Past Indies Introduce Titles

“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.”

“Hand this to any kid who’s experienced or will experience puberty, any kid who’s navigating their gender, any who’ve endured shifting friendships, and to any kid who’s so much braver than they realize. (That is, hand this to any kid!) I was certain by the end of the second page that I’d love Ollie, and I was absolutely correct. A fierce, honest, and moving addition to queer middle grade fiction collections everywhere.”

“Where was this book when I was young? I loved Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys and later Agatha Christie. Montgomery Bonbon has it all. Quirky, smart, characters and laugh out-loud-funny schemes. Bonnie Montgomery and her grandfather are never seen with Montgomery Bonbon, yet they work so well together. This fun new series is the perfect fodder for inspiring kids to do great things. Fun, imaginative, and downright silly. This will turn the most reluctant reader into a super sleuth, and parents will jump right in the story too.”

“Great Black Hope is a confident, original debut that provides a nuanced look at an intersection of race, privilege, and addiction that is rarely explored. Set in New York City, the novel follows Smith, a young Black man arrested for cocaine possession whose sense of self is at odds with how he is perceived by the world. A must-read.”

“The Sea Gives Up the Dead offers readers a delectable assortment of fantastical, queer, wildly inventive stories with much to say about the intersections of gender and race. If you’ve been looking for a jewel box of tales a la Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber, then this is for you!”

“Tilt is a desperate, undeniably beautiful novel about disappointment and promise and the cataclysmic shift of childbirth. Part Lydia Kiesling, part Lydia Millet, entirely poignant and timely — Emma Pattee’s debut novel is the cli-fi motherhood book we’ve been waiting for.”

“Nussaibah Younis’ witty debut novel fetches a focus on relevant topics on today's societal views of women and what they are capable of. Read it through and embrace the character arc — you won’t put this book down until the very last page.”

“This debut is the thunderous announcement of a brilliant novelist. Tom Newlands gives us Cora Mowat, a teenage protagonist with undiagnosed ADHD, whose singular voice and humor are absolutely unforgettable. Like Derry Girls done by Dave Eggers, Only Here, Only Now is fiercely original, unabashedly Scottish, heartrendingly poignant, and hilarious to the point of tears. I can’t wait to see what Tom will come up with next.”

“For lovers of Mexican Gothic, Midnight Rooms is your next historical gothic thriller. It will sweep you away into 1840s England and a crumbling mansion full of twists and turns. Donyae Coles drags you into a world of supernatural magic, haunting dreams, and uncertainty about what is real.”

“A beautiful and complex look at Iranian women and their struggles on the day-to-day, in their varied and full lives. With its poignant writing, this collection is moving and deep.”

“In gorgeous and fiery language, Chambers invites us into Diamond Newberry’s world. The only Black person left in Swift River after Pop’s mysterious disappearance. Diamond thinks she stands out for all of the wrong reasons. Getting her license will solve one of those problems, but it's also one more thing Diamond and her mother disagree on. As Diamond gains confidence through driving and learns more about the history of her family and Swift River, she begins to imagine something different for herself. Where will that imagination take her now?”

“Brett’s in a downward spiral: his relationship with food has become unhealthy, and despite his support system, there's something major holding him back from asking for help. I loved the honest and vulnerable portrayal of Brett's best-friendship with Reed, who's desperate to help but who feels locked out by Brett's pride and shame. Ostracized but fiercely independent Mallory serves as Brett's Mr. Miyagi, challenging him to frank discussions about race, feminism, diet culture — flipping the script on toxic masculinity and chipping away at his self-loathing. It's Brett's voice, wise-cracking, sensitive, and emotionally raw, that carries his story with a surprisingly light hand. Every page holds love. Every page is a nudge towards self-acceptance. This hero story absolutely demolished my heart.”

“The most wonderful burst of angsty teen nostalgia! I am so in love with Mina, Caplan, and their group of friends. Just when you think you know exactly how this book is going to go, it does the absolute best thing and goes the way you wish it would instead. Honestly,  I was cracking up and tearing up throughout. Daisy Garrison has perfectly captured the banter of the teenage girl, the thought process of the teenage boy (or, sometimes lack thereof), and that achy, wonderful ‘please don't let it end’ pang. Absolutely recommend this to kick off your summer!”

“What starts as a creepy horror book quickly becomes a mystery based on history and the process of acknowledging the wrongs of the past. With a diverse cast of characters, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat while incorporating themes of race, neurodiversity, friendship and family bonds. An interesting, fun, and slightly scary read!”

“If I had to sum up this book in one word, it would be ‘delightful.’ An oceanic universe is the setting for this fantasy with a heart. Sophy and Vyerin examine correspondence between their mutual siblings, E. and Henerey, to solve the mystery of their sudden disappearance. A Letter to the Luminous Deep explores how the power of connection can help us face the knowns and unknowns of life. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!”

“An intricately woven tale of star-crossed lovers, The Emperor and the Endless Palace is a masterful combination of Chinese folklore, queer history, and romance. From an ancient Chinese dynasty to the gay party scene of LA, Justinian Huang transports us through three different eras of Chinese culture.”

“Scott Alexander Howard presents us with a heartbreaking commentary on predetermination and how one person can alter the course of history to create an entirely new present. Filled with raw emotion and expert prose, The Other Valley leaves a lasting impression on how precarious our futures can be.”

