Our Favorite Books of the Decade
by the Brightly Editors
Over the past 10 years, the world of children’s literature has been granted some truly exceptional works. These works have spawned countless sequels and adaptations. For some, it’s hard to imagine these books have been in existence for less than a decade. Their impact has been so significant, it seems like they’ve just always been there. Together with our contributors, the Brightly Editors are looking back at our favorite books from the past decade. When combing through 10 years worth of books — from picture books to middle grade and young adult — it’s challenging to narrow it down to a list-full. The following books have had the greatest impact on us and the young readers in our lives, from modern classics to quirky favorites.
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Picture Books
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Dragons Love Tacos (2012)
Available from:“You really can’t go wrong with books by Rubin and Salmieri, but this one is truly something to taco ‘bout (sorry, I couldn’t resist!). This super silly book is full of adorable dragons who love tacos, parties, and — not surprisingly — taco parties. The illustrations play a big part in telling the story, so be sure to savor them ... much like you would tacos.” –Jennifer Clare
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The Day the Crayons Quit (2013)
Available from:"This delightful story of crayons who are fed up with how they're being used launched a whole series of Crayons books! Between the humorous words of Daywalt and the charming illustrative style of Jeffers, this book is still a huge hit." –Sarah Mangiola
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The Book with No Pictures (2014)
Available from:“No one in my family can get through his book without laughing — even now. I'd never read anything like it.” –Laura Lambert
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Once Upon an Alphabet (2014)
Available from:“You have your basic ABC books, and then you have the ABC books that you actually want to read. With Jeffers’ signature illustrations and a quirky little story for every letter, you’ll happily read this adorable alphabet book over and over again.” –Jennifer Clare
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Last Stop on Market Street (2015)
Available from:“This beautifully simple picture book tells the story of a little boy, CJ, and his Nana riding the city bus together. Sweet, slow, and full of love, it’s a great reminder to look for the beauty and wonder in the world around us.” –Jennifer Clare
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Mango Abuela and Me (2015)
Available from:"A sweet intergenerational story about a young girl and her grandmother learning to communicate across language barriers, Medina's Mango, Abuela, and Me is probably my most-recommended picture book." –Eliza Smith
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The Only Child (2015)
Available from:If Journey opened your eyes to the wonder of wordless picture books, you don't want to miss out on The Only Child. As a little girl follows a stag into a magical forest, Guojing's artwork is as enchanting as the girl's emotional journey." –Eliza Smith
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I Want My Hat Back (2015)
Available from:"Author-illustrator Jon Klassen's giggle-inducing book follows a bear who's lost his hat and simply wants it back. The series continues with This Is Not My Hat and We Found a Hat, two equally wonderful stories that boast stunning illustrations and humorous tales of hats both lost and found." –Sarah Mangiola
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The Lost House (2016)
Available from:“The grandchildren are eager to go on an outing; however, Grandad needs help locating his missing items before their excursion. Seek-and-find enthusiasts will revel in the kaleidoscopic images of each room, while keen observers will appreciate the obscure key to finding said objects. With three other books in this series, each one is a visual delight.” –Miranda Rosbach
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Du Iz Tak? (2016)
Available from:"This Caldecott Honor Book explores the natural world and is truly a treat! Told in gibberish, the story follows two damselflies as they watch a tiny shoot grow into a very tall plant. The wild world of nature has never been more fun!" –Sarah Mangiola
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Jabari Jumps (2017)
Available from:“One of the best books of the decade — I love this book so much! Feeling scared is relatable to kids, and the advice Jabari's dad gives him is perfect: that he feels scared too, and sometimes after a deep breath and telling himself he is ready it stops feeling scary.” –Melissa Taylor
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The Wolf, The Duck, and the Mouse (2017)
Available from:“At first glance, this book has a very fable-like feel, but thanks to Barnett’s comedic narrative, it’s so much more than that. It starts with a mouse getting eaten by a wolf. You may think that’s the end for the mouse, but when he reaches the wolf’s belly, he finds a duck has already settled in! The two find that living inside a wolf isn’t so bad, but their feasts and frolic certainly cause the wolf some stomach pains. A silly origin story on why wolves howl at the moon.” –Jennifer Clare
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The Rabbit Listened (2018)
Available from:“The entire world needs this book because it's about the importance of listening. It's a wonderful, kid-friendly example of a friend being present to the experiences and feelings of another person even if it's only sitting quietly with them.” –Melissa Taylor
