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The Best Books of 2026 (So Far)
By Nina Braca|June 3, 2026 at 4:00AM
As summer slowly approaches, we are thrilled to announce The Best Books of the Year (so far), featuring the best of the best from this year’s publishing. With books from both debut authors and household names, memoirs to picture books, thrillers to rom-coms, these are the stories that have everyone talking — and we have something for every reader.
What We're Reading

The Best Kids' Books of 2026 (So Far)
By Nina Braca|June 3, 2026
As we reach the halfway point of 2026, it’s time to take a look back on the exceptional releases that you might have missed, especially when it comes to kids’ publishing. From picture books to chapter books, these are the tales that invite young readers to think differently about the world around them and inspire a lifelong love of reading and storytelling. Here are our picks for the Best Kids Books of 2026 (So Far).
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The Best YA Books of 2026 (So Far)
By Margarita Polkowska|June 3, 2026
From fairytale reimaginings and fae romantasy to dangerous secrets, dystopian worlds and high school crushes, this year’s favorite reads for teens are packed with magic, adventure and unforgettable characters.
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The Best Audiobooks of 2026 (So Far)
By Emily Coleman-Johnson|June 3, 2026
It's hard to believe 2026 is half over, and we have half a year of publishing out in the world. We've already seen blockbuster hits from new and seasoned authors alike with a variety of award-winning narrators and said authors bringing those stories to life. This is only a sampling of all the great publishing we've seen so far, so be sure to shop here to find more favorites for your digital library.
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Books to Celebrate Pride: A Pride Month Reading List
By Isabelle McConville|May 29, 2026
From inspiring true stories to incredible works of fiction, these books are a great way to kick off the month. Celebrate the contributions to art and literature that pioneers of LGBTQ+ civil rights worked toward with these great picks.
Read MoreThe Books You've Always Meant to Read

Fiction You’ve Always Meant to Read
By BN Editors, Margarita Polkowska|January 1, 2026
We all have those fiction books we’ve always meant to read — the classics we never finished and the modern favorites we could have sworn we’ve read but actually hadn’t. That dusty TBR pile from when we were younger that still haunts us in our sleep. From timeless masterpieces like A Tale of Two Cities […]
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Nonfiction You’ve Always Meant to Read
By BN Editors, Margarita Polkowska|January 1, 2026
Some books feed us information; others change the way we see the world. Maybe there are nonfiction books you’ve always meant to read, captivating titles you were sure you’d get to someday… but never did. Reading nonfiction is one of the most accessible ways to explore history, science, nature, the people we share this planet […]
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Kids’ Books You’ve Always Meant to Read
By BN Editors, Margarita Polkowska|January 1, 2026
You love to read now, but that dusty childhood TBR pile still haunts you. The good news? It’s never too late to revisit the kids’ books you’ve always meant to read. Meet beloved characters like Aslan, Anne Shirley, Despereaux or Percy Jackson. Step into splendid imaginary worlds and time-travel to different eras. From epic journeys […]
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New LEGO® Releases to Check Out This Month
By BN Editors|June 1, 2026
With every LEGO release comes a new assortment of exciting builds for both casual LEGO users and professional constructors. This month, a new batch of LEGO hits shelves, and we are excited to share some Harry Potter sets, including an exclusive new book nook to add a touch of magic to your shelves. Explore a whole new side of Hogwarts with these unique builds, perfect for wizards and muggles alike.
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Hooray for Dads! 16 Picture Books Perfect for Father’s Day
By Nina Braca|May 11, 2026
This Father's Day, they've earned their right to be celebrated. With these picture books, your little one is sure to know just how special Father's Day is.
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12 Kids’ Books for Every Summer Day: Rain or Shine
By Margarita Polkowska|June 20, 2025
Summer is for lazy days by the pool. Summer is for catching fireflies in the back yard. Summer is for riding bikes at the park and making a splash at the beach. Summer is a time to unwind, and a time to keep young minds active in the best possible way — through reading. And […]
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The Best Kids’ Books of June 2026
By Nina Braca|May 18, 2026
Summer officially kicks off this month, and we can celebrate with a new stack of adventures for little ones. From silly picture books to bedtime stories and even a brand-new Dr. Seuss book, these are the kids’ books we are most excited to explore this month.
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10 Best Activity Books for Long Summer Days
By Nina Braca|May 19, 2026
Swimming, sports, camping and other outdoor activities are a natural part of the summer for many kids. But spending some quiet time (or even some active time!) with books can also be a fun and engaging way to spend those long, carefree summer days. Here are a few engaging books to get kids off the iPad, away from the television, and to spur them into thinking creatively.
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The 2026 Barnes & Noble Children's & YA Book Awards Winners
By Nina Braca|May 20, 2026
The 2026 Barnes & Noble Children's & YA Book Awards celebrate the best in children’s literature written by emerging writers. We are delighted to share this year’s winners, which showcase the brightest in fiction that will inspire the next generation of readers.
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Announcing the 2026 International Booker Prize Winner
By Margarita Polkowska|May 19, 2026
Chosen from a shortlist of gripping, mesmerizing and deeply moving stories, the 2026 International Booker Prize goes to Taiwan Travelogue by Yang Shuang-zi, translated by Lin King.
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2026 Pulitzer Prize Winning Books
By Margarita Polkowska|May 4, 2026
Celebrating outstanding voices in storytelling, journalism and the arts, the 2026 Pulitzer Prize winners have been announced.
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The 2026 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction Shortlist
By BN Editors|March 25, 2026
Amplifying women’s voices from around the world, the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction honors global excellence in narrative nonfiction written in English. The 2026 shortlist features six standout titles that grip, inform and inspire including enlightening explorations of art, science, history, politics and a deeply moving memoir. Without further ado, we’re excited to share this year’s […]
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Take a Vacation: A Guest Post by Laura Lippman
By Laura Lippman|June 1, 2026
Devilishly clever and powered by a charming protagonist, this cozy caper through Paris is a fun and fruitful mystery with the perfect blend of playful and propulsive. Read on for an exclusive essay from author Laura Lippman on writing Murder Takes a Vacation. Murder Takes a Vacation — and so did I! I have set […]
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