Best Books We Read In 2021

Press release from the Cromaine District Library:

December 31, 2021

It’s so hard to believe 2021 is coming to a close. The staff at Cromaine have been reading so many wonderful books all year long, and we’re so excited to share some of our favorites with you! The list below includes books for all ages and interests. We hope you enjoy these books just as much as we did.

• Too Small Tola - Atinuke: This book follows Tola, a self-described small girl, as she goes about her day in Nigeria. This beautifully illustrated story is perfect for young elementary readers who are just getting started with chapter books. - Recommended by Heather (J Fiction Atinuke)

• You Should See Me in a Crown - Leah Johnson: Liz is super pumped to finish high school and start her college journey at Pennington College. Unfortunately, Liz applied for an academic scholarship, did not receive it, and does not want to tell her grandparents, who have taken care of her since her mom's death. Fortunately, Liz has a plan: she's going to run for prom queen, and if she wins, she'll be awarded $10,000. I absolutely adored this book. Liz is someone that I think a lot of teens will be able to relate to, as she struggles with finding herself, not disappointing important people in her life, and forging her own path. The sweet romance that developed was also wonderful, and the tension in both the romance and Liz's friendships was super believable. This was such a sweet story that is perfect for realistic fans who like a bit of romance, especially those who are in their senior year of high school. - Recommended by Heather (Teen Fiction Johnson)

• Allergic - Megan Wagner Lloyd: All Maggie wants is a dog. When she and her family finally go to the shelter to pick one out, she finds the perfect pup...but her eyes get watery, she can't stop sneezing, and her skin is super itchy. When her allergy is confirmed, she is heartbroken but still determined to find a new pet. This was a sweet story that kids will be able to relate to, especially if they have allergies. Family dynamics, jealousy, and friendship was also depicted authentically. - Recommended by Heather (J 741.5 Lloyd)

• The Guncle by Steven Rowley: Patrick (Gay Uncle Patrick or GUP for short) is an actor living a leisurely life of semi-retirement in Palm Springs when his young niece and nephew, who have recently lost their mother, come to stay for the summer. The Guncle is equal parts hilarious and touching, with more depth than I had expected. This one is also excellent as an audiobook! - Recommended by Mallorie (Fiction Rowley)

• The Comeback - E.L. Shen: Maxine's dream is to compete at the Olympics someday...but first, she has to make the podium at her Intermediate competitions. As a former figure skater, I am very hard on any books depicting figure skating, but I loved this one. All of the technical details were 100% solid, and the way in which the rink environment and competitive atmosphere were described were on point. In addition to skating, the author also tackled racism with a really deft hand in an age-appropriate way. Super well done! - Recommended by Heather (Tween Fiction Shen)

• Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas - This is the prequel to The Hate U Give. Great read if you enjoyed Angie Thomas's other books. - Recommended by Loni (Teen Fiction Thomas)

• Amari and the Night Brothers - B.B. Alston: When her brother, Quinton, goes missing, Amari receives a supernatural invitation that opens up a world she could've never imagined. In addition to being a compelling story, Amari and the Night Brothers explored what it's like growing up in the shadow of a seemingly perfect sibling and finding power within yourself that is beyond your wildest dreams. The world building was solid, and I especially enjoyed Amari's friendship with Elsie. Packed with action and adventure, this book is perfect for people who believe in magic. - Recommended by Heather (Tween Fiction Alston)

• Piranesi by Susanna Clarke: Piranesi lives in an endless labyrinth, practically alone. As the story unfolds, the reader and Piranesi begin to learn more about this world, how Piranesi came to be there, and about his occasional visitor The Other. This book is unlike anything I've ever read before. It was completely captivating, and I loved the slow build of this world and its history. I'd highly recommend going into it without reading any synopses or reviews and let it reveal its own beauty. - Recommended by Mallorie (Fiction Clarke)

• Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr: Combining elements of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, this novel takes readers on an epic journey that spans the course of 500 years. 5 stars! - Recommended by Lori (Fiction Doerr)

