The Autumn 2014 Kids’ Indie Next List

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Here is a preview of the Autumn 2014 Kids’ Indie Next List flier, arriving at stores in the upcoming Children’s White Box.

The four-page, full-color flier features the top 10 children’s titles for the fall publishing season and an additional 41 titles organized by age group. All Next List picks are based on recommendations from booksellers at independent bookstores across the country and include a bookseller quote and full bibliographic information.

The top 10 titles are also featured on downloadable shelf-talkers.

The deadline for nominations for the Winter 2014/2015 Kids’ Indie Next List is October 10. The winter list will focus on titles published between November 1, 2014 and January 31, 2015. Nominations may be submitted via e-mail, the online nomination form, or through Edelweiss or NetGalley. (On Edelweiss, navigate to the book page of your choice, click “Your Review” and select “Submit to Indie Next.” On NetGalley, click the green “Title Feedback” button for any title in your account.)

The Autumn 2014 Kids Indie Next List Great Reads

The Top Ten

1. I’ll Give You the Sun, by Jandy Nelson
(Dial Books for Young Readers, 9780803734968, $17.99)
“Noah and Jude have always been competitive, but also completely inseparable, as only twins can be. As they approach their teen years, the competitiveness, plus a multitude of other life changes, rips them apart until misunderstanding and hatefulness are all they seem to know. What will it take for them to forgive each other — and themselves — and once again be ‘NoahandJude,’ forever together? This is a beautifully written, unforgettable book about love, art, and recognizing truth.” —Judy Hobbs, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

2. Afterworlds, by Scott Westerfeld
(Simon Pulse, 9781481422345, $19.99)
“This is one of the most unusual books I’ve read in a long time. It’s a young adult novel about a girl who writes a young adult novel about a girl! The two stories intertwine to give readers a sneak peek into two very different worlds: that of the young adult writing and publishing scene in New York City, and that of a world whose boundaries exist far beyond death. Both the author and her creation are beautifully captured in unique, yet completely realistic, ways. Afterworlds is a captivating work that young adults — and all readers — will both love and learn from.” —Arantzazu Galdos, The Bookloft, Great Barrington, MA

3. Jackaby, by William Ritter
(Algonquin Young Readers, 9781616203535, $16.95)
“Want a refreshing break from dystopia, zombies, and vampires, but still looking for something a bit scary and supernatural? Jackaby by William Ritter will fit the bill! Full of Sherlockian suspense, mystery, and the occult, Jackaby is great fun, and I hope it is just the first adventure for Abigail Rook and her eccentric employer.” —Ellen Richmond, Children’s Book Cellar, Waterville, ME

4. The Witch’s Boy, by Kelly Barnhill
(Algonquin Young Readers, 9781616203511, $16.95)
The Witch’s Boy is a story of magic, power, greed, death, war, and personal disabilities, but ultimately it is a tale about the gift of friendship and how that gift can conquer all. This book has it all: a boy with a curse, a girl who is a child of a bandit king, an enchanted forest, stones with great power, two feuding kingdoms, and, finally, peace and forgiveness. This is a true joy and one of the most powerful books I have read this year.” —Richard Corbett, Powell’s Books, Portland, OR

5. Little Elliot, Big City, by Mike Curato
(Holt Books for Young Readers, 9780805098259, $16.99)
“Elliot is a very small elephant in a very large city. Sometimes poor Elliot feels lost in the hustle and bustle around him, until one day he finds an unexpected friend — a friend who is even smaller than Elliot. Curato’s simple story is full of heart, and his 1940s-style illustrations perfectly capture the gentle tone of this book. Cupcakes!” —Megan Graves, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA

6. Falling Into Place, by Amy Zhang
(Greenwillow, 9780062295040, $17.99)
“What would lead the most popular girl in school to try to commit suicide? This book follows the life of Liz Emerson and the events that lead to her decision. The story is told through Liz’s imaginary friend, who can see Liz slipping into an unhealthy path. Liz feels guilty for bullying some of the other kids in school and for using peer pressure to convince her friends to do things they shouldn’t do. Zhang is a new voice in young adult fiction and I can’t wait to read more by her.” —Anna Brindley, Blue Phoenix Books, Alpena, MI