“I love this book with my whole heart. Kathy’s memoir is tender and touching, filled with the hopes and disappointments of looking for a place to belong. There is so much heart in these pages! A true gem of a book.”

“This is a rare story where three young girls all battle through their own heartbreaking problems, and their parents’ & caregivers’ (immigration, divorce, cancer) and are still able to find joy in each other’s friendship. There is more than meets the eye with each of them, and the three stories come together tenderly and beautifully.”

"A stunning debut novel that explores family (both biological and chosen), racism and the idea of what a young girl presents to the world as opposed to what she offers the world. Carolina Ixta has written a book that I wish I could have read when I was 18 years old. This book shook me to the core."

“Layered with preteen angst, family dynamics, the power of friendships and allies, consequences, and self-confidence, this book was instantly relatable and down to earth. Jawbreaker gives an honest, raw look at everyday issues in an occasionally humorous way, but also candidly exposes a covert form of bullying and being ‘othered.’”

“The Borrow a Boyfriend Club is an enemy-to-lovers rom-com at its finest. Filled with plenty of humorous and laugh-out loud antics, this book is sure to sweep you off your feet. The characters are authentic and complex as they all try to fit into high school as well as figuring out who they are.”

"Sortino seamlessly blends spoken & signed dialogue, highlights a myriad of systemic issues the Deaf community faces, and showcases community thriving around disability differences. A sweet, summery coming-of-age story (with a hint of romance) that’s equal parts fun and important!”

“A heart-wrenching look at loss and love, motherhood and growth. Featuring gorgeous prose and an intriguing magical realism approach, this novel was captivating and moving.”

“Delicately expressed from the lenses of Minh, Huong, and Ann, three generations of fierce and enigmatic Vietnamese American women, Banyan Moon is a rich and sweeping narrative that shows us the complexities of family, the tenderness that humans owe to one another, and our determination to break toxic cycles.”

“Set in the heart of the American West, Claudia Cravens’ debut novel, Lucky Red, is best described as True Grit by way of Sarah Waters. It’s a delightfully queer and sexy subversion of the western genre that puts a charismatic and hard-hearted harlot front and center.”

“Heartbreaking yet hopeful, And Then He Sang a Lullaby is an incredibly powerful debut for fans of The Death of Vivek Oji. August and Segun are two young college students in Nigeria seeking intimacy and connection while fighting against internal and societal shame and homophobia.”

“An incredibly immersive, honest, yet YA-appropriate novel based on the real experiences of trafficked young women and those who work to free them. This incredible book manages to offer an uplifting and hopeful story without downplaying the incredibly harsh realities its characters, and the people who inspired them, face. A must-read.”

“Fun yet insightful, like if Scooby Doo and the gang had to solve a mystery in a neighborhood dealing with gentrification. I loved the initiative shown by the characters to do everything in their power to stay together.”

“Turtles of the Midnight Moon is magical in more ways than one, but the glimpse it offers into life in Honduras and the challenges environmentalists face there is all too real. Barana and Abby are a dedicated and inspiring team. A wonderful story about friendship, courage, and conservation.”

"Combining Ghanaian pictographs with the grave result of being Black in America, Abimbola honors the victims of police violence. Each person is renamed and reimagined, allowing them to be rebirthed. Abimbola incorporates both Black and African themes into an enchanting collection that is as sacred as a bowl of jollof rice. Saltwater Demands a Psalm is a call that you want to respond to with as much joy as reverence.”

“A compact and powerful novel about a family torn apart by immigration. Set in the 1970s, three siblings leave Vietnam with the dream of living in the United States. It’s a story of survival, family, ghosts, and love.”

“Melding a post-9/11 genderqueer artist’s coming-of-age story with a historical mystery of forbidden romance, Endpapers is an intimate, raw, and profoundly messy quest for authenticity, belonging, and empowerment.”

“As I read The Survivalists, I felt like I was transported from a grounded reality into a world bordering on the absurd. On the surface, it’s a story about folks prepping for a doomsday and a skeptic who attempts to understand them; on a deeper level, it asks how well we really know ourselves."

“In Belinda Huijuan Tang’s novel A Map for the Missing, an urgent overseas phone call alerts university professor Tang Yitian that his estranged father is missing, forcing Yitian to return to his family’s rural village in China and confront the past he’s worked so hard to leave behind. A gripping debut from an author to watch!”

“SIn a collection of connected stories, we follow the experiences of a young man of the Penobscot nation. Talty’s writing about reservation life has a way of making experiences feel both universally human and also uniquely Native American. At times hilarious, and at other times heartrending, this book will immerse you in the way the best literature does.”

“Inspired by African folklore and Arabic mythology, magic and power are intertwined in a world of blood rituals, caste systems, revolution, and giant lizards. A promising kick-off to this epic fantasy trilogy. This should please fans of S.A. Chakraborty’s Daevabad Trilogy, P. Djèlí Clark’s Master of Djinn, or Sue Lynn Tan’s Daughter of the Moon Goddess.”

“Joseph Han crashes onto the literary scene with this wildly original magical realist/political satire/family comedy that piles together a stoner gal in Hawaiʻi, her straight-arrow brother, cranky deli-owner parents, and the spirit of their dead Korean grandfather on an afterlife mission of cultural healing. Smart, funny, sad, bawdy, sweet and sour; if this book were pizza it would be a hot, delicious ham and pineapple.”

