November/December 2022 Kids Indie Next List
#1 Pick
We Deserve Monuments
Jas Hammonds (Roaring Brook Press)
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“I don’t know how Jas Hammonds wove so many beautiful, intricate layers into this story, but We Deserve Monumentsis stunning. An intergenerational mystery, a tribute to first love, and one of the best YA books I’ve read in the last decade.”
— Nicole Brinkley, Oblong Books, Rhinebeck, NY
Picture Books
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“In this stunning work of art, we follow a child on his journey as a butterfly. Readers learn about responding to bullies, picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and learning to fly again. A joyous celebration of being yourself.”
— Katie Fransen, The Novel Neighbor, Webster Groves, MO
By Josh Funk, Brendan Kearney
Union Square Kids
“The fifth installment in the Lady Pancake series features a madcap caper that kids will love. Parents can look forward to some humor that is, undoubtedly, aimed at them. Definitely a book the whole family will want to read over and over!”
— Audrey Beatty, River Bend Bookshop, Glastonbury, CT
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“How to Eat a Book brings out the whimsy in all curious children. Filled with beautiful and creative illustrations made from art dioramas, the story explains to children just how my adult soul feels when lost in a book.”
— Dusty Baker, Austy's, Salem, IN
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“This is a talk I never needed to have with my children, but kids all over America need. EVERYONE should read this book so we can understand our prejudices, learn from them, and correct them. The illustrations bring a somber topic lightness.”
— Carolyn Roys, Anderson's Bookshops, Naperville, IL
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“I love picture books that feature an unusual animal as a main character! This story provides plenty of opportunities to tell Pangolin to do the right thing, and I loved the way it captured the physical effects of not telling the truth.”
— Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, NC
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“This book about community, seeing and helping others in need, and the collaboration and interdependence we all require is exactly what the world needs right now.”
— Laura Sharp, Literally, A Bookshop, Gilbert, AZ
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“Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen breathe new life into a classic tale. Entertaining, funny and with Klassen’s signature art, this is sure to be a story time favorite. Do yourself a favor and get your hands on this delightful new picture book!”
— Jen Steele, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI
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“So beautiful! This book delights in the beauty of storytelling, of relationships with older family members, and how stories carry us forward when we might otherwise be sad. Smile and cherish.”
— Kappy Kling, HearthFire Books, Evergreen, CO
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“Bellweather has to figure out a way through the forest without getting eaten by the wolves. Combining the best attributes of picture books and graphic novels, this is a good pick for a longer story. The illustrations add dimension, and humor!”
— Margaret Neville, The King's English Bookshop, Salt Lake City, UT
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“Wombat shares his underground home and his resources with those fleeing a climate disaster. A beautifully illustrated lesson for kids and their parents about kindness and surviving catastrophes with our souls and hearts intact.”
— Linda Sherman-Nurick, Cellar Door Books, Riverside, CA
Middle Grade
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“A middle grade space opera infused with African culture and mythologies. Zero is on a quest to be a legendary Saba — to find lost treasures and hunt down criminals. There were twists and turns on every page; I cannot recommend this enough!”
— Joseline Diaz, Kepler's Books, Menlo Park, CA
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“Cory is not thrilled to be tutored by Sunna. After he sees her sweet yo-yo skills, they strike a deal: if he makes it through studying, she’ll teach him another trick. Galligan’s new original book is full of style, humor, and friendship!”
— Andrew King, Secret Garden Bookshop, Seattle, WA
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“An incredible graphic novel debut! A Dominican American family comes to terms with grief and inherited racist ideas about beauty. Marlene questions hair politics, grows into her authentic self, and brings others along with her.”
— Dawn Stahl, Hartfield Book Company, Monticello, IL
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“Hazel Hill is Gonna Win This One deftly balances real social issues — sexuality, bullying, kids not being taken seriously by adults — with an enjoyable middle grade adventure about friendship and standing up for what's right.”
— Carol Schneck Varner, Schuler Books (Okemos), Okemos, MI
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“Meg Cannistra created a spunky, animal-loving witch that you will not able to resist! I can’t wait to introduce the world of magical creatures and witches to all middle grade children.”
— Elisa McIntosh, The Bookstore Plus Music & Art, Lake Placid, NY
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“Resilience drove his way right into my heart. Such a sweet story and a clever, fantastical spin on real life NASA projects. Resilience’s wonder and curiosity is catching. Anyone who is enthusiastic about science or Mars will love it.”
