Ann Patchett and More Authors Reveal Their Under-the-Radar Book Picks (Exclusive)
5 bestselling novelists share hidden gems worth reading
Key Takeaways
- Ann Patchett recommends ‘The Magician's Elephant’ by Kate DiCamillo.
- Shannon Messenger says ‘Heist Society’ by Ally Carter still holds up 15 years later.
- Alex Aster praises Nicola Yoon's new novel, ‘One of Our Kind,’ out February 2027.
Nowadays it seems like everyone is reading and recommending the same books over and over, but sometimes it’s nice to hear a recommendation for a little-known book. So at Saturday’s 2026 Library of Congress National Book Festival, we asked bestselling authors, including Ann Patchett, winner of the 2026 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, which under-the-radar books they are reading and loving right now—and you’re likely going to want to pick up a copy of every single one. Read on for more.
Bestselling authors recommend under-the-radar books at the 2026 Library of Congress’ National Book Festival
From romance to thrillers, here are the books recommended to us by authors at the 2026 Library of Congress’ National Book Festival.
Ann Patchett recommends a novel from a dear friend
Most people know children’s author Kate DiCamillo for her books Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux, but Patchett prefers her friend’s 2009 children’s novel The Magician’s Elephant. The plot follows an orphan named Peter Augustus Duchene after a fortuneteller’s tent appears in the middle of town. He thinks it’s a sign that can lead him to his missing sister, and he’s right. The key might just come from the magician’s elephant, who the fortune teller claims will lead Peter to his missing sister. What follows is a heartwarming story of magic, love and family.
What Ann says: “Kate’s the best. My favorite book of hers is The Magician’s Elephant, but she has two incredible books coming out next year too. She is a national treasure.”
What readers are saying: “This is hands down the BEST children’s book I’ve read in years. I can’t mention particulars without spoilers; so I won’t. I’ll just say that The Magician’s Elephant is poetic, haunting and gifted with excellent story-telling.”
Chloe Gong is a fan of this ‘Good Morning America’ pick
As a bestselling young adult author, it makes sense that Chloe Gong would recommend The Hardest Ones to Fool by Christina Li, which was Good Morning America’s August YA book club pick. Teen con artist Amelia Wu is dating three boys—none of whom know about the others. Her secret? She’s created three distinct alter egos: Amy, Ellie and Mia. But when Amelia’s best friend turns up dead, her carefully constructed web of lies begins to unravel. Desperate for answers, she reluctantly teams up with Jackie, the school newspaper’s editor-in-chief and self-proclaimed true-crime junkie. Together, they race to unmask the killer before Amelia’s own secrets destroy everything and everyone she cares about.
What Chloe says: “This book is under the radar if you don’t watch Good Morning America. It’s such an exciting thriller about a girl named Amelia who has three boyfriends and gets lots out of that, and then suddenly her best friend dies and she has to figure out what the heck happened.”
What readers are saying: “The twists and turns in this novel left me guessing throughout. Just when I thought I understood what was going on, another revelation would occur that left me questioning whether I was on the right track or not. Everyone in this story has something to hide and nothing is what it seems. This was truly a memorable and highly entertaining read. If you like thrillers that keep you guessing right up to the last page then you need to check out The Hardest Ones to Fool by Christina Li.”
Alex Aster has a romance recommendation for readers of all ages
What Alex says: “I just read Nicola Yoon’s new book, and she’s fantastic. She has such a talent for capturing the feeling of being in love, but also that moment when someone realizes they’re not living in the present. It’s that ‘aha’ moment where you think, ‘I should stop worrying about tomorrow and focus on today and how I’m feeling’—and that love is so important.”
What early readers are saying: “This novel is all about missed connections, and it was beautiful! It touches on opening yourself up to love after heartache, and believing that you are worth it. I feel like that is a message that we don’t see often enough, but it is always a great reminder.”
Shannon Messenger has a book recommendation that’s 15 years old
In 2011, Ally Carter published Heist Society, and Shannon Messenger, bestselling author of middle-grade series Keeper of the Lost Cities, is urging people to rediscover the young adult novel. The plot follows Katarina, who has spent her life working for her family’s thriving business but is determined to leave it. But when a mobster’s art collection ends up stolen and Kat’s father is the only suspect, Kat must go back into the game and figure out who tried to frame her father. A thrilling ride that fans of Ocean’s 11 will adore.
What Shannon says: “It’s a series that’s probably 15 years old now, because time flies. It’s by Ally Carter, who I absolutely adore. They’re like Ocean’s 11 but for teens. It’s so witty. It’s the kind of book that when I read it, I think, ‘I wish I could write like this, but I can’t. I’m not this witty.’ So I love Ally Carter—everything she does—but that one, I just reread every couple of years.”
What readers are saying: “I call this an escapist read because it’s a quick and fun read, but it’s actually pretty heavy on themes of family, friendship, trust, and doing the right thing, and I shed a tear at the end. I can see why this series has so many devoted fans and I am very much looking forward to Kat’s next adventure.”
Hannah Whitten calls this literary fiction novel ‘really interesting’
In this literary fiction novel, painter Wyeth meets a man named Keating, a former seminarian, at a bar in New York City. The two hit it off instantly and begin to bond—and fight—over everything. At the same time, Wyeth is investigating the life and career of a forgotten Black artist, who might have lived a life far more interesting than anyone ever knew.
What Hannah says: “It’s a really interesting exploration of artists right now—what we’re doing in this time period, what it means, race, queerness. It’s one of those books that’s hard to describe because not a whole lot happens plot-wise, but as I was reading it, it was so chewy and gave my brain a lot to chew on.”
What readers are saying: “There is such a great, literary and rereadable exploration of the human condition. I loved the concept of setting the love story between art and religion. I relished the ending, thrilled to read about queer joy when there is so much to not be joyful about in the real world. It was a healing experience.”
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