“This is the friends-to-lovers romance that my cold, cynical heart really needed. Henry and his first love feelings are a cuteness overload. Full of humor, sincerity, and excellent musical references, this is one of my new favorite coming-of-age stories.”

"After a hate crime is committed in their home, two very different Chinese-American sisters have to navigate how to deal with this incident without tearing their family apart. There is so much packed in this novel and I am in awe of its beauty."

"Presented with great illustrations, digestible science-based breakdowns, and — of course — spooky stories, this page-turner is bound to be a hit with any young nature lover, science fan, and adventurous reader you know. One small book for Bigfoot, one giant plea for being kind — to all of nature and its wonders.”

“Such a wonderful book of animals and the magic of nature. I was brought to tears too many times, remembering what it was like to struggle in a world that couldn’t listen. I loved this book and can’t wait for another generation of readers to fall in love with reading because of this magical story.”

“Fresh, funny, and big-hearted, The Sign for Home is a sparkling debut guaranteed to keep you turning pages as you follow Arlo Dilly (a DeafBlind Jehovah’s Witness) and his ragtag band of misfit friends on their quest to find the love of Arlo’s life. It is a coming-of-age story like no other, full of humor, drama, and all of the highs and lows of a young man whose world is just beginning to expand.”

“An epic novel that spans decades and continents, starting in China in 1938 and going through  modern-day U.S. We follow Meilin and Renshu as they flee China, seeking refuge and trying to survive. Decades later, Renshu’s daughter, Lily, wants to know her family history — to know who she is by finding out where she comes from. A beautifully written, arching story that wraps you up and whisks you away.”

“Red Paint is an ode to Indigenous legacy; to the punk-rock scene; to the self; to the legacy of trauma and the power of rebuilding; to the ancestral wisdom of those who have lived before; and to the strength inherent in us. Told through poetic prose, LaPointe guides readers through an exploration of her ancestral roots and present struggles of self, all while relaying the historical echos of colonialism and genocide in the present for Indigenous communities. Haunting and powerful, LaPointe’s intersectional memoir tells of lineage, healing, and hope.”

“OMG! I instantly fell in love with this book from the first page. I love Prince, and the influence he has on his friend group. We need more Princes in the world. Honestly I could say so much more about it, but do yourself a favor and just read it. I literally hugged this book when I finished it. So, so good!”

“A wonderfully told tale of family, friendship, grief, and longing. A Comb of Wishes explores what happens when legend and real life meet. When a powerful mermaid is determined to reclaim what is rightfully hers, Kela begins her journey to discover what really happens when you get the one thing you most want in the world.”

“When black high schooler Bree Matthews has the chance to escape her family grief by applying to an early college program at a local university, she jumps at the chance. After being attacked by a shadow beast, Bree learns of a secret society of predominantly white men called Legendborn, who must battle and vanquish the evil that enters our world. With wit, charm, and determination, Bree is a force to be reckoned with and a heroine to root for.”

“Wow! Lora Beth Johnson takes the literal ‘deus ex machina’ and turns it on its freaking head. Several times! Andra wakes up from cryo-sleep 1000 years too late to help her family, but just in time to help Zhade the exiled. He wants to grab ‘Goddess 3’ and return home the hero. But Andra isn't here to live up to someone else's expectations. And she is not the Goddess you were looking for.”

“I can only hope that all young, emerging witches get aunties as great as Effie’s. Having to move to a new home is hard, but learning that you are a witch is even harder. This is a magical tale about learning what makes you special, what makes others special, and what makes a family. The Witches of Brooklyn is a sweet, honest, and joyful read.”

“Cattywampus has everything: friendship, enemies, a very charming raccoon, magic, ancient family feuds, and zombies. Set in Appalachia, this is the story of Delpha and Katybird, two girls coming of age in very different situations. Funny, smart, and inclusive, the only way to describe this book is as a good ole’ southern yarn!”

“Following three generations of women bound up in patterns of intermittent poverty, religious fervor, violence, and the fierce but fraught bond between mothers and daughters, this powerful and heartfelt novel swept me off my feet. "

“Nine Shiny Objects is a big novel with big ideas and a large cast of misfits. It feels particularly prescient during America’s current obsession with both the grifter and the cult narrative. It’s fun and also makes you think — totally worth the ride.”

“Christina Clancy delivers a delightful escape to a beloved family home in Cape Cod. One fateful summer, everything goes awry, causing the family to fracture. Yet family love prevails, although not in expected ways. Clancy’s debut novel engages every emotion as this family struggles with secrets and misunderstandings. A fantastic summer getaway.”

“Sirens of Mars is a deeply personal memoir about the search for signs of life on Mars. Despite the attention to scientific detail, this is an easily readable book. Johnson ultimately shows us how the story of Mars is also a story about Earth. A must-read for anyone with an interest in the red planet, and anyone who is keen to hear more voices from women in science.”

"Funny and enjoyable. Stay Gold is the classic boy-meets-girl romantic comedy with characters that break the traditional tropes of a rom-com. When Pony transfers schools to get a fresh start with his gender identity he falls for Georgia. Trans characters are treated with respect and given full personality beyond ‘being trans’ which was refreshing for me as a non-binary reader. Gold star for Stay Gold."

