2025 Reading Trends: Top Books in Our Region for Adults, Teens, and Children
As the year comes to a close, it's a great time to reflect on the reading trends of the past year. We reached out to several local library systems to discover the top reads in our region. Adult readers were captivated by psychological thrillers from authors like Freida McFadden and Kristin Hannah's The Women. Teens were engrossed in Suzanne Collins' dystopian novels, particularly Sunrise on the Reaping. Children's author Jeff Kinney and comic book writer Dav Pilkey were also popular choices.
The top 10 checkouts for adults, teens, and children were based on 2025 circulation numbers, excluding audiobooks and e-books. However, eMaterials remain highly popular, with millions of downloads through platforms like Libby. Children's books, especially graphic novels, continue to resonate with young readers, showcasing the enduring appeal of beloved characters and engaging stories.
For adults, emotionally charged and character-driven novels were the top choices, with titles that explore themes of love, friendship, and survival. Frieda McFadden and Kristin Hannah's works were particularly well-received. Kristin Hannah's The Women remained a favorite for two consecutive years, a rare feat in the literary world.
Sunrise on the Reaping proved to be a highly sought-after title for teens, with challenges in obtaining enough copies due to printing and distribution issues. The impact of BookTok, a social media platform focused on books, was evident in the top 10 titles for teens, showcasing the influence of online communities on reading trends.
Local authors like Emily Henry made a significant mark on the top 10 lists, with three spots in the adult category. The diverse interests of the community were reflected in the wide range of titles that circulated throughout the year, highlighting the varied reading preferences of readers in the region.