Kids Indie Next List | IndieBound.org

What is the Kids’ Next List?

The Kids’ Next List is your next great read! This bi-monthly list features the top nominations from independent booksellers across the country, showcasing the best of the best debuts and new releases in all categories and genres for young readers.

July/August 2025 Kids Indie Next List

#1 Pick

Best of All Worlds

Kenneth Oppel (Scholastic Press)

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“Best of All Worlds is the book that I didn't know I needed right now. I’m still not sure how I walked away from this mind-bending and dystopian thriller full of hope. You will be DYING to talk to someone about it when you’re finished. Hit me up.”

— Andrea King, Left Bank Books, St. Louis, MO

Picture Books

Axolotl and Axolittle

By Jess Hitchman, Sarah Rebar

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

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“Such a cute book for siblings and axolotl-lovers alike! The illustrations are amazing, the clever rhymes keep the pages turning, and the book reminds us that we can get along with others — even if they are ‘axolittle’ different from us!” — Jessica Theroux, An Unlikely Story, Plainville, MA

The Day the Crayons Made Friends

By Drew Daywalt, Oliver Jeffers

Philomel Books

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“When Duncan’s crayons go missing, he’s worried — until he starts receiving letters about all their adventures with Duncan's other toys! From games to gardening and battling stuffed animals, this is perfect for a story time with toys!” — Beth Seufer Buss, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, NC

Forts

By Katie Venit, Kenard Pak

Viking Books for Young Readers

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“This cozy book is full of the sensory feelings in the magical world of nature, mixed with the comforts of a secret place in your home where you can be alone. Brought back so many memories of my own childhood.” — Sarah Jane Abbott, Books Are Magic, Brooklyn, NY

Island Storm

By Brian Floca, Sydney Smith

Neal Porter Books

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“This is beautiful. The perfect match of text and image bring an island storm to life. You can feel the anxiety. You can hear the cry of the neighbor to ‘go home’ just as you can hear the wind building, the thunder rumbling, and the trees creaking.” — Kristine Jelstrom-Hamill, Buttonwood Books and Toys, Cohasset, MA

Millie Fleur Saves the Night

By Christy Mandin, Christy Mandin

Orchard Books

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“If you loved Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden, you’ll love this celebration of nature at night! While the townsfolk insist on turning on every light after sunset, Millie Fleur shows them the magic that can only be seen in the dark.” — Julia Atwood, Boulder Book Store, Boulder, CO

More or Less

By Alison Hughes, Oge Mora

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

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“More or Less is a beautiful representation for children of what it means to have enough, versus too much or not enough. It also conveys the importance of kindness and community, and explores ways to make room for the things that matter.” — Heather Weirich-Roy, Gibson's Bookstore, Concord, NH

There's Something Odd About the Babysitter

By Elayne Crain, John Ledda

Feiwel & Friends

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“An adorable and clever book. This is sure to be a story time favorite. Kids and their grownups will both get a kick out of seeing what happens when raccoons decide to go into the childcare business.” — Lea Bickerton, The Tiny Bookstore, Pittsburgh, PA

What If We...

By Vivienne Chang, Eugenia Yoh

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

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“A brother sets off to find new adventures, wondering, ‘What if I…?’ When his little sister’s had enough, she finally shouts: ‘What if WE?’ A joyous picture book about finding things to do together, filled with gorgeous illustrations on every page.” — Aerie Brown, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

When You Go to Dragon School

By Chelsea M. Campbell, Charlene Chua

Feiwel & Friends

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“I LOVE IT! The colors are bright and happy, the dragons come in all shapes and sizes and colors, and the children are super diverse. Do not miss this book. It’s bound to be a new favorite.” — Andrea Iriarte, Molly's Bookstore, Melrose, MA

Zebra and Yak: The Backwards Alphabet Book

By Paul Friedrich, Paul Friedrich

G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

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“Zebra and Yak are running through the alphabet backwards trying to find Apple, who never showed up. Watch out for that slithery Snake — and what's with all the violins? Have a zany time with this alphabet book that both kids and parents can enjoy!” — Amy Lane, Bards Alley, Vienna, VA

