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“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.”

“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!”

“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!”

“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!”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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!)”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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!”