Calgary Public Library's 2024 Books of the Year

Did you know that more than 17 million physical and digital items are checked out each year at Calgary Public Library? While every book can take us on a literary journey filled with learning opportunities, different emotions, and moments of delight, there are some that stand out from the rest. 

Selecting the 2024 Books of the Year 

Every day, the Library's Collection team does extensive research to decide what books will be added to our shelves. From looking at trends, knowing the interests of our community, and understanding the importance of accessibility, the team anticipates what books will be in high demand or most popular.  

With these observations, the Collections team was able to carefully select the Library's 2024 Books of the Year. They are categorized into lists that include three titles — Adult, Young Adult, and Children's. 

These picks include work from a local author, titles of critical acclaim, and what selectors say was one of the funniest kids' books.   

Read through the picks below or visit our website for the full list. 

Adult Picks

James by Percival Everett 
 
This new take on the classic novel Huckleberry Finn views the story through the eyes of the enslaved Jim. When he learns that he is to be sold to a man in New Orleans and separated from his wife and children, Jim escapes to Jackson Island where he meets Huck Finn, who has faked his own death to escape his violent father. The two set off on an adventure, rafting down the Mississippi river.   
 
Read alike: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue 
 
Lonely and socially alienated at work, Joelene Smith vents her frustration with insufferable office culture by writing what she’s really thinking at the end of her emails in white, so that only she knows it’s there. Until one day, she forgets to white it out. HR discipline ensues, including new security measures on her computer which inadvertently allow her to read everyone’s messages. As she reads the emails and DMs, she hatches a plan to use this information to propel her to star employee status. This is a relatable, touching, and fun read by a debut Canadian (from Calgary!) author to watch.  

Read alike: Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney 
 
Intermezzo tells the story of two adult brothers, Peter and Ivan, as they come to terms with the loss of their father. The book alternates between the brothers’ perspectives as they navigate two seemingly very different lives, Peter as a lawyer and Ivan as a competitive chess player. Sally Rooney's novel explores themes of family, relationships, memory, and grief. It is a thought-provoking read that will appeal to those who enjoy complex characters and meditating on the nuances of everyday lives and relationships. 
 
Read alike: Evenings and Weekends by Oisin McKenna

Young Adult Picks

If We Tell You by Nicola Dahlin 
 
Identical twins Cameron and Lewis have a normal family life in small town Alberta — that is, until their parents kill some unexpected guests at a BBQ and then disappear. The brothers are left with cryptic instructions which lead them to Edinburgh to unravel the mystery of their parents’ shocking actions. As the boys untangle the clues, they realize someone is following them. This highly suspenseful YA coming-of-age novel features diverse characters and twists and turns that will keep you guessing. 

Read alike: The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

Where Wolves Don't Die by Anton Treuer

In this teen thriller, Ezra Cloud, a member of the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, is accused of setting fire to his classmate's house after a fight. Fearing racism will prevent justice, Ezra's family sends him to northern Ontario to run the traplines with his grandfather. Weaving together threads of grief and love, this novel affirms Indigenous ways of knowing while never letting up the suspense as the hunt for the arsonist continues. 

Read alike: Rez Ball by Byron Graves 

Children's Picks

We are Definitely Human by X. Fang 
 
In this hilarious picture book, three visitors from "Europe," who are definitely human, crash land their spaceship in Mr. Li's field. Not wanting to be a bad host, Mr. Li invites the travellers into his home where he discovers nothing is strange about these humans who "make business" and "play sportsball" just like everyone else. Pretty soon, the entire town shows up for an intergalactic party.  
 
Read alike: The First Week of School by Drew Beckmeyer 

Uprooted by Ruth Chan 
 
Ruth Chan's memoir written in graphic novel format for middle grade readers recalls the panic she felt at moving from Toronto to Hong Kong at age 13. Her halting Cantonese and separation from her father, brother, and friends amplify the disconnect and loneliness she feels at her new school. However, Ruth finds a connection with her family's past and realizes that the resilience and courage that sustained them through a harrowing journey will see her through this upheaval in her own life as she learns the true definition of home. 

Read alike: Continental drifter by Kathy MacLeod

Fluffle Bunnies: Buns Gone Bad by Anne Humphrey

Bunnies are cute and cuddly, right? After all a pack of wild bunnies is called a fluffle. That just makes you think of warmth and fuzzies. The bunnies in this book though not so cuddly. Introducing Biggie, Boingy, and Flop, three sibling bunnies who wake up one day to find that they are on their own, up against scheming chipmunks, barking dogs, and some not so smart racoons, the three young bunnies outsmart and outwit everyone else and become the evil masterminds that rule their neighborhood park. You’ll never look at a bunny the same! 
 
Read alike: Arlo & Pips, Vol. 1: King of the Birds by Elsie Gravel or humorous graphic novels.