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The Day You Begin (2018)
Available from:"The Day You Begin is a beautiful and thought-provoking book about the power of differences. I loved that the story draws readers in from the very beginning and keeps them engaged. Adults and children alike will likely understand just how unique and different each person is, and walk away understanding they are enough just the way they are. Woodson’s lyrical language coupled with López’s vibrant and colorful illustrations make this book a stunning work of art. Themes of self-acceptance, community, empathy, and kindness are featured throughout." –Charnaie Gordon
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Middle Grade & Chapter Books
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Wonder (2012)
Available from:"Wonder is one of those books I can't believe hasn't always been around. A modern classic, the book follows Auggie — a fifth-grader with a facial difference who's starting school with other kids for the first time. The book tackles belonging, empathy, kindness, compassion, and acceptance, and belongs on every child's bookshelf!" –Sarah Mangiola
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Flora and Ulysses (2013)
Available from:“This book cracks me up! What’s not to love about a poetry-writing squirrel with superpowers and his comic book-loving, child-cynic sidekick? Wonderfully charming and oddly brilliant, this book is pure joy.” –Jennifer Clare
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Dory Fantasmagory (2014)
Available from:“A mix of Ramona meets Pippi Longstocking, Dory is a vivacious girl — with a nemesis named Mrs. Gobble Gracker — who lives equal parts in her imagination and reality. Reluctant or struggling readers will certainly relate to book three in the series, and youngest children will definitely identify with her plight of feeling left out.” –Miranda Rosbach
“Dory is one of my favorite book characters EVER because her imagination is THE BEST. What's more, the books are hilarious and heart-warming. (The perfect combination.)” –Melissa Taylor
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Princess in Black (2014)
Available from:“Filled with the active energy of a determined princess, spirited images (Princess Magnolia’s facial expressions alone are priceless) and a predictable yet varied plot make this such an engaging series for both parent and child. After countless rereads and audiobook listens, this shape-shifting heroine is a delight through and through.” –Miranda Rosbach
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Brown Girl Dreaming (2014)
Available from:"This book of poetry is profound, thought-provoking, and just plain beautiful. Woodson's National Book Award and Newbery Honor-winning collection showcases what it was like for the author to grow up during the 1960s and '70s, and how she found her voice through writing. It's a must-read for middle grade audiences and adults alike." –Sarah Mangiola
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Fish in a Tree (2015)
Available from:"Ally's story is one that's so important to be told. Moving around from school to school, she was never able to seek help for her dyslexia ... until her new teacher sees just how bright she really is. This story about building confidence and believing in yourself is unforgettable." –Sarah Mangiola
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The War That Saved My Life (2015)
Available from:“One of my favorite books of all time, this exquisitely written book tells an unforgettable historical story that touched my heart deeply. The main characters move from grief and mistrust to trust and love — a character arc and storyline so compelling that reading this story is a beautiful journey in and of itself ... just like the story we read.” –Melissa Taylor
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The Last Kids on Earth (2015)
Available from:“Only a few humans have survived the Monster Apocalypse, and they are Jack and his friends. Not only do the kids face monsters, they intentionally love to mess with them. This is a great series for kids who love zombies, action, and humor.” –Jennifer Clare
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Women in Science (2016)
Available from:"Rachel Ignotofsky's encyclopedic work kicked off in 2016 with Women in Science, which she followed up with Women in Sports and Women in Art. They're as smart as they are visually striking, and I love sharing the follow-your-passions message with my nieces." –Eliza Smith
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Wolf Hollow (2016)
Available from:“A character of heart and strength, young Annabelle refuses to let herself and her brothers be bullied by the new girl, Betty. A complex and heart-wrenching story that shows how compassion can overcome bullying, Wolk’s writing stayed with me long after finishing the book.” –Jennifer Clare
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The First Rule of Punk (2017)
Available from:"Zine-making, Chuck Taylors-wearing Malú is a girl after my own heart. At 12 years old, she has enough gumption to stay true to her brilliant, multifaceted self, even when her school tries to tamp down her creative spirit." –Eliza Smith
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Merci Suárez Changes Gears (2018)
Available from:"Merci Suárez Changes Gears is the type of middle grade novel that will touch the heart of readers of all ages. Older readers may be transported back to the days of middle school in all its glory. Merci Suárez is an 11-year-old Cuban-American girl struggling to fit in at her exclusive private school, while also trying to take care of her two rowdy nephews after school and save money to buy a new bike. You know, typical first world, middle school problems.
