Top 10
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
Jessica Townsend (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
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"I am loving the wave of plucky, engaging heroines currently prevalent in children's literature, and Morrigan Crow is no exception. She is brave and curious and kind, despite a largely indifferent upbringing and a lack of companionship of any kind. This debut by Jessica Townsend, the first installment in a series, has just the right mix of dark, to give you a sense of foreboding, and light, to give you hope. Engaging characters and great descriptions of the whimsical world of Nevermoor will leave you wanting to return."
— Melissa Thorkilsen, Elm Street Books, New Canaan, CT
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The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse starts off with a bang and goes on to be quite possibly the strangest tale of teamwork to ever grace the pages of a picture book. Kids and their parents are sure to enjoy the latest Barnett-Klassen collaboration. They will laugh. They will be dumbfounded. And they will have just picked up their newest favorite story.
— Jordan Standridge, Powell's Books, Inc, Portland, OR
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Justyce helps his drunk girlfriend into the backseat of a car. A police officer sees them and accuses him of something more nefarious, which leaves Justyce sitting for three hours with handcuffs on. At the same time, there are news stories of young black men being shot by police officers. These events combine to lead Justyce to explore how issues of race intersect with his life as an African-American student in a mostly white private high school. He does this through a series of letters he writes to Martin Luther King. Told with depth and tenderness, Dear Martin is an honest and challenging exploration of race and the many ways it impacts our culture.
— Karin Schott, Devaney, Doak & Garrett Booksellers, Inc., Farmington, ME
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This book is exciting in a way that is so rare among young adult titles. Kristin Cashore is the rare author who does not speak down to her audience, but instead expects them to already be on her level. This gratifying writing style only adds to the absolutely thrilling story of Jane's unusual experiences at the palatial home of a friend in Jane, Unlimited. There's a piece of every genre available in the pages, and each page offers beautiful details and exciting prose. This is truly a book for everyone!
— Ashley Dickson, Buffalo Street Books, Ithaca, NY
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All's Faire in Middle School captures the tribulations of Imogene, a girl in the midst of a transition from homeschooling to attending public middle school. When Impy starts school, she begins to realize how different she is from the other children. Her family works at the yearly renaissance faire and her father sells pool supplies, and they live in an apartment and shop at thrift stores, unlike some of her more privileged classmates. Class and race are gently addressed, but without the pitfall of sentimentality. Watch Impy strive to learn the difference between popularity and true friends, while also striving to slay the dragon at the faire. Lively, relatable, and fun!
— Sarah Sorensen, Bookbug, Kalamazoo, MI
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By far Lu's best book to date, Warcross is a thrilling ride that alternates seamlessly between the real world and a virtual world that holds the human population captive through a game. Emika is a tough, street-smart girl who moonlights as a bounty hunter. Enter Hideo Tanaka, a billionaire who has plenty of secrets and needs Emika's help with his virtual game, Warcross. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
— Teresa Steele, Old Firehouse Books, Fort Collins, CO
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I Hate Everyone But You is the real-time unfolding of what it's like to move on and grow up. It is light and charming with unique characters, but still explores some of the biggest and heaviest first experiences that young adults find universal. The tough push-and-pull Ava and Gen act out with one another as they learn to balance different parts of their identities and expression feels fully realized and absolutely (unfortunately) relatable. The format feels authentic and accessible, making it a perfect light read with plenty of gravity and memorable moments.
— Johanna Albrecht, Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, NC
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Max is back! With minimal illustration and vibrant color, Vere teaches children about persistence, dreams, manners, and learning, but, most of all, about friendship. Max chases Bird but also wants to befriend him; Bird wants to learn to fly, and after spending weeks studying books from the library, they both give it a try. In the world of picture books, Max is here to stay. A delightful read that will put a smile on everyone's face!
— Mindy Ostrow, The River's End Bookstore, Oswego, NY
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You have one job this fall: read this book. That is if the idea of a gorgeous, glittering, and sometimes grotesque modern fairy tale imbued with wit, humor, and pitch-perfect romance appeals to you. I absolutely loved this unexpected, absurdly lovely novel. It gave me the creeps, it made me laugh out loud, and I swooned and cheered. Isobel is badass, and this story is a joy to read. I can't wait to see what Rogerson writes next! Perfect for fans of Holly Black, Laini Taylor, or anyone who loved Uprooted by Naomi Novik.
— Cristina Russell, Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL
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I can't praise this book enough! Red, an Oak tree, has seen it all as he has watched over the neighborhood for many, many years. Just count his rings! Once a year the community writes their wishes on cloth and then hangs them from his branches. When a new family moves into the neighborhood, not everyone is welcoming. The Wishtree is more important now than ever, and it touched me deeply. It is Applegate's best book to date. You will love the story, the characters, and the message.
