Best of 2014 books
The New Year will bring a fresh selection of children’s books to the shelves – but don’t miss out on these gems from 2014!
Flashlight By Lizi Boyd
Chronicle, 2014, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 3-5
Who’s afraid of the dark? Not the boy in this picture book when he’s armed with a flashlight! Readers can search the wordless pages for animals and plants along with our main character and his beam of light. Keep an eye on the critters who have their own plans for that flashlight in the adorable ending.
Bad Bye, Good Bye Written by Deborah Underwood & Illustrated by Jonathan Bean
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 3-5
Moving from one house to another can be scary. It can also lead to a wonderful neighborhood full of new friends. Emotive illustrations and short phrases of clear rhymes make this book a perfect choice for preschoolers.
Two By Kathryn Otoshi
KO Kids Books, 2014, hardcover, $18.95, Ages 3-5
It doesn’t feel good to be left out, whether you’re an even or an odd. The author of Zero and One tells the story of what happens when two friends become three, and three becomes a crowd. Otoshi’s numeral illustrations carry as much expression as any human characters. Two is a picture book kids can count on.
Absolutely Almost By Lisa Graff
Philomel, 2014, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 8-12
Fifth grader Albie has trouble with math, fails spelling tests, and worries that he’s not smart enough to please his parents. It takes his not-a-babysitter and new teacher to help him figure out some important right answers on his own. Short chapters and concise scenes make this a good choice for reluctant readers. A smart story about learning to love yourself.
Crossover By Kwame Alexander
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 10-14
Twins Jordan and Josh Bell love playing Junior High Basketball with each other and recreational games with their former European pro dad. This year things change when Jordan gets a girlfriend and their dad’s heart grows weaker. Can Josh prove his worth to his team, his family, and his brother? Written in free verse and lines of rhymes, this novel is a story of brotherhood, basketball, and coming of age.
The Great Greene Heist By Varian Johnson
Alfred A. Levine, 2014, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 10-14
Jackson Greene has sworn off school capers. That is until his not-girlfriend Gaby runs for school president against sneaky Keith. Jackson puts together a top-notch team of talent to take back the election from a cheating opponent. The multiple points-of-view, cast of talented and multicultural characters, and Star Trek references make this an entertaining middle school read.
We Were Liars By E. Lockhart
Delacorte, 2014, hardcover, $17.99, Ages 13-18
Cady, her two cousins, and their buddy Gat are best friends who spend every summer together on a private island off Martha’s Vineyard. During the summer she is fifteen, Cady hits her head in the ocean and forgets most of what happened. Two years later she returns to discover what she has forgotten. A satisfying and heartbreaking ending make this novel memorable.
Conversion By Katherine Howe
G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2014, hardcover, $18.99, Ages 13-18
High school senior Colleen Rowley feels the pressure to succeed at her elite Massachusetts boarding school. It only gets worse when her classmates come down with unexplainable ailments that threaten all their health and futures. Based on the 2012 LeRoy, NY “mystery illness” and the 1600s Salem Witch trials, the sharp writing and storytelling thrive in this high interest novel.
Afterworlds By Katherine Howe
G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2014, hardcover, $18.99, Ages 13-18
Eighteen-year-old Darcy sells her first young adult novel, a paranormal romance about Lizzie, for big money so she moves to New York City. There, she meets her first love and navigates the business of publishing. This book contains two novels in one that are equally compelling; both Darcy’s and Lizzie’s worlds are hypnotic and thrilling. An addicting read, especially for budding writers.
More Reads
Looking for more suggestions? Check out these other favorites from 2014:
Picture Books
- The Crocodile Who Didn’t Like Water By Gemma Merino
- A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina’s Dream Written by Kristy Dempsey & Illustrated by Floyd Cooper
- Sparky Written by Jenny Offill & Illustrated by Chris Appelhans
- Uni the Unicorn Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Illustrated by Brigette Barrager
Middle Grade
- Abby Spencer Goes to Bollywood by Varsha Bajaj
- Manhunt by Kate Messner
- The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheinkin
- Sisters by Raina Telgemeier
Young Adult
- Gilded by Christina Farley
- The Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley
- The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang & Sonny Liew
Deena Viviani is a Rochester-based Young Adult Services Librarian. Read more reviews on her blog www.deenaml.livejournal.com or send her a note at
De**********@ho*****.com
– she loves to hear from readers!
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