It’s the end of 2025, which means it’s time for me to talk about my favorite books of the year! I have quite a few of them, which is both delightful and somewhat intimidating. Whew! Let’s go! 

Middle grade

Millie of the Manor by Andrea Bell & Karina Evans | graphic novel, mystery 

I love middle grade graphic novels, as you’ll see throughout this list. This one is about a girl named Amy who gets invited to a murder mystery birthday party and has to contend with her social anxiety if she wants to solve the mystery. The premise is really fun and I liked the art style a lot too!

Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley | contemporary realistic fiction 

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is probably best known as the author of The War That Saved My Life and its sequel, The War I Finally Won, historical fiction that tackles tough subjects with grace. In Fighting Words, she takes on another tough subject–childhood abuse. I particularly loved the way Della starts to understand the reactions of the people around her. That moment as a tween when you realize that other people have their own interiority is really difficult and fascinating!

Creaky Acres by Calista Brill and Nilah Magruder | graphic novel

I really liked this sweet coming-of-age story about a young Black horse rider who moves to a new town and struggles with the adjustment, particularly when her new horse barn turns out to be a little more chaotic than she expected. I especially liked the way the story deals with Nora’s new and old friendships.

Bea Mullins Takes a Shot by Emily Deibert | contemporary realistic fiction

I've been enjoying women's hockey a lot over the past year or so, and Bea Mullins was a perfect tie-in story. And I enjoyed it a ton on its own merits as well! The plot is a really nice mix of light and heartfelt that seems perfect for the target audience.

The Forgotten Summer of Seneca by Camryn Garrett | contemporary fantasy

A girl visiting her aunt in NYC discovers a magical village descended from the original inhabitants of Seneca Village, a primarily Black community demolished so Central Park could be built. It's not exactly time travel, but there's some slippage in time, ,which makes for a nice contrast between the modern world and the magical, without villifying either.

Lu and Ren's Guide to Geozoology by Angela Hsieh | graphic novel fantasy

I really loved this charming story, which features unlikely friends and strange geofauna. The world of the story felt very inhabited and it had some thoughtful things to say about family, history, and choices.

Ella Josephine, Resident in Charge by Nina LaCour | contemporary realistic fiction

Second in the Ella Josephine series. Another delightfully sweet story, and one I think I would have loved as a kid, since it features an old house, a cast of quirky characters, and a kid who briefly gets to be In Charge.

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh | graphic novel fantasy

A delightful story about a girl who wants to learn how to be a witch, and the old witch in the woods who reluctantly agrees to teach her. There’s a lot of regional flavor to this one, with an emphasis on family history and secrets. I also really enjoyed the art style, which reinforced the lived-in, magical feeling of the world. The relationships between Snapdragon and the adults in her life were really nice & I'd recommend this one for fans of queer fantasy, or stories about mentorship.

Mountain Upside Down by Sara Ryan | contemporary realistic fiction 

I enjoyed the way the story addresses complicated family dynamics and kids’ activism on current issues. In fact, I found it very clear-sighted in that last aspect–another, lesser book might end with a triumphant victory, but this one doesn't, while still remaining hopeful. A heartfelt look at the issues facing tweens today. 

Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu | contemporary fantasy 

I've been a fan of Anne Ursu's books for quite a while and I enjoyed this one a lot. It's a bit scarier than her previous titles (although that’s perfect for the current mg horror trend) and includes a really thoughtful portrayal of ME/CFS that’s tailored for a young audience.

My Aunt is a Monster by Remeina Yee | graphic novel fantasy

I'd recommend this book for upper elementary kids, but I genuinely loved it as an adult too. Safia is left an orphan after the tragic death of her parents and is sent to live with a mysterious aunt. But can they overcome the echoes of the past to understand each other? A story all about love, family, and second chances.

YA

The Making of Yolanda La Bruja by Lorraine Avila | contemporary fantasy

I found this story a complex depiction of issues faced by today's teens with a lovely emphasis on family and community. Highly recommended for anyone who likes stories about teens coming into their own identity and power.

