Here is a preview of the titles on the November/December 2025 Kids’ Indie Next List flier, arriving at stores in the upcoming Kids’ Box mailing. The November/December title list is also viewable as a collection in Edelweiss.
The tri-fold, four-color flier features the #1 pick for November/December 2025, 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 January/February 2026 Kids’ Indie Next List is November 3.
Find more information about nominating titles here.
Here are the titles appearing on the November/December Kids’ Indie Next List:
#1 Pick: Angelica and the Bear Prince: (A Graphic Novel)
By Trung Le Nguyen
(Random House Graphic, 9780593125472, $24.99, Hardcover; 9781984892669, $17.99, Paperback, Oct. 7, Ages: 12+)
“There is so much about this book to love: the beautiful illustrations, the depiction of grief, the normalization of queerness, the sweet relationships between the characters. There is something in this story for anyone who picks it up to connect to.”
—Ava Budavari-Glenn, All She Wrote Books, Somerville, MA
Picture Books
The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake
By Devin Elle Kurtz
(Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9780593710999, $18.99, Oct. 7, Ages: 4-8)
“Kurtz’s wonderfully magical illustrations once again dazzle in this story of resilience and the joy that comes from being a lifelong learner as our friend Ember returns to the bakery with some new challenges and adorable new friends.”
—Randi Null, Brazos Bookstore, Houston, TX
Broken
By X. Fang
(Tundra Books, 9781774882009, $18.99, Oct. 14, Ages: 3-7)
“X. Fang deftly conveys the range of emotions a child (or really, any of us) can experience in a single afternoon: deadly boredom, overwhelming grief, consoling relief. What begins as an accident reveals an opportunity for truth telling, forgiveness, and the mending of hearts.”
—Jasmine Valandani, Kepler's Books, Menlo Park, CA
Don't Eat Eustace
By Lian Cho
(HarperCollins, 9780063321847, $19.99, Oct. 14, Ages: 4-8)
“I laughed so hard at Don't Eat Eustace that I teared up. Then, I forced the very next person to walk into our office to sit down as I read the book out loud to her. She thanked me for doing so. A perfect example of elevated humor in children's books.”
—Sarah Bradley, The Library Shop, San Diego, CA
The Gift of Words (A Holiday Picture Book)
By Peter H. Reynolds
(Orchard Books, 9781339000343, $18.99, Oct. 7, Ages: 4-8)
“Reynolds’ heart is made of something much more valuable than gold (or even chocolate) — it's made of love and joy. The Gift of Words, about a boy who invites friends, family, and neighbors to fill a tree with words of joy, should inspire everyone to have their own trees filled with joyful words.”
—Jen Wills Geraedts, Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery, Park Rapids, MN
Glitter Kittens
By William Joyce
(Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, 9781665959902, $19.99, Oct. 21, Ages: 4-8)
“Imagine a world where kittens aren't just cute, they're practically disco balls on paws! When a monster with a craving for all things that shimmer shows up, things get real. This book is a wild, hilarious ride.”
—Kimberly Todd, Square Books, Oxford, MS
I Am Not Happy!
By Caroline L. Perry, Sydney Hanson (Illus.)
(Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665953351, $19.99, Oct. 7, Ages: 4-8)
“I’ve been mildly obsessed with quokkas since Q Is for Quokka, so I'm delighted to see a picture book starring ‘the world's happiest animal.’ Super cute character with layers — I love it.”
—Tegan Tigani, Queen Anne Book Company, Seattle, WA
Moon Song
By Michaela Goade
(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316461634, $18.99, Oct. 7, Ages: 4-8)
“A gorgeously illustrated bedtime story full of wonder for our natural world. Journey under the moon and aurora borealis, through the forest and the ocean, and back to our cozy beds. A beautiful read aloud for the winter months!”
—Meghan Bousquet, Titcomb's Bookshop, East Sandwich, MA
The Old Sleigh
By Jarrett Pumphrey, Jerome Pumphrey
(Norton Young Readers, 9781324054122, $18.99, Nov. 4, Ages: 4-8)
“The Old Sleigh is a tale of family, a celebration of movement, a story of changing and staying the same. Beautiful illustrations highlight a delightfully cozy tale.”
—Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus Books, Nashville, TN
The Snowball Fight
By Beth Ferry, Tom Lichtenheld (Illus.)
(Clarion Books, 9780063327078, $19.99, Nov. 4, Ages: 4-8)
“I love this joyful book. It reminds me so much of a modern version of The Snowy Day. A wonderful day to embrace the joy of snow and just being a kid.”
—Nicole Miller, Barbara's Bookstore, Burr Ridge, IL
While We Wait
By Bee Johnson
(Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 9781250901231, $18.99, Oct. 7, Ages: 4-8)
“An adorable rhyming picture book that examines the beauty of the little moments. The ‘waiting’ can be the best part of some days, and with lovely illustrations, this story is a perfect reminder that while we wait, we can do so much!”