7. Uni the Unicorn, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Brigette Barrager (Illus.)
(Random House Books for Young Readers, 9780385375559, $17.99)
“With golden hooves, sparkling purple eyes, a shiny mane, and a swirly horn, Uni is just like all the other unicorns except for one thing — Uni is absolutely certain that little girls exist. From the author of Duck! Rabbit! comes this charming tale filled with flowers, rainbows, and everything that is fitting for the story of a unicorn. This adorable twist on the usual unicorn story will have you wishing for your own one-horned friend.” —Hannah Moushabeck, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA

8. El Deafo, by Cece Bell
(Amulet, 9781419712173, paper, $10.95)
El Deafo is laugh-out-loud funny but also very touching and inspiring. Bell’s autobiographical graphic novel recalls her experiences growing up hearing-impaired, her search for friendship, and longing to fit in. The word ‘disability’ never appears in this story, however. Cece, with her Phonic Ear hearing aid, transcends all obstacles to become the embodiment of El Deafo, Super Hero!” —Mariga Temple-West, Big Blue Marble Bookstore, Philadelphia, PA

9. Skink: No Surrender, by Carl Hiaasen
(Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9780375870514, $18.99)
“Adult fans of Hiaasen know Skink’s colorful past. Here Hiaasen does a masterful job of making his most iconic character accessible to younger audiences. Fiercely independent Skink joins with a teenage acquaintance to rescue an abducted girl in trouble way over her head. No one metes out justice quite like Skink. It’s great to see ‘The Governor’ back in action!” —Rosemary Pugliese, Quail Ridge Books & Music, Raleigh, NC

10. The Fourteenth Goldfish, by Jennifer L. Holm
(Random House Books for Young Readers, 9780375870644, $16.99)
“Eleven-year-old Ellie struggles with starting middle school and finding her way without her best friend, but then Melvin comes into her life. Melvin is actually her grandfather living in the body of a 14-year-old, pimply teen. He ignites Ellie’s love of science as they work together on Melvin’s ‘Fountain of Youth’ experiment. The Fourteenth Goldfish is a perfect read for budding young scientists.” —Sam Droke-Dickinson, Aaron’s Books, Lititz, PA

For Ages 4 to 8

Bad Dog Flash, by Ruth Paul
(Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 9781492601531, $15.99, available October)
“Flash is just trying to learn his place in the world but it seems like everything he tries gets him into trouble. Thankfully, there’s one little girl who loves him just as he is! This is both a wonderful read-aloud and a great beginning-reader book.” —Keri Rojas, Cornerstone Cottage Kids, Hampton, IA

Blue on Blue, by Dianne White, Beth Krommes (Illus.)
(Beach Lane Books, 9781442412675, $17.99)
“I wish everyone could have a day just like the one portrayed in this wonderful picture book. Just the right amount of text walks the reader through the engaging, richly detailed artwork. It is a day of weather, rollicking, exploring, sunshine, mud, and, of course, the gentle wind down to sleepy time.” —Margaret Brennan Neville, The King’s English Bookshop, Salt Lake City, UT

The Bunny Rabbit Show!, by Sandra Boynton
(Workman, 9781761180609, board book, $6.95)
“Board books by Boynton have multiple virtues: they’re colorful, educational, and perfectly rhythmical. These books are at least as much fun for the grownup to read aloud as they are for the toddler to hear! While the intended audience is engaged in the hopping bunnies and lively prose, the grownup might look at the dancing rabbits and question: Is that skepticism in one bunny’s gaze? And just how did that cow get into the theatre seat? Hooray for a new Boynton board book — truly fun for all!” —Cheryl McKeon, Book Passage, San Francisco, CA