Middle Grade

An Encantadora's Guide to Monstros and Magic

By Sarah J. Mendonca

Quill Tree Books

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“(Indies Introduce Panelist) A magical story about digging for the truth and rooting out corruption while learning how to be vulnerable and trust in your friends. Found family, a magical heist, and extensive worldbuilding make this one of my favorite middle grade fantasies of recent years.” — Lauren Pronger, Chapterhouse Books, Amarillo, TX

Another

By Paul Tremblay

Quill Tree Books

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“Paul Tremblay’s middle grade horror book is awesome. Anyone that loved Goosebumps or Are You Afraid of the Dark? growing up will love this book. Reminds me of a Scary Stories tale!” — Derrick Brunner, The Well-Read Moose, Coeur d'Alene, ID

Blood in the Water

By Tiffany D. Jackson

Scholastic Press

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“Kaylani is invited to Martha’s Vineyard to get away from her Brooklyn home and enjoy the summer while getting used to her new reality: her father’s being sent to prison for a crime she believes he didn’t commit. While staying with friends of the family, things start to go sideways. Full of local color and true history.” — Leslie Jennings, Brewster Book Store, Brewster, MA

The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez

By Jasminne Paulino

G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

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“What a gem of a story. Alex undergoes multiple setbacks as he fights for his spot in a science classroom and club. The verse is powerful and addresses important topics including friendship, bullying, family support, and self-reliance.” — Sierra Hollabaugh, The Bookery Cincy, Cincinnati, OH

Free Piano (Not Haunted)

By Whitney Gardner, Whitney Gardner

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

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“This graphic novel is a fun story about music, fame, family, and ghosts! Gardner throws a bit of mystery into this coming-of-age story about a girl who wants to be a famous musician that gets the surprise of her life when she finds a haunted synthesizer.” — Katrina Bright-Yerges, Books & Company, Oconomowoc, WI

Into the Bewilderness: A Graphic Novel

By Gus Gordon, Gus Gordon

HarperAlley

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“Utterly charming and utterly hilarious! Furball and Turnip — er, Luis and Pablo, journey to the big city to find some high culture. Profound questions are asked and not answered. Maybe it doesn’t matter when you have a best friend walking by your side!” — Joan Trygg, Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, MN

Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom

By Jessixa Bagley, Jessixa Bagley

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

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“Jazzy is a young witch that just isn’t cutting it in the magic world. Brooms are not her thing, but she has started to suspect that bicycles might be! This is a true delight that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.” — Manda Barker, Raven Book Store, Lawrence, KS

On Guard!: A Marshall Middle School Graphic Novel

By Cassidy Wasserman

Random House Graphic

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“A story about a middle schooler who discovers fencing for the first time! It helps her make friends, gain confidence, and helps with her mental health while struggling with her parents divorce. Kids navigating big feelings will feel seen in this.” — Meghan Bousquet, Titcomb's Bookshop, East Sandwich, MA

Pacheco and the Witch of the Mountain: A Graphic Novel

By Juan E. Zambrano

Andrews McMeel Publishing

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“(Indies Introduce) This graphic novel deals with inclusivity, animal abuse/mistreatment, and activism, all while we follow a young boy’s dreams of learning and practicing magic — even though nearly everyone tells him magic is only for girls.” — Keeley Malone, Ink Drinkers Anonymous, Muncie, IN

Tyger

By SF Said, Dave McKean

Penguin Workshop

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“Tyger is a breathtaking story of courage, creativity, and resistance. With themes of anticolonialism, anticapitalism, and the power of empathy, this book reminds us that young minds can shape the world, if only we let them.” — Hezekiah Olorode, Old Town Books, Alexandria, VA

Young Adult

Amelia, If Only

By Becky Albertalli

HarperCollins

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“I admired Amelia so much — she put herself out there, was funny and quick-witted. Her friend group was just as charming and their road trip to meet Amelia’s favorite YouTuber had me hooked. This was such a fun read that stayed with me for days. A genuine delight!” — Alyssa Leibow, Beach Books, Seaside, OR