— Dori Jaroslow, Books Inc., Palo Alto, CA
Ages 4-8
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A strong, quiet story about love, family connection, and the way community is built on small shared moments. Bao Phi's clear prose tells a story where perhaps not much seems to happen, but in which the whole world is illuminated for a child by his father. Thi Bui's illustrations bring the reader into the life of a boy, a family, and the community where they live.
— Shannon McMaster, The Bookman, Grand Haven, MI
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In After the Fall, a rich and surprising gem, Dan Santat cleverly reveals what happened after Humpty Dumpty took his terrible tumble off that too-high wall. Humpty has been so badly frightened by his ordeal that he no longer does the thing that most brings him joy (why, he is nearly a shell of himself). Will he ever recover? Mr. Dumpty's brave tale is inspiring, and Dan Santat's telling is pure joy. Don't miss this.
— Christopher Rose, The Spirit Of '76 Bookstore, Marblehead, MA
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Do islands like being alone? Do waves look more like horses or swans? And what's the best way to find a friend you can talk to? Marco the fox has so many questions. So when a brilliant antlered ship anchors in the harbor, Marco, of course, sets off to check it out. Reminiscent of vintage Chris Van Allsburg, this gorgeous book by the Fan brothers (The Night Gardener) is sure to get Caldecott nods this award season.
— Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop, Southern Pines, NC
By David Elliott, Melissa Sweet (Illus.)
Candlewick
You've heard of the wolf in The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood, but have you heard of Baabwaa and Wooliam, the sheep that taught the big, bad wolf to read? This humorous tale features two wooly friends who love knitting and reading. While searching for an adventure, they must learn to work as a team when they find a wolf in sheep's clothing - literally.
— Clara Martin, Lemuria Bookstore, Jackson, MS
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The bad seed is adorable. Does he know this? No. This is the story of a sunflower seed from very ordinary circumstances who has a very bad thing happen to him. After this trauma, he feels bad, acts bad, and cares even less. Eventually, after considering the things that others say about his behavior (he has great hearing for a seed), he decides to try to change things a bit. Not entirely, just a bit. And these manageable changes give him something to be proud of. Good on you, little seed.
— Lauren Dalhaus, Watermark Books, Wichita, KS
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Isaac Gutenberg has a distinct lack of interest in anything and everything until a shopkeeper tells him about The Book of Gold, said to turn to gold when opened and hold the answers to everything. This sets Isaac on an adventure to find the legendary book, opening lots of books and discovering lots of interesting things along the way. I, of course, know the fascination of discovery that comes with reading, and as a bookseller, I love being able to pass that on to other readers and potential readers. No one has done such an excellent job of capturing the feeling of discovery and the wonder of reading as Bob Staake has in The Book of Gold. This is a must-have for all book lovers, young and old.
— Melissa Oates, Fiction Addiction, Greenville, SC
By Holly M. McGhee, Pascal Lema?tre (Illus.)
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Come With Me is simple and inspiring. We all have those days, when we're afraid and sad because of the news; this book shows us how to step outside the fear 'to make the world a better place.' Hand in hand, kindness by kindness, we can make a difference and win 'a tiny battle over fear for [ourselves] and for the people of the world.'
— Tegan Tigani, Queen Anne Book Company, Seattle, WA
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Fort-Building Time is a darling, delightfully fanciful look at the four seasons and the fun kids can have together during them! The fort concept is well-executed and the diverse cast and their varied interests make this book a winner. I've read it with my one-year-old several times, and he loves the bright colors and the detailed art.
— Gretchen Treu, A Room of One's Own Feminist Bookstore, Madison, WI
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Her Right Foot is not only informative and beautifully illustrated, it's also hilarious and really fun to read. I can imagine reading this aloud to kids and adults, and I think both would learn and gain understanding from it, as well as have a lot of fun. The message of the book is important and timely as well, as there are still many immigrants and children of immigrants in the U.S. (aren't almost all of us children of immigrants if we go back far enough?), and sending a message of understanding and welcoming is imperative.
— Alissa Hugel, Folio Books, San Francisco, CA
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Sometimes you have big plans for your days off, and sometimes all you want to do is lie around and think. In this beautifully illustrated picture book, you will get a little bit of both. There is adventure, relaxation, peacefulness, and fun waiting to be had in On a Magical Do-Nothing Day.
