What makes a book the best? I suppose it depends on who you’re asking. We all have our own criteria for books we like, and ones we’d recommend to others. There are lists – are there ever lists! – of the Best books of the year, or of all time. Each one making a valid argument for why their lists should be considered. A quick Google search for Best Middle-Grade books results in numerous lists, including these 3:
- https://www.weareteachers.com/best-middle-school-books/
- https://www.mindjoggle.com/best-middle-grade-books/
- https://electricliterature.com/8-middle-grade-books-every-adult-should-consider-reading-in-secret/
Another search for the “Best Young Adult Books” nearly breaks the internet with the number of lists that result, including these 3:
- https://time.com/100-best-young-adult-books/
- https://www.listchallenges.com/npr-100-best-ever-teen-novels
- https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/91711.Top_100_YA_Books_According_to_Goodreads_Members_
And each one of these list-makers will redo their lists, or make new ones, every time a new book is made. At least, I hope they do. (I’m sure my books will make someone’s list…maybe…hopefully?)
Seriously though, what makes a book the best? That question can only be known by you, the reader. For, like every one of these list-makers, you have your own criteria for why some books are your favorites.
Care to share? Let me know what your favorite books of all time are. I’d love to hear about them!
Russell J. Fellows 