A Song For You and I by K. O'Reilly | graphic novel fantasy 

K. O’Neill returns with a gorgeous fantasy graphic novel in a slightly different art style that really worked for this story. The plot and characters were engaging and I loved the way some of the panels cut out any dialogue to show the passing of time or beats of emotion.

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen | historical fantasy

My friend Jenny has been talking about this one forever and, despite not having the best track record with YA fantasy recently, I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did--it hits a lot of the things that I especially love about Megan Whalen Turner’s books, with some nuanced character development and a complex look at how trauma and unjust systems can warp people.

Adult

Merchanter's Luck by CJ Cherryh | science fiction 

Somehow, I had managed to skip over the whole Alliance-Union universe until this year. I really enjoyed Merchanter’s Luck, and found the world both compelling and unsettling. While the Foreigner series deals with people at the heart of power, the Alliance-Union books are almost the opposite of that, focusing on people who are desperately trying to make a small place in the world.

Motheater by Linda H. Codega | contemporary fantasy

A young woman and a ghost have to work together to defeat a corporation and solve the mystery of the ghost's murder. Motheater for me plays right into my love or stories that are rooted – more or less literally – in landscape. I really love the texture of the details in this one and the sense of wildness, magic, and power that pervades the world.

The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar | fantasy 

Another novella that packs a powerful punch in a short amount of space. I loved the references to folk stories and songs while the world and characters also feel very deliberately thoughtful about the weight of narrative and the choices we might make in spite of it.

Notes From a Regicide by Isaac Fellman | fantasy

A couple of people whose taste I trust read this one and raved about it, so I picked it up despite not knowing anything about the story. I’m so glad I did! I found it a beautifully written, incredibly compelling book that plays with big themes like revolution, narrative, gender, biography, and family and makes it look easy. 

Asunder by Kerstin Hall | fantasy

I did NOT know what I was getting into with this one! But I loved it–the spikiness of the characters, the feeling of being doomed to a fate and still fighting against it, the way the ending went there. I've heard Hall is hoping to write a sequel and I really, really hope it happens!

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson | fantasy

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a complicated, character-driven political fantasy book. My pal Renay had been talking up The Raven Scholar and I was thrilled to discover that it delivers on all of those notes. The world felt very lived in to me, by which I mean that it’s sometimes contradictory and strange. And there’s a delightful side-kick! My only complaint is that the next book isn’t out yet.

Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin | contemporary mystery

I do love a good mystery, and this one was a lot of fun, as well as being a nice example of a late-in-life detective! The story hits the right mix of serious and cozy for me, and I genuinely didn't see the solution coming (which is not always the case). 

Yoke of Stars by RB Lemberg | fantasy

Lemberg’s Birdverse stories have been favorites of mine for the past few years, and I was excited to read the newest. It didn’t disappoint! Lemberg really focuses on language, translation, and how both inform a sense of belonging in this one--which I'm afraid makes it sound very boring! It’s anything but that, and I finished it with a sense of deep emotional satisfaction. 

Rose/House by Arkady Martine | science fiction? Futuristic fantasy? Great question?? 

Another novella and a trippy, mesmerizing read! I’m convinced Martine was influenced by The Haunting of Hill House (I’m sure this is a very obvious insight) but it’s not a retelling by any means. The story takes on some big questions as far as personhood, agency, and the beauties and dangers of art and technology.

Season's Change by Cait Nary | contemporary romance

A couple of friends recommended Nary’s hockey romance books, so I ended up checking out three of them. Season’s Change was by far my favorite--I really, really loved the characters and their emotional arc. The happiness at the end felt earned and natural, which I love! 

Role Model by Rachel Reid | contemporary romance

I re-read most of Reid’s Game Changer series this month, and Role Model was definitely my favorite! I loved both of the main characters and their emotional journey was really resonant and thoughtfully done. I think she was able to delve into the complexities of identity and environment a bit more in this one, and I liked that a lot. 

