Indies Introduce

“Younis’ debut novel slices through the hypocrisies, corruption, and ineffectiveness of both academia and governmental organizations with wickedly dark humor and razor-sharp dialogue. Readers will hate to love and love to hate Dr. Nadia Amin as she works through her own savior narrative, first as farce and then as tragedy,” said Austin Carter of Pocket Books Shop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

“Deep Cuts is the ultimate love letter to music. Percy is an unforgettable protagonist — messy in the best way — and I couldn’t get enough of her will-they-won’t-they with Joe. A must-read for anyone who knows the definition of ‘Indie Sleaze,’ ” said Sophie Chen of Belmont Books in Belmont, Massachusetts.

“Where was this book when I was young? I loved Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys and later Agatha Christie. Montgomery Bonbon has it all. Quirky, smart, characters and laugh out-loud-funny schemes,” said Suzanne Lucey of Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

“Don't let the duppy get you…Honeysuckle and Bone transports you to the canicular heat of Jamaica as the secrets heat up with each turning page. From the secrets to the lies, you’ll feel like our main character, Carina, eavesdropping behind every wall,” said Morgan Haywood-Joy of Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn, New York.

 “This atmospheric mystery was brimming with red herrings and conspiracies, all shrouded in a sinister fae mist; perfect for fans of Holly Black and Melissa Albert,” said Jessica Hahl of Books Inc. in San Leandro, California.

“Kaya of the Ocean is an absolutely gorgeous story, shining a light on the very real struggles of growing up and feeling like you are different. With incredibly heartfelt writing and a vivid setting, Kaya’s story can help young people that struggle with anxiety feel seen and heard,” said Jonathan Pope of Prologue Bookshop in Columbus, Ohio.

“In the 1990s working class town of Fife, Scotland, Cora Mowat is adrift and unsure of herself. Cora’s survival and her path forward are frustratingly unclear as she navigates loss and trauma. When she finally addresses her long-hidden ADHD her path forward becomes clearer, and you cannot help but cheer her on,” said Lisa Swayze of Buffalo Street Books in Ithaca, New York.

“As soon as I picked this up, I knew it was going to be a showstopper. Kalela Williams beautifully writes a coming-of-age story, while reckoning with the history of slavery and the often overlooked parts of ancestry,” said Lily Taliaferro of Eagle Harbor Book Co. in Bainbridge Island, Washington.

“Nico Lang provides needed insight into the lives of trans teens. Following eight trans and nonbinary teenagers, American Teenager shows us that there is no one way to look or be trans — or a teen,” said Kristin Saner of Fables Books in Goshen, Indiana.

“If you read only one middle grade book this year, it has to be The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night,” said Sally Sue Lavigne of The Storybook Shoppe in Bluffton, SC.

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“An Indigenous romance, written by an Indigenous author, featuring Indigenous characters? Yes, please! Danica Nava's debut is not to be missed,” said Preet Singh of Eagle Eye Book Shop in Decatur, Georgia.

“This debut novel is a must-read: it effortlessly weaves together a horrifying truth, supernatural elements, and the poignant sense of being unheard and misunderstood,” said Kromeklia Bryant of Solid State Books in Washington, DC.

“This is a ghost story with plenty of ghosts and creepy scenes. It’s also a sweet, feel good story with so much more. Taylor is an incredible artist and her lush illustrations give wonderful depth to this imaginative story of grief, belonging and love,” said Holly Weinkauf of Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, Minnesota.