“Emmy is on the move to a new city and a new understanding of herself. As she develops new skills, she realizes she has more talent (and friends) than she thought. Her discoveries prompt us to wonder what creativity we might find in ourselves.”

“There’s a word Jayson Greene uses a handful of times in Once More We Saw Stars: ghastly. The accident that killed his daughter—the subject of this memoir—is ghastly, indeed, yet out of his unfathomable loss has come this beautiful, devastating book. Here is a story of sudden tragedy, boundless grief, an enduring marriage, and persuasive hope. Not since Emily Rapp’s The Still Point of the Turning World has a parent written about a young child’s death with such wisdom, grace, and insight. Once More We Saw Stars is stunning, and readers will be changed.”

“This is one of the best fantasy books I have ever read. Imagine Danaerys Targaryen going to Hogwarts, but with more history and care sprinkled throughout the story. To Shape a Dragon’s Breath is a triumph of the fantasy genre, and Moniquill Blackgoose is a bright new star in the literary sky.”

“Hokeah tells a memorable, expressive story that is at times difficult but ultimately redemptive. The lasting impression of this book is largely due to his portrayals of the importance of family and community as Ever navigates life.”

“I was quickly drawn in by the voice of this epistolary novel, but the intimacy of Leyla’s crises, both existential and real, swallowed me whole. As she waits for a decision about her visa, Leyla is torn between countries, between dreams, between selves — and her private insights critique not only her experiences, but society as a whole. This book speaks to the working class, to millenials, to anyone who has been lost between a dream and a harsh reality.”

“These lyrical essays struck my soul in the most beautiful way. Horn’s writing is both sumptuous and austere and this pensive text covers a broad range of topics with beauty and grace. Lovers of art who challenge your way of seeing the world will find a happy home in Voice of the Fish.”

“The Bird and the Blade is a slow burn in the best sense of the phrase. While it takes time to sink into the world of 13th-century Mongolia and surrounding China, the historical weight is well worth it by the book’s end. Based on a tragic opera, the tale of princess-turned-slave Jinghua and exiled prince Khalaf is treated expertly, and the tension rises as every chapter passes, as the stakes get higher. The turns and the ending (no spoilers here) come as truly unpredictable shocks—not something that I can boast about often!”

I loved LOVED this book and you will too!  This book can go in the stack of "Oh, have you read this one yet?  No? Oh great! I can't wait to hear what you think.  See you in a couple days after you finished!"

“Slay is a stay-up-until-2:00-am-reading kind of book. Morris is a genius and has done the world a service by allowing readers a window into an intimate conversation about identity and racism. This book is important and I am obsessed.”

“Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark bring the breeziness of their popular podcast, My Favorite Murder, to print in this collection of life hacks and true confessions. Alternately hilarious and wise, the two play off of each other with the abandon of old college buddies. Fans of The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a Fuck will find much to enjoy here. While the book is a stitch, the advice the pair doles out is solid and bankable. The book should be in every college freshman’s backpack as they leave for school.”

“Lucky Red is the cinematic, feminist, queer western that I need everyone to read so we can fangirl about it together. Reminiscent of Deadwood and Westworld, but centered on the women of the brothel, Claudia Cravens flips the script and offers readers a fresh take on the ‘Wild West’ of 1870s Dodge City. You’ll find yourself wholeheartedly rooting for Bridget (aka ‘Red’) despite wanting to shake some sense into her at times. Sidle up, have some whiskey, play some cards, pay for a poke, and gear up for a hell of a good time!”

“Among the countless books using fantasy storylines to speak to the reality of growing up and forming your own identity, this book stands out for its unique plot and seamless interweaving of magical realism, magic realms and beings, down-to-earth emotions, and universal experiences of early adolescence. When I put this book down, I was left with a very complex set of emotions thanks to how it honors the complexity of the human experience.”

“This is a charming story of family figuring things out in the long wake of grief after losing their beloved father. When mother must show up for writing seminars she has committed to and the favorite family friends who were going to take care of Caterpillar and Chicken are unexpectedly unavailable, Mom sends them off to grandparents they have never met—barely heard of! Lily takes both of the children under her wing in ways they both need—she’s a natural. But Macon is awkwardly feeling his way. And Cat has a dickens of a time trusting either of them—after all, why did Mom stay away for so long and never tell them about these grandparents? A new friend and learning to fish help melt the ice, and a family is finally reunited. The additional layer of Mom being a children’s book maker with characters who (just happen!) to share her children’s nicknames adds a touch of insider whimsy! I loved this book!”

“The siren song of redemption is hard to resist for Evie, who has been ostracized by her fishing village following the drowning of her friend Anna. Not a noble and not trusted by the villagers, Evie has attempted small magics to help turn the meager catches of the village to plenty. She is tempted to greater magic, outlawed by the crown and punishable by burning at the stake, when a strange girl, Annamette, appears in the cove. Annamette falls rapidly in love with Prince Niklas, and all sorts of love shapes get bent and broken as Evie keeps trying to fix things only to have worse pile onto bad in waves. Evie is a creative, ingenious young woman who has carried a great deal of guilt not her own. Her sorrow, guilt, and desire are very intriguing, and one can see the vestiges of the strength and insight into the human (and not-so-human) heart that could make her a formidable antagonist in someone else’s story. I look forward to revisiting Evie and seeing what else rises from the depths.”

“Couldn’t-put-it-down good! It’s a story that just keeps calling the reader back to find out…what is the secret of Hollow’s End?!”

“Fans of Naomi Novik's Spinning Silver will LOVE The Wolf and the Woodsman, a fresh take on folklore-based fantasy, with grisly romance and weird magic, infused with the scent of paprika. In a land of ambulatory trees, witches in disguise, and flesh-hungry sprites, our protagonists navigate their woundedness and political peril to find themselves. This story of a woman born between worlds, cultures, and peoples, learning to wield her inborn power, is addictive, grim, dark, sexy, and thought-provoking.”

-Amanda Qassar, Warwick’s, La Jolla, CA

“A definite slow burn that requires patience that pays off. Évike is one of the magicless pagans who lives by a monster-filled forest. Her village sacrifices her and gives her to the Woodsmen who serve the king so that the king can steal her magic. Of course, one of the Woodsmen is the prince, and the two bond as they fight monsters, both in the forest and in the palace. This book has magic, love, monsters, folktales, and family. But above all, it shows the fragility of nation-building as well as the dangers of hatred, ethnic cleansing, and religious zealotry. Comps to Naomi Novick and Katherine Arden are well deserved.”

“Azalea Centre knows who she is and what she wants, and everyone else can just be damned. That attitude impacts just about everybody in the tiny town of West Mills, North Carolina, for better or worse. And that is the beauty of this debut. So much of what seems will be the worst turns out OK as folks forgive without forgetting and move forward. A beautiful story about strong women and the men who love them.”

“While navigating her family and new teammates, a 13-year-old girl dreams of becoming a star basketball player. A perfect sports book for young girls but also a wonderful book with a great message and story that suits non-sports fans. This is a true gem!”

“Possibly the most entertaining nonfiction I’ve read in years. I guarantee a smile and/or an egg & chicken pun in every chapter. Even with all the specific details about the poultry industry, the read is light and easy and the author really makes the whole idea of backyard chickens a fun and funny prospect.”

“This is your classic ‘chosen one’ high fantasy, but told with such a sense of self that it stands out. I believed in this world, I rooted for Syla, Anoor, and Hassa, and I was kept engaged by the action El-Arifi had going in this book. More than anything, having Black characters represented in conjunction with strong mythology was great to see. I can’t wait to see where the series goes!”

“And We Rise is an extraordinary history-in-verse of the Civil Rights Movement, written in haunting language and unflinching honesty. This book belongs on every shelf and in every classroom.”

“During a time when representation is so important, this book really spoke to me. Mermaids are beautiful creatures and my whole life, I never thought they looked like me because I never saw a mermaid that slightly resembled me. But Natasha Bowen has created a world where mermaids look like me, my Momma, my sisters, my grandmother...they have natural kinky, curly hair and skin in every shade of brown that represents my family. Skin of the Sea is a beautiful book that is a blend of history, African mythology, and a fantastical world that will ensnare readers. Black history is so much more than pain and trauma. This book celebrates all the positive and uplifting aspects of African culture and history during a time of great tragedy. It showed me the resiliency of my people in the face of unspeakable pain. This book moved me and it should be shared with the world.”

“Shapland's book intertwines her experience of archiving Carson McCullers’ personal effects with a fresh understanding of McCullers’ life as a lesbian through the deep examination of therapy transcripts, love letters, and a residency in McCullers’ childhood home filled with her everyday household objects. Shapland’s work closes the gap between researcher and subject and lays bare the bias inherent in any biography. The book’s vignettes alternate between McCullers’ life and Shapland’s, creating the sensation of peeking in the window at moments in both women’s lives and coming away with a deeper knowledge of McCullers through her effect on Shapland.”

“It’s impossible not to love this story, which is full of heart and a touch of magical realism. Foster kid Ruby wants nothing more than for her mom to overcome her addiction and act like a real mother. After some time, she learns to trust the Grooves, her foster parents, and grows attached to the giant tortoise in their petting zoo. As Ruby struggles to cross off all the impossible things from a list she and her late grandmother made, she learns the true meaning of family. A beautiful, forceful book. Ruby will bowl you over.”

“Kweku Abimbola’s collection is a dazzling appreciation of Black life — its heritage and traditions, joy and pleasure, its daily, bodily, physical incarnation. It’s also a powerful, deeply moving reckoning with the systematic murder of Black people in America, and an effort to eulogize and come to grips with the common, extraordinary violences perpetrated against Black life every day. It reaches both backwards, to Ghana and a pre-American cultural past, and forwards to a life beyond violence, where life and beauty and Blackness and joy and possibility coexist in a single, uninterrupted river.”

“Morgan Talty’s collection of stories, Night of the Living Rez, reads more like a novel than short stories. Talty has created pacing unique to this book with his words, tone, and spacing between chapters. A rhythm that, for me, evokes the rhythm of Native languages. He has beautifully crafted, thoughtfully imagined, and brings unflinching honesty to life on the reservation in each chapter. Talty writes boldly of the Native contemporary plight and brings the struggle and strength it takes to live now. From a struggling adult through manhood, we follow David through life, through addictions, hoping to survive. He is surrounded by family and friends, all believable and beautifully flawed. There will be inevitable comparisons to writers such as Tommy Orange, Brandon Hobson, or even Louise Erdrich, all authors of great importance; Morgan stands solidly alongside these voices in his own right. Night of the Living Rez is a book of a generation, and Morgan Talty is a writer to watch.”

“This compelling and honest memoir is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Ly and her family emigrated to the United States in the early 1990s. Once here, they lived well below the poverty line, struggling and scratching out a life. Ly’s father was imprisoned in a ‘re-education’ camp in Vietnam for over ten years. and those emotional scars and PTSD resonated through their family life. The biggest fall out was her father’s refusal to believe that Ly needed glasses from the third grade on. Reading about Ly’s deteriorating eyesight, even though she excelled at school, was really stressful. There is a fair amount of introspection as Ly tries to understand her parents and about mental health issues. She’s generous and not quite forgiving, but understanding that their past affects her future.”

“Reading this was just as entertaining as actually playing a 1v1 with your gaming crush — and then some.”

“Finally, an Arthurian retelling that isn’t treading the same path! Legendborn is the story of a magical black girl named Bree who finds herself wrapped up in a secret society at a privileged college while trying to understand the untimely death of her mother. Bree is hilarious, sharp, and filled with righteous anger, as you will be while reading this book. With wonderful characters, an incredibly clever twist on a familiar story, and excellent writing, this is a truly perfect summer read!” 

“Marie and Laurent were a happy young couple with good careers, living in Paris, and looking forward to starting a family. Their life was sweet. As the story opens, that happiness has shattered. Marie has poisoned her family, both her loving husband and the child they wanted. This powerful novel shows the disintegration of a woman’s being. Marie is destroyed when her boss, a man she trusted, a married man with a position of responsibility, rapes her. She changes from a confident, loving woman to someone tormented by what has happened to her, unable to confide in her husband for fear of how he would view her in the aftermath, convinced that the child she bore was the son of her rapist. This powerful novel exposes the suffering of a woman at the hands of someone in power, someone she should have been able to trust.”

“This book is intense, compelling, and like nothing else. Set in an increasingly surreal situation, the characters and their relationships are nuanced and unique in their realness. The book, like the girls in it, is graphic and terrifying and beautiful. Like them, we can’t stop looking for answers and we can’t look away.”

“Always searching for that piece of fiction about a character you’ve not met before? Set in a place and/or time you may know well but so focused you see it a little differently? Well, look no further. Dana Czapnik has created that novel. Smart, basketball-playing Lucy Adler is coming of age in 1990s New York. Told with wonderful detail and amazing insight, you will not forget this.”

“A coming-of-age story that grapples with race, (sex)uality, and religion in transformative ways. Paul Mendez has crafted an enlightening story that is rich with culture and resolute in challenging the black queer monoliths in literature. We need more stories like this!”

“Soccer phenom Spencer has moved to a new school. He meets a guy he really likes, he’s having a great season, and then he’s benched when an outdated law says he can’t play because he was born a girl. As a transgender kid, he was threatened at his old school and thought he’d be getting a new start. Is he strong enough to do this all over again? Will he ever get a chance to be the person he was meant to be? This is a story for today.”

-René Kirkpatrick, University Book Store, Seattle, WA

“This book is so delightful and had me smiling the whole time — THIS is the trans boy joy we all need to read and have in our lives.”

“Whew! What a wild ride Goddess in the Machine is. From the very beginning, Andra’s struggle to orient herself after waking up from cryo-sleep and finding herself on a brand-new planet is felt acutely. But that’s nothing compared to her shock at waking up 1,000 years after she is supposed to.... and learning that the people of this planet think she’s a goddess. With the help of a man (jerk) named Zhade, she journeys to a domed city to try to figure out what exactly happened while she was asleep. Meanwhile, she must keep her goddess facade up so the ruler of the city and all its citizens don’t do to her what they did to the last two goddesses who awoke. Goddess in the Machine is a truly original story that features some incredible twists that I never saw coming. I’m a fantasy lover at heart, but this sci-fi gem has definitely won a place on my shelf.”

“Efrén, an 11-year-old boy who lives with his Amá, Apá, and two younger siblings Max and Mia, goes home and finds that his world has irrevocably shifted as Amá, his Soperwoman, has been suddenly deported across the border to Tijuana. As his Apá works around the clock to raise money to try to bring his Amá home, Efrén faces mounting and overwhelming responsibilities, more than any eleven-year old should have face, in taking care of his siblings, managing school, and worrying about how to get his Amá back home.  From Ernesto Cisneros, Efrén Divided is an important, timely, and impactful book that looks at the oft-overlooked impacts of immigration and deportation on the families involved, and while it does not shy away from the difficulties faced, it is also a book filled with hope and courage.”

-Nathan Halter, Lahaska Bookshop (Doylestown, PA)

“Seventh grader Efrén lives with his Amá, Apá, and two rascally younger siblings, until the day he comes home and discovers his Amá has been deported. Efrén’s sweetness belies the deep well of strength he is forced to call on as his father works longer hours, leaving Efrén to take care of his brother and sister. While filled with plenty of joy (Efrén’s goofy best friend is a highlight), Efrén Divided underscores how immediately a life can become unmanageable—unable to tell anyone at school his mother was deported, for fear that his father (also undocumented) will be targeted, Efrén is thrust into the impossible position of needing to act like a grown-up while still being a child. Author Cisneros holds up a mirror to our world, and readers will see both Efrén and themselves within.”

“Character-driven science fiction where the technology and space setting serve to explore questions of what it means to be human.  What happens to memory, love, cruelty, loyalty, loss, relationships, and coming-of-age when time is elastic and the Earth that we know is long gone?  Wonderful writing and well-drawn characters make this existential exploration a pleasure to read.”

“A complex system of magic, a fascinating cast of characters, and an entrancing romance make The Merciful Crow a can’t-miss debut. Sabor is a kingdom built on injustice, and Fie and her Crows suffer the worst of it as the lowest caste. When Fie’s clan is pulled into a plot surrounding the heir to the throne, she uses it as an opportunity to get leverage and protection for her clan. Using every bit of her magic and might, Fie swears an oath to protect the prince on his journey, not knowing just how far it will take her or what it will cost.”

“A Wolf for a Spell is an enchanting and immediately moving new story. It reads like mixture of classic parts of the Baba Yaga tale and a spellbinding new voice including some new wild magical animal perspectives. The book comes to life in its rollicking plot and vivid details. Whether they are good or bad, the wolves in this bewildering story have their own abilities and can change their fate! To learn how the wolves and Baba Yaga and their powers collide, read A Wolf for a Spell!!”

“This debut novel is a puzzle worth working out — don’t give up! Castleberry cleverly entwines nine characters over 50 years, a tribute to America as we struggle to ‘become enlightened’ while also understanding those who reject new ideas.”

“Hazel, you glorious little badass! I loved everything about this story! Hazel is funny, smart, insecure, and ultimately, brave. My nerdy, introverted, middle school self needed a book like this. A book that shows that it’s not ok for girls to be treated like their bodies are a distraction and something they should have to apologize for. A book that says that it’s not just ‘boys being boys,’ and that ‘he just likes you’ is not an excuse for reprehensible behavior. And a book that celebrates young women finding their voice and speaking up for themselves and other young women. I can’t wait to read more from Maggie Horne.”

“Red Paint is like Terese Mailhot’s Heart Berries, but with punk rock and poems. It's a memoir of looking back to move forward; of connecting lines of lineage to find one’s place; and of healing from the traumas, losses, griefs, and violences of the body, mind, and soul. A lyrical memoir honestly told in a voice grounded in earth and guided by spirit, LaPointe’s voice and ancestral history need more prominent space — both in the world and on our bookshelves. This is one debut to make room for.”

“This book blew me away. Virginia effortlessly updated the 'comedy of manners', blurring time periods, and creating a darkly funny mystery. This book will haunt you until you reach the breathtaking conclusion, and you'll remember Mrs. March for a long time to come.”

“Saint X, an exotic Island, is this year's vacation destination of the Thomases, their 18-year-old daughter Alison, and her seven-year-old sister Claire—a much-needed escape from their frenetic New York life style. Amid the white sands and the alluring Caribbean Sea, the day before their scheduled return home, Alison goes missing. Life for the Thomas family becomes a devastating frontpage headline when Alison's body is found and foul play is suspected. The psychological fallout as the family grapples with the possibility that Alison was murdered becomes a Petri Dish of obsessions for her parents, her sister Claire and for me as I read this novel from beginning to end in one sitting.”

“This modern epistolary YA novel paints a rich picture of a young woman finding her place while learning about her mysterious family history and ancestral home. The main character is wonderfully sarcastic, snarky, fun, and unique.”

“Villasante tackles immigration, identity, and loss in this gorgeous novel with a magical realism/sci-fi twist. When Marisol agrees to become a grief keeper in exchange for asylum for herself and her younger sister, Gabi, she gets more than she bargained for. Rey, her corresponding test subject, is drowning in sorrow, but as she begins to heal at Marisol’s expense, the two are drawn together in a beautiful and inextricable tangle.”

“Few seasoned novelists—let alone a first-time novelist like Madhuri Vijay—are able to construct scene after scene with compelling interior drama, tension, and forward momentum. You never want to stop reading as Vijay skillfully combines a personal journey and a family mystery with a political examination of the Kashmiri-Indian troubles. Shalini, the narrator of this extraordinary work, has a mother who immediately belongs on any shortlist of literature’s great characters. If I read a better novel in 2019, then 2019 will become my favorite year of the 21st century.”

“Thirteen-year-old Nikki is thrilled to make an elite travel basketball team, but the stress that comes along with it can be hard to deal with. How she handles that stress and how she becomes more of the Nikki she’s meant to be is what makes this book truly wonderful, along with an authentic voice and a wonderfully diverse group of family and friends. A pitch-perfect middle grade novel for all to love!”

