Our Favorite Books of 2020

by Stephanie C, Main Library

As 2020 comes to a close I've been trying to focus on all of the good things that came out of this year. We've all had to pivot in unexpected ways and it hasn't been easy, but we've made it! 

One thing that is always a bright spot for us librarians, and many of you, are the books we read that made a special impact. Maybe you read something that completely opened your eyes to a new idea, or that made you laugh until your sides hurt. Maybe you cried a little (or a lot) because that one book just shook you to your core, or made you feel seen.

​I hope you've had some incredible reading experiences this year. If you're still looking for that special book, take a look at this list of our staff favorites. You may have seen some of them mentioned here on the blog earlier this year. We just can't stop talking about these amazing reads. 

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Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
(Graphic Novel)
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"A precious, adorable, heart-warming, LGBTQ+ positive love story that takes place at a UK grammar school. What could be better??"
​- Becca





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​Watch Over Me, Nina LaCour
(Teen Fiction)
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"As Mila ages out of the foster care system, she accepts a job helping other foster kids on a farm in Northern California. Her new world is ethereal and haunted by ghosts, and by confronting them Mila begins to face her own past traumas and experiences. For anyone who loves slow, meditative, sensitive, and lyrical writing."
- Becca

Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez. 
(Teen Fiction)
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"You don't have to be a sports fan to get a kick out of Furia. Camila aka "Furia" lives in Argentina and is secretly playing on a girls soccer team, pursuing her dreams of playing pro fútbol, unbeknownst to her parents, whose plan for Camila is to apply to medical school after she graduates high school. This story is about Camila's journey to independence and fighting for her dreams." - Yoli
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Dear Justyce by Nic Stone  
(Teen Fiction)
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"Quan has already experienced too much trauma as a kid, and as a teen, Quan gets falsely accused of murder and imprisoned under a false confession. A fast-paced book that will have you on the edge of your seat, wanting justice for Quan." - Yoli

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
(Teen Fiction)
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"Felix attends a high school for the arts in Brooklyn, and is a candidate to win a scholarship to Brown University. Felix dreams of finding love and being loved, and in his revenge quest against an anonymous transphobe at school; he finds self-love." - Yoli

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Dress Coded by Carrie Firestone 
(Teen Fiction) 
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"I loved this book because it was something I needed to read in Jr. High. School dress codes are sexist. The length of a girl's shorts and if she wears a tank top should not matter. This book showed a peaceful way to protest injustice, and not giving up.  It is also a great reminder to all youth, that no matter how someone feels comfortable with their attire and looks, everyone deserves to be treated with respect." 
-- Claire 

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
(Adult Fiction)
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"Silvia Moreno-Garcia is my new favorite author! Mexican Gothic was hands-down my favorite book published in 2020 (read it on a dark and stormy night for the best experience). Because I loved her chilling gothic homage set in the mountains of 1950s Mexico, I also reread Gods of Jade and Shadow and forgot how incredible this 1920s Mayan mythological quest tale is. Do yourself a favor and read both."
-Meagan

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
(Adult Fiction)
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​Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo. 
​(Teen Fiction)
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"I loved this story of two sisters living very different lives in New York and the Domincan Republic. The book is written in verse and covers topics like grief, sexuality, racism, and the excitement and pain of uncovering family secrets." - Maddie

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
(Graphic Novel)
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"Snapdragon takes readers on a beautiful journey to a place where there is space to explore one's identity. Snapdragon's multiple and surprising plot twists will have you exclaiming in surprise and likely lead to you day-dreaming about the plot twists in your own journey of self-exploration." - Lexi

The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson
(Teen Fiction)
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"The third book in the Truly Devious series was a truly satisfying conclusion to a fun mystery trilogy. Stevie, a true crime fanatic, returns once again to the exclusive (and deadly) Ellingham Academy boarding school, aiming to solve a cold case that has haunted it's grounds for nearly 100 years. In this final installment she's finally uncovered the truth, but will she survive to share her findings with the world? Even reluctant mystery readers will enjoy this one"
​- Stephanie C. 

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The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
(Teen Fiction)
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"This book is wild! It follows the sixteen year-old girls of Garner County as they embark on their Grace Year - a year where they are sent away and isolated together with few supplies and little protection. They must rid themselves of their womanly magic before returning, lest it destroys society. I know, right? This intense, thought-provoking novel stayed in my head for months after I finished it." - Stephanie C.

What books did you love this year? Comment below to share your favorites. ​

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