“If you’re looking for engrossing, high-stakes fantasy, you need this emotionally rich, gorgeously written novel. It’s about about power that winds up being about love, sacrifice, honor, and family— that we choose and are given. Raybearer is absolutely brilliant, gripping, and one-of-a-kind. I can’t wait to read more from this author.”

“This is a rare coming-of-age, magical realism, coming-out, scientific quest, sister-struggle, animal-loving, letting-go, best-friend tension-filled, epic family drama that is perfect for tweens. It hits all the right notes in a story that is hard to put down and even harder to forget. Open yourself up to its magic.”

“Yumi Chung has a dream of being a standup comedian, but her parents aren't on board. Suddenly, Yumi finds herself in a situation to attend a summer camp with her all- time favorite comedian, except everyone thinks Yumi is someone else. This book is hilarious, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at once. And in the end, you absolutely will be standing up and cheering for Yumi Chung!"

“An astonishing look at a new widow's attempt to make sense of her husband's death and her newfound independence, through which she rediscovers her love of painting, forms new and profound bonds, rekindles previously dormant familial relationships, and ultimately finds peace in uncertainty. Set in Beijing and Tibet, Braised Pork is a poetic reflection on life and all of its meandering, unpredictable messiness.”

“A lonely young woman is assigned to be the director of the mammal collection of London’s Natural History Museum upon its evacuation to a sprawling country estate at the onset of World War II. Dark forces are afoot as she navigates her relationships with the domineering widower and his mentally fragile daughter who reside with their servants at Lockwood Manor. Why are taxidermized animals from the collection disappearing? What were the circumstances surrounding the death of the lady of the house? Gothic and mysterious with a hint of Upstairs, Downstairs, The Animals at Lockwood Manor will keep you turning the pages until the dramatic ending when all is revealed.”

“On a winter break vacation with her family, Alison, an 18-year-old college freshman, goes missing – only to turn up dead several days later. The mystery is never solved, and the family attempts to go on with their lives. Years later, Claire, Alison’s younger sister, is living in New York City when a chance encounter draws her back into that fatal vacation. Desperate to find the truth, Claire obsessively stalks a man once connected with her sister’s death. A combination murder mystery/coming of age story, Saint X is filled with twists, turns, and foreshadowing.”

“The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenez is set over the course of millenia - a snapshot of humanity on the brink of Earth’s climate meltdown and that same humanity flung far into the future and across star systems. This is at once a space opera and meditation on mourning. It is a queer coming of age story and an exploration of the nature of trauma. It shows the courage of loving another blindly, and the desperate pain of that love. This is science fiction at its best - a sideways glance at the realities of the world we live in, refracting the nuance and complications of life through its lens. The Vanished Birds speaks to where we are now by showing us where we can go - and asking us how much will really change when we arrive.”

“This book, the story of gun violence on a university campus and its aftermath as told from the perspective of a student, the shooter, and a teacher, is truly remarkable. I could not put this book down. With some of the most breathtaking passages about love and loss that I have ever read, I will be thinking of Bloomland for a very long time.”

“An absorbing narrative that alternates between the delights of falling in love and the excruciating grief of suddenly losing a spouse. Told in Carolina’s voice, the story tenderly and unsparingly conveys not only the intricate aspects of her romance with Aksel but also the many levels of mourning that came with finding herself widowed young and with a child and wondering if she might have contributed to her husband’s untimely passing. By shifting back and forth in time, the book gradually converges on a tragedy that’s already known, then extends toward an uncertain future filled with new love but also fresh questions.”

“I'm blown away by the fact that this stunning work is a debut effort. It's a sweeping history of our country and the traumas we have yet to fully heal from, spanning the American South in the 50s through the early of Obama's presidency. It's told through a series of narratives that connect unexpectedly and beautifully, exploring the many nuanced layers of the human condition with each emotional character arc. The writing is both powerful and restrained, one of sparse but evocative details that quietly crack your heart wide open when you least expect it. I've been thinking about this one for weeks now and suspect I will be for many more to come.”

“Far more than an entertaining survey of needlework, this debut work from Clare Hunter weaves the history of the human race through its stitches. From the author’s early descriptions of the Bayeux tapestry to Mary, Queen of Scots to British soldiers and prisoners of war, it’s a story told in panels both large and small, but all utterly captivating. Do not miss this one.”

“All the Impossible Things touched my heart in the way that only truly fantastic middle-grade lit can. The struggles of a mother’s addiction and a daughter’s loyalty are tempered with love, friendship, and one cool tortoise. This is the perfect book.”

“A fun, realistic pair of love stories that accurately address the challenges of meeting your parents’ expectations while going after what your heart wants. Twists, turns, and humor bring light to nuanced prejudices. A frank, funny read.”

“Every so often, a book comes along that hits all of your favorite things and knocks it out of the park. For me, Shatter the Sky is that book. Dragons? It’s got ’em. Queer person-of-color protagonist? Check. A world reminiscent of Avatar: The Last Airbender? You got it! Wells delivers sharp, nuanced political commentary and a fast-paced plot full of intrigue and deception that will delight fantasy fans everywhere.”

“How do love, family, friendship, and hope survive when life and nature are twisted beyond recognition, as bodies, trust, and bonds are repeatedly tested and torn? This story of girls locked in an ever-changing, ever-escalating battle to uncover the truth and survive the unimaginable thrums with power, fury, and an achingly beautiful tenderness. An absolute stunner.”