—Rifka Lichtig, McNally Jackson Books, New York, NY
Middle Grade
Bunns Rabbit
By Alan Barillaro
(Candlewick, 9781536214673, $18.99, Oct. 7, Ages: 8-12)
“Bunns Rabbit is the only rabbit in the meadow with short ears and wants nothing more than to look like everyone else. She sets off on a quest through the Great Forest to get her wish. A wonderful and heartfelt adventure about courage, friendship, and being true to yourself.”
—Jen Steele, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI
Dragonborn
By Struan Murray
(Dutton Books for Young Readers, 9798217113217, $19.99, Oct. 14, Ages: 8-12)
“An epic chapter book that teaches you about yourself as you read about others. Written with incredible heart and imagination, this fast-paced adventure story will suck you in and keep you on your toes.”
—Alisa Edwards, Ruby's Books, Folsom, CA
Finding Lost
By Holly Goldberg Sloan
(Rocky Pond Books, 9780593530252, $17.99, Oct. 7, Ages: 9-12)
“Cordy, never Cordelia, lost her dad in a boating accident over two years ago. She navigates life wearing a cloak of sadness. With the help of a lost dog, her younger brother Geno, her mom, a pink dolphin, and some very kind people, Cordy realizes that moving forward does not mean you cannot look back.”
—Jennifer Siegel, Otto Bookstore, Williamsport, PA
Kindred Dragons (Book 1): A Graphic Novel
By Sarah Mensinga
(Abrams Fanfare, 9781419771163, $24.99, Hardcover; 9781419771156, $15.99, Paperback, Oct. 14, Ages: 10-13)
“Anne of Green Gables, but make it dragons! Splendidly drawn and richly imagined, this story of finding a place in a world that doesn't seem to have space for everyone is magical, practical, and a gift to readers of all ages.”
—Emma Aprile, Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, KY
The Last Ember: The Aerimander Chronicles Book 1
By Lily Berlin Dodd
(Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 9780374393120, $19.99, Nov. 18, Ages: 10-14)
“A charmingly refreshing take on classic tropes and storylines, full of wit, adventure, and heart. Dodd's unique writing style, quirky characters, and transportive setting make this my favorite pick for upper-middle-grade fantasy fans.”
—Alyssa Raymond, Copper Dog Books, Beverly, MA
Night Chef: An Epic Tale of Friendship with a Side of Deliciousness! (A Graphic Novel)
By Mika Song
(Random House Graphic, 9780593303153, $20.99, Hardcover; 9780593303146, $12.99, Paperback, Oct. 28, Ages: 6-9)
“Fans of Ratatouille and Wild Robot, step right up! Night Chef is your next beloved read. Following one misfit raccoon who has big dreams of being a chef who embarks on a journey to get a baby crow back to its family, this story is one of perseverance, community, whimsy, and of course, food.”
—Allie Cesmat, Changing Hands, Tempe, AZ
Outside
By Jennifer L. Holm
(Scholastic Press, 9781546138143, 17.99, Oct. 7, Ages: 9-12)
“Part dystopian, part thriller, all an exciting read! Perfect for pre-teens who are looking for a bit of an adventure. Just remember — don’t go outside!”
—Ashley Watts, CoffeeTree Books, Morehead, KY
War Games
By Alan Gratz
(Scholastic Press, 9781338736106, $18.99, Oct. 7, Ages: 9-12)
“Gratz takes the reader right into the duality of Berlin during the 1936 Olympics — a city being purged of any ‘undesirable’ citizens to put on a good show for the world. Gratz does not shy away from the comparison between 1936 Germany and 2025 America. This is a timely book that every middle-grade reader, teacher, and parent should read.”
—Julie Swearingen, Roundabout Books, Bend, OR
Winging It: A Graphic Novel
By Megan Wagner Lloyd, Michelle Mee Nutter (Illus.)
(Graphix, 9781338818536, $24.99, Hardcover; 9781338818529, $14.99, Paperback, Oct. 21, Ages: 8-12)
“Go on Luna's journey of self-growth as she navigates a life-changing move across the country with her father, surviving a new middle school while mourning her mother, and getting to know her seemingly aloof grandmother. Beautiful illustrations, great story line and satisfying feel good ending!”
—Barb Rascon, Page 158 Books, Wake Forest, NC
Xolo
By Donna Barba Higuera, Mariana Ruiz Johnson (Illus.)
(Levine Querido, 9781646147021, $19.99, Nov. 4, Ages: 7-10)
“Xolo is a great addition to anyone’s shelf. Mariana Ruiz Johnson’s illustrations really bring the story to life. I love mythology AND Donna Barba Higuera, so Xolo is a double win in my book.”