Arcana: The Lost Heirs

By Sam Prentice-Jones

Feiwel & Friends

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“(Indies Introduce) Magical, mysterious, and queer — some of my favorite words all in one place! Arcana: The Lost Heirs, with its beautiful and fluid illustrations, is full of cryptic clues, secret histories, and found family.” — Heather Albinson, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN

Kill Creatures

By Rory Power

Delacorte Press

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“Nothing like some teenage girl drama — the need to be included, jealousy, revenge, toxic relationships! Fast-paced the whole way through. The chapters are labeled Then and Now — the story unfolds to connect the two time frames. Full of twists and turns!” — Nadine Melahn, CoffeeTree Books, Morehead, KY

The Last Tiger

By Julia Riew, Brad Riew

Kokila

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“(Indies Introduce Panelist) This tale of conflicting households, weaving together a beautiful story of the author’s grandparents, shows us that love truly can conquer all. In a world where order depends on people staying in their place, these star-crossed lovers tell us that some things can’t just be left up to fate — fate is what you make of it.” — Erin Decker, White Rose Books & More, Kissimmee, FL

The Raven Boys: The Graphic Novel (The Raven Cycle: The Graphic Novels #1)

By Maggie Stiefvater, Stephanie Williams, Sas Milledge

Viking Books for Young Readers

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“A powerhouse team delivers a beautiful graphic rendition of one of my all time favorite series. Sas Milledge’s art brings to life Henriette and Cabeswater, giving the Raven Boys faces and Blue the best possible fashion. I can’t wait for a new generation of readers to be introduced to Maggie Stiefvater’s expertly crafted world.” — Hanna Fischer, Rediscovered Books, Boise, ID

Soulmatch

By Rebecca Danzenbaker

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

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“Just what I needed to read to get me out of my reading slump! Sivon was a very compelling heroine. This brought me back to when dystopian was all the rage! The premise of the book had me from the beginning and held my attention all the way through.” — Tammy Klawitter, Lykke Books, New Ulm, MN

Tenderly, I Am Devoured

By Lyndall Clipstone

Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

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“Lacrimosa Arriscane is a heroine as sharp as she is vulnerable, and her entanglement with the enigmatic Felimath siblings pulses with gothic tension and forbidden heat. Part divine horror, part tragic romance, and wholly original, this book will leave you breathless, unsettled, and aching for more.” — Cassidy James Taylor, Grump & Sunshine Bookshop, Belfast, ME

That Devil, Ambition

By Linsey Miller

Storytide

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“That Devil, Ambition is a dark and twisted story following three characters fighting for their lives as they race to outsmart their professor, the devil. A gripping story with unpredictable characters that will leave you questioning loyalties.” — Kaitlyn Mahoney, Under the Umbrella Bookstore, Salt Lake City, UT

A Theory of Dreaming: Sequel to A Study in Drowning

By Ava Reid

HarperCollins

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“Dive deeper into the world of A Study in Drowning, into the dreams of Preston Heloury and the lore of the Sleepers, as Ava Reid’s Welsh folklore-infused dark academia fantasy continues! With the lush literary romance of Divine Rivals and the incisive magical dark academia of Babel, this series is a must-read.” — Megan Bell, Underground Books (GA), Carrollton, GA

A Treachery of Swans

By A. B. Poranek

Margaret K. McElderry Books

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“This sapphic Swan Lake retelling is both whimsical and gothic and I am absolutely obsessed. I love how contrasting Odile and Marie’s characters are and how perfectly they balance out one another. Identity theft turned true love during a magical heist? Count me in.” — Meghan Molinari, Lark and Owl Booksellers, Georgetown, TX

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June 2025 Indie Next List
Summer 2025 Reading Group Indie Next List
May 2025 Indie Next List
May/June 2025 Kids Indie Next List
Indies Introduce
April 2025 Indie Next List
Spring 2025 Reading Group Indie Next List
March 2025 Indie Next List
March/April 2025 Kids Indie Next List

What is the Kids’ Next List?

July/August 2025 Kids Indie Next List

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