“Maya Motayne’s Nocturna is the fantasy that you’ve been waiting for. With the sneaky cleverness of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval and the moral grayness of Marissa Meyer’s Renegades, this Latin-inspired tale provides just the right amount of magic (both legal and illegal) and adventure, as heir-to-the-throne Alfie and shape-shifter Finn race to stop the terrible darkness they’ve released.”

“Herman’s novel is part horror, part fantasy, and one great read. After experiencing a family tragedy, Violet Saunders and her mother move back to Four Paths, her mother’s hometown. Violet soon learns that there is a beast hiding beneath the surface of the town. Especially recommended for fans of Stranger Things.”

“After Jack and Kate’s meet-cute at a college party, where they immediately hit it off, Kate quickly becomes a major part of Jack’s life. But then Kate dies. Jack begins to time travel in order to prevent her death and is transported back to the beginning of their relationship. Funny and suspenseful, this is a great story and a great new voice!”

“Jane Girl and her Pop are mostly always just enough for each other, except when Pop slides into sadness and drinking and has to go into rehab and get fixed up. An honest and accessible novel about alcoholism for the older elementary reader, told richly and compellingly.”

“You don’t have to be a fan of Karen and Georgia’s much-loved podcast, My Favorite Murder, to appreciate Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered—this how-to guide is for absolutely everyone. Grab a copy for every young woman you know who’s graduating, every co-worker who needs a pick-me-up, and every friend who needs some good advice.”

“Fifteen-year-old Ilya is torn between two worlds: the deep South where he lives with his fundamentalist student exchange hosts and the drug-infested underworld of his native Russia. A tautly strung story that is part murder mystery, part love story, but wholly memorable, with well-drawn characters.”

“A fresh, staccato-paced novel about a young Jamaican-British woman in London dealing with the tribulations of family, romance, and a career. Carty-Williams paints the city and her characters masterfully with writing that is honest and real. The novel confronts the stereotypes of race head-on with originality and clarity. She is an author to watch.”

“Dana Czapnik’s debut is a wise and beguiling novel about coming of age in the 1990s. Each page holds insight into what it feels like to be a young woman in her final year of high school, struggling to navigate her future world. This heroine will not be forgotten! I can’t wait to read what Czapnik writes next.”

“After his violent death, Samuel Johnson inhabits multiple souls as he strives to reunite with his now orphaned young son. Traveling between dark humor, unfathomable tragedy, and tracing the history of television in America, Martin Riker's outstanding debut novel illustrates how the human spirit can persevere.”

“Kwon’s debut is a deeply uncomfortable experience that opens the reader to discussions of faith, passion, and mystery and how one responds to loss, without providing any tidy answers. Through the lens of Kwon’s characters, readers are reminded that the sometimes-anomalous groups that commit terrible acts justified by their belief in extremist, creed-driven ideologies are still formed of individuals. A stellar reminder that the most effective antagonists are those who believe they are the protagonists of their story.”

“This solid debut from Irish author McTiernan provides a compelling story that spans two decades and multiple mysteries and examines the ways that public servants can provide resources for those in need or fail them utterly—or worse. But the core element that wins my praise is McTiernan’s constant reminder that characters’ deaths leave holes in the other characters’ lives—they are not just plot devices to drive a whodunnit, but individuals who are mourned.”

“Marinka has tired of the nomadic life she lives with her Baba Yaga and their magical house with chicken legs, helping to usher the dead into the afterlife. When Baba disappears, it’s up to Marinka to find her and save the magic of the house. Help comes from unlikely sources, and the new family she builds for herself is a delightful testament to found families and community resilience.”

“The Cardboard Kingdom is a clever and fun celebration of self-expression and imagination. With short, graphic vignettes of the different kids in the neighborhood—and the alter egos they develop through their cardboard costumes and creativity—we get to know a bit about the diverse range of characters in Any Neighborhood, U.S.A."

“Three young women, each with her own deadly secret, discover that one of them will ascend to the throne of their dying father. Treachery and black magic intermix with sisterly loyalty and ill-fated romance. Your heart will race as quickly as your fingers turning the pages of this smart and captivating debut novel.”

“Take everything you think you know about The Little Mermaid and set it aside, because with enchanting prose and wickedly clever twists, Sea Witch blows it all—quite literally—out of the water.”

“Quirky is an understatement for this rollicking ride of a story! Cadavers, talking heads, barbershop quartets, and one plucky eighth-grader by the name of Fovea Munson make this fun from start to finish!”

“All I can say is thank goodness the ’80s are back in fashion, because this gem of a book is best read sitting in front of a TV tray in a recliner. Inspired by Vanessa Williams’ 1983 Miss America win, a headstrong and pushy teacher, and a supportive and scheming grandfather, Vanessa Martin braves the small-town pageant circuit, the potential disappointment of her father, and the challenge of being dark skinned. Vanessa touches the dreamer spirit in all of us, and I cheered her on right through to the end.”

“This book is not an easy read. The Dangerous Art of Blending In is brutally painful, both in its depictions of Evan Panos’ family and his awkward, lonely life at school. But read it anyway! Because Evan is a kid worth rooting for as he decides in his senior year to take risks and stand out. His realistic struggle to move beyond pain and open up to friends, love and his future, is an honest, heart-wrenching testament to human resilience.”

“This compelling contemporary read features an unapologetic Indian-American heroine trying to navigate crushes, dreams for her future, and the expectations of her family in a world where her culture is routinely misunderstood. A timely read that deftly tempers difficult topics with levity and a wonderful narrative voice!”