“Each sentence in The Incendiaries is its own experience, its own sensation. Some are highly polished gems or candies that fit under the tongue. Some are vines bearing fruit and sharp deadly thorns and flowers with an unearthly smell. Some are hard as a fist. That R.O. Kwon has created a compulsive, hypnotic narrative from sentences like these is a prodigious accomplishment, maybe even something to be a little afraid of. A total knockout.”

“Reading Fox & I was like sneaking my father’s worn copy of Sand County Almanac out to my childhood treehouse all over again. Raven fills her pages with wilderness, introspection, and perfect literary nuggets. A book about books, a book about nature, a book about self discovery, a book about what we can learn if we are paying attention, and a book about what we learn when we let ourselves become distracted.”

“Based on a powerful true event, author Dobbs tells the story of her family's immigration, the Mexican revolution, and changing roles of women with vivid details and a strong protagonist. The book will appeal to a wide age group from late elementary up, and draw readers beyond the pages into its important time and place.”

-Hannah Amrollahi, Bookworm of Omaha, Omaha, NE

“High school sophomore Will Daughtry—just shy of five feet tall—wonders if he will ever grow any taller. When he comes across his stepbrother kissing his best friend (and secret crush), he feels more alone than ever. And then he starts to grow. And grow. And grow some more. His new height means new opportunities and new relationships, but it also distances him from his closest friends, who mean so much to him. A wonderful coming-of-age story with an almost unbelievable premise and a wonderful voice!”

“Della Kelly has a lot of work to do on her family’s farm in Maryville, North Carolina. There’s a drought, her sister Mylie is a terror, and Mama is ‘sick.’ As Della struggles through her own bout of magical thinking—believing herself the cause of her mother’s schizophrenia—she must learn to trust and rely on her friends and neighbors. With hints of fabulism (I love magical bees) and an immense amount of heart, Della’s summer is full of lessons about self-reliance and trusting your ‘tribe.’ It was a delight to watch her rely on the strength of her best friend, Arden; the wisdom of Miss Tabitha, The Bee Lady (and her magic-imbued honey); and the deep love of Miss Lorena, who also shares her books. This is a testament to the village it takes to raise a family and keep it whole. This warmed my little Hufflepuff heart—I didn’t even need a mug of hot cocoa.”

“I savored every minute of this romp. I loved Mimi and her drive to be less invisible in her big family full of go-getters. The South Indian foods, well-defined in the glossary, added another layer of flavor to the story. The baking contest, reminiscent of The Great British Baking Show, was full of surprises, and the hints of magic and allusions to A Midsummer Night’s Dream were perfect. The included recipes are the icing on the cake. I can’t wait to make the savory scones for my co-workers.”

“Finding the good in the bad is the hardest part of life! Remembering that every experience teaches us something is a good life lesson. Speechless shows the reader that even the worst situations can teach us something about ourselves and the world around us.”

“I was hooked from the beginning! I just wanted to know what would happen to Marinka, Yaga, and the house with chicken legs. The story takes you on an adventure full of twists and turns and makes you think. Loved it!”

Clever, romantic, magical -- my ideal book from beginning to end. This is what I wanted A Court of Thorns and Roses to be, and akin to what Uprooted is: a lovely, sophisticated young adult fairy tale."

“This is a book with teeth, with fire, and with a bloody, beating heart. White’s speculative horror YA takes us to a world filled with grotesque monsters — both human and not — and furious teens fighting for their right to live. Just as Benji sheds his skin to become a dark creature of wrath, Hell Followed with Us warps our own world inside out, showing the ugliest and brightest parts that humanity has to offer.”

“It is not often that I reread a debut work almost instantaneously, but Mrs. March clawed her way over my waiting stacks and into my hands for two consecutive curl-up-and-read-the-whole-thing days. Feito expertly sets her cinematic scene and pulls you deeply into the perfection and neurosis of Mrs. March. It is a tumultuous love-hate experience with every new step into the life of this witty, presentable, but broken woman. It made me hauntingly aware of my own harsh glances at my imperfections, and how hopeful one can be for a world we merely play a role in. Dark and delicious. I can't wait to discuss Mrs. March with customers . . . perhaps over a freshly baked loaf of olive bread.”

“This was the book I locked myself in my room to read because I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters and their impossible choices. The first chapter brought me to tears and imbued the entire novel with a sense of hope, which I clung to when I couldn’t see how this story would end. For Prestige television fans, think Succession meets Orange is the New Black: cutthroat power dynamics, singular characters, and intense, emotional motivations and backstories. This is the definition of an immersive read.”

“I was hooked from the first line of Grown Ups, Marie Aubert’s wickedly fun novel about people behaving badly: ‘Other people’s children, always, everywhere.’ Sibling rivalry, midlife crises, and uneasy adulthood all come into play in this delicious trainwreck of a book.”

“Being simultaneously blunt and heartfelt is a difficult thing to manage, yet Darius the Great Is Not Okay pulls it off. The well-balanced combination of candor and sincerity takes this story of self-discovery and self-acceptance and makes it into something refreshing, honest, and special.”

"This is actual, proper social and political criticism, folks. All Rights Reserved takes place in a future where every word you say after age 15 is copyrighted and incurs a fee. The protagonist, Speth, doesn't set out to be a revolutionary, but when events on the day of her birthday cause her to choose not to speak, she's thrust down the path of reluctant heroism. Katsoulis does an excellent job illustrating her journey to becoming a leader of this silent rebellion. The world of All Rights Reserved is, by nature of the dystopian genre, extreme, but Katsoulis' exploration of poverty and the crushing, inescapable weight of debt felt very, very real. I also really liked that this is (mostly) a much less action-packed revolution than, say, Katniss'. This book is (mostly) about silent, peaceful protest, and I found the sections of the novel where Speth's understated -- ha! -- heroism inspires others to action incredibly moving."

“Aside from being cute as all heck and sweet enough to cause cavities, this collection of interwoven tales (all surrounding a neighborhood and the children within it) is riddled with lovely, thoughtful, important messages. I will be buying a copy of The Cardboard Kingdom for every child I babysit for, and do not plan to leave them alone until they’ve read the entire thing!”

"The new guy at school is hunky. The new guy stands up to bullies. The new guy is a bit of a trouble maker and strangely athletic. The new guy has a hairy tail? The new guy is the Monkey King, an ancient Chinese god who follow his own rules. The new guy has his eye on Genie Lo. And Genie wishes he didn't. Oh, and did I mention he is hunky? This is a face paced delicious twist on the bad-boy-at-school young adult novel. Genie and the Monkey King are both struggling to live their own lives. Genie so she can move out of her neighborhood and into a good school. The Monkey King because well..he's the Monkey King."

“This incredible debut brought music to my brain, sunlight to my vision, and such deep, vibrant, and yearning love to my heart. A simple kissing dare between Henry and his best friend Len opens up feelings of wanting and belonging that neither had realized until that night. With senior year wrapping up, so much is changing already between family and friends — what does this mean for their friendship? Henry Hamlet’s Heart is a gorgeous coming of age worthy of being ranked with Aristotle & Dante and Love, Simon.”

“I can’t wait to put this book into readers’ hands and share this amazing story with others. It’s an epic saga that opens in 1938 in China as the invading Japanese army approaches, and a mother and son are forced to flee their home and struggle to survive. Ultimately the story spans generations and continents all the while examining the past as well as the power and terror and beauty of our very humanity.”

“When a modern jetliner explodes over Kansas for no apparent reason, Charles Radford is part of the investigative team sent from the NTSB to determine what happened. The team finds the usual broken airplane, broken bodies — and a story of a survivor who fell from the sky. Radford’s job shifts from identifying the victims to finding this survivor, whoever they are – and even if they exist at all.  Erin Geraghty is flying to San Francisco to a cancer-survivors retreat – even though her cancer is still trying to kill her. After falling 30,000 feet and landing in a farmer’s barn, she walks out of the hospital, determined to disappear once again.”

“Two intertwined families. Fifty-plus years. The Vietnam War. Many forms of love. Guilt. The lasting effects of trauma. Sibling rivalry. With The Travelers, Regina Porter has crafted a brilliant non-linear story across wide canvas. This book will grab you from the beginning and leave you breathless, with an appreciation of what it means to be human, to be American, and to be a part of a family.”

-Sally Wizik Wills, Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery, Park Rapids, MN

"Quirky and serious at the same time, this is a novel I will revisit in the years to come.”

“Tumultuous and tender, this fantasy novel took me to my roots with Hungarian mythology. I could almost feel my grandmother sitting on the edge of the bed telling her careful stories, always dished out with lessons of morality and humanity. There might be many sides to a coin, even many coins, but right and wrong are always clear.”

“In this fresh retelling of Tristan and Iseult, Shannon Dunlap weaves a contemporary version that is just as intense, jarring, and full of romance as the original. There is an instant connection when Izzy moves to Tristan’s neighborhood: the doctor girl and the chess boy—could anything be cuter? When Tristan’s cousin comes into the picture and wants Izzy for himself, things get a little complicated. Both readers that are familiar with the 12th-century tale and those who aren’t will be quick to enjoy it, although perhaps with a bad bout of butterflies.”

“Coming to you in brisk glossary entries, the combined effect of A Key to Treehouse Living builds as a river—a surprising force of earnestness and wisdom.”

“Wilson’s verse slows and somehow makes bearably immediate Sophie Scholl’s evolution from an idealistic and spunky teenage member of a loving, middle-class German family to a wily, stubborn saboteur of the Third Reich as a member of The White Rose. The outcome is history; she and her brother Hans and a fellow soldier are put to death for refusing to name their co-conspirators. But the quality and beauty of the poetry tell this true story, illuminating the irony, horror, and reality of Sophie’s life in a way that will make readers want to read all the way through and will leave all with a deeper understanding of this time in history we need never forget.”

“Being summoned before the Kolonyan throne is never a pleasant experience, especially when you’re hiding treasonous secrets. Zofi, Flo’Ren’cia, and Akeyla all fear the worst, but when they are confronted with a stranger secret—that they are all the daughters of King Andros—their secrets now have far greater consequences than they realized. Proud Zofi, cunning Ren, and empathic Akeyla must compete for their father’s throne, but they aren’t the only ones with secrets. This fantasy thriller, with a vibrant world, a fascinating magic system, and a more twisted political landscape than Scandal, was a great puzzle to solve. The ending was full of intriguing twists, and I can’t wait to see who makes it out alive.”

“Dan Unmasked has everything you could want in a book: sports, comics, friends, humor, and heart. Something for everyone. Oh… and superheroes. This story shows that not all heroes wear capes. I will be thinking about this story for a long, long time to come.”

“A beautiful and gentle novel in verse about a girl in the midst of the fallout of 9/11. DuBois focuses on the aftermath of that day and the repercussions that followed for months and years, including having a father who is deployed following the attack, a friend at school dealing with Islamophobia, and the loss of her aunt in the Twin Towers. Dubois covers everything you could want to cover about the attack, but in a way that makes it super relatable and easy to digest for young readers.”

“This YA historical mystery had me gripped from the first page!!”

-Robyn Broderick, The Reading Bug (San Carlos, CA)

“I was struck by the depth of this gripping story. Seol’s quest for answers about her own past are a fascinating counterpoint to her investigation into a grisly murder. The meditative quality of the narration of this historical mystery felt perfectly suited to the Korean setting and the backdrop of political and religious struggles. Seol’s courage, curiosity, and dedication make her a character I can’t get enough of. Let’s hope this is the start of a series.”

“When Maggie’s parents send her to her grandfather’s house in the hopes that fresh air will help her stutter, she never expects to find a snow leopard cub in the forest — or to be the only person who can save him. Set in 1960s England, this dual-narrative middle grade debut is both powerful and charming. A perfect read for fans of Katherine Applegate and Sara Pennypacker.”

“Goodbye machismo culture! We are moving on! Edgar Gomez’s memoir is a beautiful coming of age about what it means to be a gay Latinx man in a culture that still struggles with accepting the queer community within it. I laughed, cried, and continuously rooted for Edgar. It’s rare to have books like this in the world and I look forward to the joy people in the queer Latinx community will find when reading Edgar’s story.”

“I loved this sweet, entertaining novel that will get readers thinking about truth and justice. Zoe is a loveable character — determined to earn the right to audition for a baking show, fed up with her former best friend/still-next-door-neighbor. Her reaction to a letter from her incarcerated biological dad is curiosity, and it just might get her into a whole lot of trouble! I really identified with Zoe's preteen withdrawals but also her passion for baking. Fun to have a book set in Boston, and important to read a book that addresses the inequalities of our criminal justice system in such an approachable way.”

“This book is the very definition of a little gem. Margaret Renkl grew up in Alabama, deeply rooted in both her extended family and the surrounding natural landscape, and this book is both a memoir and a collection of musings about the natural world. Renkl writes so beautifully about her experiences with love, grief, and her family’s history, and deftly demonstrates how the minor miracles happening outside her window — with birds, animals, and flowers — mirror so much about the human condition. Just lovely, in every sense of the word.”

“By turns brutal and subtle, this little gem of a novel packs a deceptive punch. It’s a tale of shattered innocence and the dramatic shift from childhood to puberty to adulthood, though even at its most violent, there is an undeniable thread of optimism that wends throughout. Sibling love, growing pains, goats, alienation, taxidermy — as in real life, it's all here.”

“As YA fantasy grows ever more complex, Shatter the Sky stands out as having a classic feel — familiar, simple, but impeccably executed. Maren’s quest to steal a dragon and rescue her girlfriend is, at its heart, a politically driven story about risking it all, digging deep and then deeper, and discovering who you are along the way. I couldn’t put this down and I can’t wait for more!”

“Shatter the Sky is a book of epic world-building, incredible heart, and one explosive ending. I cannot wait to see where Rebecca Kim Wells will take us next!”

“Bryan Washington’s stories embrace a Houston that is a riot of cultures crossing boundaries. They frankly address racial, sexual, and economic realities, and how they all collide and converge. Alternating glimpses into the life and loves of a boy growing up black, Latino, and gay binds the work together to create a rich, immersive saga. Lot is impossible to put down.”

“This perfectly imperfect family captures the wanting that is life- what could have been, what might still be, the pain of loss. What we want, what we lean in to and what we walk away from, what we yearn to return to. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.”

“Yes, it is a YA romance, and yes, I loved it. Korean American friends Frank and Joy come up with a scheme so they can date the white people they know their parents will disapprove of. Through Frank, we see how race and identity affect his relationships — friends, parents, extended family, and romantic interests — all in an engaging and heartfelt story.”

-Joan Trygg, Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, MN

“Frank Li, a boy of many names, is the kind of guy who looks for love in all the wrong places; specifically, he gets a crush on a fellow student who isn’t Korean like his parents want. The experience of first love is as sloppy, frenetic, and chaotic as you would imagine, but Yoon takes this chance to create a constellation of wonder connected to Frank’s heavily divided heart. As Frank falls deeper in love, he’s struck by his parents’ past, his ideas of the future, and the inevitable conflict of his present. Frankly in Love is an astounding debut with no easy answers but enough soulful discussion to make one lose one’s head and heart.”

“As we sink in to All the Impossible Things, we find that Red has a secret that she is not ready to tell the world, but when her life goes out of control, she may not be able to hide it too much longer. She is off to yet another foster home and resigned to another bad experience, but what she finds instead is a cast of characters who hold her up and let her be who she is. The story is beautifully glazed (not frosted!) with magical realism that will keep you reading and wondering.”

“This is entertainment that smashes expectations of sexuality, gender, and race. For Queenie, a miscarriage is the beginning of a long and painful journey out from under the bell jar, but she inspires with her grit and humor. Queenie is all the more remarkable because of its rich supporting characters. Seldom have I read anything so tremendously funny, and so moving.”

“This is a really funny story about two budding witches from rival Appalachian families who accidentally bring their feuding ancestors back from the dead. But as they rush to send their witch relations back to rest, they discover they have a lot more in common than they thought. This is a great friendship story and I love that it includes an intersex character.”

“Yolanda's beloved grandmother is dying and social services is knocking on her door. She doesn't exhibit any of the wondrous skills that the other women of her family have, but she's determined to help her dying grandmother fulfill her last wish: a trip to the mysterious pecan tree on their property. Along the way, she discovers family stories and secrets she never knew and the importance of dealing with both life and death. Into the Tall, Tall Grass is a magical story with family secrets, a charming cast of characters, and emotional life lessons.”

-Jackie Jou, Mysterious Galaxy Books (San Diego, CA)

"A touching and sad story with a great take on magical realism—a tradition of Latin literature. Yolanda and her friends are unique characters from each other and give any reader a character they can relate to. It's got it all, queer characters, STEM, magic, frenemies, legends, and mysteries."

“The perfect middle grade book for fans of mystery and puzzles. While reading the book, you will want to be part of friend group, The GEEKs, as they go through town on a treasure hunt to solve the puzzles left by the famous puzzle maker, Maxine, in order to save their town. This book is filled with heart, dynamic friendship, and you won’t be able to put it down.”

"The Keeper of Night is dark and delicious — dripping with vivid descriptions of Yokai and Shinigami that completely immerse the reader in the world of Japanese mythology. Ren wants nothing more than to belong — and because her mother was a Shinigami, the British Reapers will never fully accept her. Action-packed and light on the romance, this book will keep readers up at night as they race to the end to find out if Ren will succeed in her quest!"

-Kelsy April, Bank Square Books, Mystic, CT and Savoy Bookshop & Cafe, Westerly, RI

“Fitting in is hard — especially so when you're the daughter of a British grim reaper and a Japanese Shinigami. To the Reapers, she's a monster, but to the yokai and gods of Japan, she's still a foreigner. To understand her culture and her very identity, she'll have to overcome mortal challenges...and perhaps even death itself. The Keeper of Night is a page-turning, demon-slaying story of one girl's epic journey to find herself in a world in which she cannot exist.”

“A fast-paced, magical coming-of-age adventure in a world readers will be eager to spend time in.”

“This book had me crying AND cheering on the subway. It’s an age-appropriate indictment of global sex trafficking that’s also inspiring and illuminating. I loved Heera’s commitment to her family and friends and her unwillingness to ever give up hope. A powerful story about courage, community, and kicking ass. Highly recommended!”

“Jia Jia finds her older husband dead in the bath, unexpectedly and mysteriously. There is a drawing of what can only be described as a ‘fish man’ nearby, and now you can't stop reading. Searching for answers, Jia Jia begins a journey that will take her into the heart of Tibet where she will meet others seeking answers to life, love and death. Filled with magical realism, Yu’s writing transports you to places you never knew you needed to go! The writing is taut, and the characters complex in this mystical debut!”

“It’s 1941 in West Mills, a small and mostly African-American North Carolina town, and Azalea ‘Knot’ Centre is totally uninterested in conforming to anyone’s expectations of her. She’s fierce, intelligent, and confident in her love of booze and sex. And when her parents cast her out, she finds her family in a handful of close friends and neighbors...all of whom have problems of their own, of course. De’Shawn Charles Winslow has created a terrific group of characters and put together a wonderful story of lifelong friendship — and the secrets and choices that go along with that territory.”

“There Goes the Neighborhood does so many things well that it’s hard to blurb! A group of best friends fight back against the gentrification of their South LA neighborhood; Rhea’s fresh, funny voice serves as the perfect counterbalance for this often-stressful and infuriating story. With plenty of organic representation (including disability, neurodiversity, and LGBTQIA+), folks of every stripe will feel seen. If Matthew Desmond’s Evicted were novelized as a YA murder mystery with a great sense of humor (...yes, as unlikely as that sounds!), it would probably be this book!”

“Aretha is a competitive and successful lawyer who starts dating Aaron. His roommates have side hustles including physical training for doomsday and selling guns. The novel doesn’t delve much into the buyers of the guns, the focus is on Aretha’s moral code. I enjoyed the originality of this novel and its many twists!”

- Sara Rishforth, Roundabout Books, Bend, OR

“Sometimes, we really need books that tackle our divisive sociopolitical climate with dark humor, irony, and absurdity and expand our understanding of different ideologies and approaches to living. The Survivalists is a fun, clever, thought-provoking, and revelatory novel about doomsday prepping and our capacity for love and acceptance.”

