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Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, observed in May, recognizes the achievements, contributions, and complex histories of Americans descended from 75 countries across the Asian continent. The following books, both fiction and nonfiction, provide a window into the resilience, creativity, and breadth of experience within this varied group.

First recognized by presidential proclamation in 2006, Jewish American Heritage Month celebrates the accomplishments, community, and culture of Jewish American people. The following booklist features history, biography, novellas, historical fiction, and more, all commemorating the breadth of experience and wide-ranging accomplishments of Jewish Americans.

Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of mental wellness and promotes advocacy, sharing, compassion, and the dismantling of stereotypes surrounding a wide range of mental health conditions. The following books include contemporary romance, literary fiction, poetry, memoirs, and more, all speaking to the importance of continued dialogue surrounding mental health.

In recognition of Arab American Heritage Month, formally established by the Biden administration in April 2021, this reading list celebrates the varied cultures, achievements, and contributions of Arab American people. Through poetry, literary fiction, memoirs, and more, the following books reveal many facets of Arab American communities, histories, and experiences.

Autism Acceptance Month recognizes the deliberate shift away from the stigmatized term “autism awareness” toward an inclusive attitude of acceptance, respect, listening, parity, and empowerment. With romance, literary fiction, memoirs, and more, the following reading list honors the many experiences and voices of people within the autistic community. 

Library displays highlight the collection and aid readers as they browse and find their next read, view, or listen. To help prompt display ideas and find titles to keep them stocked, LJ offers Display Shelf. Use this list to generate a quick display on the circulation desk or to fill an end-cap. The suggestions also offer RA librarians a handy list of popular titles on a range of high-interest genres and subjects. This list features books that reimagine and incorporate myth and folklore from around the world into captivating new tales.

In 1987, Women’s History Month was formally recognized by presidential proclamation as a monthlong celebration to honor women’s contributions, accomplishments, and voices throughout U.S. history. The following books spotlight extraordinary women from the distant and not-so-distant past—women both imagined and real, both famous and little-known, coming from diverse cultures, countries, and continents.

Library displays highlight the collection and aid readers as they browse and find their next read, view, or listen. To help prompt display ideas and find titles to keep them stocked, LJ offers Display Shelf. Use this list to generate a quick display on the circulation desk or to fill an end-cap. The suggestions also offer RA librarians a handy list of popular titles on a range of high-interest genres and subjects. This list features the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing across fiction and nonfiction titles.

Readers can’t get enough of romantasy, so stock the shelves with these binge-worthy genre blends.

The morally gray, villainous characters in these stories are sure to find their way into readers’ hearts. 

Titles not to miss across fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and audio.

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson envisioned a weeklong commemoration to increase awareness of Black history and culture. In the 1960s, protests against racial injustice helped make it into a monthlong celebration, but the U.S. didn’t formally recognize Black History Month until 1976. This list spotlights collective and individual aspects of Black history and experience. 

Brighten winter by poring over a shelf with books full of green and growing things.

Trying Veganuary or resolving to eat less meat? Here are dozens of new cookbooks to check out.

Titles not to miss across fiction, nonfiction, and audio.

For those participating in Dry January or anyone looking to consume less alcohol, here’s a tempting array of cookbooks containing ideas for nonalcoholic cocktails.

Start the new year off with a shelf full of inspiration for honing new habits for health, healing, and even fun.

Deck the shelves with novels set during Christmas and Hanukkah!

Key fiction, nonfiction, and reference titles.

Beautifully designed books turn reading into a trip to the museum.

Two books that explore the lives of women as parents and business leaders. 

In recognition of National Native American Heritage Month, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 and also referred to as Native American Heritage Month or National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, this booklist recognizes the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples and marks their varied cultures, achievements, and contributions.

Get ready to celebrate Native American Heritage Month in November with a display shelf of fiction from Indigenous authors.

Find a hauntingly good read with these titles featuring ghosts.

Don't miss these on-trend romances featuring moms and a range of swoony partners.

When authors become characters, the plot thickens.

Display the bumper crop of cookbooks this fall.

Find ideas for getting cozy this fall, with books featuring a hygge-inspired home, harvest recipes, warm drinks, book nooks, and more.

Feature fiction starring teachers and academic settings as school resumes.

Three titles offer sensitive portraits of sisters navigating tensions wrought by childhood trauma, mental illness, and grief, and the engaging, exasperating dynamics of family drama.

These three dynamic listens provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of the people behind the music, including the trailblazing all-women Liverpudlian band the Liverbirds, Hootie & the Blowfish lead Darius Rucker, and Serj Tankian, the lead of Armenian American heavy metal band System of Down.

A genre perfect for fall, these books feature academic pursuits that take an unexpected and often perilous turn.