The Charioteer by Mary Renault | realistic fiction

I’ve had this classic on my TBR list for ages and finally picked it up. I’m so glad I did--I was surprised by just how much I loved it. The writing is SO sharp and clear and devastating and Renault is so good at sketching atmosphere in just a sentence or two. I kept thinking, “You can’t just say that.” Like: "Neither had moved, but they were like people at a station who see each other receding and getting small as each departs on his different journey." EXCUSE ME.

The Practice, The Horizon, and The Chain by Sofia Samatar | science fiction 

Ahhhhhh, Sofia Samatar is such a good writer. I don’t know how to describe this book, and I’m not sure I can--it’s a short gut-punch of a story, with the kind of tight, lyrical writing that Samatar pulls off so well. And I’m tired of talking about Omelas, but for me this felt like the right kind of response to Le Guin: slantwise, standing on its own.

Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto | contemporary mystery

As I said above, I do love a mystery! I really liked the first Vera Wong book when I read it, and this was a great follow up story. I especially appreciate that Sutanto keeps the tone light while addressing some heavy real world topics. Vera is delightfully flawed and the side characters are engaging and fun as well. 

The Incandescent by Emily Tesh | contemporary fantasy

Tesh is rapidly becoming a favorite author for me at this point; The Incandescent is her latest and a fantastic take on the magic school trope. I loved the slow reveals of Warden’s past and the way she sees herself echoed in her students while also trying to help them avoid her own mistakes. The story is also very strong when it comes to the magic school setting, as it’s grounded in the realities of teaching and takes that just as seriously as the magic. 

Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite | science fiction mystery

A very fun sci-fi/mystery novella, set in a generation ship, with hints of Miss Marple in the background. I enjoyed the characters and the worldbuilding and would be quite happy to read more! This is the kind of slice-of-life fiction I really enjoy, where the narrowness of the scope doesn't mean a flattening of emotion or commentary.

North Continent Ribbon by Ursula Whitcher | science fiction short stories

I heard good things about this one & was motivated to do an ILL request when I noticed it was on the Le Guin Prize shortlist. The book is made up of individual short stories set in a shared universe, which I loved. I particularly liked the way the stories in the book shared certain images and themes, but with different accents and inflections.

Non-fiction

Plants Have So Much to Give Us, All We Have to Do Is Ask: Anishinaabe Botanical Teachings by Mary Siisip Geniusz, edited and read by Wendy Makoons Geniusz | nature 

Part of my nature book project for 2025! I loved this one a lot: it contains a rich mixture of personal history, cultural history, and practical information and I felt a real sense of the generosity of the author in sharing all of this knowledge.

The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer | nature 

The Serviceberry, while shorter than Kimmerer’s earlier Braiding Sweetgrass, has a similar wealth of knowledge and insight. In the present moment, I found it incredibly enriching to read a book that doesn't just imagine a better future, but points out the ways that another world is possible and present right here and now.

Is a River Alive? by Robert MacFarlane | nature 

MacFarlane is one of my favorite nature writers, particularly because he weaves together the threads of science, history, memoir and myth so deftly. Is a River Alive? looks at the way rivers around the world affect life, and how human lives, politics, and beliefs affect rivers as well. 

Scratching River by Michelle Porter | memoir

A memoir that weaves together family history in a fascinating time-skipping narrative structure. I listened to the audiobook, which Porter read, and liked that a lot as her reading really brings the voices of the book to life. cw: institutional abuse against disabled people, racism against Native groups

How to Suppress Women's Writing by Joanna Russ | literature & feminism

There's something both moving and sad about rereading this book in 2025 and finding it just as relevant as when it was first published. Russ identifies a number of strategies--both conscious and unconscious--that result in the history of women’s writing being lost, the lines between women writers being erased, and the authority and incisiveness of women’s writing being diminished.

Where to find me

Bluesky | Storygraph

Wishing you all a great reading year ahead,

Maureen