“Full of magic, history and mythology, this book is a quiet climb to the top of the biggest hill on the roller coaster and you can’t wait to get to the other side! Curl up with a warm cup of tea and enjoy the ride.”

“Read this book for the story of Fox, stay for the story of the author and how we all are nature. An examination of our relationships with other animals, plants, each other, and the world, Fox & I is a beautifully-written, thoughtful blend of memoir and nature writing that will inform and inspire and make you feel.”

-Ariana Paliobagis, Country Bookshelf, Bozeman, MT

“This is a perfectly lovely story about the relationship between humans, animals, and nature. It is the perfect book to escape into over a weekend, and reading it outdoors just enhances the experience.”

“This middle grade graphic novel is filled to the brim with heart and adventure! I loved this story of a swamp frog who wants to be a magical knight and all of the hijinks that happen to get him there. Star Knights is for every kid learning to be true to themselves!”

“What an achievement this book is. Andreades gives the reader a glimpse into the lives of a tight-knit group of girls who are first-generation Americans growing up in Queens. Their stories and the way that the author tells them is unforgettable and announces the arrival of a major new talent.”

“An impressive and bold collection which will urge forth important conversations. Not one story reads like another, capped with a novella that stands on its own. It is an honor and a privilege to read Johnson’s work.”

“This is the first gay novel published in South Korea. Told from the perspective of a young gay man and set in South Korea, he finds his way as friendships ebb and flow. Not only is this about being a millennial, having fun and being lonely, Young finds his way as he navigates family, friends, and love interests. And in doing so, he slowly learns (possibly too late) the true meaning of relationships.”

“The extraordinary poetry of Elisabet Velasquez takes the reader through the streets Bushwick, Brooklyn. It’s a journey of energy, turning corners, facing roadblocks and finding paths. Sarai, her sister, and mother are almost always moving and survival is almost always on the line. Nothing is easy with her mother, but through it all Sarai keeps telling her story in this heart-breaking, heart-mending novel in verse. Her voice is powerful. Her story looks fragile but steel runs through it. Read it once, read it again, then look for more poetry by Velasquez!”

“Fans of Downton Abbey will gobble up this historical YA novel featuring young African American women navigating a changing world beyond their somewhat sheltered upbringing. Opulent scenes, complicated romances — the only downside for me was that apparently it’s a series and I want the rest already!”

“I was sucked into the urgency, vividness, and honesty of this novel from the very first page. Yitian receives a frantic call from his mother saying that his father has disappeared. After a decade of separation, he must return to China to search for his lost father. In the process, Yitian reunites with a long lost friend, Hanwen and must parse out what it means to be ‘from’ somewhere and how he defines his own sense of belonging. Tang provides a detailed depiction of Chinese life both rural and urban — readers will be absolutely riveted. Sprawling, imaginative and spellbinding, this debut will be an excellent addition to summer reading lists everywhere.”

“I absolutely loved this book! Definitely gives me Wakanda/Black Panther vibes, and the friendship between the children is so great. I can't wait to read more from this author!”

"Rainbow Milk is a welcome addition to queer literature. Beautifully written, this is a debut novel full of sex, art, music, and hope."

“An entrancing coming-of-age story filled with magic and sparkling prose. I immediately loved fiery Alaine, and her journey into her Haitian heritage and her mother’s past is so compelling.”

“Where to start with the luminous, surprising, thoroughly entrancing Lights All Night Long? Lydia Fitzpatrick’s debut stuns from the first sentence, when 15-year-old Russian exchange student Ilya arrives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and notes that the airport smells like toothpaste. Ilya struggles to make sense of his new home in suburban, evangelical America and grapples with the Russia he left behind—specifically the murky adolescence that saw his brother Vladimir descend into drugs and, allegedly, murder. Country and family, love and loyalty, addiction and violence, plus pure teenage coming-of-age: you won’t read anything else like this all year.”

“Welcome kids, to the wonderful world of cryptozoology! Is the Sasquatch real? Read this book to find out! Not only will any reader delight in Sasquatch facts, they will learn how to ask the right questions when searching for the truth like a real scientist. This will definitely excite and inspire a new wave of kids to ask questions about the world around them.”

“It’s one thing to climb a mountain, it's another to share your story with the world. Silvia Vasquez-Lavado takes you on a journey of self-discovery in the face of tremendous trauma and pain that will leave you breathless. This memoir is very special. It will take you on an emotional journey that will inspire you to cultivate your own community because, in the end, that is what will truly heal us.”

“Timely and timeless, And Then He Sang a Lullaby is a debut novel to be read and celebrated by readers of all stripes. The characters felt fully realized and whole, drawing me in, and their journeys moved me in a way that will stay with me for a long, long time.”

“A steampunk-style fantasy of how society might have developed in New England in the 1600s if Indigenous people had dragons on their side. While the story begins in the early 1800s, a new dragon hatching bonding with our Native heroine threatens to upend the whole society. A great beginning to a new fantasy series.”

“Shark Heart is a powerfully creative debut novel that tells the story of newlyweds Wren and Lewis, and the challenges they face after Lewis is diagnosed with a rare medical condition that transforms his body into that of a great white shark while leaving his mind and memories intact. This beautiful and heartbreaking story explores the power of love, grief, and taking those first steps towards moving on. Habeck eloquently weaves together a compelling narrative that will captivate readers and inspire countless book club discussions.”

“This endearing, inspiring, and educational middle grade book would also make the perfect read-aloud for kids with strong attention spans over 7. With just a touch of magical realism, the book focuses on the very true-to-life story of endangered sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach of a small island town, the secretive poaching threatening their survival, and two 12-year-olds who are determined to solve the mystery of the eggs’ disappearance. Not only is this book engagingly written and highly relatable, but it also provides valuable education about conservation and our relationship to our world, portrays the joy of photography, and brings to life the experiences of underrepresented groups — both Honduran and Honduran-American. I’ll be recommending this to my customers the moment it becomes available to order!”

“From the very beginning, we know we’re going to like Effie and her weird Aunt Selimene. Effie has to live with Aunt Selimene and Aunt Carlota after her mother dies. She thinks Selimene is old and weird, and Selimene thinks she is young and weird! They are both hot-tempered but warm-hearted. And possibly witches! When Effie’s favorite pop star becomes ill, she is sure her witchy aunts can save the day. But can they? The back and forth between the characters reminded me of my favorite show, The Gilmore Girls! The fun and witty banter, the emotional outbursts, and the outrageous outfits combine to make this a joyous addition to graphic novel land!”

“In The Second Home, the idea of place is evoked so sensuously it feels like a presence in the story. Step into this old home that holds the memories of generations of the Gordon family, who in summer would leave the Midwest, travel to their Cape Cod summer home, and revel in the season. As the story opens, Ed and Connie Gordon have died, and Ann, the responsible daughter, is meeting a realtor. Ann is intent on selling this piece of her family history. Poppy, the free-spirited sister, spends her life traveling the world, while Michael, the young man the family adopted when he was in high school, has fled, his whereabouts unknown. Something happened to the teens one summer, something that frayed the ties binding this family. When Michael reappears to assert his right as an heir to the Cape Cod home, the siblings will have to face the ghosts of that fateful summer. Through it all, the second home is for each of them a touchstone to their pasts and a way to their future.”

“Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades is a poetic celebration of the working class, immigrant families in Queens. It’s a novel about womanhood, becoming, leaving and finding home, and female friendship. Brown Girls pays tribute to the beauty, complexity and depth of family, self, and identity through a chorus of voices that is innovative and captivating. I can’t wait for this book to be in the world and for y’all to read it!”

“This is one fantastic collection of short stories. It was smart, not only because it had five or six short stories and then the title novella, but each story was tight and complete. The first story, ‘Control Negro’ was jaw-droppingly good. But what really brought this collection home was the novella: set in a sort of dystopian future where Naisha, descended from Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings, and her neighbors take refuge at Monticello. The author is one to keep an eye on and I look forward to her future works.”

“The Khmer Rouge’s slaughter of its citizens didn’t happen too long ago. Here, in this collection of stories are how the survivors are starting over in the United States and how their kids are coping and adapting to the generational trauma as well as a country that stereotypes Asians as a model minority. The Cambo ‘kids’ deal with complex issues of race, class and sexuality while also trying to understand the older generation. And despite these serious topics, there is more than a hint of humor in the telling. These stories are brilliant and also feel so personal. There is also more than a hint of poignancy since the author has since died. If you enjoyed Tommy Orange's There There, you will love this.”

“A novel in verse whose poems both stand alone and weave a narrative of American trauma and the incredible people who live and die with it. With deep empathy, emotional heart, and a near-perfect road trip, Moth and Sani come into their own.”

-Hannah Amrollahi, Bookworm of Omaha, Omaha, NE

“Me (Moth) is a surprising story of loss, invisibility, and, finally, being seen. Moth’s story starts when her family dies in a car accident and she begins to feel unseen by her classmates and her remaining family member. When she meets Sani, a musician with depression and a yearning to road-trip through his ancestor’s lands, they will discover love, joy, and a surprising connection to their ancestors.”

“I inhaled this book! The mystery of the endpaper drew me in, and I quickly came to care for Dawn and Gertrude — their individual stories and paths in life. The book explores gender identity in such a compelling manner, at times heartbreaking and terrifying. The detailed descriptions of the graffiti and process of bookbinding fascinated me and not only set the scene, but also became an integral part of the novel.”

“Nuclear Family is a story of the chain that connects a family from past to present. Set in the months leading up to the 2018 false missile alert in Hawaiʻi, Joseph Han has created a story of a family in a global community. The Cho’s, a Korean American family living in Hawaiʻi, are headed for success as restaurateurs when their son, Joseph, is filmed running across the Demilitarized Zone into North Korea. They don’t see that the ghost of his grandfather possesses him and is the cause of the event. The video goes viral, and as it does, the family’s success diminishes.”

“Rory is simply the best — whether he’s struggling to pronounce his name through a speech impediment, learning to stand up to bullies, or just rocking out on his guitar. Tandon’s debut is a celebration of all the things we love — and hate — about ourselves! This book is a total triumph and filled with so much love!”

“Kelly Fernández's debut middle grade graphic novel is a funny, friendship-filled adventure set at a convent/magic school in the Dominican Republic. Manu, Josefina, and their classmates will be a treat for all kids but especially for Latinx kids who may have dreamed about a magic school whose classmates looked like them. Manu's magic is mostly just being herself.”

“A beast lurks on the edge of the town of Four Paths and its powers are growing at the same time Violet Sanders and her mother return. Violet discovers her family history and their relationship to three other families known as the Founders, and her role in protecting the town becomes instrumental as bodies start appearing at the edge of the woods. This book will grab you by the shirt collar and won’t let go till the very last page.”

“Darius does not fit in at home in Portland, where he is being bullied at school and work and spending one conflict-free hour a night with his exacting father. Darius fears the worst when his parents announce a trip to Iran to visit his mother’s family. Struggling with depression, a beleaguered relationship with his father, and inadequacy in Persian manners, Darius is a fish out of water. Luckily, his new friend, Sohrab, is able to crack Darius’ shell and help him find a home within himself, and within the greater orbit of his sprawling Persian family. I totally fell for Darius’ narrative voice—shyly snarky, an affectation to cover up his sweet and endearing heart. I really appreciated the way masculinity was presented in this book—with caring and vulnerability. I was so enamored with his journey of friendship with Sohrab. The way Darius approaches both friendship and family was so warm. The liminality of diaspora was carefully addressed, and I think Darius does an excellent job trying to bridge two worlds with heart. It was deeply gratifying to see him come into his own and find a place within his family. P.S. I wanted to eat this book—so much delicious food! This is the perfect book for Hufflepuffs. Also, a great book for bridging middle grade and YA. I don’t think there are any content or language reasons to keep it from younger readers.”

“Boteju’s heartfelt debut of aches, mistakes, and heartbreaks will captivate lovers of realistic YA as Nima trips painfully through first loves, abandonment, and her own cloying sense of inadequacy. Yet for all her teenage awkwardness, Nima’s journey is full of warmth and growth and ever-wider possibility—of letting go, taking chances, and moving forward.”

“Coco meets a traditional Baba Yaga story, with a twist!”

“Fie, a clever, defiant, strong female in the lowest caste; hidden identities; intricate world-building; and a smoldering relationship that turns into love all build into a fantasy well worth reading.”

“Is this the memoir of a pampered daughter—a horse-riding Florida prep school princess—or is this the memoir of a neglected Chinese-Hawaiian girl struggling to raise herself amidst her parents’ alcoholism, addiction, and domestic turmoil? Is this a child’s perspective on the criminal excess of The Wolf of Wall Street’s Jordan Belfort and those in his orbit? Is this a rape survivor’s coming of age? T Kira Madden’s memoir is all of the above, as well as a stunning meditation on identity, adolescence, family, and forgiveness. Readers are rewarded with a climax as moving as the exceptional first chapters. This debut is fierce and unforgettable.”

“Set during the gold rush, two siblings living a hardscrabble life as immigrants are forced to flee after the deaths of their parents. Infused with Chinese symbolism, Zhang's novel follows the siblings as they search for a burial site for Ba, for their place in the world, and for a place to call home. How Much of These Hills is Gold is an epic, exhilarating debut!”

“In crisp clean verse /

Aimee Lucido decodes Emmy’s world /

Her love of music, but lack of voice /

Her dad’s constant dissonant piano playing and her mom’s new quiet /

Emmy finds that coding strikes a chord /

For her, the language comes as easy as humming /

A computer that listens /

Abigail, her secret friend, struggles to be true to herself /

Emmy’s found a way to belong /

But then, the key to it all may be broken

Code, music, poetry /

An unforgettable story in three-part harmony”

“Let me put it out there: I don’t typically read war or horror books. But what Afghanistan veteran John Milas has accomplished by combining the two genres is chilling, enlightening, and so very sad. An amazing insight into the deployment experience as well as PTSD that has stuck with me.”

“It’s a fascinating and important book that tells the true stories behind how humans’ most important infrastructures actually work and were created, including the racist and colonial motivations that still create inequities today.”

- Rebekah Shoaf, Boogie Down Books, Bronx, NY

“A fascinating and educational read for youth and adults alike, this book makes learning about the hidden systems of our world fun and engaging. It also seamlessly exposes the ways that the hidden systems making our modern lives possible are built in inherently unequal ways, illuminating their role in maintaining the kyriarchy (the systems of power and oppression that keep privilege in place). A well-rounded and well-drawn book we all need!”

“Ellen Goodlett’s Rule is an excellent fantasy debut. You’ll find yourself rooting equally for Zofi, Akeylah, and Ren as they each find their way in the court of the kingdom of Kolonya. I’m 100 percent ready for the next in the series!”

"Foster kid (and expert pickpocket) Nicki Demere is offered a way out of her going-nowhere life: joining a family entering witness protection as their new daughter. Armed only with a new name, a taser, and the endless pluck and humor that have kept her going through a series of temporary homes, Nicki will steal your heart as she tries to both fit into her new family--and save it. An exceptional sibling relationship, an unexpectedly sensitive treatment of anxiety-based compulsive kleptomania, and a completely original voice makes this debut a must-read."

“As 13-year-old Jimmy struggles with the death of his cousin Patrick and tries to navigate attending his first wake, his mom drops a bomb on him: he will be giving the eulogy at the funeral. Jimmy truly understands the phrase, ‘You can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family.’ Desperately trying to think of something nice to say about Patrick, all he can come up with are memories of everything Patrick ruined. But when Jimmy finally has some space to breathe, he discovers that all anyone truly wants is to be heard. This is a heartbreaking and relatable story of empathy and understanding.”

“This contemporary YA novel does so many things, and it does them all well. It’s a generational story of family and deeply buried hurts and estrangement. It’s a mystery of a long ago death in a small southern town with racial overtones and reckoning. It’s a love story between two teenage girls who are both trying to navigate their way to a different future than the one they grew up believing was theirs, and it’s a nuanced look at how family status and history affects friendships among teens. All of these parts are interwoven in a single summer with characters that readers will care deeply about in spite of each of their flaws. This is a simply stunning debut book.”

“Posing the question of can one really shed one’s skin, Ulstein’s novel asks readers to play out two parallel stories, while demanding that they also read until the very end. Dark, engrossing, and compulsive, Ulstein’s story is one that will not just linger but — also — haunt.”

“Never have I ever come across a book that’s truly as satisfying to read as this little book about a woman living in obscurity set on the outskirts of the Italian Alps. It’s intriguing, mysterious, and contemplative. Not to mention that Bromwich’s prose is unbelievably visceral. You will be hard pressed to find a book that satisfies like this.”

“Prepare to be captivated, entranced, and inspired by these four memorable young women. This novel exceeded all of my expectations as we follow their individual journeys of love and independence.”

- Kaliisha Cole, Whitelam Books, Reading, MA

“The Davenports is an absolute delight and a fantastic addition to any historical YA shelf thanks to its exploration of Black history and success at the turn of the century. I adored watching the four leading ladies learn, grow, and own their mistakes and struggles as they fall in love and seek out their own paths, whether the plans they make are proper or not.”

“Laura’s roots are very tangled. She was left in Wuhan China right after she was born when her parents immigrated to the United States. Four years later when her parents returned, she, of course, did not know them. Moving to Texas, Laura not only had to become acquainted with her parents but also a new school and learning English. Her parents wanted her to continue the traditions of China while she struggled to fit into the American culture. Her life got even more difficult with the Covid virus, and some mis-informed people blamed China. Laura Yuyang Gao concludes that even though she has tangled roots, she will grow a home ‘from the ground up…using the roots I’ve nurtured…with the people I love.’ Reading this very touching graphic memoir, one hopes for a sequel to learn where Laura has planted her roots.”

“Childhood memoirs are tricky, but Tran is skilled at bringing forth her youth alongside reflections brought on by age and understanding.  A heart wrenching read of the difficulties of survival, mental health issues, and a fractured family. Though filled with struggle and pain, House of Sticks manages to glide on wings of hope and possibility.”

“A fun thrill-ride from the start. Edudzi Adodo gloriously paints a space-scape so full of adventure and humor, you’ll not want to put it down. Our hero Zero has longed to become a space-exploring Saba. When a craft crashes onto his planet, the mysterious and strange pilot may just provide his very wish! Full of wild, witty, and whimsical characters, this debut is a great book to put in the hands of any young, imaginative readers you know and tell them to strap in for a fun and bumpy ride.”

“With wit and tenderness, Xochitl Gonzalez dissects the thorny crossroads of family, unconditional love, identity, and home in her debut novel Olga Dies Dreaming. Gonzalez doesn’t flinch from tackling topics of colonialism, gentrification, and capitalism, and the ways these mark marginalized communities in unimaginable ways. But she does so with warmth and humor. Olga Dies Dreaming is a remarkable debut novel about loss, love, family, politics, and the people and places we call home.”

—Michelle Malonzo, Changing Hands, Tempe, AZ

“I loved this funny, sharp, tender, and big-hearted novel. Olga is a wedding planner extraordinaire to the Manhattan elite, and her brother, Pedro, serves as congressman for their district in Brooklyn. These two seemingly happy siblings wrestle with dark family secrets brought to the surface when their mother who abandoned them in their youth crashes back into their lives in the aftermath of the most devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico's history.”

—Cody Morrison, Square Books, Oxford, MS

“Olga Dies Dreaming is a story of family, nostalgia, homecoming, and the ties that unite communities even in the face of unimaginable fracturing. Through dazzling prose and emotional attention, Xochitl Gonzalez tells the story of Olga and her brother: a wedding planner and congressman, both home-grown successes with Puerto Rican roots who seemingly have it all. And, yet, their stories are not theirs alone, and family secrets, social ambition, and the pressure to hold it all together come to test them both as they face the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Gripping and telling, Gonzalez’s story is one that brings voice to the experience of finding oneself (and community) amidst the storm.”

“Love Radio, like all of the romances that inspired it, is full of heart, love (specifically black love), and the best sidekicks a friend/reader can ask for. I have not had this much fun reading a book in too long. You could not ask for a more wonderful cast of characters or a more note-perfect romance. Read this book immediately then watch all the movies that influenced it.”

“Complex and layered, there are a million ways to read this clever Cambodian-American collection. Each story stands strong alone, and with expertly woven threads of commonality, the collection ties itself to your heart.”