This monthlong observance marks the achievements, histories, and cultures of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, including those from Indigenous and Afro-Latino communities. The following books celebrate the diverse contributions and experiences of Latine people and include literary fiction, short stories, memoirs, and poetry.

Build a display that rocks with these books detailing the lives of musicians.

Get in the holiday spirit with these love stories that take place during Christmas and Hanukkah.

A display for those enchanted by the City of Light and currently cheering on Olympic favorites.

Sports romance for the win. From hockey to baseball, these titles have it all.

With picnics, barbecues, and backyard parties, summer seems made for cooking. Support patrons’ culinary plans with these tasty, wide-ranging suggestions.

Tie dye, potholders, and rock art—the simple, creative pleasures of camp crafts aren’t limited to weeks away at the lakeside. Help readers find summer hobbies with these instructive guides.

Solve readers' demand for mysteries featuring private investigators with this display.

Disability Pride Month commemorates the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. In recognition of this month-long observance, the following list promotes the destigmatization of disability, combats ableism, celebrates visibility, and honors the accomplishments, influence, strengths, and joys of the disability community. These titles, and those selected from previous years, are available as a downloadable spreadsheet.

Prepare patrons to head for the great outdoors with these titles on tent life, campfire cooking, stargazing, and more.

Celebrate Pride Month with these fiction titles spanning several genres and featuring LGBTQIA+ characters.

Two wonderful books explore marine science and the science of sharks.

First proclaimed Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in 1999 and expanded by President Obama in 2011, LGBTQIA+ Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan and celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community. The following titles, ranging from romance and mystery to social sciences and poetry, honor the experiences, legacies, and accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ people.

In 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared more than 3.5 million enslaved people living in Confederate states to be “forever free.” It wasn’t until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, TX, on June 19 two years later, however, that the enslaved first learned of their freedom. That date became known as Juneteenth, first celebrated in 1866, first declared a federal holiday in 2021. This book list is a Juneteenth commemoration in the form of fiction and nonfiction about its history and the long-standing implications of enslavement and the Jim Crow era.

All the November 2024 Prepub Alerts in one place, plus a downloadable spreadsheet of all titles from every post.

No need to wait until spooky season to read scary stories. Put these horror novels up for display now.

Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of mental wellness and promotes advocacy, sharing, compassion, and the dismantling of stereotypes. Mental health conditions are wide-ranging and include PTSD, OCD, generalized anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, schizophrenia, suicidal ideation, and more. The following books—literary fiction, romance, memoirs, and essays—were written by authors who have personal experience living with mental health challenges and speak to the importance of continued dialogue surrounding mental health.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, observed in May, recognizes the achievements, contributions, and complex histories of Americans descended from 75 countries across the Asian continent. The following books, both fiction and nonfiction, provide a window into the resilience, creativity, and breadth of experience within this varied group.

First recognized by presidential proclamation in 2006, Jewish American Heritage Month celebrates the accomplishments, community, and culture of Jewish American people. The following booklist features history, biography, short stories, historical fiction, and more, all of which commemorate the breadth of experience and wide-ranging accomplishments of Jewish American individuals.

An indispensable guide for readers traveling to Taiwan and a book recommended for anyone interested in China-Taiwan-U.S. relations.

These three romances offer new takes on classic stories, including a steamy modern “Beauty and the Beast” tale, a rom-com reimagining of Rapunzel, and a unique contemporary twist on The Great Gatsby.

Contemporary romance author Katelyn Doyle and historical romance author Scarlett Peckham are one and the same, with both a unique, sizzling second-chance rom-com and a sexy, bawdy, and fun historical romance coming out this summer.

SFF titles that offer out-of-this-world charm.

Offer some home decorating inspiration with a display full of beautiful books on how to adorn one’s abode.

Encourage environmentally friendly living with a display full of books that offer ideas on wasting less and helping the planet.

This genre of feel-good fiction has been a hit in Japan and South Korea. Share these English-language translations with patrons on a display shelf.

Two books that explore the talent, creativity, and deep appeal of the Fab Four.

The daughter of Mama Cass Elliot of the Mamas & the Papas and Blondie guitarist Chris Stein share life stories centered in sound.

Autism Acceptance Month recognizes the deliberate shift away from the stigmatized term “autism awareness” toward an inclusive attitude of acceptance, respect, listening, parity, and empowerment. With romance, literary fiction, memoirs, and more, the following reading list honors the many experiences and voices of people within the autistic community. These titles, and those selected from previous years, are available as a downloadable spreadsheet.

National Library Week is celebrated during April, and these multitalented authors have also worked in libraries. Recognize them with a display!

In recognition of Arab American Heritage Month, formally established by the Biden administration in April 2021, this reading list celebrates the varied cultures, achievements, and contributions of Arab American people. Through poetry, cooking, short stories, memoirs, and more, the following books reveal many facets of Arab American communities, histories, and experiences. These titles, and those selected from previous years, are available as a downloadable spreadsheet.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book. 