Draw!, by Raul Colon
(Paula Wiseman Books, 9781442494923, $17.99)
“This is a gorgeous, wordless picture book. After reading a book about Africa, a boy on his bed draws a picture of an elephant. The elephant comes alive and takes the boy on a trip across the African savanna. The boy draws each animal that he comes across, and while some are friendly, others — in particular a rhinoceros! — are not. A wonderful exploration of art and imagination!” —Marc Galvin, The Bookstore Plus, Lake Placid, NY

The Farmer and the Clown, by Marla Frazee
(Beach Lane Books, 9781442497443, $17.99, available October)
“Frazee has outdone herself! It is a rare feat to create a wordless book that also works perfectly as a read-aloud. The sequential illustrations make this wonderful for the classroom, and it can be used to fill all sorts of Common Core requirements. It can be read from beginning to end, or each picture can be used to create a stand-alone story all its own. This is more than just a picture book; this is a lovely adventure to be read again and again. Don’t miss this treasure!” —Jessilyn Norcross, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, MI

Flashlight, by Lizi Boyd
(Chronicle Books, 9781452118949, $16.99)
“Kids’ faces are sure to light up as they make their own discoveries in this artfully rendered picture book. Harkening back to a simpler time, the striking color palette makes the book truly stand out and promises an incredibly engaging and interactive experience. Thoughtfully created and beautifully crafted, this is the way picture books were meant to be. Give this as a gift, and you’ll be the coolest grown-up around. Sit with a child as they turn the pages, and they’ll want you to stay forever!” —Beth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

Hermelin the Detective Mouse, by Mini Grey
(Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9780385754330, $17.99)
“After making his home in the attic of an apartment building, Hermelin, a small, mystery-solving mouse, notices the building bulletin board covered with notices of missing items. Hermelin sets out to help recover a missing bracelet, a purse, a teddy bear, and more. When the tenants throw a party in the mysterious Hermelin’s honor, he’s touched, until the attendees scatter in a panic at the sight of a mouse. When Hermelin discovers that mice are considered pests, he sadly decides to leave his home behind, until a young tenant befriends him and reminds him to be proud of who — and what — he is!” —Sara Grochowski, Brilliant Books, Traverse City, MI

Julia’s House for Lost Creatures, by Ben Hatke
(First Second, 9781596438668, $17.99)
“Julia decides that her house is too quiet so she puts up a sign: ‘Julia’s House for Lost Creatures.’ And sure enough, various magical and mythical creatures find their way to her front door! This enchanting little story is full of quirks and charm, and it will surely work its way into your heart!” —Megan Graves, Hooray for Books, Alexandria, VA

Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads, by Bob Shea, Lane Smith (Illus.)
(Roaring Brook Press, 9781596439757, $17.99, available October)
“With them varmints on the loose, Kid Sheriff arrives in town, not on a horse, but on a tortoise! This laugh-out-loud Wild West tale by the talented team of Shea and Smith will have kids begging for more. Reading this beautifully designed, highly original, and absolutely super funny tale, you’ll start hearin’ that twang in your voice grow louder with each page turn — sure as shootin’!” —Maureen Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, CA

Leroy Ninker Saddles Up: Tales From Deckawoo Drive, Volume One, by Kate DiCamillo, Chris Van Dusen (Illus.)
(Candlewick, 9780763663391, $12.99)
“Leroy Ninker is a cowboy. Boots, lassos, hat — he’s got it all. He looks like a cowboy, acts like a cowboy, and sounds like cowboy. But Leroy starts to doubt himself when a co-worker suggests he needs a horse to be complete. Leroy finds a horse to help him out, and the adventures that follow are funny and heartwarming as the friendship between Leroy and Maybelline develops. Leroy just needs to remember all the specific rules for taking care of Maybelline. Yippee-i-oh!” —Judy Wrolson, Cornerstone Cottage Kids, Hampton, IA

Lion, Lion, by Miriam Busch, Larry Day (Illus.)
(Balzer + Bray, 9780062271044, $17.99, available October)
“Beautiful pencil and watercolor illustrations give this book an old-fashioned feel, and the story will keep readers on the edge of their seat. With a trick up his sleeve, our brave hero outwits a very hungry lion. With sophisticated humor and an ingenious twist, this story begs to be read and reread.” —Erin Barker, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA

Miss Brooks’ Story Nook (Where Tales Are Told and Ogres Are Welcome), by Barbara Bottner, Michael Emberley (Illus.)
(Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9780449813287, $16.99)
“Missy just can’t get past that annoying Billy Toomey. Really, every time she tries, he steals her hat. Her solution comes when Miss Brooks asks the kids to make up their own stories. She walks them through the process of creating characters, plot, and endings, and Missy figures out exactly how to handle Billy Toomey. A fun tale for kids who love to read stories, and for those who love to write them, too!” —Melissa Oates, Fiction Addiction, Greenville, SC

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, by Mac Barnett, Jon Klassen (Illus.)
(Candlewick, 9780763662295, $16.99, available October)
“Sam and Dave decide to dig a hole with their dog right alongside them. They won’t stop digging until they find ‘something spectacular.’ Needless to say, they tire themselves out and run out of food before they find anything, but their trusty dog doesn’t stop digging and therein lies the adventure. Barnett and Caldecott-winner Klassen have created a deceptively simple book filled with clever clues that children will enjoy discovering as they read this unique adventure story.” —Jannis Mindel, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade, by Justin Roberts
(Putnam Juvenile, 9780399257438, $16.99)
“Sometimes the smallest voice makes the loudest sound. And when we make a sound, that’s when change can happen. This is a simple and truthful story, beautifully told.” —Beth Page, Auntie’s Bookstore, Spokane, WA

This Book Just Ate My Dog!, by Richard Byrne
(Holt Books for Young Readers, 9781627790710, $16.99, available October)
“Readers can’t help but smile and follow the directions when they are instructed to shake this book this way and that to help save the dog and the many other characters trapped inside! Kids will love it, and parents will love reading it — and shaking and turning it — right along with them!” —Valerie Welbourn, The Fountainhead Bookstore, Hendersonville, NC

For Ages 9 to 12

Animalium, by Katie Scott and Jennie Broom
(Candlewick, 9780763675080, $35)
Animalium is a gorgeous and special book that is sure to delight both art and animal lovers of all ages. The illustrations evoke an Audubon-like quality in their beauty and detail. Readers will spend hours obsessively studying each illustration. Let your imagination run wild in this museum-in-a-book!” —Caitlin Luce Baker, University Book Store, Seattle, WA

The Book With No Pictures, by B.J. Novak
(Dial Books for Young Readers, 9780803741713, $17.99, available October)
“This book follows through on the title’s promise: there are no pictures. However, there ARE silly words, ample opportunities to read with a funny voice, and sizeable helpings of humor. The idea is that the person reading HAS to read EVERY word on the page, whether they want to or not, and even if the word is made up and makes them sound crazy. Kids will erupt in giggles over words like ‘blork’ and ‘bluurf,’ and grown-ups will appreciate the witty double narrative. I can’t wait to share this one at storytime!” —Mary-Catherine Breed, Brazos Bookstore, Houston, TX

The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, by Liz Pichon
(Candlewick, 9780763674724, $12.99)
“The British ‘Wimpy Kid’ comes to America! Tom Gates is a doodler, a band member, and not the greatest student, but he’s determined to see his favorite band, bother his sister, and win the approval of the nice, smart, and talented Amy Porter. A funny story full of fabulous doodles, this is what everyone will be reading under their desks this fall.” —Marika McCoola, Northshire Bookstore, Saratoga Springs, NY

Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson
(Nancy Paulsen Books, 9780399252518, $16.99)
“Woodson looks back at her life, retelling it in verse, as she tries to discover who she is and how she became the person she is today. Her tale begins when she is a young child and follows her life as she travels between the North and South, through both happiness and sadness, trying to understand how she fits in with family, friends, and society. This story of self-discovery is poignant and beautifully told.” — Kathy Taber, Kids Ink Children’s Bookstore, Indianapolis, IN