“What if, in the name of true love, you were given multiple opportunities to fine-tune the past in order to save your soul mate from dying? Jack King is presented with such a quandary when after meeting the enigmatic Kate and falling in love, Kate passes away. Sad, yes. But wait. Jack is given multiple chances to right that mortal wrong in Groundhog Day fashion, and as we all know in time-travel speak, that is never a good idea, so Jack must figure out what is best for everyone he loves—most importantly Kate. Just like any relationship, The Opposite of Always is frustratingly addictive and difficult to walk away from.”

“Nintendo Labo? Nah. I raise you a Cardboard Kingdom. This delightful graphic novel is a game of Dungeons & Dragons, a superhero story, and a kaiju match all in one. Any nerdy, imaginative kid will get a kick out of this read; plus, it boasts a truly diverse set of characters that deal with all sorts of problems but find solutions through their friendships and cardboard craft.”

“An unsettling tale of a group of young tweens acting as one to control their lives and neighborhood. While each individual is fleshed out in specific and credible ways, the group, in a sense, becomes the main character.”

“Greenland is a gorgeously multi-faceted, meta-literary, quasi-ghost story meets romantic vision quest that will knock your reading socks off and knit them back together into a whole new design. Donaldson’s stellar debut brings to mind Colson Whitehead, Sarah Perry, Paul Beatty, and Viet Nguyen.”

“Crick. Crack. This is a story. Filled with rich, Caribbean folklore, A Comb of Wishes is a lyrical song of a novel exploring family, culture, and the perseverance and power all young girls hold within themselves. Absolutely magical!”

“Sara and Lejla remind us that slipping back into an old friendship is the most comfortable and impossible thing to do. With too much shared and not enough spoken, Catch the Rabbit holds the truth of how growing up and coming of age are two separate events, neither of which anyone really does with grace, or without pain.”

“Honestly, I was amazed at the creativity and heart of this debut. Part family drama, part ghost story, part socio-political commentary, and all gold. This is a modern classic in my book.”

“Moving effortlessly between the generational violence of the Troubles and the redemptive solace of the Irish landscape, Thin Places is at once a searing meditation on trauma and healing, a wild celebration of nature, and a wise reckoning with the complicated legacies of history, identity, and language. It is a beautiful and haunting memoir; it sings its way into your blood and your bones, takes you by the hand, and leads you across arbitrary borders to the gaps in our world. It leaves you changed, scoured clean, and ultimately, hopeful for the future.”

“I loved this book, I sometimes hated this book (in the way you really love to), and I enjoyed the entire ride. With power-gamer Emilia leading a double life as a professional e-sportswoman and Ivy-bound good daughter, an old friend entering as a possible new flame, and high-stakes fantasy battle-royales this book is an achievement, pun intended. Snappy dialogue, funny physical comedy, and heartwarming romance are everything high school should be.”

“In her brutally honest and inspirational memoir, Debora Harding recounts her dysfunctional upbringing by a cold and neglectful mother and a carefree yet ineffectual father. At the age of 14, Harding is kidnapped, raped, and left to die. She not only survives, she helps the police identify her attacker. In the aftermath of this horrific ordeal, her parents move forward as if nothing happened and refuse to discuss it. As an adult, Harding finds herself struggling with symptoms of PTSD and embarks on a quest to heal herself by confronting her parents, facing her attacker, and giving a voice to his story. Harding’s story is both powerful and unforgettable.”

“High school senior Cordelia Koenig is set to finish high school with ease; all she has to do is use her genealogy test results to explore her roots though poetry. It’ll give her time to focus on her old crush, Kodiak, and give her some breathing room in her small Alaskan town, never mind the fact that she’s always felt like the .5 kid in her perfect Alaskan family. But that feeling explodes when her test results reveal that her father isn’t actually her father. Cordelia reaches out to the man who shares 50 percent of her DNA to try to find a place in a world that seems to be falling apart around her. Written in verse and pulling no punches, The Truth Project is a gorgeous, exploratory novel tackling questions of identity, betrayal, and self-discovery. Going far beyond that sense of being unmoored as you turn 18 and graduate high school, this book asks the true hard-hitting question: ‘Who am I, really?’”

“This is one of those special books that defy description and make you glad it was written. Violette Toussaint is the cemetery caretaker in a small French town. She feeds the stray cats that make their way to this sanctuary, and takes in the dog of a dead woman. Her days are spent with the gravediggers, undertakers, local priest, and the mourners of the dead. She offers them coffee, conversation, or sympathy in the little home on the cemetery grounds that came with her position. In short, Valerie is a good person who is kind to those in need of kindness, furred or human. Her life is ordered around her tasks until a policeman shows up, wanting to understand his mother’s instructions for burial. He takes an interest in Valerie. From this encounter, her past will intrude, challenging her to face her tragedies and reach for the future with hope. This is a lovely story!”

- Deon Stonehouse, Sunriver Books & Music (Sunriver, OR)

“I've never wanted so desperately to hang out with a literary character. Violette is the type of person you feel like you could spend hours with. The novel is set in an idyllic French-countryside cemetery with a bursting cast of eccentric characters. Reading it was truly a magical experience.”

“Debut author David Santos Donaldson’s book Greenland is a story within a story following a current day author trying to meet a deadline while crafting a story based on E. M. Forster and the secret love affair with Mohammed el Adl. The story weaves Kip’s struggles navigating his life as a young, gay man of color in today’s world, beautifully contrasted with Mohammed’s story navigating a world with the same identity a century ago.”

“This is a phenomenal debut and a real page-turner! At the beginning of The Sign for Home, Arlo’s world is teen-tiny: he’s a DeafBlind young man in a Jehovah’s Witness family, and what he has learned about the world is limited. He’s smart, witty, curious, and he pines over a long, lost love from high school. Just when he thinks he is doomed to be a lonely soul, in waltzes a new translator: a gay man who, through empathetic translating, helps Arlo’s world open up in humongous ways. I was really struck by the authenticity and the evolution of the characters; even the minor characters all transform in some way. I loved learning about tactile signing and issues of access. Arlo’s world as a DeafBlind person is not one I've inhabited before, so reading this book provided refreshing and new insight into that world. I laughed, I cried, I hung on to the edge of my seat as Arlo embarked on some wild adventures to reclaim his love and find his voice. A beautiful story, well-told.”

“A haunting meditation on family, grief, migration, trauma, and survival, Wandering Souls is a gorgeous tribute to Vietnamese refugees and the healing power of storytelling. Poetic, harrowing, and hopeful.”

“This coming-of-age story is an intimate portrait of inner-city life told from the perspective of four girls whose home in the projects is scheduled to be demolished. This is not a book you can read passively — their struggles become your struggles. Can a story relay both tragedy and triumph? Wolfe demonstrates that it can.”

- Destinee Hodge, East City Bookshop, Washington, DC

“Frankly in Love is the story of first-generation Americans trying to straddle that limbo between their parents’ homeland and the only country these young people have ever known. Frank’s senior year finds his world changing as he falls in love and grapples with his parents’ prejudice, all the while dealing with college admissions, falling out with old friends, and familial illness. What I love about this tender, emotional journey is that there is really no defining moment. Frank just keeps growing until he fills up your heart.”

“We meet just-wed high-school sweethearts Henry and Effie in 1957 as they embark to the beach town of Cape May, New Jersey, for their honeymoon, knowing little of the world beyond the Georgia farms and fields where they were raised. And when they are befriended by a clutch of worldly dilletantes, Henry and Effie come to realize just how little they know about each other. Chip Cheek’s impressive debut vividly captures an end of innocence and the awakening of desires that will indelibly mar the way that Henry and Effie see themselves and their marriage. With poignant, descriptive writing, Cheek beautifully evokes the restless idealism of youth and the swift corruption of a young couple’s dreams for their idyllic future.”

“Banyan Moon’s secrets unfold smoothly and with satisfying distinction between the characters’ rich voices. The book’s wry sensibilities and sharp pacing make for a novel with broad appeal. Highly satisfying.”

“A solid story that takes its central conflict seriously but still has a sense of humor, There Goes the Neighborhood gets creative with solving the problem of gentrification, thanks to Rhea’s genius — and dangerous — plan. It leans more mystery than I expected, with a harrowing and satisfying ending. Rhea is a brilliant mastermind.”

“Who knew a heroine so wholly unlike me could leave me so compelled and relating so much?! June had me right back in my high school days from college confusion and messy boys to even messier relationships. This makes me really excited to see what else Peachtree’s YA imprint has up their sleeve because Boys I Know is a slam dunk...or should I say a slap shot?”

“White states that this book ‘began life as a fit of rage.’ Rage is expressed in a world under the grip of extremists with their demented version of religion. After releasing a plague, the Angel death squads hunt and kill anyone who does not believe and accept their version of truth. Benji, a trans boy, attempts to escape after being injected with a drug to make him the Seraph who will lead them all to their eternal reward. Running from the Angels, Benji finds a group of teens in an LGBTQ center. Nicholas is their leader and then alternate chapters tell the stories of Nick and Benji. White has written a book of gore, violence, and literally vomiting out one’s guts. Fast-paced and difficult to read but more difficult to not read, the underlying message of blindly following a leader is clear.  

“I absolutely cannot wait to put this book into the hands of every reader looking for a thrilling, page-turning adventure. Our heroine, Only Fallow, can see when someone is lying, but telling lies will gravely injure her. The fate of the kingdom hinges upon who can harness Only’s amazing power—for good or evil.”

In How to Stage a Catastrophe you are given a backstage pass to Sidney's world in Hatahatchee.  He is a director at heart and readers get a front row seat to his struggle to keep his dream alive.  We need books like this on our shelves in our homes! 

“The United States immigration policy is so messed up, antiquated, and deliberately discriminatory to the millions of humans that cross its borders everyday. In hopes of a better livelihood, they risk their lives and leave their homes behind. Yet it continues to exist unfazed, unchecked, and leaving those of us on the other side divided and jaded. In Rivermouth, Oliva demonstrates the extraordinary gift of language and translation, how it can expand our understanding of human connection, and why we need to address this crisis now.”

“Fans of Danielle Davis’ Zinnia and the Bees will fall in love with Jody Little’s tale about a girl named Jane and her quest for home. After a nighttime accident, Jane’s father is ordered a mandatory 12 days of rehab, during which Officer D. takes Jane to live temporarily in Three Boulders, a small community and Officer D’s home. It is there that Jane discovers more than she ever thought possible, including the ability to tell the ‘honest truth.’ In a setting that fills a bit like summer camp, the author explores topics of foster care, family addiction, friendship, and the feeling of finding your people.”

“As a Mongol slave, Jinghua wants nothing more than to escape her captivity and return to her home in Li’nan to mourn her brother and honor her ancestors. Forced to flee with the Khan and his son, she must confront a great deal more than slavery by finding who she wants to be and how to best live in the world in order to save the ones she loves. I found this story to be fantastic, a high-stakes reimagining of Puccini’s Turandot. Bannen’s execution of a complicated story is nothing short of operatic—dramatic and romantic in all the best possible ways. These characters are so wholly crafted, the story so viscerally real, you feel the blood Jinghua sheds. Not in a violent shudder, but in the weight of a life lived and all the choices, mistakes, and regrets each of us carry. Not only is the story compelling, but the history is as well. I appreciated the thought the author put into the anachronisms and the presentation of how she came to this fabulous story. “

“The Survivalists is a rare novel about prepper culture that resists sentimentality or sensationalism. Instead, the reader witnesses Aretha’s slow-but-irresistible slide from brunches and a high-power but humiliating job into the mysterious lifestyle of her charming new boyfriend’s brooding roommates (think illegal gun collecting and bunker building). The more I think about this book, the more I look forward to the conversations it’ll spur — especially around irrational fear versus reasonable caution and our quietly devastating, uniquely contemporary alienation from human connection and meaningful work.”

“This is the kind of book that will take root in your heart and never leave. I flew through this story of generational trauma and queer girl-next-door love with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Trust me when I say you need this book!”

- Kassie King, The Novel Neighbor, Webster Groves, MO

“A masterpiece. When Avery’s family moves her to her dying grandmother’s home in Georgia, Avery doesn’t expect to find new friends — or to uncover her family’s haunting history. I don’t know how Jas Hammonds managed to weave so many beautiful, intricate layers into this story, but We Deserve Monuments is an absolute stunner. An intergenerational mystery, a tribute to first love, and one of the best YA books I’ve read in the last decade. Read this.”

“Every Drop is a Man’s Nightmare is a wholly immersive collection of short stories — the smell of the ocean and plumeria, with an undercurrent of loneliness and anger, lingers in the air. Cut away the colonialist, haole lens, and embrace the haunting brutality and beauty of contemporary Hawaiian life; this is for the Kanaka Maoli and the hapas. I especially loved how much Pidgin and Hawaiian were in the stories, and how superstitions and mythology were woven throughout. Reading this felt like coming home. For fans of Sabrina & Corina, Milk Blood Heat, and Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls, Megan Kamalei Kakimoto is a searing and bold new voice. I will be recommending this collection to everyone!”

“Fun Rear Window vibes about a fearful teenager who gets caught up with a mysterious murdering cult. Such a unique read incorporating coming to terms with one’s sexuality, navigating a first crush, and trying to avoid being killed.”

“Every so often an author is just as good at plotting as they are at developing characters. Mahmoud has crafted a beast of a novel with woven points of view, topics that matter, and enough heart to bring on the feels. I can only hope that this debut is just the beginning.”

“To read the pages of Sea Witch is to walk what appears to be a familiar path only to find it suddenly transformed into something unexpected, incisive, and beguiling. In this burgeoning genre of reimagined fairy tales, Henning’s presentation of the origins and character of the villainess from Andersen’s Little Mermaid is a true standout, a story that resonates well beyond its final page.”

"The first rule of punk: be yourself. For Malú, this may end up being the hardest rule to follow. Trying to find her way in a new city and school is like navigating a cultural mine field she didn't know existed. Thankfully, no matter where she is she has her music and her zines. Filled with fun, expressive art work and strong, smart characters, The First Rule of Punk is sure to appeal to misfits everywhere."

“The Narnia archetype of children finding passage to an adjacent world is given a powerful new perspective in The Light Between Worlds, a rare book whose internal clarity challenges the reader to assess the meaning of our attachments to fantasy worlds. An absolute sense of belonging to another place comes with a dark price for Evelyn once she is returned to the familiar world, while her sister, Phillipa, paid a different price for her lack of adherence. This is a book whose resolution will linger long in a reader’s heart and mind. Exceptional!”

"Justyce McAllister is straddling two worlds: the rough area of Atlanta, Georgia, where he grew up, and the elite prep school that he attends on scholarship. Despite his annoyance with some of his racist white classmates, Jus feels pointed firmly forward — toward debate team championships, toward early admission to Yale next fall — until a confrontation with the police shakes him to his core. One of the most powerful things about Nic Stone’s debut novel is that she does not provide any easy answers. Her spare style — including sections told purely in dialogue, letting the weight of the characters’ words hang heavy on their own — allows her to move briskly through the life-altering events of Jus’ senior year. Moments of resonance sneak up on Jus and reader alike, and don’t hit either with their full impact until after the fact. There is a growing canon of Black Lives Matter literature for teens, and Stone adds another important, thoughtful voice. Dear Martin will provoke discussion — and perhaps some letter-writing of readers’ own."

“When German bombs threaten the museums of London, plans are made to move the most valuable specimens from the natural history museum to the country estate Lockwood Manor. Hetty Cartwright, one of the only female zoologists in the country, is tasked with the animals’ safe keeping. But as soon as they are moved in, strange things start happening. Large animals disappear. Display cases are moved, but only slightly. Several displays are vandalized. Nothing major, but enough to keep Hetty’s nerves in an uproar. Is a final act of vandalism enough to ruin her career? A love story buried within a mystery, The Animals at Lockwood Manor is sure to keep the reader turning pages.”

“The Warcross/Black Panther mash-up I didn’t know I needed, SLAY hits so many marks of a great YA book: it’s thoughtful, brilliant, funny, and emotional. The dichotomy between Kiera’s two lives and her relationships with her white friends and her black boyfriend is complex and nuanced but still feels very much from a teen perspective. I loved this book!”

-Sami Thomason, Square Books, Oxford, MS

“A layered look at black identity within the exciting world of an all-black online role-playing game. Kiera is a high-school student who develops SLAY, a highly popular game, but is afraid of the judgment of her family and friends should they find out she’s its creator. When a boy is killed because of the game, not only does she feel responsible, she may also find herself at the wrong end of a lawsuit, or worse. The game itself is fabulous — I wish it were real!”

“This book is a punch in the gut from start to finish. Powerful and thoughtful, Where the Watermelons Grow drops us into Della’s world of a schizophrenic mother, a stressed-out father, and the very real but maybe not-so-realistic hope she has of ‘fixing’ things. Cindy Baldwin’s writing had me feeling the oppressive heat of the Southern summer and the quiet desperation of wanting everything to just be okay or back to ‘normal.’ The treatment of mental illness in this book really stands out. Our young protagonist learns that even if your mother is sick and you don’t have a magical cure for it, she is still a whole person to love, respect, and care for, and that with the support of family and friends, you can help someone try to get better.”

"Middle school is a challenge for most kids, but Joseph has the deck stacked against him. He has trouble with bullies, he’s terrible at sports, no good at making friends, and his attention deficit disorder means he’s always focusing on the wrong things at school. When Joseph’s teacher pushes him into joining the school’s brand-new cross country team, Joseph suffers runner’s cramps, shoes lost to mud, and trails covered in goose poop. He also learns how good it feels to strive for his personal best, and what it means to have friends. Joseph’s voice is funny and self-deprecating. His care and concern for his friends, his teachers, and his family will endear him to readers (who will also love Joseph’s widowed grandfather, a scofflaw who gets arrested on a senior-center trip to Atlantic City). Joseph’s struggles to find a place for himself at school, to figure out what he is good at when nothing comes easily to him--these are universal. As someone who grew up with ADD, I found Joseph’s story both warmly reassuring and achingly familiar. And what book-lover among us can resist a story that includes both some quirky affection for the Dewey decimal system and the prospect of romance for an elderly school librarian?"

“Subtle and heart-wrenching, I Will Greet the Sun Again is a perfect peek into a complicated brotherhood. K is such a tender main character, and it is so easy to be pulled into his world and connect to him.”

“I cannot think of a stronger debut book I’ve ever read; The Swifts grabbed me from page one! I was cackling with delight at the characters, the language, the twists and turns of the plot — this book is the whole package.”

- Justin Colussy-Estes, Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, GA

“Knives Out meets A Series of Unfortunate Events in this rollicking mystery about a madcap, kooky extended family and their hunt for the long-lost family fortune. It was a hilarious BLAST and I want Shenanigan to be my best friend! (Also, it features some low-key, ‘this isn't a big deal’ trans/NB/GQ characters. Yay!)”

“Family traditions and values have their place and purpose, but generational rules have kept Yadriel’s true identity hidden. To finally free himself, Yadriel must pass the ritual tests to become a brujo and liberate the ghost of his murdered cousin. When the ghost of Julian Diaz, a dangerous rebel on his own path, is conjured instead, what will go wrong? Will Yadriel’s dream to become a brujo come true? What can Yadriel do to help his cousin? What role does Julian Diaz play in Yadriel’s fate? Find out in Cemetery Boys!”

“The world building in The Unadoptables was absolutely unforgettable. This book has everything you need: villians, action, comedy and adventure all rolled into one. Perfect for fans of Nevermoor and Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom.”

-Robyn Broderick, The Reading Bug (San Carlos, CA)

“In a cold, dark, Amsterdam winter, a group of unique orphans shine brightly with hope and love. Minou and her band of talented friends set out from the Little Tulip Orphanage on a quest for freedom and family, over frozen canals to evade a despicable villain. With a little bit of spookiness and a whole lot of quirkiness, this book will capture your heart!”

“This ferocious collection of poems deals with relationships, sexuality, and, yes, brutality. Skaja’s searing imagery will stay with the reader long after the book is put down. Her poems are a cautionary tale to anyone who wades into the treacherous waters of human connection.”

