Best of the Best Event Registration

Join the Best of the Best 2026 event! Take time to see colleagues, engage with the best books for kids and teens and hear book talks presented by Chicago Public Library.

Best of the Best showcases books selected by Chicago Public Library staff with high standards of writing and illustration which:

• address a significant curriculum need
• reflect living in an urban, multicultural society
• provide an innovative approach to topics for a youth audience
• and add excitement to programs and special projects

Register for our Best of the Best Event below!

Agenda: Pick one presentation per session

9:35 a.m. Session 1

• Best Graphic Novels and Manga for Teens
• Best Board and Picture Books
• Best Books for Ages 5 to 8: Informational

10:35 a.m. Session 2

• Best Books in Spanish
• Best Books for Ages 5 to 8: Fiction
• Best Books for Tweens

11:35 a.m. Session 3

• Best Fiction and Non-Fiction for Teens
• Best Books for Ages 5 to 8: Fiction
• Best Books for Ages 9 to 13: Fiction and Informational

12:25 p.m. Lunch and Book Browsing

1:55 p.m. Session 4: Keynote

Natasha Tarpley, author of The Me I Choose to Be

2:55 p.m. Session 5: 

• Best Books for Ages 9 to 13: Fiction and Informational
• Best Books in Spanish

3:55 p.m. Session 6: 

• Best Board and Picture Books
• Best Books for Ages 5 to 8: Informational