“This is a great graphic novel memoir about growing up with a high support needs sibling. It doesn’t shy away from the hard aspects of that situation, and depicts them in a matter of fact and love-filled way,” said Katie Orphan of Orphan Books in Los Angeles, California.
“You have a middle grade reader who is aging out of middle grade? Do you need an introduction to YA that is clean fun? A love story that will stay with you? This is the PERFECT book for it. It all takes place in the baseball world in a small town, and it’s an enemies-to-lovers story. Plus, it's so incredibly cute. Loved it,” said Andrea Iriarte of Molly’s Bookstore in Melrose, Massachusetts.
“Dazzling, Irish-inspired worldbuilding and a meaningful look at what it means to be powerful make Her Hidden Fire an unforgettable read,” said Jenny Chou of Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“The Free Verse Society gave me everything I want in a YA book and a romance: flawed characters trying to figure out who they are, real stakes, and a slow burn, sweet romance…The way these two characters struggle, make mistakes, write poetry, and find each other is beautiful and heart-rending,” said Fisher Nash of Carmichael's Bookstore in Louisville, Kentucky.
“Tess and Corby’s unconventional romance made me fall in love with falling in love. When Tess tried online dating, she did not expect all of the feelings that arose from her first date with Corby. The idea of falling in love with a man in a wheelchair was difficult for Tess to rationalize. The wholesome honesty and candid account of their romance will give everyone hope that love is worth fighting for!” said Kristin Pidgeon of Riverstone Books in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“A beautiful (and funny!) story about a young Muslim boy navigating his faith and identity. This story will find its way into your heart like a perfectly-folded origami,” said Elisa McIntosh of The Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid, New York.
“Every Happiness is a stunning and unflinching debut! Amidst its luminescent prose, you will find complex, flawed characters you can’t help but root for and themes that come alive on the page. The longing Reena Shah infused into every word is so painfully potent that it blurs the line between reader and character,” said Cassie Goodwin of Loudmouth Books in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“Raw, heartbreaking, and unflinching — A Clean Hell exposes the hidden torment inside America’s supermax prisons. Eric’s story is more than survival; it’s a wake-up call. Gripping and timely, this book is a powerful reminder of the hidden truths within our justice system and a must-read for today’s world,” said Ambir Moore of The Book Lovers Era in Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
“I have never been as in awe of a book as I am after I finished reading A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing! Alice Evelyn Yang weaves generational trauma with the mystical in this sweeping family saga, told over three generations from Japanese-occupied Manchuria to modern day New York City. An absolutely heartbreaking novel that I will never get over, this debut is not one to miss,” said Haley Calvin of The Novel Neighbor in St. Louis, Missouri.
“Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore not only delves into the intricacies of running a Black bookstore, but also explores the vibrant narratives and rich experiences within these spaces. It offers a deep dive into the triumphs and trials that bookstore owners face, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the dedication and passion involved. It highlights the cultural importance of Black bookstores, showcasing their role in preserving and promoting Black literature and thought. This book is a celebration of love, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Black bookstores,” said VaLinda Miller of Turning Page Books in Goose Creek, South Carolina.