"An apocalyptic flood ravages London at the near-moment our unnamed narrator gives birth to her son and leads to the loss of normalcy for the survivors forever. In language that is spare but never simple, Megan Hunter writes of the protagonist’s journey as she and her family try to survive and retain their humanity under the most devastating of circumstances. The way that civilization devolves into terror and brutality are all-too-believable, while there remain glimmers of kindness and grace between the people ravaged by the flood. The finely chosen details and perfectly evocative phrases that fill this book made me ache."

“Simi, a mami wata struggling to adjust to her new after-life, endangers her sisters and her goddess when she saves the life of a kidnapped young man thrown overboard. Now the two must unite and travel across the ocean and lands of Africa to thwart power-hungry Esu. Drawing from colonial and slave-trade history, West African mythology and religion, and The Little Mermaid as inspiration, the resulting quest is a fast-paced narrative that makes big swings.”

“In this new and imaginative twist on the Baba Yaga story, young wolf Zima fears for her pack’s future as human encroachment threatens their existence. When the tsar announces his plan to destroy the wolves, Zima switches bodies with the old witch Baba Yaga in exchange for help. Meanwhile, in a village at the edge of the forest, a young girl named Nadya is also looking for Baba Yaga. When she meets Zima in Baba Yaga’s form, they discover they have an enemy in common. As the threat to the forest and the wolves gets ever closer, Zima must unite the wolves, the other witches, and the villagers against the tsar’s wickedness. New friends are made, evil is battled with good, and a new Baba Yaga will rise.”

- Lauren Nopenz Fairley, Curious Iguana (Frederick, MD)

“Wolves, tsars, and witches… oh my! I loved this fabulous story, with all the different points of view, the wonderful illustrations, and the magical writing. I love the wolf’s point of view and I love everything Baba Yaga! I wanted to live in the forest with these wondrous creatures!”

“The Lightest Object in the Universe is a hopeful, heartbreaking post-apocalyptic novel set in a world where half the population has been killed by a widespread flu and electricity and running water are a thing of the past. Mini societies and gangs have formed in this new America, and in the center of the country, the leader of a large, mysterious cult takes to the radio to call his followers to join him. Amid the chaos, two lovers separated by the continent try to find each other and make a new life in the darkness. This was a great novel about building community from nothing, fighting the odds for people you love, and the power of storytelling to overcome the darkness. It’s a perfect book for fans of Station Eleven and anyone who finds the idea of uplifting post-apocalyptic novels a fascinating concept.”

“I there one moment of your life that you’d want to do over? How about four or five chances? That’s what Jack gets: multiple chances to have the girl of his dreams and his friends happy and healthy, but he needs every chance to do it. This debut is a must-read for fans of John Green or anyone that wants a wonderful love story with hilarity, honesty, and one of the best friendship trifectas I’ve ever read.”

“Beautifully written, this memoir is of an Indigenous woman finding herself and her home, despite all of the hardships in her life. LaPointe also tells the story of her grandmothers before her, and how her ancestors’ lives have helped to shape hers. Filled with the spiritual beliefs of the Coast Salish peoples, this is an important story to tell.”

“Rory has a hard time saying his Rs. As if middle school weren’t hard enough! It’s a good thing Rory has a great teacher, first-rate friends and the example of Muhammad Ali to get through it all. Nancy put together an A book with incredibly relatable characters doing their best to work with the cards they’ve been dealt. A reminder to us all to keep pushing; it does get better.”

“With a first sentence pondering the existence of lesbian sheep, Bianca Torre comes out of the gates swinging! If Rear Window were narrated by an incredibly anxious nonbinary lesbian bird-watcher who’s a total weeb, it might come kinda-sorta close to Bianca Torre is Afraid of Everything — but that’s not giving enough credit where credit’s due. Bianca’s sardonic inner monologue is snort-inducing, and as they investigate the murder (maybe?) of their neighbor, I found myself reading sentences out loud to appreciate their hilarious absurdity. This book defies description, beyond the fact that I LOVED it!

“Written as diary entries and inspired by Nazlı Koca’s own experiences as a Turkish immigrant in Berlin, The Applicant is full of frank and witty musings about navigating academia, work, politics, relationships, displacement, and loss.”

- Alyssa Raymond, Copper Dog Books, Beverly, MA

“This is a dark and twisty novel that will snake it's way into your thoughts and not let go. Multiple storylines ebb and flow, coming together to reveal shocking secrets that change how you look at the characters. This intense debut thriller set in Norway is definitely not one to miss!”

“Lisa Stringfellow writes the mermaid book that I have been wanting and waiting for but better than I could ever expect. What will a mermaid do to get their prized comb back, what wish would you make knowing it could change everything, and how far would you go for family?”

“A captivating adventure with a beautiful historical and mythical backdrop, The Pearl Hunter is an exciting tale of resourcefulness, inner strength, and the bond between sisters. It’s impossible not to get swept up in Kai’s journey across the empire — from the belly of a ghost whale to a magical fox den — to rescue her sister.”

“Leech heralds the arrival of a new star in Weird Lit. Hiron Ennes apparently made it their mission to please fans of Frankenstein and Edgar Allen Poe as equally as those of Jeff VanderMeer and China Miéville. As the story unfolds with deliciously mounting suspense, readers will realize that the Gothic tropes (crumbling mansion, twisted family, shadowy creatures, bleakest winter) aren’t quite what they seem, and neither is our narrator. By the end, a simple horror story has mutated into something greater: a fugue on identity, oppression, empathy and breaking free. Sublime.”

“Think about how difficult it is when you don’t adhere to somebody’s ‘norms’ and decide to be you anyway. In her debut, Johnson tackles some serious topics, including how poverty can hinder the success of smart students and how a bigoted, narrow-minded society can keep you from being yourself. But she gives Liz Lightly a fun, self-deprecating sense of humor, and combining those things is hard to do. Maybe it’s because I am also an awkward black girl from Indiana, but I loved this book. We get to see Liz’s funny side and her strong, bent-but-not-broken family.”

“Yumi Chung juggles her responsibilities to her parents (helping with her father's struggling restaurant, maintaining her grades for a school scholarship) with her love of stand-up comedy. When the opportunity to learn from her favorite comedian comes up through a case a mistaken identity, Yumi goes for it, lying to her family in the process. She realizes that her family understands her more than she thinks and there is more than one way to achieve her dreams. Yumi is a smart and sassy heroine, and Stand Up, Yumi Chung! is a poignant and charming story that appeals to the dreamer in all of us.”

-Jackie Jou, Mysterious Galaxy Books (San Diego, CA)

“Yumi Chung would do anything to be on SNL, but her parents just want her to live up to her genius sister’s example. Forced to spend her vacation at hagwon, studying day and night, Yumi thinks her summer is a bust. Until, that is, she stumbles upon a comedy camp, conveniently missing one Asian camper. When everyone assumes Yumi is that no-show kid, she can’t bring herself to correct them. As she juggles hagwon, comedy, her parents’ failing restaurant, and her sister (who has surprises of her own), Yumi isn’t sure she can keep track of the lies. But how can she give up her dream? This book made me cry, cheer, and laugh out loud. Stand up, Yumi Chung—you’re a star!”

“Reflective memoir and folkloric tales weave together in this haunting evocative story of a childhood unfolding during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Prose that reads, at times, more like poetry captures the burning desire to find balance and peace within the heart and soul of an ancient land and its modern inhabitants. Superbly beautiful, raw, heartbreaking writing that takes its place among the stars.”

“Told through Laura Gao’s signature kinetic art style, Messy Roots combines hilarious inner dialogue, early 2000s childhood references, and moments of pure vulnerability, creating a graphic memoir that is both effortlessly accessible and beautifully honest. It is a gift to be allowed in on Gao’s journey of self-discovery.”

“Like a 21st century manifestation of the Nuyorican pionero poet Miguel Pinero, Elisabet Velasquez conjures her community to existence in a living, breathing narrative debut in verse that moved my soul. Her fiery literary voice is echoing in my mind still.”

“The Places We Sleep is a beautiful and moving novel in verse about a girl navigating her way towards adolescence in the midst of a national tragedy. Abbey has just moved to Tennessee and is trying to find her way in a new school when the attacks of 9/11 happen. We follow Abbey as she deals with the fallout of 9/11 and the loss of the feeling of security the entire country felt. She grieves for an aunt, worries for her deployed father, and witnesses the xenophobia that reared its ugly head in the wake of that tragedy. If you are an adult, you’ll be transported back to that strange, unreal time. If you are younger, it will give you an idea of what it was like during those uncertain times. Either way, you will fall in love with and root for Abbey.”

- Chelsea Bauer, Union Avenue Books (Knoxville, TN)

“Abbey is an Army kid, used to moving from city to city and school to school as her dad’s orders change. On a seemingly ordinary fall day, Abbey gets her first period. With no friends to turn to for help and white pants in danger, Abbey almost misses the whispers in the hallways — buildings in New York and Washington have been attacked, are burning, are falling. The date is September 11, 2001. As Abbey’s mom drives to New York to search for her sister, who is missing in the rubble of the Twin Towers, Abbey is left to enter womanhood on her own. This coming-of-age story, laid out in spare, heartfelt verse, juxtaposes a very intense personal change with a cataclysmic national change, deftly navigating Abbey’s search for belonging amidst her fracturing family. The Places We Sleep is a beautiful, necessary story and was a joy to experience.”

“Bryan Washington has created a complete world with these interconnected short stories illuminating lives on the margins in Houston. Nothing short of mesmerizing, it’s difficult to look away from the voyeuristic views on offer. Because what’s to be found here among all the failings of humanity—betrayal, addiction, exploitation, apathy—are its strengths: loyalty, resilience, acceptance, and an endless capacity for love, all sharply drawn in this debut collection that reads like a career-defining masterpiece.”

"These stories were raw, eloquent, and captivating. The writing was sharp and clear and dives directly into the complicated and human realm of prison life."

“Manu is an unruly, exuberant, fun-loving witch in a magical school surrounded by other girls who are having a really hard time with her out-of-control magic. When Josefina, Manu’s best friend who has an (almost) endless supply of patience, finally loses it and wishes Manu’s magic would just go away, it does!  Things go drastically wrong when Manu and Josefina try to get her magic back (of course), and the two girls must figure out how to rein it in without losing it all.”

“The Witches is Brooklyn is the fun, magical adventure all graphic novel readers will love! When Effie finds herself living with two very weird aunts in Brooklyn, hijinks ensue. Inclusive, smart, and charming — you’ll fall in love with this coven of a family. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Ben Hatke!”

“In our current place in American history, this story brings into focus the people caught up in the drama of a mass shooting — at a time when it has become such a part of the fabric of our culture that we don’t even blink when we hear, once again, that such an outrage has taken place. Bloomland starts at the beginning, following the characters from their early days to the point of the shooting and then into the aftermath. Beautifully written and compelling, this is, sadly, a story for our age.”

“Told completely in verse, White Rose provides stunning imagery and feeling to those wanting a fresh take on World War II and to perhaps learn about a lesser-discussed group of people—a group that strove to bring about change in an unwilling community. Kip Wilson gives readers a tale so rich that it really should be read aloud. It will leave readers in chills.”

“As Queenie—a Jamaican-born Londoner—navigates a painful period in her 20s, she wins our hearts. Carty-Williams incisively shows how a struggling and heartbroken young woman, straddling two cultures in a world of image and competition, bravely faces her demons and works her way back to love. Queenie’s fresh and current voice and spirit, her openness and her outrage, will stay with me for a long, long time.”

"Lizzie Borden's father and stepmother were brutally murdered, and generations have wondered if she was the assassin. Sarah Schmidt reimagines the murders in a creepy and fascinating debut that explores the psyches of several people around the event: unhinged Lizzie, her overburdened sister Emma, the in-over-her-head maid Bridget, and an imagined killer for hire named Benjamin. See What I Have Done gives depth to the mystery of who was the ultimate culprit while showing the deeply disturbed lives the Bordens and those around them led."

“Cape May is a moving exploration of the limits and realities of marriage, morality, and what constitutes a family. It’s also refreshing to have eroticism on the page in a realistic way...not gratuitous or over-the-top. We get in too deep, sometimes, and Cheek treats his characters with empathy; he knows the human heart and desire. Well done.”

“To use a favored phrase, Dawn Davies had me at hello. She tells of her life, but she probes deeply and makes her insights universal, and her use of language is spectacular. I felt like she was speaking directly to me, as if she had written this book to meet my personal emotional needs as a mother. She’s honest, she’s real, and she’s a talented writer.”

“An honest reflection of embracing yourself, High-Risk Homosexual tells the story of Edgar Gomez as he struggles to find his stride as a gay, Latinx man admist a culture of machismo and masculine ideals. With wit, earnesty, and deeply-felt reflection, Gomez’s writing brings force to the experience of discovering  yourself and finding pride in and against the models of masculine, Latinx life. Joy, he purports, might indeed be the thing, above all else, that is worth holding up as our highest ideal.”

“How can we figuratively and literally go home again once we've expanded our circles? How do we reconcile our inner states and desires with those projected upon us by society and family? In Cairo Circles, Doma Mahmoud gracefully explores how expectations — socioeconomic, cultural, emotional — both separate and bring us together, how our circles are both cuttingly drawn and ineffably fluid, intersecting and refracting, creating complex new geometries of being. Mahmoud manifests these soul-jostlings through a cast of characters rendered with incisive sympathy, beauty, and humor — compelling, real characters that linger long after the last page.”

“Alberto is a gifted wood carver who creates beautiful objects, including toys for his children, but when a sickness hits his mystical little town and kills his family, he must use his gift to carve coffins. Alberto, now having nothing to live for, waits out his days by making coffins for the townsfolk and even for himself, until a bird named Fia flies into his house accompanied by a hungry boy named Tito. Alberto eventually takes them both in, cares for them, and starts to carve again. But evil has followed Tito, and it’s up to Alberto, Fia, and their belief in fairy tales to save him. This story shows how even in the grimmest of times, there’s still hope for a better future.”

“Catherine Pulaski suffers from bipolar disorder. She began to notice symptoms when her grandmother died in her presence. She suffers from both extreme manic episodes and extreme depression. She attempted suicide once, but her mother found her in time. She is assigned a history project about WWII and Michael Pitoscia asks her to be his partner. This is the beginning of a relationship for them, but Cat almost ruins it by not being truthful with Michael about her condition. Michael’s entire family embraces her, especially Nonny, the grandmother, and they welcome her into their home and family. Cat is told by her doctor that she needs to attend intensive group therapy, and it is in this safe setting that she meets Kristal, another patient. Cat and Kristal hit it off, but again Cat almost ruins this relationship by her dishonesty. A real story that needs to be told about bipolar disorder and how it affects someone who is afflicted by this, The Weight of Zero also concentrates on the value of good doctoring, strong support from family and friends, and the will to continue living.” 

“That’s Not My Name is binge reading at its finest. By the time I reached page 50, I knew that I would not be sleeping until I figured out who the hell Mary Boone is! Megan Lally has crafted incredible characters, intriguing twists, and bombshell revelations. You are not prepared for this book…and that is what makes it so great.”

“Absolutely gripping and completely unexpected, The Militia House is a powerhouse of a novel that ensnares the reader in its unsettling atmosphere from the first page. The commentary around the military industrial complex and PTSD is subtle and savvy, casting a critical eye that never fully dives into polemic, this is a wild, immersive, wholly unique ride.”

—Wesley Minter, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

“War novels are definitely not my thing, but The Militia House immediately sucked me in. This horror-tinged story gave me a visceral feel for what real deployment must feel like: the boredom, the nonsensical administrative quagmires, the toll it takes mentally and physically, and the resulting PTSD. The horror may seem imagined, but it is very real.”

“Scary in a way that made it difficult to sleep at night. I loved every creepy, crawly, squishy, bloody moment of this book! This frozen gothic body horror will thrill even the most fear-fatigued reader.”

“Hazel Hill Is Gonna Win This One needs to be in every single middle school classroom, right now. Maggie Horne’s debut is a charming and heartfelt story about sexuality, harassment, and social media. I laughed AND cried while rooting for Hazel and her friends. You need this book!”

- Kassie King, The Novel Neighbor, Webster Groves, MO

“Horne’s debut is a novel of new friendships and standing up for what’s right as Hazel learns that her (former) academic nemesis is being sexually harassed by a fellow student (and yes, it can and does happen in middle school). While Hazel and her friends are navigating a really serious and difficult situation, there’s still a lightness and humor to this story between the girls and their families that bring the whole story to life. Whether you’re reading Hazel Hill for leisure or for literary solidarity, audiences both young and old are sure to be moved by this brave and delightful novel.”

“The Borrow a Boyfriend Club is a fresh, heartfelt take on the classic rom-com with characters that are relatable and laughs that keep you turning the page. I was rooting for Noah (and Asher) from the first chapter!”

“Intense and hazy, At the Edge of the Woods is a feverishly captivating combination of nature writing and character study. As Laura becomes increasingly connected to the woods around her, the reader can't help but to be drawn into her orbit, to see things the way that she does.”

—Mallory Melton, BookPeople, Austin, TX

“An engrossing tale that exposes how easily solitude can become isolation and the dangers therein, how the things we need can often be our ruin. A kissing cousin of Margaret Atwood’s Surfacing, Bromwich’s debut is confident, atmospheric, and mesmerizing.”

—Wesley Minter, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

“At the Edge of the Woods is a haunting debut, full of the wonder of nature, the confidence to choose one’s path, and the uncertainty of what comes next. Bromwich builds the tension perfectly in this story, and you’ll find yourself enchanted by Laura’s journey of self-reflection against the rugged beauty of the Swiss Alps.”

—Beth Seufer Buss, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, NC

“Laura secrets away in a spare remote cabin in an attempt to create a life of her own choosing and free herself of societal expectations. She finds comfort in nature, spending hours each day hiking farther and farther through field and forest.  An exploration of how a woman disappears — figuratively and literally — after escaping an abusive, untenable situation.”

“Exchange student Ilya has just arrived in the balmy heat of Louisiana from the frozen tundra of Russia. For Ilya, who is smart, hardworking, and thoughtful, this journey was to be the opportunity of a lifetime. But he can’t seem leave his home behind, or the brother he would do anything to save. In Lights all Night Long, Lydia Fitzpatrick juggles a coming-of-age tale, a murder mystery, and social commentary on addiction, drug use, and corruption. And it works. Beautifully. She somehow manages to avoid all the predictable tropes of each to create this sparkling world full of hope, friendship, and the power of family in all its forms.”

“This memoir is rich with sincere storytelling. It is inspiring to know that even in a harsh and unforgiving place like prison, it is possible for someone to produce such a creative expression. Noguera’s art goes beyond the physical bars to express themes that represent his experiences and ideas. Readers will find that Noguera is not only an award-winning visual artist, but he is also a model of compassion and generosity.”

“Fresh Water for Flowers is a moving and lyrical portrait of one woman’s quest for happiness and love. A splendid work that will keep readers absorbed to the last page. A charming must-read.”

“Alda P. Dobbs has gifted her future readers with a much needed Mexican and American history, brought to life vividly in the death-defying journey of Petra and her familia. This suspenseful and inspiring story of war, migration, and the determination of one young girl has left me excited for Petra’s future.”

“Dan and Nate are best friends and have been for years. Whether they’re sending secret signals to each other on the baseball field or devouring and analyzing the latest issue of their favorite comic book, the boys are rarely apart. But when an accident puts Nate into a coma, Dan is cast adrift. Will Nate ever wake up? Can Dan help him somehow? And what does their favorite superhero, Captain Nexus, have to do with it all? Dan Unmasked is a gentle and heartfelt look at adolescent grief, feelings of hopelessness, and our ability to make a difference, whether or not we have superpowers. Dan is a flawed and brilliant character, and his search for a way to help his best friend return to consciousness is an excellent testament to the power of friendship.”

- Emily Hall Schroen, Main Street Books (St. Charles, MO)

“Dan Unmasked lives up to its title. Dan’s obvious love for his friends and family shine throughout the book. His emotional distress leads him to band with his enemy: his best friend Nate’s little brother, Ollie, who he usually battled for Nate’s attention. In this story about the love of comics and how closely art imitates life, we get to see boys portraying emotions without jokes as they try to find a way to rescue their Nate.”

