Fiction

From Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo to Alan Hollinghurst’s Our Evenings, Percival Everett’s James and a host of inventive debuts – Justine Jordan picks this year’s highlights in fiction.

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Children’s books

Imogen Russell-Williams gets lost in a fox’s quest; plus snowman magic, a wily genie and cookery from around the world in new children’s fiction from Oliver Jeffers, Maggie O’Farrell and more.

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Young adult books

Perilous journeys, a crocodile god’s curse, Lord of the Flies as a graphic novel and a new Holly Jackson mystery … Imogen Russell-Williams chooses five of the best books for teenage readers.

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Crime and thrillers

Laura Wilson’s pick of the year’s page-turners, including a 25th outing for Ian Rankin’s Rebus, a return for John le Carré’s Smiley, and dark, disturbing encounters in the woods.

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Science fiction and fantasy

From a post-apocalyptic dystopia to a brilliant time-travel debut, a far-future take on humanity and more – Adam Roberts picks five of the best science fiction and fantasy books.

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Translated fiction

An indigenous epic, macabre short stories from Spain, Aztec adventures and a new novel from International Booker winner Lucas Rijneveld – five of the best books in translation picked by John Self.

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Romance

Wedding mayhem, a story of lifelong love and fake‑relationship comedy are among Jenny Colgan’s top five romantic novels of the year.

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Biography and memoir

Salman Rushdie’s account of his near-fatal stabbing, a 360-degree view of Queen Elizabeth II and Al Pacino’s rags to riches career are among this year’s most compelling personal histories, chosen by Fiona Sturges.

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Science and nature

Life on Mars, the magic of trees, the genius of Marie Curie, and the moving story of a heart transplant are among the subjects to come under the microscope in this year’s best science books, chosen by Anjana Ahuja.

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Sport

Tales of Ohio hoop dreams, Joseph O’Neill’s football-accented new novel and the effect of the climate crisis on sport are among Emma John’s top five sports books.

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Ideas

Richard Dawkins’s greatest hits, the diaries of a sociopath and a history of the gut are among Steven Poole’s pick of the year’s best books about ideas.

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Poetry

The joy of house parties, an email to an estate agent, tales from a billionaire’s dolls and Caleb Femi’s second collection are among Rishi Dastidar’s poetry books of the year.

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Graphic novel

Arthurian legend, dark family secrets, monsters, princesses and a Russian detective in this year’s best graphic novels, chosen by James Smart.

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Music

From stories of queer artists reshaping the pop landscape to an insider’s view of Tupac and Biggie, the highlights of a tuneful year are chosen by Alexis Petridis.

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Food

From delicious Singaporean street food to everything you’ve ever wanted to know about capers, Bee Wilson picks five of the best food books of the year.

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• To browse all of the Guardian and Observer’s best books of 2024 visit guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.