“A Lucky Man is a short story collection I plan to recommend to everyone I know. Rarely do collections capture as many different voices as this one does, and each story is powerful on its own and as part of the whole. Jamel Brinkley has brought us characters from all walks of life who are recognizable in their struggles and their humanity. These people could be anyone you see on the street, yet Brinkley uses them to show us profound truths about ourselves and those around us.”

“An arresting, fiery book that’s ambitious in its aims, an inherently metaphysical novel that illustrates a singular worldview with confidence and verve. And it’s all done with a focused, original voice."

“A heart-wrenching story of a child forced to lose his innocence. Set in the Australian outback in the years of settlement, Only Killers and Thieves is a brutal filleting of frontier life, race relations, and the ambition of men. The characters are unforgettable, and the writing is effortless yet juicy. Such a great read.”

“In her debut memoir, Mothers of Sparta: A Memoir in Pieces, Dawn Davies’ voice is so unique and strong, I felt like I was in the company of a straight-shooting best friend—one who tells it like it is, never withholding the often messy, terrifying experiences women and mothers must face. Davies takes on all subjects—spirituality, desire and dreams, divorce, children in peril—and she invites you into her private meditation on life and her search for answers to the experiences she has endured. Often gritty and raw, Davies’ essays have the feisty gravitas of works by Roxane Gay. For readers faced with keeping up appearances and hiding the complexity and difficulties in their lives, Mothers of Sparta is liberating and will help many feel less alone. You can’t help but have tremendous compassion for Davies as she processes her past, present, and future. Davies inspires the reader to set aside pretense in order to save one’s spirit. Mothers of Sparta stays with you for weeks, months, and likely years because of Davies’ ability to dig and deliver. I will be passionately promoting this spectacular debut. It is the most powerful memoir I have read in years.”

“I loved the slow-burn mystery quality of this book. It reminded me of Everything I Never Told You in its focus on character instead of plot. It’s a whodunit with the bonus of rich, wonderful characters and good writing.”

“Lee is a 17-year-old girl who has gotten into a bit of trouble. Not that she is innocent, or completely guilty either. She runs with the wrong crowd, steals something that is not hers, and now she is on the run with nobody to turn to. Rose takes readers into the underbelly of Philadelphia, the sections that people have abandoned, to solve the mystery Lee has fallen into, which has to do with the famous artist Duchamp. Rose melds together information and story methods with amazing skill, drawing on secret societies, hacking, art theft, conspiracies, drugs, and so much more. This plot moves; it does not slow down until it reaches the conclusion, which will have you gasping for breath. Such a brilliant journey.”

“Against the backdrop South Africa in the 1970s, Hum If You Don’t Know the Words follows Robin, a young white girl whose parents were killed, and Beauty, a black woman who searches for her activist daughter in the aftermath of the Soweto uprising. Bianca Marais has written a crisp, clear-eyed story that doesn’t shy away from the racism and devastation of her home country’s apartheid history, while also showing that family and love can come in many forms.”

“Morrigan is cursed. Not cursed with warts or short height, but well and truly cursed. Every bad thing that happens to people around her must be a result of her curse. It is a lonely existence. In a world of giant talking cats and umbrella transport, this novel wraps the reader in the joy of wonderful world-building and classic middle-grade fantasy. After turning the last page, readers will be hungry for the sequel.”

“Twelve-year-old María Luisa (aka Malú) has moved from Florida to Chicago with her mom. For Malú, ‘fitting in’ doesn’t fit on her list, as the first rule of punk is ‘be yourself.’ Celia C. Pérez takes the ‘new kid’ story and infuses it with freshness and terrific energy.”

“An Enchantment of Ravens is one of the most original and beautifully written fairy stories I have read in years. Rogerson’s depth of knowledge about mythology and fairy lore shines through the crafting of this story. Isobel, the gifted human artist, and Rook, the fairy prince, pursue a quest to save themselves from the harsh traditions of the fairy court.”

“The Epic Crush of Genie Lo is here to fill that Buffy- or Sailor Moon-shaped hole in your life. Warm, action-packed, and absolutely the most fun you’ll have reading a book this summer. Give Genie Lo a CW series!”

Sky pirates! I repeat: sky pirates! When young protagonist Honorine finds herself swept away on an adventure to the literal stars, she shows us a fantastical world where magic and science swirl together in a bubbly concoction of steampunk goodness. From a fleet of mechanical flying pirate ships to a collection of constellations come to life, this debut has all the ingredients for the beginning of a wonder-filled adventure series. 

The Ethan I Was Before is quietly engaging, heartfelt, and authentic. Sometimes the most meaningful books are not the ones that hit you over the head with issues and drama, but the ones that slowly unfold to tell you a personal story. Standish does just that, through a unique setting and well-drawn cast of supporting characters.

Tina does not exist. This is her express wish, as thieves who are seen are caught and Tina cannot afford to be so careless. She has a killer to catch. Thus we are introduced to the protagonist of Anderson’s thrilling City of Saints and Thieves, a novel set in the teeming and cacophonous Sangui City, Kenya. We discover that Tina’s mother was murdered and the culprit is Tina’s next target. But knowing who killed her mother does not prepare Tina for why, a revelation that will shape the rest of her life. Anderson’s ensemble of characters is dazzling in its scope and depth, a skill that is only exceeded by her crafting of Tina. Resourceful and loyal, Tina is a young woman burdened by the mantle of adulthood too soon who does whatever she must to outsmart her enemies, avenge her mother, and protect herself. This is a powerful narrative that explores human resilience and loyalty in the face of unspeakable oppression.