I love this book because it integrates culture, family, and the modern complications of middle school life. Readers also learn to come to grips with the fact that sometimes life just isn't fair. A very realistic and heartwarming story." –Charnaie Gordon
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The Boy at the Back of the Class (2019)
"This books tackles the refugee crisis in a way that's accessible for children and offers a conversation starting point for parents. The Boy at the Back of the Class is hopeful, heart-warming, and reminds readers that even when the world can seem very unkind, we have the power to share our own kindness." –Sarah Mangiola
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Young Adult
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A Monster Calls (2011)
Available from:"I will never get over the profundity of this story. It's heartbreaking, yes, but Conor's grief in the face of his mother's impending death is also so real. I can't recommend it enough, especially for those experiencing or healing from loss." –Eliza Smith
"Patrick Ness's story deals with family, loss, and reality as Conor — a young boy who's been having nightmares since his mother started treatment — discovers the same monster from these dreams in his backyard. This haunting story will stick with you." –Sarah Mangiola
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The Fault in Our Stars (2012)
Available from:"This is one of the few books that has caused me to sob while reading it in the middle of the night. John Green's finest, in my opinion, tells the love story of Hazel and Augustus — two teens with cancer who find each other amidst everything else plaguing their lives." –
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I’ll Give You the Sun (2014)
Available from:"Two storylines unfold as Jandy Nelson gives readers the tale of twins Jude and Noah. Though they used to be inseparable, years later they are barely speaking. The author's words feel so alive as the reader uncovers what happened to change their relationship. I love a story told from two sides, and this one is no exception." –Sarah Mangiola
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We Were Liars (2014)
"This book has one of the biggest twists I've ever read — and is truly worth the journey to get there. The book follows teenager Cadence as she summers on a private island off the coast of Martha's Vineyard with her family. Every summer is always the same ... until this one. From dysfunctional families to forbidden love, this book is a real treat." –Sarah Mangiola
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All the Bright Places (2015)
“This is a book about teenage bullying, mental illness, and suicide. But, it's also about two wonderfully quirky characters, the love they share, and the crazy-wonderful time they spend together.” –Jennifer Clare
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Salt to the Sea (2016)
Available from:“I’m a big fan of historical fiction and this book checked off all the boxes for me. Centered on a fictionalized account of the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff — the worst maritime accident in history — this story has romance, conflict, hope, and of course, tragedy.” –Jennifer Clare
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I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter (2017)
Available from:"What I enjoyed most about this book is that Julia thinks and acts like a real teenager, not an adult's perception of what it's like to be one. As Julia deals with the recent death of her older sister Olga, and tries to unravel the secrets she kept, Julia discovers more about herself and how she compares to the memory of the 'perfect Mexican daughter' Olga." –Sarah Mangiola
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Nicola Yoon Boxed Set (2018)
Available from:“Both of Nicola Yoon's books ignited my daughter's taste for YA. These were the first books she stole off my shelves.” –Laura Lambert
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Juliet Takes a Breath (2019)
"A coming-of-age story about a newly uncloseted Puerto Rican teen girl from the Bronx who spends a breathless summer figuring out her sexual, racial, and political identities. Rivera's debut represents the dazzling future (and present!) of YA literature." –Eliza Smith
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