Here is a preview of the titles on the March/April 2026 Kids’ Indie Next List flier, arriving at stores in the upcoming Kids’ Box mailing. The March/April title list is also viewable as a collection in Edelweiss.
The tri-fold, four-color flier features the #1 pick for March/April 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 May/June 2026 Kids’ Indie Next List is March 16.
Find more information about nominating titles here.
Here are the titles appearing on the March/April Kids’ Indie Next List:
#1 Pick: The Lions' Run
By Sara Pennypacker, Jon Klassen (Illus.)
(Balzer + Bray, 9781250392817, $18.99, Feb. 3, Ages: 8-12)
“I read The Lions’ Run with my heart in my throat the entire time. It’s a story of bravery, of courage, of hope — that the smallest act can make a difference. What a gorgeous historical novel. This is Sara Pennypacker at her best.”
—Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
Picture Books
Cat's New Book
By Nathalie Belhassen
(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9781523528592, $18.99, Feb. 3, Ages: 4-6)
“A heartwarming celebration of well-loved books and the joy of sharing the stories we treasure. The beautiful messes they gather when read alone, passed between friends, enjoyed together, and shared aloud with others.”
—Kassandra McKenna, Watermark Books & Cafe, Wichita, KS
The Future Book
By Mac Barnett, Shawn Harris
(Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9798217033171, $19.99, Mar. 3, Ages: 4-8)
“A supermarket is a bolly bolly hoo hoo. Cats are meowing life-forms. Apples are no more. These are just a few of the differences that await us in the future according to The Future Book. A zany picture book that makes for a great, goofy read-aloud.”
—Beth Bissmeyer, Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, KY
The God of Sleep
By Lev Grossman, Huynh Kim Liên (Illus.)
(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316570961, $18.99, Mar. 24, Ages: 6-8)
“As the god of sun is taking her leave for the night, the god of sleep is nowhere to be found! The sun god journeys near and far to find the god and runs into several others along the way. A rhyming story perfect for bedtime paired with beautiful illustrations!”
—McKenna Moran-Jones, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI
I Really Want to Be a Cat
By Helen Hancocks
(Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 9781464244759, $14.99, Mar. 3, Ages: 4-8)
“A girl spends a day with her cat, wishing she could be a cat too. The freedom! The stretches! The skills! Even night vision! There's just ONE thing that doesn't seem great about being a cat…I won't spoil it for you. This one would be fun for story time or a classroom.”
—Jen Wills Geraedts, Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery, Park Rapids, MN
Is It Spring?
By Kevin Henkes
(Greenwillow Books, 9780063469259, $21.99, Feb. 24, Ages: 4-8)
“Is Kevin Henkes a literary treasure? Yes! Is It Spring? is an adorable ode to the season. It highlights the highs and lows of those months between the snows of winter and the bright sun of spring. Henkes’ book reminds us that snow will pass and the world will wake, refreshed. We just have to be patient.”
—Amanda Zarni, Book Ends Winchester, Winchester, MA
Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach
By Scott Rothman, Linzie Hunter (Illus.)
(Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 9781728296722, $18.99, Mar. 24, Ages: 4-8)
“Such a cute book! We have all been Judgy Bunny at some point in our lives — everything is too overstimulating and we’re just in a bad mood. But with a little bit of patience and kindness even the most judgy of Judgy Bunnies can learn to have fun!”
—Imaan Ramezanzadeh, The Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA
Loops
By Jashar Awan
(Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665974943, $19.99, Mar. 3, Ages: 4-8)
“Being a Big Kid is a Big Deal, and tying shoes is one of the biggest Big Kid milestones. Cleverly illustrated and told from the kiddo’s point of view, there are plenty of treats throughout the pages for discovery and delight.”
—Carrie Koepke, Skylark Bookshop, Columbia, MO
The Rare Bird
By Elisha Cooper
(Roaring Brook Press, 9781250364395, $18.99, Feb. 24, Ages: 3-6)
“What a joy to follow Rare Bird’s feline main character as he soars from couch to cloud to dream, and what a perfect book to remind us that imagination is limitless.”
—Victoria Sanchez, Bookshop West Portal, San Francisco, CA
Rumpelstiltskin
By Mac Barnett, Carson Ellis (Illus.)
(Orchard Books, 9781338673852, $19.99, Feb. 3, Ages: 4-8)
“One of my favorite stories as a child and now a favorite again! Great illustrations, a few modern twists, but you’ll have to read the book to name them.”
—Craig Wiesner, Reach and Teach, San Mateo, CA
Ruthie
By Esmé Shapiro
(Tundra Books, 9781774885659, $18.99, Mar. 17, Ages: 3-7)
“This precious picture book is what dreams are made of! If I could jump into these whimsical pages and journey with Prince Ruthie and friends, I would in a heartbeat.”
