The numbers are in: These are the top reads of 2025

The Fort Worth Public Library had 4.38 million items checked out in fiscal year 2025. From picture books to gripping mysteries, these titles published in 2025 claimed their spots among the year’s top reads.

Books the kids couldn’t put down

Young readers celebrated a feathered friend’s big life event; learned about overcoming a unique babysitting challenge; and discovered how treasures from the sea can craft the perfect sandcastle. They also explored a family’s story of survival after disaster and the joy of friendship and trying new things.

Will the Pigeon Graduate? by Mo Willems

The Baby-Sitters Club. 17, Mallory and the Trouble with Twins by Arley Nopra

Pete the Kitty and the Mermaid’s Sandcastle by James Dean

I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 by Lauren Tarshis

Green Eggs and Ham Take a Hike: A Green Eggs and Ham Story by James Kochalka

No scrolling past these teen faves

Teens uncovered the dystopian trauma that shaped a familiar mentor and survived an interactive horror novel where your choices influence the ending. They also engaged in a tug-of-war between love and devotion in a fantastic finale to a trilogy and explored hidden truths, the power of genuine connections and accepting change.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Escape the Pizzaplex by Scott Cawthon

Fearless by Lauren Roberts

Glorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Gradchanted by Morgan Matson

It’s not a crime to read good fiction

It’s a good thing James Patterson produces so many books (10 to 18+ per year), because adults couldn’t get enough of them this year. The top Patterson reads leaned into crime and suspense themes through stories of missing women, baby abductions, murder, trust and betrayal and the dangers of police work. Among these was Onyx Storm, the third book in Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series, a fantasy of uneasy alliance and the quest to gain power and uncover secrets.

The Texas Murders by James Patterson

Holmes is Missing: A Holmes, Margaret & Poe Mystery by James Patterson

The Writer by James Patterson

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Paranoia by James Patterson

Learners for life

Curious minds and lifelong learners alike got down and dirty with gardening tips; put their eyes to the sky to learn about our celestial neighbors; tackled DIY projects; and even prepared for important tests and next steps.

The Science Book by DK Publishing

DIY: Repair, Renovate, and Decorate with Over 450 Step-by-Step Projects by Julian Cassell

The Texas Native Plant Primer: 225 Plants for an Earth-friendly Garden by Andrea Delong-Amaya

The Moon: From Imagination to Exploration by DK Publishing

GED Test Prep 2025/2026 by Tim Collins

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