“Margaret Renkl is a careful observer of the natural world around her. She not only notices the chokecherry root that pushed up the concrete of her parents’ driveway, the dead robin in the street, or the blazing red of a cardinal illuminated in the autumn sunset, but her description of each is beautifully written. Renkl is also an observer of her family, and chapters about incidents in their lives are braided with essays about the natural world. The ordinary becomes filled with wonderment and loss, and we discover that the shadow side of love is part of the life we all share. Illustrations by the author’s brother, Billy Renkl, sensitively complement the text.”

“Four foot eleven. It’s all Will Daughtry has known since age 11. And he’s had it up to here. On the morning of his 16th birthday, however, he sets in motion a plan that will alter his life forever, in ways that nobody will see coming, especially you, dear reader. Saying any more would spoil all the fun. Full of witty and observant humor and incredibly well-drawn characters, XL is easily the most compulsively readable novel I’ve laid my eyes on in the recent past.”

“Three generations of women struggle with their Native American heritage, poverty, and adherence to a fundamentalist religion as they strive for better lives. Grandmother, mother, and daughter discover their personal depth and their bond to each other while working to survive and hoping for the future. Set in Oklahoma and Texas, with characters whose stubborn pride and work ethic make you root for them, this story embodies the spirit of strong women who battle the limitations of class, culture, and their own beliefs. At times, as wildfires rage, even the earth seems set against them.”

“From the Desk of Zoe Washington is absolutely charming.”

“Told in verse, this poignant, socially-relevant YA discusses issues of sexual assault and the hypocrisy of the protagonist’s religion as she is victimized by her pastor. With breathtaking poetry and emotionally charged writing, this is a read right up there with Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak.”

“A welcome, fresh take on the traditional western genre. Sure, Lucky Red includes deputies and gunslingers, but they play secondary roles. Instead, the resourceful ‘sporting women’ in a Dodge City brothel take center stage — especially sixteen-year-old, red-headed Bridget, who grows up quickly and wisely through tricks, adventure, love, and betrayal. Just when you think you know where the story’s headed, the ending will throw you off like a runaway horse.”

—Beth Shapiro, Skylark Bookshop, Columbia, MO

“Bridget, also known as ‘Red,’ is a penniless orphan turned hooker in 1877, Dodge City. She’s also gutty, whip smart, a little feral, and the heart of this timeless Western turned on its feminist, queer side. Lucky Red is a roaring, gunslinging good time with a contemporary leading lady who’s unafraid to seize what she wants.”

—Thu Doan, East Bay Booksellers, Oakland, CA

“Claudia Cravens’ debut novel Lucky Red transports readers to the Wild West of 1877 Dodge City. Bridget, an orphaned teenager, is recruited to work in a brothel and thinks she’s found temporary security, until danger arrives in town in the form of a band of outlaws and a legendary female gunfighter. Cravens blends western, romance, and action together, creating a fast-paced, fearless story perfect for anyone looking for a fresh and exciting take on the Western genre.”

“A thriller that brings to life what it might be like to be abducted — and, more importantly, the children who are affected by that scenario. An extremely well-written thriller that will keep you entranced till the final outcome.”

“Toya Wolfe’s Last Summer on State Street is alive with the sights and sounds of 1990s Chicago as four Black girls strike up a delicate friendship over a summertime game of double dutch. Tensions flare as they navigate power struggles between rival gangs, family expectations, and their own conflicting loyalties and ambitions.”

“Debora Harding was grabbed off a street in 1978 during an ice storm, hurled into a stolen van, and abducted by a man hoping to hold her for ransom. She suffered assault at his hands, then was left to perish in the cold. But her original assailant was not the unknown man whose rough hands would leave their mark on her psyche, rather someone she should have been able to trust, someone whose harm inflicted over the course of her childhood would leave emotional scars just as deep. Her original assailant was her mother, a woman devoid of empathy who vented her moods on her unfortunate children. Despite the abuse she suffered, Debora achieved much in life, including a stable marriage, children she loved as a mother should, pets that are part of her family, and a life that on the outside looks pretty good. But Debora’s childhood left its mark; she shares her struggles to revisit her past, come to terms with it, confront her abusers, and reclaim her life. While the book details serious harm, it is also lively; Debora’s spirit and zest shine through.”

“Layoverland is the perfect combination of dark humor and a romance that I didn’t know I needed.”

“Where You See Yourself follows determined Minnesotan Effie, a wheelchair user, navigating her senior year of high school and college admissions. This is an eye-opening book featuring much-needed disability representation, and I loved the Midwestern nods — ‘save big money at Menards,’ anyone? Folks still trying to figure out ‘where they can see themselves’ as they venture out into the big world will absolutely relate to Effie; anyone unfamiliar with the concept of ‘spoons’ can absolutely take a lesson from Effie’s everyday challenges and struggles. SUCH a great perspective! 

- Tory Hall, Chapters Books & Gifts, Seward, NE

“Marginalized characters, such as someone in a wheelchair with a name many of her peers and teachers don’t bother trying to pronounce correctly, deserve storylines that represent hope and joy. This is one of those books that makes your heart swell and your eyes well up because its happy ending is genuine, believable, and too good to be true, yet as far from trite as possible. I love how this book makes the experiences of people in wheelchairs so available to a broad range of readers.”

“This is one of those novels I wasn’t sure about at first, and then I was so immersed in its complex story and cast of characters that I couldn’t stop reading! It’s a fierce, moving, and empowering tale of sisterhood and ambition.”

“Who’d have thought that a book about purgatory could be full of such pure enjoyment? With a clever set-up, characters I loved (both alive and dead), and a funny, honest voice, this novel was one I read in one satisfying gulp. You may never look at Jell-O the same way again, but you’ll also appreciate life in a whole new way.”

“While everyone experiences death differently, the stages of grief are familiar to many, outlining the progression from loss to learning to live with that loss. Reading about those stages is one thing—reading a first person account of grieving is totally different. Carolina Setterwall was adapting to life with a baby when her partner, Aksel, died unexpectedly in his sleep. Let’s Hope for the Best, a work of auto-fiction, is written directly to Aksel, chronicling the growth of his relationship with Carolina, and the months and years following his death. Surrounded by loving friends and family, Carolina is nevertheless profoundly bereft. Slowly, she puts her life back together, parenting her son the best way she can, and gradually finds herself able to look to the future for herself. The book, which is translated from Swedish, describes the universal experience of grieving through the lens of a particular woman’s experience with it.”

“Allie Rowbottom’s account of the first century (and then some) of Jell-O brand gelatin’s history hits all the nonfiction sweet spots for me, as it weaves her personal family history, the local impact on the residents of Le Roy, New York, and the marketing permutations America’s Favorite Dessert has undergone to reflect cultural tide changes. Like a metaphorical marshmallow-and-carrot molded dessert, Jell-O Girls contains bits of class and gender reflections and questions the toxicity of the reputed family curse.”

“When Milou discovers the orphanage matron’s plot to sell her and her friends to a nefarious figure, she hatches an escape plan. Using only the clues left with her as a baby (a coffin-shaped basket, a cat puppet, a velvet dress), Milou and her friends dive headlong into a new adventure outside the orphanage’s walls. The Unadoptables has everything: evil ship captains, lifelike puppets, a charming Dutch setting complete with windmills and canals, a ragtag group of orphans looking for a family, and a mystery at the heart of it all. Perfect for reading out loud, and just the right amount of scary, this has the feel of a classic in the making.”

“Morgan Talty’s Night of the Living Rez defiantly climbs up from the literary crevasse between Denis Johnson’s dark, craggy Jesus' Son and Sherman Alexie’s tragi-comedic Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. A raw, honest, sharp new voice shining light on the Native American experience.”

“This debut middle grade novel captured my entire heart! We follow a young girl with a stutter and a deep love for animals, and a baby snow leopard who finds himself lost in a magical forest. Set in London in the 1960s when stutters were seen as a ‘problem’ that needed to be fixed, Maggie finds the snow leopard and will stop at nothing to make sure he is safe. This book is like drinking a warm cup of tea.”

- Joseline Diaz, Kepler’s Books, Menlo Park, CA

“It’s the late 1950s; the Korean War is over, and Vietnam is getting started. For brothers Julius and Lee, newly home on leave, getting out of Kansas and starting anew in San Diego means the beginning of the American dream. For Lee, it’s his new wife, Muriel, and the promise of a house in the suburbs. For Julius, it’s less clear. These were still early days in the West; folks were watching atomic bombs blow up from the tops of hotels on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, and decency laws still lived on the books and in people’s minds. As we alternate between Julius and Muriel, we see two members of the Greatest Generation trying to be true to themselves.”

“I have not stopped thinking about Marisol since I turned the last page of her story. Her strength shines through as she takes on pain for her sister amid the promise of their new life together. The reasons she has to leave El Salvador are revealed bit by bit, which adds a level of tension and intrigue. As the plot unfolds, we learn the many threats Marisol faces as an immigrant, a sister, a daughter, and a lesbian. This incredibly well-crafted book carries important messages about the complexities of love.”

-Jen Kraar, City of Asylum Bookstore, Pittsburgh, PA

“The Grief Keeper highlights the desperation of a young woman fleeing a death threat and seeking safety in the United States. When her options narrow to a single, risky choice, she takes it. With themes of love, friendship, and family among imminent danger, this could have been a predictable read — but it never is. I kept turning pages to see just how things would resolve, and they did, most excellently.”

“Three generations of one family search for peace and security both literally and figuratively in this debut novel that is not just good, but superbly magnificent. Spanning decades over the devastating landscape of WWII China to Taipei and then New Mexico, this is a journey that reminds us that a misfortune may well hold the seed of a blessing, and blessings can often hold the shadow of misfortune. And that while we must always move forward and not linger on what has been, we are the sum of our past and must make peace with it in order to truly be home. This is a book to savor for oh so very many reasons.”

“A moving poetry book that teaches about the Civil Rights Movement in a dynamic way. Martin’s use of word and space come together in a powerful way that makes you sit and be in the emotion.”

“A Burning follows three unforgettable characters in a powerful and raw literary thriller.”

“Beautiful imagery and complex characters emerge in this cacophony of distant planets, corporate greed, and technology run amok. This lyrical debut offers hope in humanity through the selfless love and sacrifice that Nia and the others aboard the Debby give to ensure Ahro's survival. Compelling, and written with compassion, this is a story of the loves and losses you find in a complex universe.”

“A detective’s first case, when he was hardly older than the teenage victim, comes back to haunt him mid-career, exposing corruption and wrongdoing in a small Irish town. This complex, character-driven noir, which introduces detective Cormac Reilly, will be welcomed by fans of Tana French and Jane Harper.”

“Samantha Mather has always felt like she was cursed. When Sam is forced to move into her grandmother’s old house in Salem with her stepmother, she discovers that that might not be so far from the truth. In Salem she meets the Descendants, a group of girls whose ancestors were hung during the Witch Trials, and Sam just happens to be the descendant of Cotton Mather, one of the men responsible for their deaths. You will want to join Sam on this sinister ride as she tries to save those she cares about and find peace — and friends — for the first time. This book really stands out as unique in the realm of teen fiction.”

“There There is so much a contemporary novel that all of the characters’ stories feel as though they could take place today, tomorrow, or a year from now. By interconnecting the narratives of nearly a dozen distinct and fully realized characters, Orange immerses the reader in the relatively small world of Oakland-based Native Americans. This is a phenomenal debut, and one that brings us a voice I highly anticipate hearing much more from.”

“Raul doesn’t talk much. He spends his days at the One of Our Kind boarding school looking after the younger kids and keeping his secrets to himself — because he does have secrets, and so does the woods surrounding the school. Blending aspects of a variety of mythologies, author Sandra Evans has created a wonderful coming-of-age story about a young boy discovering himself and his family. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.” 

“Joelle Wellington’s Their Vicious Games, is a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride from start to finish.  What starts out as your ‘typical’ finishing school competition — where the winner gets to be even more privileged than before and gets to marry into a rich family — turns into a fight-for-your-life survival game. Adina is fierce and determined, but also incredibly loyal to her friends.  Her friendship with her roommate has some of the best moments as the two battle against the other girls as well and the host family’s racism.  If you are looking for a horror novel that has depth and substance but all the frights and actions, then this one’s for you.”

“Both a coming-of-age story and a tender romance, And Then He Sang a Lullaby is heartbreaking and beautiful. Incredibly compelling & engaging, this debut novel wrapped its tough topics in warm prose that made it easy to read.”

—Mallory Melton, BookPeople, Austin, TX

“And Then He Sang a Lullaby is a powerful debut that follows the story of Segun and August, two college students in Nigeria who yearn for love and connection. Readers will be deeply moved by this brave and beautiful tale of two men who can’t help their attraction despite the risks to themselves and each other.”

“Private Lessons is a phenomenal debut which hit me in all the feels. This young adult novel is very relevant in the #MeToo era and Cynthia Salaysay’s writing is beautifully haunting.”

“If you loved An American Marriage or Small Great Things or The Help, you will love Such A Fun Age. A young African American woman finding herself in the crossfire of two people who are caught up in their own version of the definition of racism. This is a modern-day story that we all can relate to because it applies to every incident where even though it looks from the outside that people are trying to compensate for their own prejudices with annoying behaviors, they are really behaving from a systemic bias that came from their own world views. I couldn’t put this book down; I had to find out what is going to happen to these characters.”

“Do not be distracted by the nine shiny objects spotted over the Cascade Mountains — that just might have been alien craft — and take a different journey as a masterful linking of lives shows what might have been from 1947 to 1987. Failing as an actor in Chicago, Oliver reads of the lights and hitchhikes west to his destiny. Along the way, he encounters Saul and a new community is founded: the Seekers, dedicated to living without racist or sexist attitudes. But the times are against them, as the headlines will attest. The story is linked by the people who are touched or changed by their encounters. This is a story that rewards paying attention. It has a lot to say about society, and what that might mean.”

“In Mark Rader’s debut novel, we are introduced to a catholic priest who is dying and reflecting on the choices he has made in his life.  His story is entwined with the journeys of his beloved sister and niece who are also at the crossroads of their lives and facing life-changing decisions.  This well-written story is about secrets. You will care about the Novak family and thank them for sharing their secrets with you and may learn along the way that the secrets we share can sometimes help the ones we love.”

“What’s most impressive about This Place Is Still Beautiful is how it manages to be so many things at once — it’s a hopeful romance, a critical look at racism and complicity, and a family drama with characters who leap off the page. This is an absolutely incredible debut and should be on every shelf this summer.”

“Can DJ Love, a teenage expert on love with his own radio show, take his own advice and build a real relationship with the girl of his dreams? Detroit and R&B classics mix with characters you’ll fall in love with but also want to yell at a little for not seeing what’s in front of them. Will Dani learn to trust? Will Prince learn to ask for help? It’s a RomCom with depth and so much fun!”

“This book made me cry in a coffee shop (I am an easy crier, but still…). We are taken into the life of one woman as all that she loves and holds dear is shattered; her pain and grief are so real that, for a moment, you are transported into her world. For those who have experienced loss, this captures the moment when you realize that there is no certainty in life; we just have to hope for the best.”

“Each page radiates warmth, through summertime, familial love, reconciliation, and blooming new relationships. Cat’s story draws you in and invites you to stay. Both relaxing and compelling, Caterpillar Summer is a masterpiece in gentle sincerity.”

“A delightful middle grade eco-mystery that brings two girls from different backgrounds together as they try to stop poachers from stealing turtle eggs. I enjoyed the little bit of magical elements interwoven into this story.”

“An intriguing look at a genderqueer bookbinder in the present who discovers clues to someone like her in the past. As she follows a trail of documents to discover this counterpart, still alive, and gets to know her and her early circumstances, the main character comes to more comfortable terms with her evolving identity.”

- Tanya Mills, The Book Bungalow, St. George, UT

“I am drawn to both books about books and books about the art world, so I was immediately intrigued by Endpapers, but the fully realized and flawed characters are what made me fall into its pages. I was enthralled by the parallel stories of queerness, and like Dawn, I wanted to learn everything I could about the mysterious love letter she finds hidden in the binding of a book.”

- Laura Kendall, Second Flight Books, Lafayette, IN

“I was enchanted by the unfolding of Endpapers. Following a genderqueer bookbinder in 2003 New York City, Endpapers is about finding yourself among the chaos. When Dawn finds a mysterious queer love letter, her world opens, leaving her to question her relationships, gender, and the ways the world treats queerness. Savran Kelly’s writing is authentic and unique, luring readers into a world where everyone’s story is necessary to tell. Endpapers is a quick-paced novel that will stay with you long after you finish.”

- Nikita Imafidon, Raven Book Store, Lawrence, KS

“Dawn, a genderqueer bookbinder working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, discovers a secret love letter bound in the endpapers of one of the books she’s repairing. Intrigued to the point of obsession, Dawn decides to find the letter writer. Her quest is a desperate distraction from her artist’s block and her floundering relationship, but it’s a catalyst for growth, too. Dawn is not a poster child for the queer community of the early aughts. Instead, she felt uncomfortably real. I texted my partner about her frustrating choices. I wanted to call her up and tell her to be a better friend and give her advice she’d probably ignore. The mystery in Endpapers drew me in, but Dawn’s authenticity compelled me to stay.”

“Efrén is a good kid and the events of his life are that of a regular middle schooler: annoying younger siblings, hanging out with friends, worrying about homework. Until his mother gets deported. Very quickly, Efrén steps into the role that his mother was forcibly vacated and he becomes his siblings’ surrogate parent, making me cry several times in the first few pages. It’s a well-written account of something very topical and I hope that kids get to read it.”

“Set in 2017 New York City in the months leading up to Hurricane Maria, Olga Dies Dreaming is a dazzling debut from a powerful writer that weaves a vivid family story into a rich tapestry of wealth, class, race, and diaspora. It is wise and warm and witty, observing its characters’ failures and triumphs without sentimentality, bitterness, or cynicism, and it shifts from the personal to the political and back again with ease. Xochitl Gonzalez writes exquisitely about the immigrant experience, the American Dream, and community action, and she has crafted a story that celebrates hope, healing, accountability, and the everyday revolutions we must continually fight for our own self-worth. Olga Dies Dreaming is a stunning debut, one that will linger long after the book is closed, and — hopefully — throughout the years. Pa’lante. Siempre pa’lante.”

“I read Love in the Big City laughing, grimacing, and frequently with tears in my eyes, hooked and invested from page one. Sang Young Park's rendering of our yearning for love and companionship, so dry yet humane, is a joy to read. The narrator's voice is so honest and gritty, yet vulnerable — I found myself wanting to reach out and reassure him. I wept for this character who feels absolutely real, so well-rendered is his inner life and journey. Sang Young Park is a writer to watch!”

-Amanda Qassar, Warwick’s, La Jolla, CA

"Sang Young Park's writing is crisp, bracing, tart, and refreshing as a handful of frozen blueberries. And you'll get that reference once you read this wonderful book."

“In the same vein as Raina Telgemeier and Judy Blume, Maxine ‘Max’ Plink dreads the day she’ll get her retainer and braces. To make matters worse, she has to deal with the bullying, the typical angst of school, and her own personal drama. Both funny and moving, and including real-life relatable family issues, this features the humor of Jeff Kinney but with the social themes of Gordon Korman.”

“Rather than providing fodder for sensationalistic news stories, the US southern border immigration crisis demands serious attention and reform. Activist Oliva offers up her experience and skills to assist desperate people in preparing for their credible fear interviews, as well as for myriad other hoops. Rivermouth offers an extremely compelling combination of memoir, study of translation, and overall examination of the immigration process.”

—Beth Shapiro, Skylark Bookshop, Columbia, MO

“Rivermouth is an emotional, informative exploration of the American immigrant and asylum systems told through the lens of the author’s experience serving as a translator at the US-Mexico border. Alejandra Oliva brings such compassion and insight to the ‘immigration crisis’ while never losing focus on the humanity of the people who get caught in the incredibly complex  bureaucracy of it all. This is an incredible addition to the literary narrative nonfiction landscape and is sure to appeal to fans of The Undocumented Americans.”