— Meg Hughey, Bookbug, Kalamazoo, MI
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Philomena's New Glasses is by far the cutest, quirkiest story of three guinea pigs having a go at one-upmanship when, in truth, they really just want what they need - well, maybe!
— Judith Lafitte, Octavia Books, LLC, New Orleans, LA
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Professional Crocodile is a book in which to immerse yourself. Readers will revel in each gloriously illogical yet everyday detail and will delight in the hilarious twist at the end. Perfection.
— Hannah DeCamp, Avid Bookshop, Athens, GA
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When a wolf pup becomes separated from his pack in the Arctic spring, a polar bear cares for him until he is old enough to be on his own. Stoop's beautiful and sweeping illustrations accompany Banks' charming narrative of an animal family united in kindness, acceptance, and love. Fall into this gentle story as it leads you 'across the tundra, along the path that [goes] round and round in the wondrous wheel of life.'
— Jennifer Oleinik, University Book Store, Seattle, WA
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A visual feast and a celebration of creativity, imagination, and being true to one's self, this joyous story gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'a penny for your thoughts.' I hope parents, teachers, and children everywhere embrace this book and celebrate their uniqueness!
— Kathleen Carey, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY
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A young boy walks his dog in his neighborhood at dusk in Denos' Windows, which combines the familiar evening walk with all the possibilities of the stories that happen inside the houses one passes. This perfect, gentle book is a breath of fresh air before bed, and a welcoming hug of coming home.
— Cynthia Compton, 4 Kids Books, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
Ages 9-12
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I'm so glad this book was written! Click'd is an approachable way for younger readers to start thinking about digital privacy and other potential issues surrounding technology while encouraging them to get involved with coding. I also appreciate the way friendships, mistakes, and family are portrayed.
— Buffy Cummins, Second Star to the Right Books, Denver, CO
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Stranded in the Amazon after a plane crash, four tenacious children band together, summoning courage and creativity to find their way back home. Readers will be transfixed as the survivors build a raft, mimic monkeys to harvest honey, discover the unique fishy-chicken flavor of tarantula, and adopt an orphaned sloth. Rundell's story of adversity and friendship is a must for readers who love survival stories like Hatchet, and anyone with an adventurous spirit!
— Sara Grochowski, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, MI
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What do you do when your mom moves you to Chicago, far away from your friends, your dad, and his record shop? If you're Malu, you make zines to express your feelings, find your people at school, and start a punk band to reinvent traditional Mexican music. This tour-de-force debut will have you smiling, singing, and cheering for Malu as she explores her family history, culture, and community and comes to better understand herself. A must-have middle-grade book.
— Cecilia Cackley, East City Bookshop, Washington, DC
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After years of being bounced around the foster care system, Nicki Demere is offered a chance to live with a family that is looking for a second child. The catch is that this family is in the Witness Security Program, and the theory is that an additional family member will add another layer of disguise and make it more difficult for the mob to hunt them down. Nicki agrees to go along, and in the process gets a new name, a bland profile, and a little brother with issues. Jake Burt's middle-grade novel is filled with humor and suspense, and Nicki/Charlotte is an absolutely terrific character.
— Dave Shallenberger, Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, GA
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When Aven's parents accept a job running a Wild West theme park, Aven is thrust into a situation that would make anyone uncomfortable. But Aven also has to deal with the stares and curiosity attracted by her lack of arms. Things get interesting when she meets Connor, whose Tourette's also makes him an outcast, and discovers a mystery. A quirky, feel-good middle-grade mystery for those who love R.J. Palacio's Wonder.
— Marika McCoola, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, MA
By Mark Twain, Philip C. Stead, Erin Stead
Doubleday Books for Young Readers
I have finally read the full tale of Johnny and his chicken in The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine, and I am wildly impressed by both the writing and the art. I am only sorry that I won't be able to hear my husband read this aloud to my children because they are too old now, though maybe they will all make an exception for this outlandish tale. Well done.
— Michele Bellah, Copperfield's Books, Sebastopol, CA
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Sidetracked is the story of two outsiders connecting. Heather and Joseph are complete opposites: she is tall, strong, and an excellent student, while he is puny, has severe attention deficit disorder, and sees every school day as a struggle to survive. Diana Asher has crafted a highly satisfying underdog story about the power of trying to do your personal best.
— Laura Delaney, The Rediscovered Bookshop, Boise, ID
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A beautiful retelling of the legend of Snow and Rose, this gentle fairy tale brims with all the requisite elements: dwarfs, missing persons, an enchanted forest, and strange creatures. As in her highly imaginative picture books, first-time middle-grade novelist Emily Winfield Martin paints sisters Snow and Rose not exactly as opposites, but more like complementary gears who thrive on different aspects of the same thing. Recommended as a read-aloud, this beautifully illustrated tale will delight the young and young-at-heart!
