The Brooklyn Public Library on Tuesday unveiled its annual list of standout reads, highlighting 100 titles selected by its librarians and staff. The collection spans fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, short stories and more, offering a snapshot of the books that resonated most across the system this year.
Below is a sampling of the picks, with the full list available online.
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor
New York Review Books (1971/2021)
A warm, funny and bittersweet novel centered on older residents living in a London hotel.
Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist by Liz Pelly
Atria/One Signal Publishers
A probing look at how streaming culture shapes listening habits and influences how people engage with music.
Love is a Dangerous Word: Selected Poems by Essex Hemphill
New Directions
A powerful, long-anticipated collection spotlighting the bold, deeply influential work of a poet who never received the recognition he deserved.
Woodworking by Emily St. James
Crooked Media Reads
A character-driven story filled with nuance, complexity and emotional depth.
A Flower Traveled in My Blood by Haley Cohen Gilliland
Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster
A riveting piece of investigative reporting that unfolds with the urgency of a novel.
Fireworks by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia Chien
Clarion Books
A vibrant, sensory tribute to New York City, capturing the wonder and excitement of fireworks for readers of all ages.
Ash’s Cabin by Jen Wang
First Second
A gorgeous survival tale that speaks to anyone who has experienced loneliness or the feeling of being misunderstood.
Scarlet Morning by ND Stevenson
HarperCollins
A high-energy pirate adventure brought to life with Stevenson’s signature style and creativity.
A Place for Feelings by Corey Ann Haydu
Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins
A gentle, supportive picture book designed to help children navigate and express big emotions.
Truth Is by Hannah V. Sawyerr
Amulet Books
A hybrid of verse, journal entries and prompts that illustrates the resilience, choices and hope available to young people finding their way.
Readers looking for more can browse the full list or request a personalized set of recommendations through the library’s BookMatch service.