• The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune: Linus’s adherence to rules gets him noticed by Extremely Upper Management, who have a special task for him: go to an orphanage where Extremely Magical Folk live to see if they are adhering to the rules and can, therefore, remain operational. I loved this SO much! This was the kindest and most hopeful book I can remember reading. It is so beautifully written with such sincerity and an endearing cast of characters I can't imagine anyone not falling in love with. Magic, found family, humor, love, standing up for others....I hope you'll love it as much as I did. - Recommended by Grace (Fiction Klune)

• Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls - Kaela Rivera: When her sister, Juanita, is taken by the feared El Sombreron, Cece is determined to enter Devil's Valley to save her from his terrible clutches. This book is a fast-paced fantasy that brings Latin American legends to life in an exciting way. - Recommended by Heather (Tween Fiction Rivera)

• Skunk and Badger - Amy Timberlake: Badger is a hermit, doing very important rock work at his aunt's brownstone. When extroverted Skunk moves in, he is super upset, but he soon finds out that having a roommate may not be so bad after all. This story was such a delight and a perfect step up for Frog and Toad fans who want a bit more of a challenge. I loved the growth the characters had, especially Badger, and the sweet friendship that transpired. Super cute! - Recommended by Heather (J Fiction Timberlake)

• Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain - Historical fiction intertwined with the present day, with excellent character development. Diane Chamberlain's books are always hard to put down! - Recommended by Loni (Fiction Chamberlain)

• When the World Was Ours - Liz Kessler: Max, Leo, and Elsa are best friends. As Hitler rises to power, the trio is forced to split up: Leo and Elsa are both Jewish and are torn apart, and as Max's dad rises in Hitler's army, Max himself joins the Hitler Youth...but their connection continues over miles and years through a photograph of a perfect day they had together before the war. This is such a good book, and the ending definitely brought me to tears. Powerful, age-appropriate, and based on a true story. Extremely well-done. - Recommended by Heather (Tween Fiction Kessler)

• Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen: This multi-perspective narrative takes readers back to December 23rd, 1971 during a pivotal moment in the lives of the Hildebrandt family. 5 stars! - Recommended by Lori (Fiction Franzen)

• They Went Left by Monica Hesse: Eighteen-year-old Zofia was liberated from Poland's Gross-Rosen concentration camp following World War II, but the end of the war brought all-new struggles as she seeks to find her brother and cope with the loss of her family and her former life. As a fan of historical fiction, I've read quite a few books set during World War II, but this was the first that takes place just after the war showcasing the stories of the Europeans who were displaced by it. You'll laugh and cry and see the end of the war was the beginning of a whole new story for the survivors. - Recommended by Marta (Teen Fiction Hesse)

• Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate: Before We Were Yours is a fictionalized account of two women touched by the Tennessee Children's Home Society and the atrocities perpetrated there by Georgia Tann between the 1920s and 1950, when Tann passed away. Thousands of children in the vicinity of Memphis, Tennessee were stolen, generally from poor or otherwise "undesirable" parents, and then sold to new families, or given as bribes to government officials in an effort to keep them looking the other way. The book has a bit of everything-- suspense, mystery, happy endings, sad endings... and through it all is the knowledge that, while *this* story is fictionalized-- the circumstances are not, and that leads to a powerful read. - Recommended by Erin (Fiction Wingate)

• Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky: It takes quite a bit of craftsmanship for an author to thoroughly creep me out, and this book accomplished just that. Shout out to Librarian Erik who recommended this one to me (and also -- curse you, Librarian Erik, because this book was TERRIFYING). - Recommended by Pam (Fiction Chbosky)

• Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley: This soon-to-be Netflix series transports you to Sault Saint Marie, MI, and the nearby Ojibwe reservation where scandals are piling up and teenagers are mysteriously dying. After learning the attractive new player on her brother's hockey team is not all he appears to be, eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine finds herself at the heart of an FBI investigation into a local meth ring that may be tied to the recent deaths. An excellent choice for those interested in the Eastern UP, specifically Sault Saint Marie, Sugar Island, and contemporary Ojibwe life. - Recommended by Marta and Loni (Teen Fiction Boulley)

