25 of our favorite books for kids, tweens and teens in 2020
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With a few of our anchors moonlighting as picture book authors, it's no secret TODAY has a soft spot for children's books.
In 2020, we caught up with some of our favorite stars-turned-children's authors, including Natalie Portman for “Natalie Portman’s Fables,” Joanna Gaines for “The World Needs Who You Were Meant to Be,” Alyssa Milano for “Project Class President,” Misty Copeland for “Bunheads,” Neil Patrick Harris for “The Magic Misfits” and Gabrielle Union for “Welcome to the Party."
Judy Blume also caught up with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager for the 50th anniversary of “Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret,” and "Baby-Sitters Club" author Ann M. Martin told Jenna where she thought her characters would be now, after the success of the new Netflix series.
There were so many more children's books we loved in 2020, at a time when parents and kids were unable to browse in bookstores. Here are 25 of our favorite children’s books of 2020.
To quickly jump to the category you're looking for, click on the links below or keep scrolling to see them all.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to find the perfect present for everyone on your list!
Best Picture Books
1. "If You Come to Earth," by Sophie Blackall
"If You Come to Earth," by Sophie Blackall
"If You Come to Earth," by Sophie Blackall $16.99 at Amazon
"If You Come to Earth," by Sophie Blackall $16.99 at Barnes and Noble
"If You Come to Earth," by Sophie Blackall $17.46 at Bookshop
Sophie Blackall takes in the full scope of our planet in this lyrical introduction to Earth for an alien (or your learning little one). Its beautifully rendered details invite close study.
2. “You Matter,” by Christian Robinson
“You Matter,” by Christian Robinson
“You Matter,” by Christian Robinson $16.19 at Amazon
“You Matter,” by Christian Robinson $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
“You Matter,” by Christian Robinson $16.54 at Bookshop
There’s no better time to let children know they matter, even if they’re lost, or everyone is too busy to help. This simple text can reach the youngest of readers, while also creating a low-key way to start important conversations.
3. “Swashby and the Sea,” by Beth Ferry and Juana Martinez-Neal
“Swashby and the Sea,” by Beth Ferry and Juana Martinez-Neal
“Swashby and the Sea,” by Beth Ferry and Juana Martinez-Neal $17.99 at Amazon
“Swashby and the Sea,” by Beth Ferry and Juana Martinez-Neal $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
“Swashby and the Sea,” by Beth Ferry and Juana Martinez-Neal $16.55 at Bookshop
In this delightful picture book, Captain Swashby lives alone by the sea and likes it that way. When a little girl disrupts his peace, Swashby tries to get rid of her by leaving grumpy messages in the sand. But the sea has other ideas. Fun wordplay and lush illustrations make this an inspired read.
4. "On Account of the Gum," by Adam Rex
"On Account of the Gum," by Adam Rex
"On Account of the Gum," by Adam Rex $14.47 at Amazon
"On Account of the Gum," by Adam Rex $15.99 at Barnes and Noble
"On Account of the Gum," by Adam Rex $16.55 at Bookshop
It all starts with a little gum in your hair. Then come the scissors, the butter and some other ill-advised solutions dreamed up in this hilarious, cumulative story.
5. "My Best Friend," by Julie Fogliano and Jillian Tamaki
"My Best Friend," by Julie Fogliano and Jillian Tamaki
"My Best Friend," by Julie Fogliano and Jillian Tamaki $10.81 at Amazon
"My Best Friend," by Julie Fogliano and Jillian Tamaki $16.55 at Bookshop
"My Best Friend," by Julie Fogliano and Jillian Tamaki $14.69 at Target
Two little girls are new friends, and maybe best friends, in this celebration of a childlike discovery of the magic of friendship.
6. "All Because You Matter," by Tami Charles and Bryan Collier
"All Because You Matter," by Tami Charles and Bryan Collier
"All Because You Matter," by Tami Charles and Bryan Collier $15.04 at Amazon
"All Because You Matter," by Tami Charles and Bryan Collier $15.99 at Barnes and Noble
"All Because You Matter," by Tami Charles and Bryan Collier $16.55 at Bookshop
This graceful love letter to a child braces them for times when they might question their place in the universe. It is a bear hug of a book that also confronts the full weight of tragedies they will witness.
