Favorite books of 2022, as voted on by Capital Area District Library staffers
We asked our expert staff at Capital Area District Library to weigh in on their favorite books published in 2022. The titles that rose to the top represent a wide-ranging selection of engaging reads for all ages and interests. Many are available in both print and digital formats—find them at cadl.org/catalog.
Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Following the death of their mother, two estranged children inherit a traditional Caribbean black cake and a voice recording that will change everything they thought they knew about their family.
Ducks: Two Years in The Oil Sands by Kate Beaton
New York Times Bestselling cartoonist Beaton’s memoir details the harsh realities of her time working in the Alberta oil sands while trying to pay off her student debt — illustrating misogyny and class issues that come with the destruction of the environment.
Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris
Acclaimed essayist David Sedaris turns a critical eye on his own shortcomings as a son, sibling and partner, while also addressing the universal truths of aging, grief and the complex and conflicted emotions that we have for our family members.
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
The iCarly and Sam & Cat star opens up about child stardom, her abusive mother, recovery from eating disorders and addiction and her hard-won journey of self-love and independence in this coming-of-age memoir.
Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen
Described as “Knives Out with a queer historical twist,” this mystery begins with the death of the matriarch of a soap empire. When Andy Mills is asked to investigate, he finds himself drawn into the seemingly honest and open queer family hidden behind the gates of Lavender House.
Sea of Tranquility: A novel by Emily St. John Mandel
Mandel’s latest explores humanity through multiple timelines and time travel, touching on issues of the day and playing with her longtime readers.
The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd
This magical realist thriller starts with what appears to be an old, cheap gas station highway map that someone is willing to kill for … and cartographer Nell Young needs to know why.
The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
A fun, fast-paced and smart sci-fi story in which Jamie takes a pandemic job with a secretive NGO, without knowing that they’ll be working on a parallel earth.
The Self-Made Widow by Fabian Nicieza
Written with dark humor and realistic characters, the second book in this series follows housewife and former FBI agent Andie Stern and journalist Kenny Lee as they investigate the mysterious death of her friend’s husband.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Estranged childhood best friends reconnect and make something amazing through their shared passion for gaming, but success brings out the worst in both in this unique love story.
Young Adult Titles
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
A moving, character-focused story about a pair of estranged friends who are coping with death, abuse and racism, and must decide for themselves what their friendship means to them.
Ain't Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds
This multimedia work follows the story of a teen coming to realizations about his family and his part in the world. The art and words complement each other seamlessly to give the reader a fully immersive reading experience.
Coven by Jennifer Dugan and Kit Seaton
This graphic novel combines paranormal fantasy with mystery to tell the story of queer teen Emsy, who must uproot her life in California to move to New York where members of her family’s coven have been murdered and are facing great danger.
The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
In this prequel to They Both Die at the End, the setting returns to the early days of Death-Cast, a company that promises to predict the deaths of everyone who subscribes to the service. Interconnected perspectives between two gay teens make this a thought-provoking narrative examining death and grief.
Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White
Benji is on the run from the cult that raised and altered him to use as a tool for genocide, but will his rescuers be any better than the group he’s escaping? Hailed by staff for its affirming transmasculine representation, it’s also simply an exhilarating fantasy debut.
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
Set in communist Romania in 1989, Cristian is blackmailed into becoming an informer against his friends and family. Will he be able to outwit his handler and help overthrow the regime?
Love Radio by Ebony Ladelle
Admiration for Detroit shines in this teen romance celebrating Black love and community, while tackling somber subjects like assault and the importance of establishing support systems.
One for All by Lillie Lainoff
French afficionados will cheer at this historical retelling of The Three Musketeers, where tenacious teen Tania de Batz is determined to find out who killed her father. Chronic illness is prominently featured with plenty of suspense and swordplay.
Reclaim the Stars: 17 Tales Across Realms and Space edited by Zoraida Cordova
Cordova artfully curates a collection of science fiction and fantasy tales from authors across the Latin American diaspora, including bestsellers Mark Oshiro, Daniel José Older and Anna-Marie McLemore.
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger
Nina, a teenager of Lipan Apache ancestry, lives in Texas where her grandmother faces losing her home to investors and climate change. Oli and his friends exist in the Reflecting World, which is impacted by events on Earth. Their worlds connect when Nina and Oli join forces to save their loved ones.
Children’s titles
Anne of West Philly: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Anne of Green Gables by Ivy Noelle Weir
This modern re-telling of the classic story finds Anne at 13-years-old as a new foster daughter living in West Philadelphia. The story follows Anne as she joins the robotics club, makes friends, experiences her first crush and learns the meaning of family. Ages 10-13.
Berry Song by Michaela Goade
Salmonberry, cloudberry, blueberry, nagoonberry. Join a Tlingit girl and her grandmother as they gather gifts from the earth and give thanks. Ages 4-8.
Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff
A 6th grader learns about LGBTQ communities by meeting a new friend and understanding a secret about her father. Highlighting the rainbow spectrum of children and families, this quirky middle grade novel touches on themes of climate change and inclusion for all. Ages 9-12.
Emile and The Field by Kevin Young
Beautifully written and illustrated, this book about the love of nature is told through the story of a young boy named Emile and his relationship with a neighborhood field through the changing seasons. Ages 4-8.
Grow by Riz Reyes
Families will delight in this superbly illustrated book detailing the wonderful properties of 15 plants and fungi. Includes step-by-step instructions for nurturing gardens. Ages 9-12.
Keepunumuk: Weeachumun's Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry and Alexis Bunten
“The First Thanksgiving” is celebrated from an Indigenous perspective by diving into Wampanoag spirituality as imagined in a conversation among the legendary Three Sisters of native horticultural practice (corn, beans and squash). Ages 4-8.
The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton
Ella is an outsider at the Arcanum Training Institute, where she is a conjuror from New Orleans among marvellers from cloud cities. Creative world-building, fast-paced action and rich multiculturalism will leave readers anticipating the next book in this series. Ages 8-12.
The Patron Thief of Bread by Lindsay Eagar
A medieval French setting shines in this gentle read about an orphan who learns to bake bread and answer the demands of ruffian children she is meant to feed. Grumpy gargoyles narrate this introspective story of what it means to feel at home and belong to a family. Ages 8-12.
I Am You: A Book about Ubuntu by Refiloe Moahloli
A solid message of kindness and togetherness illuminates this picture book inspired by the Zulu word “ubuntu.” “Ubuntu” celebrates “a concept of shared humanity, compassion and oneness.” Ages 4-8.
Tía Fortuna's New Home: A Jewish Cuban Journey by Ruth Behar
Estrella, a Cuban American girl, learns about her Sephardic Jewish culture and history while helping her Tía Fortuna prepare to move from her longtime home to a home for senior citizens. Exquisite mixed-media illustrations help tell the story of a lesser-known tale of Jewish American immigration. Ages 4-8.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Capital Area District Library releases best books of 2022
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