The top reads from our April issue, ranging across audio, mystery, suspense, romance, fiction, graphic novels, horror, science fiction, fantasy, arts, science, and more.

Collections to celebrate National Poetry Month. Slip into blossom season and savor sound, lyric, and line.

Feature these genre-spanning reimaginings of fairy-tale favorites.

Captivate with these culinary-themed memoirs, featuring favorite famous chefs and humble home cooks.

These contemporary romances by Emily Henry, Jenn McKinlay, and KJ Micciche all feature librarians falling in love.

Check out these starred fantasy debuts about a Trans-Siberian luxury train, an underwater humanity, a department store that sells dreams, and a hotheaded hero with nothing to lose.

These biographies of Candida Royalle and Anna May Wong explore 20th-century feminism, the film industry, sex, race, and gender.

These performing arts memoirs feature Judi Dench’s insights, personal experiences, and knowledge about Shakespeare’s plays and RuPaul baring his soul about his dysfunctional family and the battles he has fought.

Memoirist and poet Michelle Porter offers a groundbreaking debut novel that's an unforgettable, enchanting listen, while an anthology of Indigenous horror stories offers something for every listener, from quietly unsettling tales to gruesome body horror.

A brief, quietly gorgeous audiobook of Yalie Saweda Kamara's poetry reveals new meaning with every listen, and a groundbreaking and deeply passionate poetry collection from Mikeas Sánchez celebrates language and feminine power.

In 1987, Women’s History Month was formally recognized by presidential proclamation as a monthlong celebration to honor women’s contributions, accomplishments, and voices throughout United States history. The following books spotlight extraordinary women from the distant and not-so-distant past—women both imagined and real, famous and little-known, and from varied cultures, countries, and continents.

The top reads from our March issue, ranging across mystery, suspense, romance, fiction, Christian fiction, science fiction, fantasy, arts, science, social science, and reference.

A partially submerged Nigeria and a world at the edge of apocalypse, being destroyed by climate disasters and corporate greed, are settings for these starred climate fiction novels.

New graphic novel series include a fantastic space opera, an intriguing sci-fi adventure, and an occasionally shocking, sometimes nightmarish, completely unpredictable satire of modern masculinity.

Jazz up performing arts collections with a compulsively readable book about the making of Kind of Blue and the illuminating diary of legendary saxophone great Sonny Rollins.

The month’s baseball books include a wonderfully distinctive and intriguing history with something of a New York bent and a fascinating exploration of the unfulfilled dreams of MLB players.

Dive into Elizabeth Taylor’s filmography with these books about Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Cleopatra.

These guides to parenting neurodivergent children cover behavior, well-being, bullying, and social justice with empathy and expertise.

Savor these contemporary romances featuring a sous-chef at a Michelin-starred Maine restaurant and a hotshot NYC cook who has just relocated to Spunes, OR.

Turn the page into 2024 and explore the books filling the year. Across fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, here are titles, authors, and subjects to note, from future best sellers, to gems readers will treasure, to works destined for award attention.

See the titles LJ's book review editors have on their TBR lists this upcoming season. 

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson envisioned a weeklong commemoration to increase awareness of Black history and culture. In the 1960s, protests against racial injustice transformed it into a monthlong celebration, but Black History Month wasn't formally recognized by the U.S. until 1976. This celebration is a collective part of American history, which this list spotlights. 

These novels span multiple genres and offer bookish delight as they capture the joy of reading, the allure of bookstore and library settings, and the power of books to connect people.

The start of a fresh year is a great time to try something new. Create a shelf full of inspiration.

Future selves will be so happy if they try out this tempting array of meal prep cookbooks.

Readers looking for some romantic, magical escape will appreciate this shelf full of cozy fantasy.

This shelf offers some SFF full of hope and care.

It might be known as a place for fake marriages, but these two novels make love real in Sin City.

Fascinating, complex, imaginative, and scholarly, these two books aid readers interested in exploring spirituality and social activism in art.

An exploration of 1970s Blaxploitation films and a memoir from a legendary actor.

The top reads from our January issue, ranging across mystery, romance, fiction, science fiction, horror, arts, science, and social science. 

Comics seem uniquely equipped to educate about health and medicine, as these stories of sickness and medicine demonstrate.

Many memoirists are dipping their writing tools into the waters of self-disclosure about their feelings and issues ranging from immigration and illness to work and witchcraft. These selections deliver raw honesty, poetic language, and sharp prose.

These photography books illuminate the downtown NYC art scene of the ’70s, an innovator in color photography, peripatetic contemporary street photographers, and Black American studio photographers from the 1850s to the present.

Nora Roberts, Elin Hilderbrand, and Stephen King are just some of the names topping the charts.

Curl up with a cozy mystery!