— Maureen Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, CA
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Timeless is every young adventurer's dream come true - a drop-your-jaw-gorgeous, picture-filled cinematic story, lovingly written, with characters you want to hang out with and filled with dinosaurs, hoverboards, fighter pilots, and robots. There isn't room in this book for anything else wonderful - Baltazar already put it all in.
— Beth Albrecht, The Magic Tree Bookstore, Oak Park, IL
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Top Elf is a fun adventure due to generous helpings of suspense and mystery sprinkled throughout this very Christmassy book set at the North Pole. The story of two elf best friends and the role they play in The Santa Trials has loads of heart-pounding action as well as actual heart. Huett has cleverly hidden tidbits of strong positive messages throughout this tale that young readers will absorb subconsciously, like supporting your friends and being kind. The writing is tight and the exploits seriously exciting.
— Rachel Watkins, Avid Bookshop, Athens, GA
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Can an ancient golden alligator named Munch help 12-year-old Blue Montgomery escape his fate of losing at everything he does? Blue resents being left for the summer at his grandmother's home in Murky Branch, Georgia. His new neighbor, Tumble, wants to be a hero, so her mission becomes helping Blue overcome his 'fate.' Filled with quirky characters and descriptive language, Tumble & Blue is a unique mix of real life and supernatural happenings. Is there such a thing as fate, or can one's actions lead to a different destiny?
— Barbara Katz, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI
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If Wes Anderson wrote The Penderwicks, it might look like The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street. From the moment you step into the brownstone on 141st Street, the five Vanderbeeker children and their eccentric collection of family and friends will charm and delight you. Their attempts to keep their Scrooge-like landlord from evicting them from their beloved home are both hilarious and heartwarming. This modern-day classic-in-the-making will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
— Melissa Posten, The Novel Neighbor, Webster Groves, MO
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In this deeply satisfying companion to the wonderful The War That Saved My Life, Ada's world continues to broaden. Bradley is consistently adept at offering characters you'll want to cherish and befriend - even though their personal failings aren't nice or comfortable. Those who loved the first book are safe in this author's capable hands.
— Alex Schaffner, Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, MA
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When Charlie Fisher Jr. witnesses an incredible heist, he does the last thing anyone would expect from the son of the American consul general to Marseilles: He joins the whiz mob and learns to pick pockets like a real cannon. However, Charlie soon realizes that his newfound skills could lead to even greater problems than being caught by the police. Kids will devour this exciting new book from the creators of the Wildwood Chronicles!
— Addison Roush, Square Books, Oxford, MS
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Imaginative and lyrically written, The Wonderling is a fabulous fantasy adventure full of memorable characters, surprising twists, and gorgeous illustrative flourishes. The best fantasies have hearts of truth, and the truths of The Wonderling - that kindness is never wasted, that friends are always nearby if we know where to look, and that hope is never truly lost - feel both revelatory and timeless.
— Stephanie Appell, Parnassus Books, Nashville, TN
Teen Readers
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In a dystopian future in which almost all words and gestures have been copyrighted and citizens are charged for even the most basic forms of communication, the ultimate act of resistance may be to choose silence. In this richly imagined novel, Katsoulis explores ideas of free speech and the consequences of intellectual property law through characters that are sympathetic, tough, and thoroughly believable. All Rights Reserved is an excellent sci-fi thriller (with some of the best world-building I've seen in ages) with a great sense of humor and a political conscience. For anyone who feels the need for a little bit of revolution in their fiction, this book is just the thing.
— Annie Farrell, Labyrinth Books, Princeton, NJ
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Here is how I would describe All the Crooked Saints: A dusty, magical, desert fable chock full of miracles, owls, rock 'n' roll, pilgrims, giants, fighting roosters, paper flowers, radio waves, and love in all of its many forms. It's very different than Stiefvater's Raven Cycle books, but it should be - as it is, All the Crooked Saints is a fabulist love song to self-reflection, the human heart, and the fact that we are not as alone in this world as we think.
— Rebecca Speas, One More Page, Arlington, VA
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All the Wind in the World is truly unlike anything I've read. In this Southwestern romance, Mabry explores how whisperings become legends, and how love and necessity can sometimes cancel each other out. Loved it.
