For the National Year of Reading 2026, Mood-boosting Books is back with a new collection of ten books chosen by young adults aged 18–25, for adults (18+) to enjoy.

Mood-boosting Books 2026 has been developed by The Reading Agency in partnership with the Booksellers Association. The collection launches the week commencing 5 October in time for World Mental Health Day and Bookshop Day on 10 October 2026 and will be available through libraries and independent bookshops.

Books were suggested through a crowd-sourced approach with young adults (18-25) from across the country recommending over 100 mood-boosting books. Recommendations were reviewed by a reader panel of young adults, librarians and booksellers focusing on whether they would recommend them as mood-boosting. Shortlisted titles were then reviewed by an expert book selection panel featuring young adults (18-25), librarians, booksellers and representatives from Arts Council England, Mind and the Booksellers Association. The panel voted for their top 10 Mood-boosting Books.

The final collection brings together books that readers found feel-good, uplifting and meaningful. It includes fiction and non-fiction and a range of genres from romance to science fiction. Mood-boosting Books celebrates the different ways reading can help us feel good.