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The librarians have spoken.
The librarians have spoken. The King County Library System (KCLS) 2025 Best Books list arrives just in time for the holidays with more than 50 titles for kids and teens, handpicked by those wonderful book maniacs who live for matchmaking readers with remarkable stories.
“One of the joys of working in libraries is helping patrons discover their next great read,” says KCLS executive director, Heidi Daniel. “Our Best Books list is a celebration of that.”
From world-builders to laugh-fests, graphic novels to sweet stories of uncommon kindness, these lists have it all. Below are some of my favorites, but you can explore the full lists that include recommendations for adults, audiobooks and more if you need more ideas.
KCLS best books of 2025 for kids
“A Place for Us” by James Ransome
No words, just rich images tell the story of a boy and his mother (or caretaker) as they navigate their daily lives in a busy city. As the duo progresses from school pickup to a fast-food dinner, library and park, it unfolds that they are unhoused. But what shines through is a sense of the woman’s tender love and care for the child. As one KCLS reviewer wrote, this book is “thought-provoking, heartbreaking and moving.” Ages 3–7
“Don’t Trust Fish” by Neil Sharpson
Oh sure, they seem innocent enough, wiggling around with their googly eyes and kissy mouths. But this wacky “nature guide” alerts young readers to the unsavory side of our scaly friends. Why must you never ever trust fish? For one thing, they spend a lot of their time sneaking around in places where we can’t see them. This book — and its surprise narrator — is adorable. Ages 3–7
“Another Word for Neighbor” by Angela Pham Krans
Elderly Han is happy living a quiet, solitary life, until a couple of rascals move in next door. Kate and Olly are “curious and loquacious. That’s another word for talkative.” As this gorgeous, gentle story takes shape, the kids coax Han out of his shell. It’s a lovely tale of connection and kindness (with a little Pho in the mix!). Ages 5–8
“One Day: A True Story of Survival In the Holocaust” by Michael Rosen
This nonfiction book follows Eugène Handschuh, a Jewish boy living in Paris during World War II, as he and his father navigate danger and survive against overwhelming odds. Michael Rosen’s storytelling and Benjamin Phillips’ evocative art make one of the darkest chapters in history accessible, honest and deeply human for young readers. “This one stopped me in my tracks,” says one KCLS book reviewer. Ages 7–10
KCLS best books of 2025 for teens
“His Face is the Sun” (Throne of Khetara Book 1) by Michelle Jabès Corpora
Set in an Egyptian kingdom, four teens find their lives unexpectedly intertwined in this richly woven story full of mythology, magic and murder. The world feels big, its characters are easy to root for and this first book in a planned trilogy ends on a cliffhanger that will leave your teen impatient for book two. Ages 14 and older
“Somadina” by Akwaeke Emezi
National Book Award finalist Emezi offers a moving tale about identity and what it takes to live in a world that doesn’t always understand you. Somadina and her twin brother, Jayaike, share an unbreakable bond, but when their magical gifts emerge, his are delightful while hers spark fear and lead to her ostracization. When Jayaike disappears, Somadina sets out to find him, venturing into the Sacred Forest and facing strange and perilous worlds. As one KCLS reviewer wrote: “Emezi has the most exciting and interesting take on magical gifts I’ve ever read.” Ages 12 and older
“Evil-ish” by Kennedy Tarrell
The main character is nonbinary in this hilarious graphic novel: Hawthorne has had it with their boring life as a potion barista. They yearn for fame and a life of crime as a member of the infamous Brigade of Shade. But when they finally make the cut, they find out the hard way that villainy is not all it’s cracked up to be. Says one KCLS reviewer: “It really is about what it means to be evil and restoring faith in your community.” Ages 14 and older
“Climate of Chaos” by Cassandra Newbould
Set in post-apocalyptic Seattle, where a deadly virus is spreading and healthcare is controlled by a ruthless corporation, this dystopian page-turner follows 17-year-old Fox, a disabled teen with grit and heart, who joins a rebel group fighting for equal access to medicine. When her sister is kidnapped, Fox risks everything on a dangerous rescue mission. It’s a fast-paced, gripping story that will leave your teen (and you!) eager for the next chapter. Ages 14 and older
For the full lists and more library staff recommendations, visit the KCLS website. You can apply for a (free) library card in King County, Seattle, Pierce County, Snohomish County or Kitsap County, among others, or buy these books from independent booksellers.
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