Death by Toilet Paper, by Donna Gephart
(Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 9780385743990, $16.99)
“In Death by Toilet Paper, Benjamin discovers ways to deal with the stress of losing his father to illness and the intense money worries that he and his mom now face along with other challenges. With his creativity and smarts, sweepstakes enthusiast Benjamin finds a way to save the day!” —Valerie Welbourn, The Fountainhead Bookstore, Hendersonville, NC

Gabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle, by George Hagen
(Schwartz & Wade, 9780385371032, $16.99)
“As Gabriel unravels the mystery of what happened when his father disappeared without a trace, he encounters ravens who riddle, a magical writing desk, owls who enjoy puns, and an underground city. Word play and puzzles make this a clever, magical story.” —Lisa Fabiano, Wellesley Books, Wellesley, MA

Nest, by Esther Ehrlich
(Wendy Lamb Books, 9780385386074, $16.99)
“Set in the 1970s, this heartbreaking novel is told from the perspective of 11-year-old amateur ornithologist Naomi, known as ‘Chirp.’ When Chirp’s mother is diagnosed with a devastating disease, each member of the family is affected differently. Chirp copes by throwing herself into her birdwatching and a friendship with a neighborhood boy who himself is no stranger to family discord. Realistic, haunting, and lovely, this is a book for parents to share with their children, for book clubs to discuss, and for teachers to read aloud.” —Emily Ring, Inklings Bookshop, Yakima, WA

The Only Thing Worse Than Witches, by Lauren Magaziner
(Dial Books for Young Readers, 9780803739185, $16.99)
“Rupert cannot help but be drawn to an ad to be a witch’s apprentice. Witchling Two is a witch-in-training who needs practice before she takes her exams. Between his awful teacher, Witchling Two, and his protective mom, Rupert is far from ready for what his future holds. Kids will love this!” —Sue Mason, Waucoma Bookstore, Hood River, Oregon

Rain Reign, by Ann M. Martin
(Feiwel & Friends, 9780312643003, $16.99, available October)
“Rose, who is almost 12, has been officially diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. She likes words — especially homonyms — rules, and prime numbers, but above all else she loves her dog Rain, a name she chose because it has two homonyms, rein and reign. When a storm hits and Rose’s father lets Rain out, the dog goes missing for days. Rose is determined to find Rain and leaves her comfort zone in order to do so. Award-winning author Martin has given her readers the voice of an amazing young girl, very different from her peers, but someone all ages can learn from.” —Karen Briggs, Great Northern Books & Hobbies, Oscoda, MI

The Red Pencil, by Andrea Davis Pinkney, Shane W. Evans (Illus.)
(Little, Brown Young Readers, 9780316247801, $17)
“It is amazing how having the simplest of tools can change one’s life even amidst tragedy and destruction. In Pinkney’s lyrical novel-in-verse, Amira’s desire for school, books, and a world beyond her own lifts her arduous journey off the page. Readers cheer her on, applauding the courage and perseverance that eventually bring her to a new future — one filled with possibility and promise. Reluctant readers who look for a book with lots of white space throughout will find themselves caring deeply for a Sudanese girl and a little red pencil.” —Beth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place, by Julie Berry
(Roaring Brook Press, 9781596439566, $15.99)
“Imagine a production of Arsenic and Old Lace scripted by Oscar Wilde and performed by the March sisters and Harriet the Spy, with underpinnings provided by Dickens! This is a delightful concoction of mystery, farce, and adventure! The students of St. Etheldreda’s School for Girls grasp at the chance for independence when their surly headmistress and her profligate brother are poisoned, but the murderer might have other plans!” —Rachel King, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

The Scavengers, by Michael Perry
(HarperCollins, 9780062026163, $16.99)
“Perry’s first novel and first book for children is an engrossing dystopian story of a time when people had to choose to live either in Bubble Cities and under government control, or ‘Outbubble,’ as 12-year-old Ford Falcon’s family chose to do. They must scavenge to survive, and Ford’s skills are put to the test when her parents disappear. Perry brings his ability to fully capture a sense of place with humor and engaging description to this exciting tale.” —Carol Blizzard Dunn, Northwind Book & Fiber, Spooner, WI