—Amali Gordon-Buxbaum, Books Are Magic, Brooklyn, NY
Middle Grade
The Aftermyth
By Tracy Wolff
(Aladdin, 9781665985468, $18.99, Feb. 3, Ages: 8-12)
“I couldn’t read The Aftermyth fast enough. Not only did I love the characters from the very beginning (somebody give me Fifi's energy — I'd never need coffee again), but the spin on Greek mythology is so fresh and different. Rick Riordan and Shannon Messenger fans will fall head over heels in love with this series!”
—Hannah Davidson, Mystery to Me, Madison, WI
Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria
By L. M. Wilkinson, Lavanya Naidu (Illus.)
(Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665986588, $13.99, Mar. 17, Ages: 7-10)
“Remarkable! This illustrated fantasy novel is Redwall for a younger generation: adventurous, whimsical, and fun. May we find the Bravepaw in us all!”
—Nicole Brinkley, Oblong Books, Millerton, NY
The Curse Breaker (Isle of Ever #2)
By Jen Calonita
(Sourcebooks Young Readers, 9781728277066, $16.99, Mar. 10, Ages: 10-13)
“Picking up directly after the events in Book 1, The Curse Breaker jumps right into the action, weaving in familiar faces as well as a few new friends. Readers are masterfully led through the ever-growing mystery. Filled with romance, suspense, fear, and the ever-clicking tock, this is sure to keep readers cheering and eagerly awaiting the next installment.”
—Sarah Anne Wager, Oregon Books & Games, Grants Pass, OR
A Kid Like Me: A Graphic Novel
By Norm Feuti
(HarperAlley, 9780063354111; $24.99, Hardcover; 9780063354104, $15.99, Paperback, Feb. 3, Ages: 8-12)
“I loved so much about this story — Ethan’s love for nerdy games, and desire to figure out who he is while navigating the struggles of middle school friendships and the comparison to his classmates. This one hits on so many important coming of age themes!”
—Morgan DePerno, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, NC
Oh Brother: A Graphic Memoir (Indies Introduce)
By Georgina Chadderton
(Random House Graphic, 9780593488270, $21.99, Hardcover; 9780593488263, $14.99, Paperback, Feb. 10, Ages: 8-12)
“Full of heart and humor, this middle grade graphic memoir illustrates the daily life of Gina and her experiences with her nonverbal Autistic brother, Rob. I found myself feeling all the emotions while reading this coming of age account. Gina’s perspective is both enlightening and important.”
—Britney Harker, Rediscovered Books, Boise, ID
Phoenix (Ride On)
By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
(Dial Books, 9780593859865, $17.99, Mar. 3, Ages: 10-14)
“Any animal lover will be drawn to the sweet story of Harper's relationship to Phoenix, the horse she rescues. The description of the emotional and physical upheaval of Harper's life as a parallel to the broken-down horse she is helping, is extremely compelling.”
—Jennifer Kraar, White Whale Bookstore, Pittsburgh, PA
Queso, Just in Time
By Ernesto Cisneros
(Quill Tree Books, 9780063092242, $19.99, Mar. 10, Ages: 8-12)
“Queso is such a wonderful character who, as he time travels, experiences so many emotions including love and loss and grief. The book includes the importance of friendship and community, culture and diversity, past and present, and libraries as safe places.”
—Mollie Mitchell, HearthFire Books, Evergreen, CO
Sweet, Tart
By Kara Thom
(Candlewick, 9781536239256, $18.99, Feb. 24, Ages: 9-12)
“Middle grade readers will find much to love about Halle and her beloved horse friend. Author Kara Thom sensitively portrays topics of grief, friendship, and family dynamics through the framework of both poetry and prose. Sweet, Tart is a blue ribbon read.”
—Pamela Klinger-Horn, Valley Bookseller, Stillwater, MN
The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan
By Jasmine Warga
(Balzer + Bray, 9781250387189, $18.99, Mar. 3, Ages: 8-12)
“A cheetah cub and a rescue dog are paired together at the zoo and become fast friends. I just loved their sweet personalities and the opportunity for young readers to learn a bit more about cheetahs and conservation work. Great themes of trying your best, forgiving yourself, and found families.”
—Kate Snyder, Plaid Elephant Books, Danville, KY
When Tomorrow Burns
By Tae Keller
(Random House Books for Young Readers, 9780593485583, $17.99, Mar. 3, Ages: 10-12)
“When Tomorrow Burns is a powerful story that follows three 7th graders as they learn to navigate the challenges of middle school life, pressures of the world, family, and school relationships. It’s magical, heartfelt, and so real — reminding us how important family and true friendships are.”
