in Wish Lists and Road Trips. My heart is so full. All the stars and more for this stunning, emotional romance' Helena Hunting
.........................................

Two stranded travellers. One unexpected journey.

Makeup…


Book cover of Cosima Unfortunate Steals A Star

Kate Foster Author Of All the Small Wonderful Things

From my list on middle grade about neurodivergent kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an autistic person and mother of an autistic child and a huge part of my book-loving life is finding characters like us. Up until the last few years that’s not been easy, but this lack of fair representation has driven me to seek out books that shine a spotlight on neurodivergent children, smashing stereotypes and harmful notions that continue to be promoted and adored via mainstream media. Recommending books that portray neurodivergent characters in a way that does more harm than good and reinforces the stigma and treatment of neurodivergent people in real life, so I use my platform to talk about the right books telling the right stories. 

Kate's book list on middle grade about neurodivergent kids

Kate Foster Why did Kate love this book?

Cosima Unfortunate is a remarkable historical mystery packed full of adventure that centers a group of girls, disabled or different in some way, who are sent away, or taken by force, to live and learn in a rather unpleasant school, but who together embark upon a daring heist.

It has all the markings of a future classic, and thankfully is also the start of a series. Though the main character is physically disabled, I’ve chosen this book because some of the supporting characters are neurodivergent and are portrayed accurately and sensitively and play essential roles in the plot. Each girl is feisty and determined, brilliant and brave, and shine when allowed to be themselves.

By Laura Noakes,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cosima Unfortunate Steals A Star 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?

Meet Cosima Unfortunate, and prepare to go on the adventure of a lifetime . . . A breathtaking tale of mystery, family and friendship from a phenomenal new voice, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell, Tamzin Merchant, Hana Tooke and Robin Stevens.

'Gorgeous and powerfully inclusive...' Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn

Cosima has spent all her life at the Home for Unfortunate Girls, along with her best friends: Pearl, Mary and Diya. Cos longs for a real home and a real family. But when Cos finds out that famed explorer Lord Francis Fitzroy is planning to adopt them, she and…


Book cover of Daughters of Chaos

Diane Josefowicz Author Of L'Air du Temps (1985)

From Diane's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Historian Francophile Literary truffle hunter

Diane's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Diane Josefowicz Why did Diane love this book?

I adored this whipsmart novel about Sylvie Swift, a bold and brilliant young woman who, in 1862, lights out for Nashville, Tennessee, where she is immediately recruited to work as a spy for the chief of the Union Army's Secret Service while also chasing down a mysterious manuscript that may or may not be a version of Aristophanes' Lysistrata. Not only that -- she also becomes absorbed in the threatened world of the city's prostitutes, who offer her company and shelter, and who really were threatened with exile by Nashville's government during the Civil War. Such a rich and complex story would be impossible to tell in the hands of a lesser storyteller, but Fawkes handles the multiplying characters and storylines with admirable ease.

By Jen Fawkes,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

An epic novel about Civil War-era Nashville's "public women," an age-old secret society, and the earth-shaking power of the female

"A beautiful spinning knife of a story that whirls back through the 1800s, the 1500s, the 4th century BC, and the age of myth to slice out an image of the pain and the power that women have inherited from antiquity." --Kevin Brockmeier, O. Henry Prize-winning author of The Ghost Variations

In 1862, after a tragedy at home, twenty-two-year-old Sylvie Swift parts ways with her twin brother to trace the origins of an enigmatic playscript that's landed on their doorstep.…


Book cover of Today I Am a River
Book cover of A Day of Reckoning
Book cover of Peek-a-Flap Space

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