The Swap, by Megan Shull
(Katherine Tegen Books, 9780062311696, $16.99)
“Seventh-grader Ellie is having a miserable time at school. Her former best friend has become the quintessential mean girl and torments her both in the classroom and on the soccer field. Eighth-grader Jack is the big man on campus but is under tremendous pressure from his father to be the best hockey player on the East Coast. When Ellie and Jack are in the school nurse’s office, they suddenly switch bodies and have to live as each other for the weekend. Told in alternating voices, this ‘switcheroo’ story will be popular with both boys and girls.” —Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

The Turtle of Oman: A Novel, by Naomi Shihab Nye
(Greenwillow, 9780062019721, $16.99)
The Turtle of Oman is a gentle book about the agony of saying goodbye to a place you love and all the special people who inhabit it. Set in the Middle East, the story lends cultural awareness at a time when all of us could use a reminder that the human experience is much the same all over the world.” —Isabel Berg, Gibson’s Bookstore, Concord, NH

Teen Readers

Anatomy of a Misfit, by Andrea Portes
(HarperTeen, 9780062313645, $17.99)
“A contemporary teen ‘dramedy’ narrated with deadpan humor by the most thoughtful of judgmental protagonists, Anatomy of a Misfit is about Anika, a half-Russian 15-year-old with ‘spider stew insides.’ Struggling with the everyday dramas of high school popularity, Anika does her best to be a good person, especially to those facing their own serious problems — which is just about everyone. This novel is an exploration of social issues told by one of the most entertaining narrators I have ever encountered, with a heartbreaking finish that reveals what is truly important.” —Paige Mushaw, Northshire Bookstore, Saratoga Springs, NY

Belzhar, by Meg Wolitzer
(Dutton Juvenile, 9780525423058, $17.99)
“Jam cannot recover from a trauma, so her parents send her to a school that can help her heal. There, she takes a special English class with Mrs. Q. The class is reading Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar, and each student must write in a journal that is supposed to take them to healing places. The story of each child reveals truths about dealing with the difficulties of life and relationships. Wolitzer’s writing is compelling, and Belzhar may be the next big Young Adult novel that will be enjoyed by adults as well as teens.” —Marilyn Lustig, Wellesley Books, Wellesley, MA

Black Ice, by Becca Fitzpatrick
(Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781442474260, $19.99)
“Britt has always been in love with Calvin, even eight months after he ended their secret relationship. Now, as a senior in high school, she wants to prove to him that she can survive without him in every way. She and her best friend, Korbie, Calvin’s spoiled younger sister, plan a backpacking trip in the Teton Range. However, a chance snow storm forces them to take shelter with two young men who are not what they seem. Black Ice is an impressive book with a riotous, rapid-paced, adrenaline-laden pulse.” —Krys Tourtois, Schuler Books & Music, Lansing, MI

Egg and Spoon, by Gregory Maguire
(Candlewick, 9780763672201, $17.99)
“Set against the magical landscape of Russian folklore, this story follows two very different girls—Elena, from the poor village of Miersk, and Ekaterina, the great niece of Madame Sophia who is on her way to meet the Tsar. When the girls inadvertently switch places, what follows is an adventure that includes the egg of the firebird, an ice dragon, and travel across the Russian countryside in a house perched on chicken legs with the hilariously wacky Baba Yaga. This rich story, set in a beautifully crafted world, will have you laughing at Baba Yaga’s hijinks and you’ll be moved by what the girls learn along the way.” —Ginny Davis, Square Books, Oxford, MS

The Eye of Zoltar: The Chronicles of Kazam, Book Three, by Jasper Fforde
(HMH Books for Young Readers, 9780547738499, $16.99, available October)
“In the third book of the Chronicles of Kazam, foundling Jennifer Strange is still managing Kazam Mystical Arts. When an operation ends with one of her magicians held hostage and an impossible challenge from Mighty Shandar, there’s only one thing to do — travel to the Cambrian Empire. Burdened with a spoiled princess, Jennifer travels into a country known only for its extreme danger and the odds are decidedly against her. Another smart, satirical novel that will have readers on the edge of their seats.” —Marika McCoola, Northshire Bookstore, Saratoga Springs, NY