“'The beautiful game,' a love that defies the status quo, and a trans boy learning how to live as his most authentic self — what more could you want from a sporty, queer romance? I loved reading The Passing Playbook, and it's clear Issac Fitzsimons cares so much about trans kids and how they see themselves in the way that he writes Spencer. So excited to pass this book on to readers!”

“Lena, a college girl, disappears without a trace. Her devoted family spends 14 years hoping to find out what happened to their bright, beautiful daughter and sister. Hannah and Jonathan have spent their childhood in a house in the woods with their mother, Lena, and their father. On the night of the accident, Hannah and Lena are taken to the hospital in an ambulance, and their world explodes. Matthias is desperate to find his missing daughter, but the woman known as Lena is not his child, while Hannah clearly is his grandchild. And who is the father? The story is told through the perspective of three bold characters: Hannah, a bright 13-year-old who is wiser and perhaps cleverer than her experiences would indicate; Matthias, a man driven to discover the fate of his child; and Lena, a woman held against her will and now struggling with the aftermath. This is a story rife with twists and turns. It will keep you guessing!”

- Deon Stonehouse, Sunriver Books & Music (Sunriver, OR)

“Dear Child picks up where Room left off, adding a new layer to the captivity narrative that the latter novel started. It’s stark and beautiful, with each perspective offering a new layer to this important story.”

“Tagging Freedom is a fantastic look at how regardless of your age or the size of the act, you can be the change you hope to see in your community. Kareem is sent to live stateside when a young boy is killed in custody during the mid-2000s civil war in Syria. His feeling of injustice sparks a fire in his cousin and her best friend, and they team up to help spread the word in their school. Told in dual perspectives, this book explores how global events affect even small communities, and that standing up for freedom and your culture is more important than school politics. This book will be perfect for any young activist or anyone wondering how their voice can be a catalyst for change.”

“Told in tri-character point of view through past and present, unshared stories, a mysterious house, and something unspoken dividing three generations of women until a betrayal, a death, and a birth bring them back together. Banyan Moon is a deeply moving exploration of mothers and daughters through the immigrant experience.”

—Alana Haley, Schuler’s Books, Grand Rapids, MI

“Banyan Moon is an emotional novel set in Florida and Vietnam spanning decades, told through three generations of Vietnamese American women. Family secrets and generational trauma are unraveled and revealed in this exquisitely written debut that will appeal to fans of Pachinko and The Mountains Sing.”

“The Sign for Home does exactly what books and stories are supposed to do: offers a new perspective and gives insight into another’s life that you aren't familiar with. I learned so much about ASL, tactile ASL, and the life of someone who cannot fully rely on all of their senses. I absolutely loved the characters. They are all so genuine and full of humanity, heart, and soul. They jump right off the page and into your heart. I highly recommend this novel — it's a much needed, refreshing read!”

“A thrilling YA utilizing a different interpretation of siren folklore. In a world of BIPOC characters, a siren assassin named Saoirse is torn between her natural killer instinct and her feelings toward the prince of the kingdom. As supernatural segregation, internal politics, and a plotted insurrection bubbles to the surface, the protagonist is forced to choose sides. Literary fantasy meets Black amplified voices in this unique teen novel that centers POC characters.”

“A foremost example of the importance of college-level YA stories! Effie begets readers to learn and grow. It is stories like this that will alter our restricted conventional views to become more inclusive and considerate.”

“Alix (mother) and Emira (babysitter) are quite the pair — different in many ways, and yet both trying to find their way in the world. Can the line between boss and employee be blurred to make a relationship on an equal plane? What happens when trying to help ends up hurting? Beware — this story will keep you reading through the night!”

“Wilder Girls was so good that my squeamishness took back seat to my fascination. Quarantined on an island where horrific changes are coming to everyone’s bodies, Hettie navigates between friendship, power, and survival. Then her best friend disappears. Is she dead or alive? And whose story should she believe?”

-Joan Trygg, Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, MN

“Wilder Girls may be marketed as a feminist Lord of the Flies, but I think ‘young adult annihilation’ would be a more apt tagline. Not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach, Wilder Girls is a brutal exploration of how toxicity, real and metaphorical, infects an isolated boarding school for girls. While this wasn’t my cup of tea, Power’s gorgeously dark prose shows undeniable talent and this book will appeal to anyone looking for an intense read.”

“R.O. Kwon’s debut is a stunner. She manages to weave, with new depth and perspective, a narrative of love, obsession, grief, and the irresistible lure of magnetic people. The Incendiaries is the marker of a great future of storytelling from Kwon. I can’t wait to read what she does next.”

Rabbit Cake is the most enjoyable novel I’ve read since Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore!

“Maleeha Siddiqui has written a joyful debut that features a diverse cast of Muslim characters headlined by a superstar in 12-year-old Nimra. Whether at her Islamic school or navigating the hallways of her new secular school, Nimra is a groundbreaking girl who just wants to shine her light and share her passions, which include art, her faith, and friendship. I loved her and her friends as they gave each other the chance to be their best selves.”

“One of the most beautiful books I've ever read. The verses flow so smoothly. Each poem could stand on its own but together they make a heartbreakingly beautiful story of loss, grief, and finding one's self. Stunning debut!”

“Two young girls are becoming witches in rival witching families. Delpha McGill and Katybird Hearn are learning forbidden magic when they accidentally awaken a graveyard full of zombies, who all rampage throughout Howlers Hollow, their ancestral home. Now, Delpha and Katybird must combine their inherited and personal magic together to reverse their hex spell. Will their new magic mix be in time and will their powers be enough to save their homes and families? To find out, read this fun, folksy, fantastic, and fable-like debut about friendship against all odds and the power of even the most unlikely connections.”

“Coming of age is never easy, and Madden’s account of her Florida teenage years in the mid-’90s with Hanson, Tiger Beat, and Leonardo DiCaprio are equally filled with predatory pen pals, self-destructive home mole removal, and disappearing fathers. By 20, she’s an Adderall addict fashion design student in New York City, but the whole journey is really about memory and writing. What do we make of our past? How do we process its traumas? How do we account for a mother’s refusal to ever let go?”

"This memoir of a life spent hauling trucks full of strangers’ personal belongings across the country is the book I didn’t know I needed. Finn Murphy writes engaging slice of life stories of his time as a long-haul truck driver while showing the changes in the trucking industry and American life in the decades he’s spent pulling thousands of pounds behind up mountains, through storms, and across plains. Trucking is a solitary life but Murphy grabbed me like a friend as he took me with him on his journey."

“Ordinary Girls is the rare type of memoir that stuck with me long after I stopped reading; phrases and moments kept coming back to me at random times throughout my day. Created by an author at the top of her craft, it’s gorgeous and heartbreaking, hopeful and devastating. Jaquira Díaz’s fascinating story takes us from her childhood in the projects of Puerto Rico, where we witness her mother’s worsening schizophrenia and drug addiction, to Díaz’s teenage years in Miami, filled with fights, runaway attempts, sexual assault, drug use, and stints in jail, but also moments of love and brilliance — and, finally, to adulthood, where Díaz wrestles with the demons that chased her all her life and begins to learn what she really wants. If you’re looking for a memoir dealing with queer identity, addiction, family struggles, abuse, poverty, Puerto Rican history, friendship, or the power of the written word — or if you just want a lyrical and heartbreaking story that will keep you enthralled from the first sentence — seek no further. This is a master class in the art of the memoir, and I cannot wait to see what Díaz does next.”

“I’m hungry for all the treats in this story and for more books from Rajani LaRocca. Mimi is a kind and inquisitive girl that you instinctively root for, and her struggles with failure really resonated with me. This play on Shakespeare with a culinary twist is absolutely delightful and, dare I say it, scrumptious. More, more, more!”

—Sami Thomason, Square Books, Oxford, MS

“Honeysuckle sweet with a pinch of mayhem and a fairy twist! You’ll only want to put this book down in order to eat an entire plate of cookies. Shakespeare and baking — it’s the book combo dreams are made of.”

“How do you read a book that is this devastatingly sad, but you want everyone you know to read it? Jayson Greene’s story will fracture you. But his enduring love and hope will carry you through this tragedy of such tremendous loss. Once More We Saw Stars rips your heart out but puts it back in better for having read it.”

“Tana French comparisons are plentiful (and usually wrong), but The Ruin measures up. With great plotting, characters, and writing, McTiernan has created a vital new series.”

“A complex, moving, and timely debut. This lyrical, immersive tale of queer romance in Victorian England explores questions of liberty and justice that are still relevant today. Tom Crewe is a groundbreaking new voice in historical fiction for fans of Colm Tóibín and Sarah Waters.”

“There aren’t many books you absolutely fall in love with from the moment you pick up, and stay in love until you finish it (later on that day because you could not put it down), but such is Henry Hamlet’s Heart. The eponymous loveable nerd is fine with his place in social circles (barely in them), at school (not much better) and home (with his loving parents, Gran, and younger brother). He’s pretty much resigned to his wit and barbs vs. finding love, unlike his best friend who excels at all with utter ease. When Ham suddenly discovers his own feelings, he does all he can to not let his heart completely overrun his life. A genuinely delightful read that you’ll want to share with all your friends and loved ones.”

- Ernio Hernandez, River Bend Bookshop, Glastonbury, CT

“This Little Family is a propulsive, deeply unsettling novel about the aftermath of an extremely violent act. Even with its intense subject matter, I couldn't stop turning the pages, desperate to find out what happened next. It’s a rare gift to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and This Little Family achieves it brilliantly.”

“A life is lost in a tropical vacation setting, the ripples of which affect many for many years to come. In the hope of finding answers to the unanswerable some are lost, and some find their way—with twists and turns along the journey.”

“This rich, beautifully detailed story reads like the work of a seasoned novelist. Kalyani, a young woman from Bangalore, travels to Kashmir to try to answer questions about her mother’s untimely death. She becomes embroiled in the political rivalries that boil under the surface in that troubled area. Vijay’s descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells of southern India and Kashmir are dead-on. The characters are drawn with the detail of a fine portrait artist, with a deft hand highlighting the flaws and goodness of even the most minor players.”

"Relentless energy and an undercurrent of darkness ripple through this middle grade fantasy. There's humor here, and some excellent imagery, and yes, that delightful darkness."

“Columbian poet Alejandra Algorta has authored a jewel of a book. From the first to the last line I was entranced by the story of Fabio, a young boy who lives every day to fly like a bird through the streets of Bogotá on his bicycle, leading a crew of friends behind him. Then, one day he forgets how to ride a bike and his soul comes crashing down. This is a beautiful and special story for young and old readers everywhere.”

“Liz Lighty has gotten into her dream music college, but the financial aid she was hoping for doesn’t come through. As her plans of playing for an elite orchestra start to unravel, Liz remembers her high school gives a huge scholarship to the prom queen every year. In a white, small town obsessed with all things prom, Liz, a queer black girl, doesn’t expect to win, but she will do anything to get that money. As Liz enters the arena with her competition for prom queen, new girl and fellow contestant, Mack, catches Liz’s eye. But does becoming prom queen mean keeping that part of herself secret? A fun, honest, and edgy LGBTQ prom/romance story that readers will love!”

“In All You Can Ever Know, Nicole Chung shares her story of daughterhood and motherhood with such thoughtfulness and honesty that it feels like a privilege to read. Her language is elegant and precise, and her questions—of identity, race, and family—feel necessary. By the end, you feel comforted that there are writers and thinkers like her in the world.”

From the strange Kafkaesque scenarios to the wholly original language, this book is amazing on so many different levels. Unlike anything I’ve ever read, Temporary People is a powerful work of short stories about foreign nationals who populate the new economy in the United Arab Emirates. With inventive language and darkly satirical plot lines, Unnikrishnan provides an important view of the relentless nature of a global economy and its brutal consequences for human lives. Prepare to be wowed by this immensely talented new voice. 

“After the unexpected death of their parents, three siblings are forced to deal with the events that divided their family at their summer home in Cape Cod years ago. Each sibling is bonded to their Cape Cod summers and the home that evokes so many stories and memories of their childhood. How do you sell a treasure? As they struggle to untangle years of hurt, secrets, and betrayal, you ache for them to save their home and themselves.”

“Brutal and impossible to put down. This young narrator takes you with her through the turbulence that is her family home with a touch of whimsy and then determined strength to save her brother (as well as herself) from the monster that is their father. A quick read that stays with you well beyond the last page.”

“If you’ve ever held one of those red fortune-telling fish in the palm of your hand, the kind that wriggles though thin as a sliced jewel, you’ve come close to the experience of reading A Key to Treehouse Living. This is a novel with its own rules, its own shifting angles of refraction, one that you can only watch with amazement and think: This is alive.”

This is a great collection of short stories that are unusual, strange, or feature unexpected twists, such as an utterly incapable and hopeless single mother whose baby begins to speak Arabic in his sleep (is he a budding terrorist?) and a mournful husband who senses that his bear-mauled wife in the ICU is beginning to show signs of adopting part of the spirit or soul of her bear attacker. In the title story, the body double of Ronald Reagan recounts his White House stay, and the narrative goes a long way to explain some of the bizarre things that went on during that administration. However, as Reagan succumbs to Alzheimer’s, the double, no longer needed, is curtly dismissed. It ends with the most sorrowful line: ‘This is my final punishment — what a man gets for loving another man’s wife.’

“It’s hard to believe that this sprawling saga of two American clans and the various branches of their family trees is a debut novel. Stretching from the rural south to Vietnam in the war years to present-day New York and beyond, this is a story in which the characters’ lives intersect in fascinating, surprising ways. Regina Porter’s writing is beautiful and memorable, and she’s structured this book in a manner that feels fresh and almost musical. This is a book to take your time with, and it’ll keep you in its grip long after you’ve turned the last page.”

“When Jane is sent to Three Boulders, she plans on being there for 12 days and getting out, but she doesn’t realize how the community there will provide her with something she didn’t know she was missing. A touching and realistic look at how the disease of alcoholism can affect a family, but also how family can be found in the most unexpected places.”

“A poignant exploration of home, love, and ambition, set against the backdrop of Cultural Revolution China. Tang has a keen eye for familial conflict, and portrays regret with particular deftness. This is a beautiful, bittersweet debut.”

“ ‘Bigfoot might not be out there, but it’s worth exploring the world a little bit to find out.’ Laura Krantz’s exploration of the science around Bigfoot — is he real? What proof is there? And why do we search for him? — is a charming nonfiction debut that celebrates the belief in the wild and the pursuit of science. Give this to your Sasquatch-hunting seven-year-old, your nine-year-old obsessed with nature experiments, and your local teacher looking for a creative way to teach scientific theory. Pair with Melissa Savage’s books for a perfect myth-and-science reading set!”

- Nicole Brinkley, Oblong Books, Rhinebeck, NY

“Calling for a Blanket Dance is a lovingly rendered multi-generational novel about an Indigenous and Mexican American family wrestling with the legacies of racism and colonization in their fight to live with dignity and honor. A powerful debut!"

“Are you ready for a hilarious, action-packed space adventure? Follow our hero, Zero, from his city of children to even crazier worlds in search of an intergalactic treasure. Filled with stories based on mythology and exciting space technology (or maybe magic?), you’ll be sure to read this as fast as a whizzer!”

- Revati Kilaparti, Old Firehouse Books, Fort Collins, CO

“This action packed debut had me on the edge of my seat! A middle grade space opera infused with African culture and mythologies. We follow Zero on his quest to become a legendary Saba, a member of a group of intergalactic travelers who find lost treasures and hunt down criminals. There were twists and turns on every page; I cannot recommend this highly enough!”

“Give Me a Sign is a smart, touching summer story about community, identity, and reconnecting with who you are. Lilah is a charming and relatable character, and I can’t wait for readers to experience her camp crushes and shenanigans, while also learning about Deaf culture!”

“Reading this book is like watching a pirate battle come to life! The perfect blend of action and historical fiction, Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea is a thriller from the very first page! Rita Chang-Eppig brings Chinese pirate Shek Yeung to life in such vivid detail that you can’t help but feel like you’re fighting alongside this ruthless warrior. The story is so gripping you won’t want it to stop, but you’ll be dying to know how it ends. A must-read for anyone who loves a historical thriller!”

—Beth Seufer Buss, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, NC

“Shek Yeung is the fearsome pirate queen whose life is radically altered when a Portuguese sailor’s blade slices her husband, the leader of the Red Banner Fleet. Cunning and brilliant in her own right, Shek Yeung navigates new motherhood, politics on a stage with outlaws and ruthless government leaders, and the life she, herself, chooses to lead. Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea is a propulsive seafaring adventure that will capture your attention from the first page.”

—Thu Doan, East Bay Booksellers, Oakland, CA

“Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea is the adventure-filled historical novel that you absolutely need in your life! Rita Chang-Eppig brings the legendary Chinese pirate queen Shek Yeung to life in this epic tale of piracy, power, love, and survival. This is a perfect read for fans of How Much of These Hills Is Gold and the tv show Warrior.”

“This graphic novel will hook all kinds of readers with an interest in how technology came to be. Even fiction readers will be able to gain a love for this story of our internet history.”

“An enthralling, kaleidoscopic, and bold vision of girlhood unlike anything I’ve read before. With exhilarating lyricism, a unique ‘we’ perspective, and an atmospheric blend of longing, humor, vulnerability, and beauty, Brutes kept me spellbound from start to finish.”

“Wholly engrossing, this immersive novel immediately grabbed my attention, following Shek Yeung as she struggles to maintain her power and semblance of freedom. Chang-Eppig balances the adventure components of pirate battles with astonishing bits of Chinese folklore expertly. I was completely captivated as I watched Shek Yeung’s journey unfold.”

“A unique collection of poetry reflecting on Black life, focused on particular Black lives lost in recent years due to brutality and racism by law enforcement and white supremacy. Taken together, the poetry paints a powerful picture of what it means to be Black in America today.”

“This book is a delight. The author takes us through the whole history of humanity’s fascination with Mars, from one immensely detailed and complicated theory about its landscape and inhabitants to the next. The stories surrounding astronomers’ postulations through the centuries are enormously entertaining, and when she gets to modern exploration, she gives a clear and fascinating explanation of the planetary science behind our recent, more rational searches for water and life.”

“This thriller takes place during WWII when Hetty Cartwright arrives at Lockwood Manor to take care of specimens from a natural history museum in London to keep them safe during the war. The hosts of the large manor—the controlling Major and his anxious daughter, Lucy—welcome Hetty and the specimens but don’t fully understand her. As time passes, there are ghosts, unexplained visitors, fears, and moving animals that make the job of safekeeping the animals and fossils difficult. This book is a page-turner because we wonder, are there spirits? How do the animals move around the house? Is Lucy a prisoner in her own home haunted by her memories of growing up in the house? It is a thriller, a love story, a moving story with surprises.”

“The Silence of Bones is a historic and richly atmospheric mystery that is utterly unique and difficult to put down!  Seol is an indentured servant living in 1800s Korea, working for the police to solve a murder case. She is often reprimanded for her curiosity, but it's what is needed to uncover the truth. This story is mesmerizing.”

“The girls of Ordinary Girls are anything but ordinary. Jaquira Díaz rips out the heart of her past, when she felt helpless, young, and willing to end it all, and sends it out dancing, raises it up, and uses it to enact change. Ordinary Girls is a brave embracing of a conflicted, traumatized past and an extolling of life.”

—Kat Baird, The Book Bin, Corvallis, OR

“It takes a special writer to craft a memoir that’s equal parts harrowing and hopeful, clear-eyed and emotionally acute...and that’s exactly what Jaquira Díaz has done here. She was still a child when her family moved from Puerto Rico to the slums of Miami, and she spent her teenage years negotiating a family life of addiction, dysfunction, and mental illness. Despite her experiences with crime and violence, Díaz finds solace in her friendships, strength in her heritage, and always a way forward. This is an utterly beautiful and vibrant book.”

“Lars Horn’s lucid and erudite memoir/sociocultural essay Voice Of The Fish traverses the liminal spaces between biology and identity, art and lived experience, animal instincts and transcendent ideas, with beautifully exacting prose and a wide-open eye for both the personal and the universal.”

