It’s been another year of wonderful books. After taking one more look back at 2022, the SLJ book reviews editors are happy to present a series of “favorites” roundups. 

In our travails through dozens (and dozens, and dozens) of incredible titles, some words found their way deep into our hearts and stayed there. Here are our editors' favorite Best Books quotations of the year.

Shelley M. Diaz, Reviews Editor

"But they only lasted until I ran

headfirst into the hydrant,

and quick as that, my hair sprung back

from straightened curls to natural coils

because it was finally summer

and hair too

had a right to be free."

—Jacqueline Woodson, The World Belonged to Us

Andrew Eliopulos, Editor, Graphic Novels

“Rage can fuel you. But grief gnaws at you slow, a termite nibbling at your soul until you’re a whisper of what you used to be. I didn’t want to face the grief. I still don’t. But I think I have to try.”—Sabaa Tahir, All My Rage

Kimberly Olson Fakih, Senior Editor, Picture Books

“Sometimes, it’s okay to be sad. Sometimes, it’s the only thing we can do.”—Jonathan D. Voss, The Wishing Balloons

Amanda Mastrull, Editor, YA & Audiobooks

“Please remember that when adversity is drawn out of the shadows and recognized, we ensure that human beings living under oppression—past and present—know they are not forgotten.

Together we can shine a light in dark corners of the past.

Together, we can give history a voice.”—Ruta Sepetys, I Must Betray You

Florence Simmons, Associate Editor

“Our children will be beautiful: of dusk skin and brilliant eyes, hair a reclamation. Oh, how I will braid pride down their backs, and from the moment they leave the womb, they will be born in love with themselves.”—Elizabeth Acevedo, Inheritance: A Visual Poem

Ashleigh Williams, Associate Editor, Chapter Books & Middle Grade 

“What a courageous soul you have, Moon, to want to learn a lesson like this. To learn how to love yourself.”—Kacen Callender, Moonflower