Here is a preview of the titles on the July/August 2026 Kids’ Indie Next List flier, arriving at stores in the upcoming Kids’ Box mailing. The July/August title list is also viewable as a collection in Edelweiss.
The tri-fold, four-color flier features the #1 pick for July/August 2026, plus the top 10 titles in each age group (picture book, middle grade, and young adult). All Indie Next List picks are based on recommendations from booksellers at independent bookstores across the country and include a bookseller quote and full bibliographic information.
The deadline for nominating titles for the September/October 2026 Kids’ Indie Next List is July 6.
Find more information about nominating titles here.
Here are the titles appearing on the July/August Kids’ Indie Next List:
#1 Pick: The Skeleton and the Cat
By Brandon James Scott
(HarperCollins, 9780063455887, $19.99, July 7, Ages: 4-8)
“An absolute delight! The funny banter between Skeleton and Cat is equally matched by the adorable illustrations. This is a wonderful tale of friendship but just a so-so manual for sandwich eating. Loved it!”
—Nancy Baenen, Arcadia Books, Spring Green, WI
Picture Book
The Bats on the Bus
By Alison Jackson, Scott Magoon (Illus.)
(Christy Ottaviano Books, 9780316584180, $18.99, July 21, Ages: 3-6)
“Boo, Hiss, GRRR! This absolute delight of a book becomes an instant classic with snazzy, bright illustrations and much to discover within each page spread as Jackson and Magoon create the next best storytime read.”
—Maureen Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, CA
The Cow in the Dark at Night
By Jess Hannigan
(Quill Tree Books, 9780063437777, $19.99, July 21, Ages: 4-8)
“YAY! A new Jess Hannigan! The humor and shenanigans never fail to delight. Kids will be jumping out of their seats to point out everything the cow is missing on this night wandering…what a wonderful read-aloud!”
—Sierra Hollabaugh, The Bookery Cincy, Cincinnati, OH
The Dog Who Was (Almost) Perfect
By Jack Kurland
(Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 9781836007753, $18.99, June 2, Ages: 2-5)
“A charming, clever, and reassuring tale about loving (and being loved for) your perfectly-imperfect self. I want everyone to meet Doris!”
—Chelsea Bromley, Bromley's Books, Marquette, MI
The Greatest Bedtime Story Ever
By Jessie Sima
(Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665974523, $19.99, June 9, Ages: 4-8)
“Wonderful story. Magnificent illustrations. An ending that took me by surprise. This story is perfect for story time and bedtime. I absolutely adore this picture book and cannot wait to share it with younger readers.”
—Michael Yetter, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, OH
Leroy Has Something to Say
By Emily Rosenthal, My Phuong Thai (Illus.)
(Bloomsbury Children's Books, 9781547615834, $18.99, July 7, Ages: 4-8)
“A very sweet and lovely story about celebrating differences, taking the time to understand one another, and the beautiful things that grow from that! This will make the most unique of Halloween reads and a beautiful chance for children to recognize themselves within a story.”
—Katie Pionk, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, MI
Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story
By Michael L. Benner, Alison Hawkins (Illus.)
(Orchard Books, 9781546140764, $19.99, July 14, Ages: 4-8)
“Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story is already one of my favorite picture books of the year. This book has super cute illustrations and perfect puns that will keep you laughing with every page! A sweet and fun read you will definitely want to gobble up.”
—Mallory Clark, Square Books, Oxford, MS
Story Rug
By Sophie Blackall, Phoebe Wahl (Illus.)
(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316535380, $18.99, July 14, Ages: 4-6)
“A picture book for textile-lovers, upcyclers, community builders, and classrooms everywhere! When kiddos are provided the space for creativity and teamwork, something beyond magical happens…”
—Angela Sherrill, City Lit Books, Chicago, IL
Today We'll Be Eaten
By Alan Barillaro
(Rocky Pond Books, 9798217004362, $19.99, June 30, Ages: 4-8)
“We worry and worry for something to happen, but taking a moment like the ladybug and dragonfly will offer a much needed peace that we all need.”
—Rachel Trainum, Dog-Eared Books, Ames, IA
Whale, That Was Unexpected
By Casey Lyall, Kathryn Durst
(Tundra Books, 9781774883617, $18.99, June 30, Ages: 3-7)
“What a fun, silly story! Maude and Claude aren’t strangers to the random ebb and flow of the ocean. It certainly won’t stop their adventure! Maude’s sardonic, sassy energy made me giggle all the way to the last page. Perfect for emerging readers and people who read books to little ones.”
—Ashley-Nicole Smith, Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, NC
The Wise Pickle
By Sarah Howden, Sabina Hahn (Illus.)