“This is such a highly relatable, feminist rom-com that has enough meat to make it more than just fluff. While I easily devoured this charming book in one sitting, it still made me really think. This book confronts female beauty standards and more than that, it does it in a completely realistic way. TJ changes her appearance and people don’t just accept it because she’s always been popular and hot. The jerks in high school are still jerks. It’s more about TJ accepting herself. Plus, there’s the swoony romance with her academic rival that I saw coming a mile away, but loved every minute of!”

“Yes, it’s a tome. But it’s a marvelous tome. With The Final Strife, El-Arifi has created a brutal, heartbreaking world, but you never lose sight of that flicker of hope. The characters are so vivid and richly detailed, and some interactions had me absolutely cackling. On top of it all, the unapologetic and deliberate prevalence of trans/non-binary/queer characters is incredibly powerful.”

“In Boys I Know, June Chu is caught up with messy boy after messy boy and enough family drama to derail her senior year. I flew through this funny and observant debut dealing with teen sexuality and the pressures of feeling like an outsider in your own community.”

“I finished this truly unputdownable book in a single day after being completely drawn in by the first line. Its deep affection for language and irreverent-yet-loving-approach to its characters endears, while its deliciously suspenseful murder mystery storytline make it perfect for a classroom read-aloud with interactive student sleuthing. It’s also ideal for reluctant readers who need a highly engaging story to pull them in, and for parents who still read aloud to their 6th graders, as I do.”

“The New Life is an ambitious, beautifully executed glimpse into the lives of four people living in late 19th-century London as they try to break the bonds society’s placed around sex, love, marriage, and what it means to live fully. Beautifully varnished and tonally pitch-perfect, Tom Crewe’s debut is a dazzling character study in what it means to want a bigger life, and to pursue a life outside the perimeter of what the world has set before you.”

“Pony, a transgender teen boy starting at a new school, and Georgia, a popular cheerleader, form an instant bond on the first day of school. From there, the story alternates viewpoints between these two unique voices, filled with authenticity and humor, as they navigate the fraught choice between being who they are and being who people think they’re supposed to be. Written with a deft hand by Tobly McSmith, Stay Gold is a poignant, sometimes funny, sometimes harrowing coming-of-age story with an emotional heft that will resonate long after you put down the book.”

“This is not a book I expected to love, but I did. Pufahl’s writing is beautiful, deep, evocative, and stunning at times. It is a love story, but not as you would think; it is love of risk, of the game, of the land, of place and setting, of being free and yet not free, of desire and secrets, of violence and calm. It makes me want to raise my atomic cocktail to her while watching the sun set over the desert, to spend a day at the races, to have a secret.”

“A bittersweet story told by two teens on opposite sides of the 2019 Hong Kong protests. Phoenix is an upper-class prep school student who gets swept up in the protests; Kai is a recent immigrant from mainland China who joins the police force to gain the approval of his HK officer father. This book is beautiful, propulsive, and important — I’d recommend it highly to older teens, with the note that it includes some really intense, difficult scenes that may be too much for younger readers.”

“Despite its difficult moments, Jude Saves the World is pure joy, full of love and support in the face of a parent’s well-intentioned but misguided protection and the ups and downs of friendship. Ronnie Riley navigates Jude’s identity and various levels of being openly out with care and skill, and seeing them step up to create a safe-space club open to the community at large was inspiring and cheer-worthy. Jude is the brave and loyal friend all young queer kids need.”

“One of the best middle grade books I have read all year! I wish I this was around when I was growing up!”

“A relevant look into the difficulties of immigration, told in poetry and prose, Knitting the Fog gives us a glimpse into the complicated relationships with home, country, tradition, poverty, and place. A helpful reminder at this time in our country’s history that the decision to leave one’s home country is not made lightly — it is not a whim, it is a wrenching decision to try to make a better life; even in the escape of extreme poverty and violence, there is still loss and a sadness that cannot be forgotten.”

“A magical love letter to sisters, grandparents, the family who loves you even when they’re away, and the family you choose for yourself, Into the Tall, Tall Grass is unlike any middle grade book I’ve read. Yolanda comes from a long line of gifted individuals. How else to explain her grandmother’s control of butterflies, or the bees that swarm around her twin, Sonja? Surely not “bruja,” the word whispered meanly by their neighbors. Yolanda has no gift, and her worry that she’ll be left behind resonates on many levels. When her grandmother, whose health is failing, asks a favor, Yolanda gathers Sonja and their best friends, the Patels, and what should be a simple walk across their backyard turns into a quest through a changeable, mysterious landscape. A coming-of-age story like no other. “

“Englehardt’s stunning debut is not for the faint of heart; within the first few pages, a shooting occurs in the library of a fictional southern college. But the story is less about this horrific event than it is about the period leading up to it, and what happens to three different people — a student, a professor, and the shooter himself —in the aftermath. In prose that is vivid, specific, and wildly original, Englehardt shows how grief, disillusionment, and — in some cases — resilience can take lives in surprising directions. This is SO good.”

“The world of soul collecting and the mythic monsters that rule the night are brought vividly to life in this debut by Kylie Lee Baker. Ren is a child of two disparate cultures of magic and mystery, but both worlds view her as an outsider. In a tale of haunting suspense, she must battle a host of demons and Death itself to prove her right to exist. Edge of your seat excitement.”

“This is the book I needed right now. All Yadriel wants is to be accepted by his family as the boy he knows he is and prove he is a real brujo. When Yadriel’s best friend, Maritza, helps him complete his brujo ritual by attempting to conjure the ghost of his missing cousin, Yadriel accidentally summons the ghost of Julian, a local bad boy who doesn’t realize he’s dead. Yadriel and Maritza try to get Julian to move on, but Julian refuses to go quietly. As the trio journeys across the neighborhood to find out how Julian died, they discover more youth are missing from the streets. As danger and Día de los Muertos get closer, Yadriel finds himself in a magical fight for his and Julian’s lives. But that’s nothing compared to all the feelings Yadriel is battling for Julian — and vice versa.”

“New York City in the 1990s has never felt as alive as it does on the pages of Dana Czapnik’s The Falconer. In Lucy Adler, we find a teen heroine who is wry, sharp, a force on and off the basketball court, in love with her best friend, and gradually exploring the dusky art scene via her cousin Violet. Lucy’s voice is as unforgettable as the rest of the novel and marks the emergence of a grand new talent in Dana Czapnik.”

"The Beiderman, the reclusive upstairs neighbor and landlord of the Vanderbeeker family, is evicting the lot of them from the only home the five children have ever known. At Christmastime! There are only days remaining and each of the kids works at winning over The Beiderman, a task made difficult as this is a person that they have never even seen. The Vanderbeekers is an incredibly charming book overflowing with wonderful characters that will make for a perfect family read-along."

“Who is a hero and what is heroic? In her memoir, In the Shadow of the Mountain, Silvia Vasquez-Lavado answers both questions by intertwining the lives and narratives of sexual assault survirors against her experience organizing, mobilizing, and leading the same group to the summit of Mount Everest. In collective pursuit to recapture themselves, this group’s individual stories — along with Vasquez-Lavado’s — work to tell a larger story of perseverance, community, and the healing power of doing that which seems impossible.”

“Hide and Geek is everything fun and fantastic about great Middle Grade books! Loyal friends, a mystery to solve, and a dog named Sauce! Gina and her friends, the GEEKs, set out to get the scoop for the local newspaper and save their town. Along the way they’ve got to manage a campaign for Class President, prepare for science camp, outsmart the school bully, solve a mystery involving millions of dollars and the Bamboozler toy that once made their small town famous. Team Geek must use all their investigative skills to try to solve the most difficult set of puzzles they’ve come across.”

—Susan Williams, M. Judson Booksellers, Greenville, SC

“This intense, important novel is a must read for everyone. Gupta brings sex trafficking into stark relief with her debut novel in a way that’s accessible and suitable for teens. Heera is fierce and brave. I love her determination to fight for herself and those she loves. It’s an important message to young girls — and everyone — that they deserve to be safe.”

“This story of immigration takes readers from  the beginning, the characters’ lives before leaving their homeland, to the end and their life in a new land.  It’s developed in a way that accounts for the other wandering souls — ghosts and spirits that have been torn from life in the same way as so many refugees. All are wandering, searching for a place to belong.”

“Told in verse, this is a story of a young Sri Lankan girl struggling with her country’s civil war while being educated in a private institution. As she tries to overcome classism and feeling like an outsider among her peers, she also worries about her family stuck in the middle of a war while trying to focus on her academics. Very poignant, a must on any bookshelf!”

“I Will Greet the Sun Again is a beautiful portrait heaped with layers. A queer coming-of-age story about a boy learning to honor and love himself; an immigrant family whose bonds of duty and kinship are tested; and a gorgeous yet heartbreaking depiction of identity in an unwelcoming America. Khabushani’s prose truly captures an authentic and stunning range of intimacy that will make you feel protective of these characters and their lives.”

—Thu Doan, East Bay Booksellers, Oakland, CA

“A beautiful queer coming of age story within an immigrant story, I Will Greet the Sun Again is brutal yet tender, expansive yet intimate, and heartbreaking yet hopeful. Prepare for your heart to fully embrace K.”

—Alana Haley, Schuler’s Books, Grand Rapids, MI

“I Will Greet the Sun Again is a beautifully written debut novel that explores themes of identity, belonging, and acceptance. The son of Iranian immigrants living in California, K is trying to navigate his identity as a queer teenager and meet his parents’ expectations, while living as an immigrant in post-9/11 America. Powerful, poetic, and deeply personal, this is a must-read novel for readers who appreciate the power of identity and a story that will stay with them long after the last page.”

—Beth Seufer Buss, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, NC

“I Will Greet the Sun Again is a beautifully tender coming of age novel that captured my heart from the first sentence. The prose evokes that vibrant yet dreamy quality of childhood memories. K is a thoughtful and memorable narrator as he navigates being a queer and Muslim son of Iranian immigrants in America. An absolutely stunning debut!”

“Raybearer is gorgeously written, and filled with legends, mystical powers, blood oaths, and curses. It begins in a fable-like setting that unfolds into a complex world of secret histories and betrayals. Tarisai was raised in a mysterious fortress, where everyone around her feared her and left her in isolation. Her mother, The Lady, disappeared for weeks. Tarisai is sent to try out for the royal council with a terrible task. As Tar discovers more about herself and her capabilities, she gloriously comes into her birthright and legacy. The world building is phenomenal and intricately crafted and I can't wait for the next one!”

“I come from a long line of needleworkers. Collectively, we sew, embroider, crochet, knit, darn, and quilt. We ply our needles to clothe ourselves and our children, to cover our beds, to decorate our homes, for charity, and to support the war effort. We do so because we must; we do so because the creative outlet nourishes our souls. I always thought this activity was just what we did. And then I read Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle and discovered a much broader context for these experiences. You don’t have to be a needleworker or even care a whit about sewing to be fascinated by this book. Hunter roams the world, with her topics including WWI soldiers dealing with PSTD; the AIDS quilt; Mary, Queen of Scots; the way the invention of string ‘changed the history of humanity’; story quilts of the Hmong people; and much more. Hunter’s writing is as beautiful as her needlework. Pull up a chair, put down your needle, and prepare to be entertained and educated by what she has stitched together.”

“Ambitious and memorable, deadly serious and unexpectedly comic, Samuel Johnson’s Eternal Return is the ghost story you’ve been waiting for.”

If I could forget ever having read this book, I absolutely would, just so I could read it again for the first time. It's a rollicking, swashbuckling, adventure with an incredibly ambitious and crafty pirate heroine. There are secrets and twists at every turn, a problematically perceptive and attractive enemy and a superbly wrought world of sirens, rogues and scalawags. Every element of this novel meshes together perfectly. This is my favorite book on this list.

“With the same refreshing honesty, wit, and fierce feminism that fans have come to love in their wildly successful podcast, Georgia and Karen present a blueprint for how to stay sexy and stay alive. From mental health to addiction to family, relationships, and loss, these autobiographical essays offer advice and commiseration without sacrificing self-awareness and humor. Much of what makes their podcast so popular can be found in these pages—perhaps most importantly the gentle yet insistent reminder that we are not alone.”

“Robinson loves her grandfather more than anything, even more than her three favorite things: baseball, fixing cars, and making maple syrup. Her grandfather is the only family she has or so she believes, until a school project makes Robinson rethink what family really means. Robinson is a little girl with a giant spirit and personality, who just wants to live up to her namesake, Jackie Robinson. This sweet story is a home run in my eyes.”

“Amazing, heart-wrenching, wondrous. A years-spanning story of an intense friendship and how history (you know, wars and stuff) weighs on people's bonds. More than a decade ago, Sara left Bosnia, never to return. Now, drawn back by a long-lost childhood friend, she’s on a road trip through the Western Balkans, her own past, and a landscape scarred by social and political violence. Bastašić wrestles questions of obligation and understanding into one woman’s deeply personal reckoning. What do we owe the people who’ve shaped us, who taught us how to feel alive? What we know (and un-know) of our friends, our histories, and ourselves? It’s a story of how a person can misunderstand her friend and herself and then be completely wrecked and rebuilt as she grows to a new understanding of her world. Prepare to be split in two. WOW!”

“The Truth Project is a deep, heart-moving, conversation-starting story written in verse, emails, and texts about a girl who learns hard truths about her birth, her identity, and her parents. Her family lessons read flawlessly side by side with her young adult dramas with boys, girls, friends, school, poetry, teachers, plans, and overdramatic emotions. If finding identity and searching for belonging in any setting is what you’re looking for, read The Truth Project!”

“I am blown away by how moving, eye-opening, and engaging this book about sewing is. Hunter’s writing is bewitching and her tales of war, protest, imprisonment, healing, and empowerment are deeply human. I found myself moved to tears multiple times and I can’t help but tell all my friends and colleagues anecdotes from this amazing book. I don’t sew, but I’ll never look at the craft the same way again.”

“Wondering. Becoming. Testing boundaries, blurring lines. Small-town girl Nima stumbles into a community that shows her a new way to be her truest self. Drag kings, pixie poets, and a divine queen fairy godmother help Nima begin to heal her wounded heart, find her voice, and open up to the possibility of real love. And fabulous outfits.”

“Grown Ups is a novel you can devour in one sitting. This story will resonate with readers of all ages and circumstances.  At the center of the story are Ida and Marthe, two adult sisters who are in very different stages in life. Throw in a weekend at the family cabin in Norway to celebrate their mother turning 65 — and you have drama! Marie Aubert writes what we all want to say but society tells us that we should not. Grab a copy and be ready for a story you will soon not forget.”

“This adventurous graphic novel is perfect for fans of Steven Universe and Cucumber Quest! I adored the illustrations and characters, especially King Stello and Astrid, the cutest spider I’ve ever seen. Star Knights is a delightfully magical journey you’ll definitely want to be a part of!”

“When a meme mocking her cousin’s body hair becomes the talk of the school, TJ Powar begins to wonder how and why something as natural as hair is seen as disgusting or unclean — she then decides to discontinue her shaving and waxing regimens to test just how much it affects her social status. TJ Powar Has Something to Prove is a masterfully written debut that perfectly entwines the ever-present issues of eurocentric beauty standards and gender norms with the everyday life of a high school girl dealing with friends, family, and her future. Bold, smart, and game-changing.”

“A Magic Steeped in Poison is everything a fantasy novel should be — lush and enchanting, engrossing, and lyrical. It takes something as delightful as tea and makes it magical, and I enjoyed every second of it.”

—Isabella Ogbolumani, Buffalo Street Books, Ithaca, NY

“This epic fantasy debut is perfect for fans of Elizabeth Lim or Renée Ahdieh! The shénnóng-shis’ (tea masters’) magic is lush and fascinating. Readers will become enchanted with Ning’s world as she navigates cutthroat court politics and government conspiracies. This is a debut to be savored — much like the last notes of a truly magical cup of pomelo tea.”

“From its beginning in a coconut grove in 1950s India, to its conclusion on the fringes of a globalized corporate government, Vauhini Vara’s debut has one hand on the current moment and one on the future that is already knocking at our door. It is a sweeping family saga that probes the depths of the American Dream and the immigrant experience, all the while asking questions about the ethics of technology, the values of consumption, and what it truly means to be human.”

“When I first heard about the rainbow wheat I was very intrigued. Then I started reading and couldn't put this book down! What We Harvest is horror, mixed with a bit of humor and romance. Which makes for a perfect combo!”

“Poso Wells is a rare achievement in which a reader comes out the other end wanting to start again. It is a bold and clever tale with a unique voice, and it is poised to have a longstanding impression on readers for years to come.”

A timely, important book, The Death and Life of the Great Lakes is an alarming read, no matter where you live in the U.S. Egan’s clear-sighted, thoroughly researched book provides us with in-depth knowledge of an ecosystem in crisis. As the world’s largest source of fresh water, you’d think we humans would be more careful with how we treat the lakes. Egan points out the years of bad policy and continuing disregard for the health of the lakes that is putting them in peril with each passing year. But Egan also provides possible solutions for those of us who hope for a different future than the one currently on the horizon. A necessary read for our times. 

“Harper’s beautifully written memoir is both insightful and inspirational. She shares her story of a difficult childhood and starting a new job in a new city after the breakup of her marriage. But as an emergency room physician, her daily interactions with staff and patients open her eyes to wisdom and lessons that she embraces as she allows herself to heal.”

“This strange debut is an exploration of the psyche of a woman who feels removed from the emotional threads of humanity. Once she recognizes this ‘fault’ in herself, she embraces the freedom that being quiet, and therefore left alone, can bring her. In college, she gets a job at a newly opened convenience store and quickly becomes a creature of habit reliant on the redundancy of the store’s sterile environment. The novel picks up with her having worked there for 18 years. While not ready to make any changes, she is ready to have people stop prying into her life and happiness. This novel is a strong commentary on obsessive work culture, but I recommend it more for its calculated, removed prose and its unique narrative and characters.”

“Gertie, a fifth grade girl with divorced parents, sets out to become the greatest student in her school in order to convince her mother not to move out of the small town where they live. Her imaginative drive and determination are entertaining and surprising as she deals with and defeats all the obstacles thrown in her path. Gertie comes to the realization that, sometimes, not getting what you want can be the solution to your problem. Gertie’s Leap to Greatness is a charming and inspiring book that was truly written for and about children!” 

“An immense pleasure to read, Knitting the Fog is a poetic, lyrical memoir of motherhood, immigration, and assimilation. Claudia D. Hernández grew up in Guatemala, the child of an alcoholic father and an angry but determined mother. When Claudia was seven, her mother left Guatemala for the U.S., returning three years later to fetch her daughters. Told partly in verse and partly in Spanish, this memoir is a journey of three young girls, led by a ferocious and mysterious mother, from the lush heat of Guatemala through multiple countries, across the Rio Grande, and finally to Los Angeles. This book is about learning to belong and also remembering your roots, and about the hunger that lies deep inside of all of us that can never quite be filled.”

“When mutilated bodies start to show up in the small town of Four Paths in rural upstate New York, the townsfolk know it can only mean one thing: The Gray is back. Existing on an alternate plane, The Gray (not unlike the Demogorgon/Upside Down in Stranger Things) has been terrorizing the town since its inception, but the founding families of Four Paths have always been able to keep it from crossing over. This time, familial dark secrets could hinder the town and allow The Gray to break through, and it’s up to four teen descendants of the founders to put aside differences and keep the terror at bay. Gripping and terrifying, Devouring Gray will have you sleeping with one eye open, if at all.”

“This is a beautiful book with amazing, brave characters who fiercely guard friendship as a safe space filled with unconditional love — and set about to make the world that way. Jude Saves the World cracked my heart open and poured joy right in.”

“If you’re ready to be charmed by chickens and their devotees, read Under the Henfluence. Readers will meet rooster rescuers, avid poultry expo attendees, chicken clicker trainers (yes, chickens can learn tricks!), and, of course, the author’s own backyard chickens. I never thought I’d cry in a coffee shop over the fate of male chicks or cheer for high school 4-H’ers presenting their pandemic-era poultry over Zoom. An utterly delightful debut.”