— Rachel Strolle, Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL
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In The Epic Crush of Genie Lo, competitive overachiever Genie gets sucked into the world of ancient Chinese gods and demons, but she'd rather work on her college applications. But when you've got the strength of the most powerful weapon in the world and the unwanted assistance of a famous reincarnated trickster god, there's no way out of super-powered temper tantrums, hordes of demons on the loose, and maybe even a reluctant romance. Someone has to save the world, and the only person up for it is Genie Lo. Totally badass and completely terrific.
— Sami Thomason, Square Books, Oxford, MS
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A thrilling, immersive ride through a series of lies, personal reinventions, and a deadly quest for a privileged life. Jule changes herself at will to cover up the destruction she has caused in the lives of others. Cunningly written in a reverse timeline of events, the journey backward through the evolution of the girl Jule has become is captivating and fast-paced. A suspenseful and diabolical story!
— Kelly O'Sullivan, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT
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I dare anyone to read Jason Reynolds and not fall madly, deeply in love with his work. Long Way Down is a powerful, suspenseful novel in verse that narrates a 60-second elevator ride that could change a teenage boy's life forever. Reynolds writes about the sirens, tears, and screams that fill a neighborhood, the grief, violence, and loss that haunt a community - and the young men who take it upon themselves to follow The Rules when shots are fired. I can't wait to put Long Way Down in people's hands - kids, adults, everyone will benefit from reading this remarkable book.
— Eugenia Vela, Book People, Austin, TX
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When Sal robs an intriguing court lady, it turns out that her purse contains more than just valuables - inside is also a flier announcing auditions to be one of the queen's elite assassins. Sal signs up, entering a Hunger Games-style contest in which the lone survivor takes all. But when the intriguing lady reappears, Sal suddenly has to balance the competing demands of assassination and romance. Featuring a gender-fluid main character and a diverse cast of ruffians, former magicians, and court personalities, this is an exhilarating, violent romp of a read.
— Lillian Tschudi-Campbell, The Red Balloon Bookshop, Saint Paul, MN
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I adored this book. Vivian's many struggles are so beautifully portrayed: negotiating between an old friendship and a new one; navigating a new crush; worrying about her grandparents' reaction to behavior that's out of character; raging silently (at first) against the quotidian misogyny of a small town high school. And, of course, her Moxie zine is everything you would want from a cool, smart, strong teen heroine.
— Lexi Beach, Astoria Bookshop, Astoria, NY
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In this beautifully written coming-of-age young adult novel, Adam Thorn, teenage son of a pastor, struggles to accept his sexuality. And a struggle it is, as his Christian parents, recognizing that he is different from his older brother, keep him at arm's length. They have done this for a number of years and Adam feels that his family does not love him. His acceptance and exploration of his sexuality leads him to be able to differentiate between lust and love. Ness' writing explores Adam's feelings and confusion with tenderness and empathy.
— Biddy Kehoe, Hockessin Book Shelf, Hockessin, DE
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Finally! A young adult horror novel where the body count is as high as the tension! Stephanie Perkins brings the terror as a small town finds its population of teenagers rapidly dwindling. With a diverse cast of misfits and a heroine with secrets of her own, the plot never slows down, racing to a bloody and heart-stopping end! The next time you find a drawer or a door open that you swear you closed, chances are Perkins will have you running out of the house for fear of your life.
— Kate Towery, The Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA
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What would you do if you knew the day you would die? After getting the call from Death-Cast approximately 24 hours before he is fated to die, Mateo isn't sure. He resorts to the Last Friends app, where all those meant to die can connect and spend their last day together. There, he finds Rufus. From the darkened streets of New York City to virtual-reality skydiving, their final hours are spent side-by-side. They Both Die at the End is beautiful and charged with emotion, and Silvera's best work to date.
— Jordan April, The River's End Bookstore, Oswego, NY
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Wild Bird is about a girl adrift in the choices she's made - in drugs, alcohol, and the friends she's chosen - and a family that doesn't know how to bring her back to them whole, if not undamaged. Wren Clemmens struggles to discover who she is and who her true friends are when her parents send her to an eight-week-long wilderness camp, the last chance they have to rescue her from herself. Filled with great wilderness tips, this was a one-sit read and I recommend it highly. It is never too late to be a warrior!
— Rene' Kirkpatrick, University Book Store, Seattle, WA
More Indie Next Lists
- August 2017 Indie Next List
- July 2017 Indie Next List
- June 2017 Indie Next List
- Summer 2017 Reading Group Indie Next List
- Summer 2017 Kids Indie Next List
- May 2017 Indie Next List
- April 2017 Indie Next List
- March 2017 Indie Next List
- February 2017 Indie Next List
- Spring 2017 Kids Indie Next List