2017 has been a stellar year for children’s literature. Picking 10 books was a challenge I was not worthy of, so I have divided my choices into MG and YA. Even then a sneaky extra worked its way onto the YA list. I left one or two off the MG list, but *deleting* an extra impossible.
To narrow the choice further, I decided only to include:
- novels – there have been some great short story anthologies, but I will give these a seperate post
- Books with a 2017 publication date
Picking favourites is so subjective, and difficult – are you judging the most literary? Those you enjoyed most? Those which best suit their target audience? I have called this ‘books I loved in 2017’ rather than ‘favourite books’. There are still books I could include, but I am pleased with the range of books I settled on, and hope no offence is caused.
I would like to highlight the number of debut authors on this list. Every book on this list is fantastic, but it is especially encouraging to see that children’s literature is producing new talent.
Thank-you to every author on this list for writing me a wonderland.
Middle Grade
The Midnight Peacock by Katherine Woodfine
Michael’s Spear by Hilton Pashley
Nevermoor – The Trials Of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
The Elephant Thief by Jane Kerr *
A Girl Called Owl by Amy Wilson *
The Amber Pendant [The Rose Muddle Mysteries] by Imogen White
Letters To The Lighthouse by Emma Carroll
Where The World Ends by Geraldine McCaughrean
Young Adult
A Pocketful Of Crows by Joanne Harris
The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli
A Semi-Definitive List Of Worst Nightmares by Krystal Sutherland
One Of Us Is Lying by Karen M McManus
Piglettes by Clemantine Beauvais
The Stars At Oktober Bend by Glenda Millard
Spellslinger by Sebastien De Castell
- On old blog – link will take you off this site.
What is your top read of 2017? Let me know in the comments below.
Book Murmuration 
Great lists Louise!
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Nevermoor and Letters to the Lighthouse made my list too 😊
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They are fantastic! I keep thinking of books which should be there. 2017 has been an amazing year for books. x
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I am so excited about Nevermoor!! Since it was pitched to me as the next Harry Potter, I’ve been ecstatic. That is a BIG statement to make, so you have no idea how glad I am that you included it on your list. I hope it is not overhyped.
I bought Kick for my brother because he is obsessed with football. He will probably love that book! ❤
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Nevermoor is definitely not overhyped!! I know what you mean. When a book gets a lot of publicity and attention, it builds our expectations. I hope your brother enjoys Kick. It has some very sad moments, but is wonderfully written. I loved the main character.
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The Last Namsara sounds really good! I’m going to have to add that to my tbr list. Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
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It is insanely good. 🙂 Thanks for the link.
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‘One Of Us Is Lying’ made my list this year too! Such a great thriller, not my usual read at all but I was totally hooked!
Please check out my TTT list too!
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I agree, I don’t read many thrillers, but this felt like something different. Will check out your link. 🙂
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Of your list, the only one I’ve read is One of Us Is Lying and I wasn’t as excited by it as I was hoping, unfortunately.
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/12/top-ten-tuesday-137/
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I only read one book on your list – a girl called owl – & I thought it was just okay.
I just started on Nevermoor & it’s just okay, I guess I have too much expectation as the reviews are all said it’s a great book and it’s a start of a series so perhaps I’ll like it more in later books.
have a lovely day.
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I love Owl. ☺️ Hope you get into Nevermoor –
I liked the idea of a cursed child as an exploration of rejection. There are aspects of the world which are really interesting. Thanks for checking out my list.
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I haven’t read any of the books on your list this week. Some of them will be added to my ever growing reading wishlist.
Here’s a link to my TTT post for this week:
https://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2017/12/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-favorite-books.html
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Hope you enjoy – my TBR is about three feet high!
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