7. "The Bear and the Moon," by Matthew Burgess and Catia Chien
"The Bear and the Moon," by Matthew Burgess and Catia Chien
"The Bear and the Moon," by Matthew Burgess and Catia Chien $14.99 at Amazon
"The Bear and the Moon," by Matthew Burgess and Catia Chien $18.99 at Barnes and Noble
"The Bear and the Moon," by Matthew Burgess and Catia Chien $17.47 at Bookshop
A red balloon comes to bear from the sky. When his claws get the better of it, he thinks he's a bad bear, but learns not to blame himself.
8. "Unstoppable," by Adam Rex and Laura Park
"Unstoppable," by Adam Rex and Laura Park
"Unstoppable," by Adam Rex and Laura Park $13.89 at Amazon
"Unstoppable," by Adam Rex and Laura Park $16.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Unstoppable," by Adam Rex and Laura Park $15.63 at Bookshop
What would happen if a crow that could fly got together with a crab that could pinch noses? Well, they'd be unstoppable. This hilarious take on teamwork will keep kids and their parents giggling.
9. "I Am Every Good Thing," by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James
"I Am Every Good Thing," by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James
"I Am Every Good Thing," by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James $16.19 at Amazon
"I Am Every Good Thing," by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
"I Am Every Good Thing," by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James $12.67 at Target
This beautiful picture book from the creators of Newbery and Caldecott Honor-winner "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut" highlights the wonderful ways to celebrate a child's humanity.
10. "I Talk Like a River," by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith
"I Talk Like a River," by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith
"I Talk Like a River," by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith $14.29 at Amazon
"I Talk Like a River," by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith $18.99 at Barnes and Noble
"I Talk Like a River," by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith $17.47 at Bookshop
A boy who stutters struggles to express himself in this beautiful book that will inspire empathy.
11. “Lift,” by Minh Lê and Dan Santat
“Lift,” by Minh Lê and Dan Santat
“Lift,” by Minh Lê and Dan Santat $14.39 at Amazon
“Lift,” by Minh Lê and Dan Santat $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
“Lift,” by Minh Lê and Dan Santat $16.55 at Bookshop
This fantasy from the duo behind “Drawn Together” introduces us to Iris, a young girl with a love of pushing elevator buttons. When her little brother usurps her button-pushing duty, she embarks on a new adventure that takes her to unexpected heights.
Best Graphic Novels
12. "Class Act," by Jerry Craft
"Class Act," by Jerry Craft
"Class Act," by Jerry Craft $11.69 at Amazon
"Class Act," by Jerry Craft $11.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Class Act," by Jerry Craft $11.95 at Bookshop
In this follow up to "New Kid," the first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal, Jordan's friend Drew struggles to fit in with his privileged classmates.
13. "Twins," by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright
"Twins," by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright
"Twins," by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright $11.04 at Amazon
"Twins," by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright $11.49 at Target
"Twins," by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright $11.95 at Bookshop
These twins have always been built-in bffs, until middle school starts to set them on different paths.
14. "Cat Kid Comic Club," by Dav Pilkey
"Cat Kid Comic Club," by Dav Pilkey
"Cat Kid Comic Club," by Dav Pilkey $8.27 at Amazon
"Cat Kid Comic Club," by Dav Pilkey $8.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Cat Kid Comic Club," by Dav Pilkey $11.95 at Bookshop
This new "Dog Man" spinoff is a gentle lesson in harnessing creativity, silencing your inner critic and giving art a try.
15. "Go With the Flow," by Lily Williams and Karen Schneeman
"Go With the Flow," by Lily Williams and Karen Schneeman
"Go With the Flow," by Lily Williams and Karen Schneeman $11.99 at Amazon
"Go With the Flow," by Lily Williams and Karen Schneeman $11.99 at Target
"Go With the Flow," by Lily Williams and Karen Schneeman $13.79 at Bookshop
If "Are You There God" had a 2020 granddaughter, this graphic novel would be it. It confronts issues of period shame and inequity with good humor.
16. “Dragon Hoops,” by Gene Luen Yang
“Dragon Hoops,” by Gene Luen Yang
“Dragon Hoops,” by Gene Luen Yang $22.49 at Amazon
“Dragon Hoops,” by Gene Luen Yang $22.49 at Barnes and Noble
“Dragon Hoops,” by Gene Luen Yang $22.99 at Bookshop
From the creator of “American Born Chinese” comes this gripping graphic novel following a high school championship basketball team, with forays into the history of basketball and the writer’s own journey to create the book.