— Leah Atlee, Bright Side Bookshop, Flagstaff, AZ
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“Is Sasquatch real? Read this book to find out! Readers will delight in Sasquatch facts, and learn HOW to ask the right questions when searching for the truth. This will inspire a new wave of kids to ask questions about the world around them.”
— Revati Kilaparti, Old Firehouse Books, Fort Collins, CO
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“Sir Callie slashes gender norms with the cold bite of a steel blade. Nonbinary Callie dreams of being a knight, but the rigid rules of the kingdom are hard to escape. A captivating page-turner that will have you on the edge of your seat!”
— Jess Cooper, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, OH
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“Wow, this book ousted my insecurities, reminded me of the crucial role of making friends with good books, and gave me a fresh appreciation of Nancy Drew. I laughed along with the story and loved all the feels and memorable lessons.”
— Drew Durham, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA
By Francine Pascal, Claudia Aguirre, Nicole Andelfinger
Random House Graphic
“These twins are growing up and away from each other — that isn’t a bad thing! Having your own interests is good. Life happens, people change, family members change. They aren’t static, they’re dynamic; this book shows how to cope with that.”
— Roshni Lad, Changing Hands, Tempe, AZ
Young Adult
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“After Dark with Roxie Clark’s small-town October ghost tour setting is spot on, and Roxie herself is just weird enough to put you firmly in her corner. Throw in a brutal murder and a family curse, and you’re in for a wild ride — hang tight.”
— Maggie Henriksen, Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, KY
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“Bloodmarked is a great sequel to a stunning debut. I love how Deonn went even deeper with her remixing of ‘traditional’ YA fantasy tropes and narratives, amazing character building, and a deep, satisfying twist on Arthurian legends.”
— Heather Freeman, Page 1 Books, Evanston, IL
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“This is the best friends-to-lovers romance my cold cynical heart needed. Henry and his first love feelings are a cuteness overload. Full of humor, sincerity, and excellent music, this is one of my new favorite coming-of-age stories.”
— Melissa Taylor, E. Shaver, Bookseller, Savannah, GA
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“After her mom nearly runs over a cute girl, fate gives Shani the perfect meet-cute. A wonderful mix of Jewish holidays, science lesbian protagonists, and a corgi — what else could you ask for? Arlow’s YA debut grew my heart ten times bigger!”
— Andrea Carrasco, Bookshop Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
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“Ann Liang’s debut is a poignant coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of an elite academy in Beijing. This is a story about class, about privilege, about what it means to fall in love with a world and people that are not yours to keep.”
— Cindy Tran, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, MA
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“This book felt like Divergent, Vampire Academy, and The Grey collided to form a new class of monsters and hunters. I loved the protagonist’s search to make a place for herself. I couldn’t stop until the last word, and then I wished for more!”
— Stephanie Staton, CoffeeTree Books, Morehead, KY
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“This brings all the drama of The Bachelor with a perfect dose of feminist rage. A story about the perfect revenge against a cheating narcissistic ex, finding love, and moving on — in Maya’s case, with the very girl her ex cheated on her with.”
— Caitlin Bagdasarian, Bank Square Books, Mystic, CT
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“A five-hundred-page novel became a single night’s endeavor; when I dared to think of sleep, Mix had another clever turn. A stunning narrative for fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender and/or Taylor Swift. Magical, sapphic, and visceral.”
— Samantha White, One More Page Books, Arlington, VA
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“Such a lovely, honest, and messy queer coming-of-age story! Lo communicates the desperation and senselessness of young love in a self-aware, caring way. Beautiful musings on art, astronomy, and grief, handled with care and maturity!”
— Julia Lewis, Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA
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“I was totally enthralled with Strike the Zither! It’s exciting and intriguing, full of fierce women who display their own brand of strength and intelligence. The twists and reveals made me gasp out loud. I can’t wait for the next volume!”
— Ann Branson, Beach Books, Seaside, OR
More Indie Next Lists
- April 2024 Indie Next List
- Spring 2024 Reading Group Indie Next List
- March 2024 Indie Next List
- March/April 2024 Kids Indie Next List
- February 2024 Indie Next List
- January 2024 Indie Next List
- Winter 2024 Reading Group Indie Next List
- January/February 2024 Kids Indie Next List
- December 2023 Indie Next List
- November 2023 Indie Next List