“Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is V. E. Schwab’s literary follow up to the phenomenon that is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. This book is truly dripping in bloody soil and grows a dark flower with teeth,” said Kendra Burns of The Book Vine in Cherokee, Iowa.
“In a moment of grief and anger, Finn makes a big mistake. He starts to heal, grow and gain resilience with the help of nature, cookies, and the best-est dog. A beautiful story that will help middle grade kids work through big feelings,” said Nancy Baenen of Arcadia Books in Spring Green, Wisconsin.
“This coming-of-age story is funny, heartfelt, and wise. Four teens with fierce loyalty to one another bond over their unstable families and a painting done by one of their own. I could read this again and again,” said Beth Mynhier of Lake Forest Book Store in Lake Forest, Illinois.
“A slow walk through a fast-paced day leads to heartbreak, hope, determination and a sacrifice that readers will only find if they read to the end. Tilt is phenomenal and one of this year’s best page-turners,” said Desirae Wilkerson of Paper Boat Booksellers in Seattle, Washington.
“K. O'Neill’s new graphic novel is another winner. It speaks to anyone who has ever second-guessed themselves or lost who they are. Two young people, both uncertain in their way, manage to find the answers they seek with each other’s help,” said Amber Brown of Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, North Carolina.
“An achingly beautiful novel, a page-turning thriller, and an ode to the landscapes disappearing before our eyes. It so perfectly captures the deep heartbreak of loving a place in your very bones and knowing there is nothing you can do to save it. Still, the book was full of hope,” said Nina Lundstrom of Maria’s Bookshop in Durango, Colorado.
“Grotesque, wildly funny, and utterly weird, this novel will have you hooked as the new governess enters the dysfunctional halls of Ensor’s House. Feito takes the Gothic and tames it like a misbehaving charge,” said Joshua Lambie of Underground Books in Carrollton, Georgia.
“An engaging YA novel about a young woman riding out a post-apocalyptic world in the bookstore where she worked pre-Storm. A nice mix of trials and tribulations with wry humor and a sweet budding sapphic romance. I was hooked from the first chapter,” said Jean Bartz of Books on Main in Friendship, Wisconsin.
“A beautifully haunting, thought-provoking story about societal views and motherhood that dabbles with witchcraft. There are moments where you laugh, feel scared, and even cry. That’s the beauty of this book: everything comes with a price,” said Caylee Wilson of Midtown Reader in Tallahassee, Florida.
“Don’t let the size of this book fool you! It’s brimming with nuggets of wisdom regarding our relationship to the natural world and pleas for reciprocity in all aspects of living. A wonderful reference for a more equitable, meaningful existence,” said Debra Horan of Booklovers’ Gourmet in Webster, Massachusetts.
