Book Riot highlights: June 30, 2026

Here are the biggest literary news stories that Book Riot reported on directly or linked to, over the past week.

Literary Awards

• Barnes & Noble's best debut novel of 2026 

• Nominees announced for the 2025 Shirley Jackson Awards 

• Announcing the shortlist for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, 2026

READING Lists 

• The #BookTok community's 2026 summer reading list 

• Publishers Weekly's 15 essential works of American literature 

• The books colleges are choosing for Common Reads in 2026

• Barnes & Noble's biggest fiction books of fall 2026

library news 

• Youth library cards and privacy Q&A 

• How libraries and advocates are tackling ebook pricing 

• ThriftBooks offers new acquisition tool (and savings) for libraries 

• Are public libraries becoming children's libraries? 

Miscellaneous 

• Commonwealth Foundation clears all writers accused of using AI 

• LeVar Burton hosts story time at the Obama Presidential Library's grand opening 

• How Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential revolutionized food writing