“This book is unbearably cute, with great characters, an exciting story, and some of the best creatures you've seen since Pokémon. I loved Pacheco and hope to see more of this world,” said Frederick Rossero of Oblong Books in Millerton and Rhinebeck, New York.
“Such a roller coaster of emotions in this stunning debut. It makes you question class, privilege, race, and what it all means in American society. This book will make you question life, it will make you uncomfortable — most of all, it will pull you in until the very last page,” said Kim Brock of Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, Ohio.
“Grace made some big changes last year, and is finding a new sense of balance as she begins her senior year. Can she stand on her new foundation amidst the triumphs and defeats, and epic highs and lows of high-school football? Tender, awkward, joyful — this book has everything,” said Jessica Hahl of Books Inc. in the Bay Area of California.
Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett are the co-creators of Trans History: A Graphic Novel, a Winter/Spring 2025 Indies Introduce YA nonfiction graphic novel selection, and May/June 2025 Kids’ Next List pick.
Combs and Eakett sat down with Suzanne Lucey of Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina, to discuss their debut title.
“Jemimah Wei crafts a beautiful story in The Original Daughter, exploring a woman’s relentless determination to succeed despite her efforts not yielding the anticipated results,” said Dave Suiter of pages: a bookstore in Manhattan Beach, California.
“There is no getting away from death here. However, there’s a subtlety that resonates throughout the wonderfully smooth and lithe prose that makes these tales a joy to read. Absolutely fantastic!” said Randy Schiller of Left Bank Books in St. Louis, Missouri.
“Kyle Casey Chu does a miraculous job showcasing the importance of equality and open-mindedness, as well as fabrics and sequins and being fierce!” said Kristine Jelstrom-Hamill of Buttonwood Books & Toys in Cohasset, Massachusetts.
“All the Noise at Once is a captivating read about Aiden — a Black, autistic teen — and his love of football, his struggle with identity, and his fight against injustice after a jarring experience with the police. I cheered Aiden on to the very end,” said Kalli King of Rediscovered Books in Boise, ID.
“Young Ollie struggles to grasp the diaphanous tendrils of their future self in the face of puberty, especially when everyone around them seems to have already figured out where they belong. A gentle classic to add to any middle reader's shelf,” said Jessica Hahl of Books Inc. in San Leandro, California.
“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.
