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

If you have any additional resources that you would like to recommend, please send an email to aasp@cornell.edu.

"In the midst of loss, death, and suffering, our charge is to figure out what freedom really means--and how we take steps to get there. The uprising of 2020 marks a new phase in the unfolding Movement for Black Lives. The brutal killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, and countless other injustices large and small, lit the spark of the largest protest movement in US history against racism and the politics of disposability that the Covid-19 pandemic lays bare. In this urgent and incisive collection of new interviews bookended by two new essays, Marc Lamont Hill critically examines the "pre-existing conditions" that led us to this moment of upheaval, guiding us through both the perils and possibilities, and helping us imagine an abolitionist future."

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!"

"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.

"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."

"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."

"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."

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

"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."

Compiled book list

"From children's picture books and historical fiction to in-depth histories and even a graphic novel here are 15 books to check out about the Tulsa Race Massacre[...]"

"The NAACP has launched a campaign entitled #WeAreDoneDying". The campaign is a call-to-action aiming to shine a light on how individuals in the Black community are dying for reasons that could & can be prevented. These books some fiction and others non-fiction focus on issues facing the Black community including police brutality housing discrimination and inequities in the healthcare system."