—Kalli King, Rediscovered Books, Boise, ID
Young Adult
Good Old-Fashioned Korean Spirit: A Graphic Novel
By Kim Hyun Sook, Ryan Estrada
(Penguin Workshop, 9780593521328, $24.99, Hardcover; 9780593521335, $17.99, Paperback, Oct. 7, Ages: 12+)
“This graphic novel, set in 1980s South Korea, is full of secrets, humor, and just enough creepiness to engage readers! What will Taehee and her dance club friends encounter during the first full moon celebration on her grandmother’s remote farm? Have a good time learning some traditions, but don’t get too spooked!”
—Shannon Krug, Serendipity Books, Chelsea, MI
Hazelthorn
By CG Drews
(Feiwel & Friends, 9781250376299, $19.99, Oct. 28, Ages: 13+)
“CG Drews has a fantastic way with words, and the way she harnessed the wrath of nature in this book to portray the human condition was an experience. Highly recommend!”
—Pankti Dalal, Banter Bookshop, Fremont, CA
The House Saphir
By Marissa Meyer
(Feiwel & Friends, 9781250320957, $19.99, Nov. 4, Ages: 14+)
“Mayhem, magic, and monsters; the ghosts of murdered wives trapped in a haunted house and a malevolent spirit make for a heart pounding and page turning read.”
—Jane Simons, The Dog Eared Book, Palmyra, NY
Last Chance Live! (Indies Introduce)
By Helena Haywoode Henry
(Nancy Paulsen Books, 9780593625309, $21.99, Oct. 7, Ages: 12+)
“I have been reeling from the ending of this book since I finished it. We meet Eternity Price, who is on death row for reasons that are unclear at first, as she is given the chance to vie for her life on reality TV in exchange for giving up any chance at future appeals. This debut is stunning, and not just for young adult readers!”
—Andrea Richardson, Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA
Never Ever After
By Sue Lynn Tan
(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316576208, $19.99, Oct. 28, Ages: 14+)
"From building on old legends and fairy tales to adding a modern twist, Sue Lynn Tan’s fantasy novels always create a sense of adventure and fulfillment. Never Ever After surprised me in the end. The world felt tangible and I loved seeing all my favorite fairy tales sneak into this fantasy novel."
—Savannah Harris, Sidekick Coffee & Books, University Heights, IA
The Scammer
By Tiffany D. Jackson
(Quill Tree Books, 9780063271272, $19.99, Oct. 7, Ages: 14+)
“Tiffany D. Jackson takes inspiration from real-life events to deliver a gripping, chilling, and all-too-believable thriller about manipulation, belonging, and survival. This will get under your skin and stay there.”
—Hezekiah Olorode, Old Town Books, Alexandria, VA
The Secret Astronomers
By Jessica Walker
(Viking Books for Young Readers, 9780593692677, 19.99, Nov. 4, Ages: 12+)
“The Secret Astronomers is more than a deeply-felt story of an unlikely, unique high school friendship between two fully-realized characters, more than a slow-burn mystery reaching for answers from a loved one who’s passed. It’s a wildly impressive and completely immersive reading experience.”
—Meg Willing, Devaney, Doak & Garrett Booksellers, Farmington, ME
Seven Deadly Thorns (Deluxe Limited Edition)
By Amber Hamilton
(Bloomsbury YA, 9781547616596, $24.99; 9781547619108, $20.99, Standard, Nov. 4, Ages: 15+)
“Amber Hamilton has created a captivating dark academia romance where magic is not a gift but a deadly curse. The enemies-to-lovers relationship between Viola and Roze isn't based on misunderstanding or power struggles, but is driven by survival — a much stronger motivation than usual.”
—Natasha Birham, 192 Books, New York, NY
Wavelength
By Cale Plett
(Groundwood Books, 9781779460295, $17.99, Oct. 7, Ages: 12+)
“Wavelength is a debut novel that the queer community will take to its heart. It's got the depth of understanding you'd hope for, while being lots of fun. With an emphasis on LGBTQ+ characters and young romance, this writer from Winnipeg, Manitoba, has gifted us with something fresh.”
—Linda Bond, Auntie's Bookstore, Spokane, WA
We Fell Apart: A We Were Liars Novel
By E. Lockhart
(Delacorte Press, 9780593899168, $22.99, Nov. 4, Ages: 12+)
“We Fell Apart takes place in the same location as the first two books in the series, but we meet a host of new characters. With tense family drama, new people to meet, and young adults on the cusp of making life-changing decisions, the story keeps you flipping through pages as you question everyone.”
—Jess Schneider, Watermark Books & Cafe, Wichita, KS