—Annell Schmerfeld, Changing Hands, Tempe, AZ
Young Adult
Carnival Fantástico
By Angela Montoya
(Joy Revolution, 9798217024469, $19.99, Feb. 3, Ages: 12+)
“Looking for your next great read with star-crossed lovers and a traveling circus? This Latine-inspired fantasy has it all: magic, adventure, humor, dark secrets, and a fiery second-chance romance.”
—Alyssa Raymond, Copper Dog Books, Beverly, MA
The Faraway Inn
By Sarah Beth Durst
(Delacorte Press, 9798217024308, $14.99, Mar. 31, Ages: 12+)
“A cozy and romantic fantasy with the perfect amount of magic sprinkled in! I would love to stumble upon The Faraway Inn and meet all of the characters.”
—Elisa McIntosh, The Bookstore Plus Music & Art, Lake Placid, NY
The Free Verse Society (Indies Introduce)
By Delali Adjoa
(Peachtree Teen, 9781682638408, $19.99, Hardcover; 9781682638781, $14.99, Paperback, Mar. 10, Ages: 14+)
“This book broke me open. Yes, there are dark themes, but the story is a welcome breeze, a breath held and released, a scab falling off to reveal the healed skin beneath. What I thought was a story about two troubled kids in a poetry group turned into so much more.”
—Sydne Conant, Ink Cap Books, Stoughton, WI
Her Hidden Fire (Indies Introduce)
By Cliodhna O'Sullivan
(Viking Books for Young Readers, 9798217040506, $22.99, Mar. 3, Ages: 12+)
“A romantasy set in a fantasy-Ireland full of magic, betrayals, and battles for power. A young man set out to save his family from a future that forces them to give up their place and home. Unknown to him, his childhood friend sets out to protect him, but at what cost? I loved this!”
—Shannon Alden, Literati Bookstore, Ann Arbor, MI
If We Never End (Deluxe Limited Edition)
By Laura Taylor Namey
(Bloomsbury YA, 9781547618057, $20.99, Mar. 3, Ages: 14+)
“If you like a side of emotional damage with your romances, please cry about If We Never End with me. Sylvie is set to have another boring summer until a gold watch in a small-town thrift store sends her on a life-changing adventure. This book is a quiet mystery that builds to a gut-wrenching twist.”
—Becky Martone, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT
Love Me Tomorrow
By Emiko Jean
(Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665974370, $19.99, Feb. 3, Ages: 12+)
“Emiko Jean writes the swooniest plots and also has her main characters grow. Here, Emma has to learn to open herself up to new experiences, after dealing with the aftermath of her parents’ messy divorce. I’m looking forward to seeing Emma's journey in the next book.”
—Audrey I-Wei Huang, Belmont Books, Belmont, MA
Meet Me Under the Lights (Indies Introduce)
By Cassie Miller
(Viking Books for Young Readers, 9798217038923, $13.99, Mar. 3, Ages: 12+)
“A delightful YA romance featuring rival families, baseball, and theater. Eliza and Reed’s families hate each other, but this summer, the pull between the two of them is too much. A much happier ending than Romeo and Juliet and a quick and fun read!”
—Claire McWhorter, River & Hill Books, Rome, GA
Queen of Faces (Deluxe Edition)
By Petra Lord
(Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 9781250362971, $22.99, Feb. 3, Ages: 14+)
“This is absolutely the fantasy of 2026. The world-building is astounding, and the characters are complex and gravitational in their ability to pull you through the story. Exploring the idea of how much our bodies are or are not part of who we are is fascinating. Lord executes that exploration masterfully. A must-read.”
—Brooke Williams, Beanbag Books, Delaware, OH
Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions (Indies Introduce)
By Ahmad Saber
(Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, 9781665960694, $21.99, Mar. 3, Ages: 14+)
“Ramin Abbas is an awkward, kind-hearted teenager who’s head over heels for another boy. He’s also a devout Muslim, Pakistani, living in Canada, and trying to figure out how to be all of himself at once. He succeeds beautifully. A novel for young readers, and for older readers whose younger selves still need to be seen.”
—Kenza Kamal, Prologue Bookshop, Columbus, OH
The Sun and the Starmaker
By Rachel Griffin
(Sourcebooks Fire, 9781728256184, $19.99, Feb. 17, Ages: 14+)
“The Sun and the Starmaker found me right when I needed it. With the atmospheric excellence of a Ghibli movie and the quality of a Shakespearean romantic tragedy, this novel was a testament to the experience of love, grief, and purpose compounded. Griffin captured intersecting conflicts of my current existence existentially well, giving me a mirror (no pun intended) to examine myself with.”
—Isabella Luna, Beguiled Books, Seattle, WA