Booklist Reader

Published by Booklist, an imprint of the American Library Association. Booklist Reader features diverse book and audiobook recommendations, for readers and listeners of all ages. Filled with high-interest, themed lists that showcase books for your family or book discussion group.

From the Editor & Publisher

Booklist Reader

History Books • These history titles offer fresh takes on such compelling subjects as a power couple in ancient Egypt, American cultural infrastructure, and WWI.

Working History • These compelling and informative inquiries shed light on various facets of the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights, beginning with enslaved laborers and venturing into the history of labor unions, a subject that remains pressingly relevant as we contend with current economic inequities and significant worker concerns across the job spectrum.

Tales of Hawaii Then and Now • Hawaii had been home to humans for millennia before Europeans arrived in the late-eighteenth century, leading to occupation and exploitation of the land and its people on plantations, catalyzing immigration from Asia and Puerto Rico. In spite of the objections of Hawaiians, the islands were annexed by the U.S. in 1898. A territory when Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941, Hawaii became the nation’s fiftieth state in 1959, and its most diverse, a microcosm of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage which is celebrated each May. The novels below, both historical and contemporary, illuminate many resonant facets of Hawaiian life.

Japanese Graphic Horror • I can’t watch scary movies, but I love graphic horror on the page. And really, fearmongering via Japanese manga—both series and stand-alones—promises some of the most affecting fright fests.

Writer’s Backstory • Breaking Boundaries

Family Life & Parenting True Stories and How-To’s • Family is the wellspring of life, but familial relationships are complicated and often difficult, while laws, schools, childcare, health care, and employers are not always just, accessible, affordable, or supportive. The ardent authors of these guides to family challenges and parenting offer readers personal experience, valuable information, pragmatic advice, and lots of encouragement.

Adult • Get your hands on these hotly anticipated books, all out this month.

May 2023 • The Top Ten Adult Fiction and Nonfiction Chosen Monthly by America’s Library Staff

MAY 2023 • The LibraryReads Hall of Fame designation honors authors who have had multiple titles appear on the monthly LibraryReads list since 2013. When their third title places on the list via library staff votes, the author moves into the Hall of Fame.

High-Action History on Audio • History provides rich landscapes for nonfiction narrations that bring the past to life for all ages.

Soneela Nankani • She can sound like a frightened little girl on the run or a gruff old man who’s seen it all. She can talk financial crises, offer self-help guidance, embody fantasy worlds, and channel her inner Gisele Bündchen. She narrates in multiple tongues, donning accents and languages with ease as she guides headphoned listeners across borders and cultures. Bolstered by classical training (she’s Columbia MFA-ed and works in film, TV, and theater), Soneela Nankani’s audio credits have topped 100 performances—with more forthcoming.

Celebrating AAPI Month ICONIC AMERICA • (Airdates: April 26–May 17 & July 12–August 2)

Hidden Histories • In recent years, there has been a notable push to expand beyond the previously accepted historical record. Who wrote our histories? Whose voices have been left out or edited beyond recognition? What long-held facts may have more to them? How much do we really not know about our pasts?

History Books for Youth • The following...