(Tundra Books, 9781774886984, $18.99, June 23, Ages: 4-8)
“Brilliant and absurd! A pickle arrives on a street corner, seemingly out of nowhere, and begins to spread its wisdom to the curious creatures around it as it withers in the sun. A hilarious and existential picture book will spark laughs and pondering in kids and adults alike!”
—Julia Lewis, Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA
Middle Grade
Casting April (Indies Introduce)
By Wendy Lu
(Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9798217030286, $17.99, June 16, Ages: 8-12)
“Casting April is one of the best surprises of 2026! I thought I was picking up another book about kids putting on a school play. Instead, I found myself mesmerized by this 6th grade girl with a tracheostomy trying to navigate middle school. Casting April will grab readers both with its representation of an experience almost completely ignored in literature and with its heartwarming story about friends and family.”
—Chris Abouzeid, Belmont Books, Belmont, MA
The Dark and Other Scary Stories
By Max Brallier, Letizia Rubegni (Illus.)
(Scholastic, 9798225049621, $14.99, July 7, Ages: 6-8)
“This collection of ten short stories is the perfect introduction for newly independent readers who are intrigued by all things frightful! Get this while they’re young so your kids can memorize their favorite story and scare all their friends at their first slumber party.”
—Kathryn Brostowitz, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI
Fatal Glitch: Camp Zero
By Erin Entrada Kelly, Eliot Schrefer, Jeannette Arroyo (Illus.)
(Stonefruit Studio, 9781464241048, $14.99, July 21, Ages: 8-12)
“Sonia, narrator and avid Sandbox gamer, is sent to bare-bones Camp Forestjaw with six other kids. Part high-tech, part horror story, one camper is ‘eliminated’ each day of their camp week. Where do they go? Who'll remain and win the prize? Amazing! I'm already watching for the next installment.”
—Susan Posch, The Book Shoppe, Boone, IA
The Ginghams (Indies Introduce)
By T. C. Kemper
(Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 9781250404152, $18.99, Hardcover; 9781250489425, $9.99, Paperback, July 28, Ages: 8-12)
“This is a fantastic, fast-paced middle grade mystery. I love the creepy vibe and great story about friendship. I loved this book and I can't wait to share it with my fellow mystery fans.”
—Amy Buren, Maggie Mae's Kids Bookshop, Gresham, OR
The Island at the Edge of Night
By Lucy Strange
(Chicken House, 9781338686494, $19.99, June 2, Ages: 8-12)
“A brooding tale set on a remote island off the coast of Scotland with courageous kids and nasty villains. Love how a touch of fairytale blends with the science of trees.”
—Kristine Jelstrom-Hamill, Buttonwood Books and Toys, Cohasset, MA
Just Ask Elsie (Indies Introduce)
By Ari Koontz
(Feiwel & Friends, 9781250410986, $18.99, June 16, Ages: 10-14)
“I absolutely adored this delightfully queer book about a girl fighting to educate her peers about puberty and sexuality. This will inspire kids to be the change that they want to see, and to know that they deserve the opportunity to be able to fully know and understand who they are and what is happening to them. I could not love this story more!!”
—Ava Budavari-Glenn, All She Wrote Books, Somerville, MA
Offside: A Graphic Novel
By Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Mari Costa (Illus.)
(Graphix, 9781546111030, $25.99, Hardcover; 9781339023601, $14.99, Paperback, July 7, Ages: 8-12)
“Christina Diaz Gonzalez always shares relevant stories that young readers experience in their daily lives. It’s refreshing, helpful, and really shows growth and real emotions. I also appreciate the kindness shown from the parents and neighbors. Another excellent children’s graphic novel!”
—Sara Rishforth, Roundabout Books, Bend, OR
Raven, Rising
By Christine Hartman Derr
(Heartdrum, 9780063432833, $18.99, July 7, Ages: 8-12)
“When Raven, a young Cherokee girl, loses her parents and moves to a new town to live with her aunt, she finds herself the target of bullies and cruel rumors. As she struggles to find her place, Raven turns to her unique gift of blending magic with baking to set things right. Hartman Derr handles difficult topics like grief with remarkable care and makes an abundance of space for hope and the joys of friendship, magic, community, and finding oneself.”
—Alexis Powell, The King's English Bookshop, Salt Lake City, UT
Sneaks (Indies Introduce)
By Amy Tern
(Holiday House, 9780823461622, $18.99, July 7, Ages: 8-12)
“An unlikely friendship, a set of binoculars, and clues are all it takes for imaginations to run wild while spying on neighbors! Great debut!”
—Christina Coward, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
Wolf's Belly
By John August, Simón Estrada (Illus.)
(Roaring Brook Press, 9781250875228, $23.99, Hardcover; 9781250875235, $15.99, Paperback, July 7, Ages: 8-12)
“The artwork is gorgeous and the story is fantastic. So many interwoven fables/fairy tales are present, and the messaging is perfect without being heavy-handed!”
