Looking ahead at 2026 in literature

Happy New Year's Eve! Dare we say it's time to stop covering 2025's literature and focus on the year ahead? 

Here's a wide assortment of most-anticipated-literature lists for 2026.

General 

• Books to look out for in 2026 — fiction (The Guardian)

• Books to look out for in 2026 — nonfiction (The Guardian)

• Books to look out for in 2026 — debut novels (The Guardian)

• Most anticipated books of 2026 (Barnes & Noble)

• Our most anticipated books of 2026 (All the Books! podcast)

• The 36 most anticipated books of 2026 (TIME)

• 12 books you need to read in 2026 (BBC)

• The most anticipated books of 2026 (USA Today)

• 20 most anticipated books coming in 2026 (Parade)

More specifically

• The African and black diaspora writing to watch for in 2026 (The Guardian)

• The best new romantic manga, webtoons, and manhwa to read in 2026 (Book Riot)

• 2026 historical fiction books to request at your local library (Book Riot)

• 2026's most anticipated books that are perfect for book clubs (Book Riot)

• 2026's most anticipated books in translation (Book Riot)

• The cultural works becoming public domain in 2026 (NPR)

CHECK THE CALENDAR 

• Books to help you make and keep New Year's resolutions (The New York Times)

• 10 books to help you understand America as its 250th birthday approaches (NPR)