Isla and the Happily Ever After, by Stephanie Perkins
(Dutton Juvenile, 9780525425632, $17.99)
“Perkins is a master of romance and she is forever a favorite of mine. She has truly outdone herself with her latest book. I loved every minute of Isla and Josh’s journey, and with the inclusion of cameos from some of Perkins’ most beloved characters from previous books, readers will not be disappointed. I’m only sad that, after Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door, this is the end of this enjoyable trilogy.” —Caitlin Ek, Mrs. Nelson’s Book Fair Company, Pomona, CA

Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty, by Christine Heppermann
(Greenwillow, 9780060056242, $17.99)
“The poems in this collection reference fairy tales and myths, but the classic stories are given a modern reworking, with complex themes like eating disorders, pop culture, and standards of beauty. Even readers normally uncomfortable with poetry will be drawn to the language and themes of these modern retellings.” —Sara Grochowski, Brilliant Books, Traverse City, MI

Tabula Rasa, by Kristen Lippert-Martin
(Egmont, 9781606845189, $17.99)
“Sixteen-year-old Sarah has been subjected to procedure after procedure to have her memory taken away and to make her into a blank slate — a tabula rasa. When elite soldiers storm the building during her last operation, she finds her new start quickly coming to an end. During this journey, she is slowly unlocking memories about why she is really there and she is determined she will not be silenced. Anyone who loved Divergent or The Bourne Identity will love this amazing new adventure.” —Angie Talley, The Country Bookshop, Southern Pines, NC

Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel: A Novel, by Sara Farizan
(Algonquin Young Readers, 9781616202842, $16.95, available October)
“Farizan has done it again! Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel has everything I loved about If You Could Be Mine: a completely original protagonist, realistic — and dangerous! — social situations navigated as best as an unsure teenage girl can, and a relationship plot that keeps the reader guessing. Leila struggles as the dorky, upper-middle-class Iranian-American in her small New England private school, but what challenges her most is whether or not to come out to her family and friends. When the brazen, sexy Saskia arrives on campus, Leila soon finds her personal boundaries wrecked and her privacy in jeopardy. Farizan is two for two — I’m a fan for life and will happily read anything she writes!” —Melissa Morrow, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI

The Accidental Highwayman: Being the Tale of Kit Bristol, His Horse Midnight, a Mysterious Princess, and Sundry Magical Persons Besides, by Ben Tripp
(Tor Teen, 9780765335494, $17.99, available October)
“The subtitle pretty well defines this delightful read. Kit Bristol was an indentured servant, who, on the last evening of his master’s life, discovers the man was a highwayman to supplement his estate’s income. Kit flees as the troops are at the door, and he’s off on a wild ride to rescue the Princess and save her from marrying the King of England, as well as to save his own neck from the hangman. This is the most fun read I’ve had all year!” —Becky Milner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA

The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone: A Novel, by Adele Griffin
(Soho Teen, 9781616953607, $17.99)
“Original and compelling, this novel incorporates interviews, photographs, media clippings, and fine art to weave together the life and mystery behind fictional artist Addison Stone’s rise to fame and untimely death. Griffin is a masterful storyteller and an inventive writer, and she deftly combines these ingredients to give us a portrait of a talented and mentally ill young woman who is far more interesting than most real celebrities, living or dead.” —Heather Hebert, Children’s Book World, Haverford, PA

Trust Me, I’m Lying, by Mary Elizabeth Summer
(Delacorte Press, 9780385744065, $17.99, available October)
“Julep Dupree is a teen criminal who is looking to get out of the grifter life and to attend Yale. To get there, she will need to employ all of her ‘unique’ skills, but when her mentor father goes missing, all of her plans come crashing down. Julep is a wildly funny narrator, independent and snarky and wonderfully flawed. Readers will enjoy every minute of her witty interior monologue. This is a fast-paced read that is almost criminally addictive!” —Emily Lloyd-Jones, Gallery Bookshop and Bookwinkle’s Children’s Books, Mendocino, CA