—Laura Sharp, Literally, A Bookshop, Gilbert, AZ
Young Adult
Doe
By Rebecca Barrow
(Nancy Paulsen Books, 9798217006335, $20.99, June 23, Ages: 12+)
“Saturated with a haunting atmosphere, ancient spirits ready to deal, and cheerleaders who want it all. Doe is the first novel I’ve read totally in verse and it will stick with me forever.”
—Robert Hawthorn, Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkle's Children's Books, Mendocino, CA
Encore!: A Graphic Novel
By Miles Toriko Burks
(HarperAlley, 9780063282452, $18.99, June 2, Ages: 13+)
“A charming young adult story with wonderful illustrations. The story is fun and relatable and the characters feel like real teens making real choices. The pacing is great, and the story kept me smiling and rooting for Clay and Aron.”
—Miracle Lucketti, Ballast Book Company, Bremerton, WA
Flickerstate (Indies Introduce)
By F. A. Davidson
(Sourcebooks Fire, 9781464266195, $18.99, Aug. 4, Ages: 12+)
“What would you do if you could influence the future? Flickerstate is a delightful boarding school modern day magical story that wrestles with questions of power, corruption, unity, friendship, and a fight for the greater good!”
—Elizabeth Bosscher, Schuler Books, Grand Rapids, MI
Goldenborn (Indies Introduce)
By Ama Ofosua Lieb
(Scholastic Press, 9781546147466, $19.99, June 2, Ages: 12+)
“Akoma lives in a near-future AfricaTown in San Francisco and works with a secret law enforcement division to stop crimes where magic may be involved. She just wants to find out what really happened to put her father in a coma, and a sting gone wrong leads her to a mysterious stranger who may have the answers. Goldenborn is filled with lush, beautiful worldbuilding, African mythology and an Afrofuturist twist.”
—Fisher Nash, Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, KY
The Heirs
By Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
(Feiwel & Friends, 9781250326997, $20.99, June 2, Ages: 14+)
“Were these ‘geniuses’ lucky to have been chosen by Mr. Button to be raised as part of his ‘family’? Is the cost too high? Did one of them kill him? What actually happened that night on board the Titania? When you think you know them, the heirs surprise you again and again!”
—Andrea Iriarte, Molly's Bookstore, Melrose, MA
Ladies of the Knight
By Fiona Marchbank
(Oni Press, 9798894880402, $19.99, July 7, Ages: 13+)
“Set in a queer-normative world seemingly free of gender-based discrimination, Ladies of the Knight is an ode to contact sports that tells a story of joy, mentorship, bravery, and finding, or rediscovering, the joy in both life and the craft you dedicate yourself to. There is romance in this story, but the focus is on the mentorship relationship between George and Lady Serafina and their individual relationships to the sport they love.”
—Annie Shields, Morgenstern Books, Bloomington, IN
The League of Dangerous Young Ladies (Deluxe Edition)
By J. A. Morgenstein
(Stonefruit Studio, 9781464238543, $19.99, June 2, Ages: 12+)
“Rose Moriarty — along with the daughters of some of literature’s most infamous characters — face creepy creatures, chaotic adventures, and daring schemes. Morgenstein packs in the humor, supernatural twists, nonstop action, and a mystery that keeps you guessing. I loved this motley crew of dangerous young ladies and I can’t wait for more!”
—Kristina Swilley, Bookshop Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
A Prince Among Pirates
By Katie Abdou
(Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 9781665984775, $21.99, June 16, Ages: 14+)
“THE SASS! THE YEARNING! THE BOYISH COCKINESS! It's equal parts swashbuckling, queer, and shamelessly romantic. This book gave me butterflies and I wasn't even there! (I FELT like I was.)”
—Brady Stiff, Left Bank Books, St. Louis, MO
The Secret World of Briar Rose
By Cindy Pham
(Kokila, 9798217113026, $21.99, June 2, Ages: 14+)
“In this richly detailed and emotional retelling of ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ two sisters jump through a magical portal and enter the dream world of the iconic princess. There, they must confront what it truly means to escape, and whether or not dealing with pain and grief makes life worth living in the first place. This book will leave readers with a small but important burst of hope that they may need.”
—Jason Mills, The Book Bungalow, St. George, UT
To Dance the Moon and Stars (A Graphic Novel)
By Tasia M S, Barbara Perez Marquez
(Joy Revolution, 9780593809181, $24.99, Hardcover; 9780593809198, $18.99, Paperback, July 14, Ages: 12+)
“Absolutely stunning! A fantasy story where dance is forbidden, yet that’s all our main character wants to do. And these illustrations just floated right off the page, matching the flow of the story. I look forward to more collaborations by these artists.”
—Jurni Bayoc, The Novel Neighbor, Webster Groves, MO