“A tragedy leads everyone to examine their place in the family, how they relate to one another, and how they see themselves. Anyone with complicated family dynamics will find this book triggering and cathartic,” said Claire Bone of Wild Sisters Book Company in Sacramento, CA.
Lily Kim Qian is the author of Until We Meet Again, a Winter/Spring 2026 Indies Introduce selection. Qian sat down with Britney Harker of Rediscovered Books in Boise, ID to discuss this debut title.
“Soraya Bouazzaoui brings a refreshing new voice to fantasy with a bold and timely retelling of the mythical figure Aicha. This electric debut is a page-turning glimpse into the people behind a resistance, and the depravity of colonization. Overflowing with love and feminine rage, this is an ode to the strength, resilience, and bravery of those who dare to resist occupation,” said Cassie Goodwin of Loudmouth Books in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“This book is literally the luxurious gothic fantasy of my dreams; words cannot describe how hauntingly beautiful it is! Balancing colonial commentaries, a crumbling entombed estate, and splashes of magic and romance, one girl will do whatever it takes to save her family. Heba Al-Wasity crafted a masterpiece that had me ready to spill my own secrets to uncover the mysteries woven within Weavingshaw and once this book has you, I think you will too!” said Haley Calvin of The Novel Neighbor in St. Louis, Missouri.
“In a time where influencers are more prominent now than ever, you will love this novel that goes behind the scenes of a tradwife named Natalie that finds herself thrust from her Instagramable life into an alternate timeline (pun intended) where she does not fully recognize her family or any aspect of her farmlife. Her carefully curated life is uprooted very suddenly and you will #lol at Natalie's plight. This debut novel has a lot of heart, humor, and social commentary and I expect it to be big,” said Annastasia Williams of The Bottom in Knoxville, Tennessee.
“While other middle grade books definitely touch on grief, this one is unique in its delivery in verse. With a small amount of words, Bigna paints a gorgeous world where friendship, healing, and a little magic can flourish,” said Sydne Conant of Ink Cap Books in Stoughton, Wisconsin.
Bar Fridman-Tell is the author of Honeysuckle, a Winter/Spring 2026 Indies Introduce selection. Fridman-Tell sat down with Emily Russo of PRINT: A Bookstore in Portland, Maine, to discuss this debut title.
“This is a great graphic novel memoir about growing up with a high support needs sibling. It doesn’t shy away from the hard aspects of that situation, and depicts them in a matter of fact and love-filled way,” said Katie Orphan of Orphan Books in Los Angeles, California.
“You have a middle grade reader who is aging out of middle grade? Do you need an introduction to YA that is clean fun? A love story that will stay with you? This is the PERFECT book for it. It all takes place in the baseball world in a small town, and it’s an enemies-to-lovers story. Plus, it's so incredibly cute. Loved it,” said Andrea Iriarte of Molly’s Bookstore in Melrose, Massachusetts.
“Dazzling, Irish-inspired worldbuilding and a meaningful look at what it means to be powerful make Her Hidden Fire an unforgettable read,” said Jenny Chou of Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