Best Middle-Grade Books
17. "Stamped,” by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds
"Stamped,” by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds
"Stamped,” by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds $12.98 at Amazon
"Stamped,” by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds $14.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Stamped,” by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds $17.47 at Bookshop
This “remix” of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award-winning “Stamped From the Beginning” explains racism to younger readers by exploring the origin of racist ideas and explaining how to stamp them out in their own lives.
18. “The List of Things That Will Not Change,” by Rebecca Stead
“The List of Things That Will Not Change,” by Rebecca Stead
“The List of Things That Will Not Change,” by Rebecca Stead $14.99 at Amazon
“The List of Things That Will Not Change,” by Rebecca Stead $14.99 at Barnes and Noble
“The List of Things That Will Not Change,” by Rebecca Stead $15.62 at Bookshop
A lot is changing for Bea — her parents are divorcing and her dad is marrying another man. But with that new stepfather comes a chance for a new sister, and an exploration of the meaning of family.
19. "Coo," by Kaela Noel
"Coo," by Kaela Noel
"Coo," by Kaela Noel $13.89 at Amazon
"Coo," by Kaela Noel $16.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Coo," by Kaela Noel $15.63 at Bookshop
A charming tale of a child who yearns to fly with her pigeon friends but must brave the human world to save them.
20. "Becoming Muhammad Ali," by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander
"Becoming Muhammad Ali," by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander
"Becoming Muhammad Ali," by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander $6.74 at Amazon
"Becoming Muhammad Ali," by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander $14.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Becoming Muhammad Ali," by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander $15.63 at Bookshop
This mash-up combines poetry and prose, biography and novel into a knockout book for young readers.
Best Young Adult Books
21. "Punching the Air," by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam
"Punching the Air," by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam
"Punching the Air," by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam $15.99 at Amazon
"Punching the Air," by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Punching the Air," by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam $18.39 at Bookshop
This novel in verse builds on the experience of Yusef Salaam, one of the exonerated Central Park Five, to examine the harsh reality of the school to prison pipeline.
22. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” by Suzanne Collins
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” by Suzanne Collins
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” by Suzanne Collins $14.38 at Amazon
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” by Suzanne Collins $21.99 at Barnes and Noble
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” by Suzanne Collins $25.75 at Bookshop
It's the year's No. 1 best-selling children's or YA book on Today.com. For sheer fun, this "Hunger Games" prequel shows that sometimes the best escape is to dystopia.
23. “Clap When You Land,” by Elizabeth Acevedo
“Clap When You Land,” by Elizabeth Acevedo
“Clap When You Land,” by Elizabeth Acevedo $15.99 at Amazon
“Clap When You Land,” by Elizabeth Acevedo $15.99 at Barnes and Noble
“Clap When You Land,” by Elizabeth Acevedo $17.47 at Bookshop
A novel in verse from the National Book Award–winning author of “The Poet X” explores the lives of two girls after a tragic plane crash that brings them together.
24. “Camp,” by L.C. Rosen
“Camp,” by L.C. Rosen
“Camp,” by L.C. Rosen $16.19 at Amazon
“Camp,” by L.C. Rosen $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
“Camp,” by L.C. Rosen $16.55 at Bookshop
This summer-friendly binge about a camp for queer teens has already been optioned by HBO Max for their new streaming service.
25. "Everything Sad Is Untrue: (a true story)" by Daniel Nayeri
"Everything Sad Is Untrue: (a true story)" by Daniel Nayeri
"Everything Sad Is Untrue: (a true story)" by Daniel Nayeri $16.19 at Amazon
"Everything Sad Is Untrue: (a true story)" by Daniel Nayeri $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Everything Sad Is Untrue: (a true story)" by Daniel Nayeri $16.55 at Bookshop
Part immigrant story, part tour through Persian history, all mesmerizing.
Still looking for the perfect gift? Be sure to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to shop for everyone on your list, including:
The best gifts for kids by age, according to our 2020 gift guide
20 classic children’s books every parent needs in their nursery
The ultimate gift guide for kids at every age — from babies to teens
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