Picture Books:
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Journey by Aaron Becker
In the year of the wordless picture book, this one stands out above the rest. If I were a betting woman, this is where my money would go for the Caldecott award.
![](http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1343181468l/15768811.jpg)
Tea Rex by Molly Idle
I love fish out of water stories. And you can't get more fish out of water than a tyrannosaurus rex at a tea party.
![](https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1367225408l/17659588.jpg)
The Man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Dusan Petricic
Based on the true story of when world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell played 45 minutes in a DC metro station and virtually no one stopped to listen. Since music has such an emotional impact on me, this is one that made me cry.
![](https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1355053993l/15812202.jpg)
Wilfred by Ryan Higgins
This one touched me more than I expected it to. In fact, it made me tear up at the end. A wonderful, heartfelt story about a boy who finds a friend in a big, hairy monster.
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Red Hat by Lita Judge
When a few woodland creatures spot a red hat hanging up to dry, they can't resist taking it down and playing with it... only their good-natured mischief gets them into a pickle. I ADORED this nearly wordless picture book.
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Bogart and Vinnie by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Henry Cole
I am utterly and completely biased since Audrey is my friend, but her books are just so darn clever. In fact, we became friends because I told her how over the moon I was over her books. I like to surround myself with brilliant people, what can I say?
![](https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348098407l/15814436.jpg)
Ball by Mary Sullivan
You will only find one word in this entire picture book but that one word communicates so much coming from a dog. Sullivan communicates everything I love about dogs in her word and pictures, like enthusiasm, hopefulness, and loyalty.
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Battle Bunny by Mac Barnett and Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Matthew Myers
I'm a fan of subversion --in books and in the classroom-- and it doesn't get more subversive than Battle Bunny.
Middle Grade:
![](https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1350417114l/15815410.jpg)
Hold Fast by Blue Balliett
I loved the characters and I loved how Balliett weaves the work of Langston Hughes into the story. If I were still in the classroom this year Hold Fast would have no doubt been a class read aloud.
![](https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1355594022l/15752337.jpg)
Every Day After by Laura Golden
A quiet little gem of a novel. But don't mistake quiet for weakness. Lizzie Hawkins is one fierce leading lady.
![](http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1370308628l/17168240.jpg)
The Nazi Hunters by Neal Bascomb
A gripping nonfiction that doesn't read like a book, but rather makes you feel like you're watching a spy movie.
Young Adult:
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Level2/The Memory of After by Lenore Appelhans
In September the name of this novel changed from Level 2 to The Memory of After due to potential readers' confusion that the 2 in the title meant it was a sequel. Lenore is another author I consider a friend and so perhaps that makes me biased, but it also made me nervous to read this too. What if I didn't like it? Well I'm here to tell you I LOVED it. It's such a unique concept and I loved that she pulled in elements from both theology and mythology to support her world building of the hive-like place known as Level 2.
![](https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1360951660l/13112869.jpg)
Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis
Hatchet meets The Road. A completely gripping tale of post-apocalyptic survival with a fierce main character.
![](https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1362089000l/8664957.jpg)
Smoke by Ellen Hopkins
A beautiful conclusion to Burned. I am both haunted and satisfied with how Pattyn's story ended.
Graphic Novels:
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Bluffton by Matt Phelan
Beautiful graphic novel about Buster Keaton's summers in Bluffton, Michigan near Lake Michigan, told through the eyes of a fictional narrator, Henry. Definitely my favorite graphic novel of 2013, maybe of all time. I love how Phelan uses few words, choosing instead to let the pictures do most of the storytelling.
![](http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345686126l/15786110.jpg)
Relish by Lucy Knisley
A YA graphic memoir that celebrates food and travel? What's not to love? You have seen the title of my blog, right? ;)
Adult fiction:
![](https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1384207446l/17333319.jpg)
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
I can't remember the last time I read an adult novel where I was so utterly spellbound. So many gorgeously written passages that I had to mark them as mentor texts.
Professional Books:
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Reading in the Wild by Donalyn Miller
A brilliant follow-up to The Book Whisperer. An absolute must-read for anyone who is invested in good reading instruction.
![](https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1387733053l/17916751.jpg)
Fearless Writing: Multigenre to Motivate and Inspire by Tom Romano
A writing book that will compel you to change and action in your own teaching. Another must-read if you teach English.
Honorable mention:
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
This book was published in 2012 but I read it in 2013 and I couldn't let a favorites list go by without mentioning it. When I met Saenz at ALA in June I couldn't even tell him how much I loved the book because I got so choked up.
What were your favorite books of 2013?
This is a great list of books, Beth! So many of these slipped my radar, but now I have more reading to look forward to in 2014. :)
ReplyDeleteLove this list Beth! Isn't Aristotle and Dante a gorgeous book! It deserves an honourable mention for sure! Love sharing the #booklove with you about The Man with the Violin. Stunning title. I gave my daughter Every Day After and look forward to reading it after her! I'm also thrilled to see Wilfred here. I bought this book because I loved it so much!
ReplyDeleteCarrie, I asked for (and received) Wilfred for Christmas. :)
DeleteCongratulations on reading 500 books! That's a whole lot of reading! I'm loving reading everyone's list of favorites. I feel like I could assemble my TBR list for 2014 simply by reading everyone's 2013 lists. Thanks much for all of these great titles!
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