Tom Grendel cannot catch a break. His long-time crush, Willow, has moved into the house next door, Willow's brother (a bro if ever there was one) has started throwing wild parties every night, and Tom's dad, an Iraq war veteran, is suffering from PTSD triggered by the noise from the parties. What's an introverted young lawn-mower to do? Retaliate, of course, with the help of his best friend, college-age sister, and an artisinal pig farm...This couldn't possibly end badly...With shades of John Green and Jesse Andrews (without the rip-your-heart-out tragedy), this novel will delight new and old fans of contemporary YA alike.

In this debut, author Unnikrishnan shares stories of laborers brought to the United Arab Emirates to do menial and everyday jobs. These people have no rights and no fallback if they have problems or health issues in that land. The laborers in Temporary People are sewn back together when they fall, are abandoned in the desert if they become inconvenient, and are even grown from seeds. As a collection of short stories, this is fantastical, imaginative, funny, and, even more so, scary, powerful, and ferocious.

This book could not be coming at a better time. Amidst a calamitous political landscape, Americans today seem wary of their fellow citizens and suspicious of one another’s beliefs, religion, and ethnicity. Forsthoefel does an amazingly wonderful job showing us that our fellow citizens are not to be feared, but instead are to be celebrated for their humanity and their heart. Setting off to walk across the country after graduating college, Forsthoefel aims to get to know the people in the world by taking the time to listen to as many people who cross his path. And the stories he brings us of the individuals he meets along the way, in addition to his own personal journey, are insightful and ultimately uplifting. A thoughtful and inspiring portrait of America today. 

From the very second I began reading Fridlund’s debut novel, History of Wolves, I was captivated and excited. You just know when you have something truly special in your hands. The voice of 14-year-old protagonist Linda reaches out and grabs you by the throat. This is a debut author immensely talented and fully in command of her craft.

Escaping to London from her isolated Orkney Island home, Liptrot self-medicates through her 20s until she has lost her lover and most of her friends and belongings. She questions her sanity. From reflecting on her upbringing by a bipolar father and a very religious mother to the bitter and occasionally hazy kaleidoscope of events in London and the eventual need to search for healing, The Outrun is Liptrot’s health and spiritual journey. Liptrot’s voice is so strong and so true, it is impossible not to care about her. Stumbling to understand her alcoholic choices and looking for change, she returns to the isles. In The Outrun, which is part personal revelations, part Orcadian history, and part nature observations, Liptrot chooses a mostly solitary life, using technology to stay in touch and to explore the isles. The minute-by-minute struggle to stay sober counterbalances the ebb and flow of the ocean and winds and the passing seasons. This debut is striking and compelling. I was enthralled by Liptrot’s descriptions of the islands, their history, geology, and living beings. I rooted for her recovery and personal discoveries.

“After Catherine is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she doesn’t believe that she’ll survive. She knows that, while right now she’s ok, soul-crushing depression, which she calls Zero, is coming for her. So she decides that she won’t let it get her — she’ll end things before it hits. But she has a few things to do first. Catherine’s bucket list becomes an unlikely source for change as she begins to find hope where she never expected it. This book absolutely floored me. It tore me apart and rebuilt me, in the best possible way. It is by far the best depiction of depression that I’ve read in a very long time. I spent the last half of the book in grateful tears, filled with a deep recognition that gave me hope for life and love for Catherine. I cannot express enough what this book meant to me. Read it. It’ll change you.”

“Nina cannot sleep at night, because every time she closes her eyes she sees inside the mind of a killer. As Nina tries to stop the murders from happening she makes a shocking discovery.This book is a fantastic read. I was hooked from the first page and could not stop reading until I was done. Don’t miss this one!”

"Raul is a loner — the only child not picked up on the weekend. Or is he? The language leaps from the page with imagery as we delve into his magical weekends, which teem with animal references, Native American themes, and serious childhood problems. There is something in this for everyone.”

"This novel is full of those take-away-your-breath lines, the ones you want to write down and keep in your pocket for when you need them. Ari joins the ranks of heroines like Lyra Belacqua or Liesel Meminger, girls who take the worst society has to offer and turn it into strength and kindness.”

"Homegoing spans 300 years, beginning in Ghana and ending in America. The story is beautifully rendered, with characters whose sufferings and triumphs you share. You are given insight into the history of the slave trade and generations later, we see the impact on the lives of individual characters. It's a stunning debut! Not to be missed!”

“This moving novel establishes its unique tone and lyrical beauty from the opening sentence and sustains that level through a multi-generational story of the tension of loyalty to family and home against the lure and opportunities of the outside world."

“A Whole Life is an elegant, compact, and atmospheric tale of a life in the Alps, of time passing, of changing times, of loss and love and war. The writing is precise and the mood intense. It is the perfect book for a quiet, rainy day with a cup of tea.”

Tuesday Nights in 1980 exudes an alchemical talent. Only magic can explain Molly Prentiss’ pitch-perfect evocation of the excitement, energy, and squalor that were palpable in NYC’s art world at the dawn of a new decade.

