Peters' best books of 2021

December 20th 2021

As 2021 draws to a close, our team share a list of their 50 favourite fiction books published this year. From debut authors to established old-hands, we think there will be something for everyone.

Don't miss some fantastic picture books for younger readers, including happy read-aloud book Super Duper Penguin Slide by Leonie Lord, which tells the story of a penguin family that go on a day trip, taking all sorts of transport until they reach an enormous slide! In I'm Sticking With You Too by Smriti Halls (illustrated by Steve Small), much-loved characters Bear and Squirrel are back and they learn to accept another friend into their group. And in Ten Little Unicorns by Mike Brownlow and illustrated by Simon Rickerty, follow the ten little unicorns as they venture through an enchanted land, meeting witches, wizards, dragons and fairies along the way.

For junior readers, highlights include When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle, an 'incredibly moving tale with superb characterisation and a deftly written take on a true story.' Pony by R J Palacio (of Wonder fame) is a 'raw, captivating, generous story' in which a young boy sets out to rescue his kidnapped father, accompanied by a pony and a ghost. The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh by Helen Rutter is 'an emotional roller-coaster of a story handling a number of serious issues sensitively through the eyes of a likeable main character that readers will be rooting for. Rutter is a debut author to watch. 

Girl (in real life) by Tamsin Winter, for younger teens, is a thought-provoking story about the pros and cons of social media with characters you really feel for. Tired of having her whole life followed via her parent's vlog channel about her, a young girl sets out to bring it to an end, with unforeseen circumstances. 

Jessie Burton's Medusa is a 'wonderful version of the Medusa myth, with a twist.' In When the World Was Ours, Liz Kessler does not shy away from the horrors of war. Max, Leo and Elsa are three friends in Vienna in 1936, whose lives are transformed by the course of events over the next nine years.

For older teens in KS4 and beyond, look out for Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen, 'beautiful and harrowing at the same time,' and Stay Another Day, the latest book from Juno Dawson, an enjoyable seasonal read tackling some big issues. When the McAllister siblings come home for Christmas, they find themselves navigating romance, relationships and family secrets.

500 page fairytale retelling Little Thieves by Margaret Owen requires stamina but is worth it - 'a breathtaking read, immersive and highly recommended.' And Ace of Spades by Faridah ‏Àbíké-ĺyímídé, nominated for the Carnegie award, is a powerful book that deals with many real issues including racism, homophobia and bullying.

See the full list and read our librarians' reviews here.