• My House Plant Saved my Life by David Domoney - Cute and informative book on caring for common houseplants, and the health benefits they bring to you, and your home. - Recommended by Loni (635.9 Domoney)

• Untamed by Glennon Doyle: This novel is filled with truth, love, acceptance and kindness and I can’t recommend it highly enough. - Recommended by Grace (306.893 Doyle)

• Bodies are Cool by Tyler Feder - Incredibly diverse in every possible way. Would be good for all ages to appreciate how different bodies can be, and how we should love ourselves no matter what. (Picture Book Feder) - Recommended by Loni (Picture Book Feder)

• The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green: This book has been ending up on a lot of "Best Of" lists, and deservedly so. It is a collection of short essays, each styled as a review complete with star rating. The reviews range in topic from Scratch 'n' Sniff Stickers to Velociraptors, to Sycamore Trees (and so many more!). Each essay goes much deeper than its initial topic, with a lot of insight about what it means to be human. John Green is an excellent storyteller, and I loved every bit of this book. - Recommended by Mallorie (814.6 Green)

• The Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee’s Story - Jay Hosler: This graphic novel takes readers on a journey through the life cycle of a bee. What a treasure! The Way of the Hive is funny, sad, educational, and has great illustrations that will keep kids engaged. - Recommended by Heather (J 741.5 Hosler)

• Dusk, Night, Dawn: On Revival and Courage by Anne Lamott: I read many books this year that were enjoyable, but this one was like a breath of fresh air, or a cup of coffee and a long conversation with the best of friends. Anne Lamott's writing is such a gift to my heart -- so witty, grace-filled, and down-to-earth. There's a chapter in the book called "Snail Hymn" that was so beautiful that I read it three times before returning it to the library. - Recommended by Pam (813.54 Lamott)

• The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People published by Zondervan Publication with a foreword by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee: This is a Bible that reads like a novel. - Recommended by Lisa (220.5 Story)

• What's in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature's Treasures by Heather Montgomery - Introduces children to real scientists and how their collecting in nature as children, led to them becoming adults who discovered many things in the field of science. Excellent to use in and out of the classroom, to inspire children to collect things in nature, and make observations in the world around them. - Recommended by Loni (J 509 Montgomery)

• Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat: I know I'm late to the party on this one, but I adored this book. This is for everyone who enjoys cooking, regardless of their experience level. Samin Nosrat took the time to craft a book that taught skills rather than "just" recipes. - Recommended by Pam (641.5 Nosrat)

• Dolly Parton, Songteller by Dolly Parton: The inspiring life and career of Dolly Parton are showcased in this collection of the stories behind her most cherished songs. So much more than just an entertainer, this talented songwriter has a true heart of gold and much more pluck and grace than you may realize. Try the audiobook available through Libby/Overdrive narrated by Dolly herself, complete with snippets from songs mentioned throughout the book. - Recommended by Marta (921 Parton)

• Yearbook by Seth Rogan - Recommended for fans of comedic Seth Rogan. His humor shines through in this laugh-out-loud autobiography. I listened to the audio version, which he narrates. - Recommended by Loni (921 Rogan)

• The Undocumented Americans - Karla Cornejo Villavicencio: In this beautifully written book, the author visits different regions of the US, meet undocumented folks who live there, and shares their stories. This was such a great book that depicted the struggles of undocumented folks, while also reflecting on the quiet moments in their lives. - Recommended by Heather (364.137 Cornejo)

If you’d like to check out one of these titles, place a hold using our catalog and we’ll let you know when your item is available for pick-up. You can also stop by anytime to browse our collections in-person.

For even more recommendations, check out our goodreads page, video booktalks, and podcasts.

Happy Reading!

This press release was produced by the Cromaine District Library. The views expressed are the author's own.