John le Carré’s final novel, the race to make a vaccine and the conclusion of the groundbreaking Noughts and Crosses series… Guardian critics pick 2021’s best fiction, politics, science, children’s books and more.

“Telling our own stories on our own terms is a political act."

These are the best nonfiction books of 2021 including true crime, sociology, memoir, history, and even a deep dive into the history of food.

Book, movie recommendations, and more

The Library’s commitment to hearing and supporting Black Americans is based on its values of being welcoming, curious, accessible, kind, collaborative, and resilient. Standing for Black Lives Matter is not a political issue. Black Lives Matter is the human rights issue of our time and we must engage in the uncomfortable conversations that it will take to ensure that everything we do in our work and in our personal lives reflects our undying commitment to our Black colleagues and customers. It is not possible for us to support the Hispanic and Latino/a/x communities if we do not commit to Black Lives Matter. We cannot stand against the racism that Asian Pacific Americans continue to experience with COVID-19 without affirming that Black Lives Matter.

To understand our present, we must understand our past. These programs will give you a closer look at the history of racism and injustice against black Americans that lead us to this moment.

We reached out to the noted historian and antiracist scholar to recommend a reading list.

"Mix and match the filters below and the years above to explore more than 2800 recommendations from NPR staff and trusted critics."

"In 1970 Verso–named after the term for a left-hand page–began as New Left Books. Founded by the journal New Left Review the fledging imprint sought to invigorate the Anglophone intellectual world with the energy and insight of the best continental philosophy and social theory. Now 50 years on Verso brings you radical voices that challenge capitalism racism and patriarchy debate the future of the planet and offer far-reaching proposals for social and political change. "

"PM Press is an independent radical publisher of books and media to educate entertain and inspire. Founded in 2007 by a small group of people with decades of publishing media and organizing experience PM Press amplifies the voices of radical authors artists and activists"

"These are booklists on some of our most popular and asked for topics. The subjects that have small triangles next to them have additional sub-categories so be sure to keep digging!"

"To help people be better allies lists of antiracist books films and podcasts are being published in droves. There's never a bad time to learn but such a list can become erroneously prescriptive a balm to centuries-old lacerations that cut deeper than the individual reader. As Lauren Michele Jackson wrote for Vulture "The word [anti-racism] and its nominal equivalent "anti-racist" suggests something of a vanity project where the goal is no longer to learn more about race power and capital but to spring closer to the enlightened order of the antiracist." So with that in mind we've compiled a list of books films and podcasts about systemic racism acknowledging that they are just books films and podcasts. You'll find research on how racism permeates everything from the criminal justice system to health care. We hope you spend some time with these resources (and that you listen to Code Switch — here's a list of episodes to get you started). Information is power — you decide what you do with it."

"A collection of books and media giving us intersectional insight into the experiences of those once enslaved."

"Our national conversation about anti-Black racism made 2020 a pivotal year - painful for many cathartic for others memorable to all. Now a new year brings new opportunities to listen to Black voices and stories. Pick up one of these titles to deepen your knowledge of our country's past and join the chorus of voices advocating for a better future."

"National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 to October 15. To help celebrate we present the following recommended reading:"

Compiled book list.

Compiled book list.

"Latino/Hispanic culture is part of North and South America Central America the Caribbean and Spain."

"JSTOR has created an open library to support readers seeking to engage with BIPOC+Q-authored reading lists like the one developed by the New York Public Library."

"The point of a reading list should be to understand the world in order to change it. Here are ten essential books that can help inform the struggle for racial justice today."

"Looking for something new to watch read or listen to? Dig in to our list of movies TV series podcasts and books to expand your knowledge. Don't forget to share your favorites with your friends and let us know your picks in the comments below."

"There is no better time than now to get informed and to support Asian authors. With the coronavirus crisis amplifying violence and hate towards Asian Americans I decided to read more to stay informed. I read several new books and have picked out my top five recommendations that I think you should read this month."

"In honor of Black History Month Jessica Ugstad collection management librarian at the Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library has curated a book display with titles celebrating the lives of Black Americans."

"In honor of AAPI Heritage Month I'm highlighting an assortment of books in the law library and the UW system."

A book list compiled by The Book Table.

"Use this page to find educational resources guidance on Black-owned businesses and social justice organizations to support featured books and essays by Black authors and updates on Powell’s-led initiatives for antiracist action."

""this online library is a celebration of black english and black language. i see it as a tool in political education as well. a place for communal learning."

"Join the Library in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month throughout May. Discover our new book lists for adults kids and teens as well as free online events and resources."

"A selected list of notable books for young adults about African American history and the African American experience chosen by LAPL librarians."

Compiled book list