Born on a Tuesday is a compelling debut novel set during the time of a Nigerian politcal uprising that is at once frightening and horrific, yet authentic and compassionate. Masterful.

Dacey’s perfectly crafted short stories of a blue-collar Massachusetts town and its unforgettable characters are told with dignity and heart. They reflect the hope and determination of people who still have further to go. This is the debut of a naturally gifted storyteller.

Infused with the haunting melancholy of a Southern Gothic novel, Only Love Can Break Your Heart is a suspenseful tale of heartbreak, betrayal, and timeless love. This is, without a doubt, my favorite debut novel this spring!

Put M.T. Anderson, Cory Doctorow, Andrew Smith, and Hunter S. Thompson in a blender and you will get Sean McGinty’s brilliantly funny debut. It is a coming-of-age novel like no other. McGinty has expertly crafted what is sure to become a cult classic for the tech generation.

The world of fandom is a fascinating and terrifying place. Watching someone wake up fromliving that dream (or nightmare) is told here with an obvious love for the drama and flair of a 1980s cult film. I loved this book, and cannot wait for more from Moldavsky.

The Girl from Everywhere has everything—mystery and adventure, complicated people and relationships, romance and intrigue, and that extra something special necessary for a really good read.

Nathan’s mother was a white witch.  His father is the most evil black witch that ever lived. His schoolmates avoid him. His sister hates him. The Council of White Witches in Scotland, England, and Wales want to monitor his every move. And even though his Gran and his younger siblings love him, Nathan knows he doesn’t belong. Not really. Not anywhere. If he’s a white witch like his mother, can he be accepted?  If he’s a black witch like his father, will the Council destroy him? If Nathan can’t control what he will become, can he at least survive to find out who he is?  Half Bad is a gripping allegory of racism, love, and destiny.

Diggy had one goal for 8th grade: win Grand Champion at the state fair. That is, until Wayne’s dad dumps him on Diggy and Pop’s doorstep: “He says you’re my dad and I have to live here now.” The next year is spent training steers, pranking brothers, teaching and fighting, doubting and trusting, hating and loving. This blue-ribbon writing full of truth, pathos, humor, and 4-H tells a story of fathers, sons, and a brother who discovers himself and a family he never knew he needed.

Sundaram's clearly written and concise account of working for the Associated Press in the Congo is an addictive, informative, and fast-paced read. Fans of Katherine Boo's Behind the Beautiful Forevers will find much to like.

Helene is in Paris, living in an attic room of her uncle’s home. What Helene discovers in the house and about her family make for a delightful adventure.

Independent bookseller Jamie Kornegay has confidently announced himself as a voice to watch. SOIL is a tension machine, tightening the screws on the increasingly paranoid Jay Mize in a way that’s impossible to put down.

Cecilia Ekbäck’s tale of Swedish Lapland in 1717 gives insight into the land and people of the far north – and is hard to let go.

My heart is still bleeding for Braden, days after finishing CONVICTION, which I highly recommend for both adults and teens.

Outrageous with a rollicking pace, this debut in which everyone knows the date they die will leave you breathless and charmed.

I count this book alongside some of the most beautiful things I’ve had the privilege of holding. I feel so, so lucky to have read it.

I loved this book for its utterly relatable characters, its enticing narrative voice, and pitch perfect representation of an all-girls school social dynamic.

This novel is funny, dark, weird, and addictive. A unique, engaging way to tell a story and a fresh way of looking at American culture, youth, and class. At turns I was reminded of Christopher Moore and Chuck Palahniuk, but Lynn's voice is all his own.

Urza's novel unfolds slowly, moving backward, as it reveals its characters' histories and their interconnectedness in the wake of a moment of violence. Even better, it offers a window into contemporary Basque culture, pressed between the Spanish state and an ethnic pride that can be manifested in violence, even when it's what no one wants. Atmospheric and unhurried, this is a small-town story with international resonance.

THE WATCHMAKER OF FILIGREE STREET is a magical work of historical fiction that really did make me lose track of time. This is a really fun read!

Moonshine, marijuana, and meth in a multigenerational tale of betrayal, brothers, and bloodshed. BULL MOUNTAIN ain't no Walton's Mountain!

What if characters like Junie B. Jones and Ramona Quimby had been Mexican-American girls with concerns about immigration, culture, and language? That’s  the flavor of Look Both Ways in the Barrio Blanco. When Jacinta is paired with a mentor who is a white, TV news reporter, her eyes are opened to a much bigger world. The narration is charming, Jacinta is funny, and there’s so much depth to this book. The author is able to address issues of race, culture, and wealth in a way that younger readers will understand.

Multiple viewpoints show the literal and metaphorical journey of two 10-year-old boys: Henry from Vermont who loses his best friend in a tragic accident, and Zavion from New Orleans who loses everything in Hurricane Katrina. Readers will love this character-driven story of friendship, healing, and hope. A moving and poetic story with a dash of suspense.

How far will one go when one unconditionally loves another? How powerful is love - can it actually make you believe something or make you take incredible risks? Madeline, who is allergic to the outside world, is about to find out the answers to these questions when she falls in love for the first time and begins to see beyond the walls of her home. Beautifully told in verse, journal entries, mind-maps, and illustrations. As Madeline uncovers her deepest emotions and the truths she holds about the world, the reader partakes in a love story of unforgettable emotion.