From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Take My Hand: A Novel by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (Berkley, $27, 9780593337691). "Dolen Perkins-Valdez has a gift. Take My Hand sheds light on the long history of forced sterilization of African American women and introduces the incredible Civil Townsend, whose compassion I see in Black women doctors in my own life." --Morgan Harding, Politics and Prose Bookstore, Washington, D.C.
Let's Not Do That Again: A Novel by Grant Ginder (Holt, $27.99, 9781250243775). "Politics, family dysfunction, drug addiction, bad behavior--what could possibly go wrong? This extremely readable novel about a New York City political family will grab you right away. The perfect antidote to today's headlines." --Terry Gilman, Creating Conversations, Redondo Beach, Calif.
Paperback
Mother May I: A Novel by Joshilyn Jackson (Morrow, $16.99, 9780062855350). "Joshilyn Jackson's Mother May I is a roller coaster, taking you to dramatic, earth-shaking highs before dropping your heart into your stomach on the lows. I quickly devoured this book but didn't miss its poignant, timely message." --Beth Mynhier, Lake Forest Book Store, Lake Forest, Ill.
For Ages 3 to 7
I Am Quiet: A Story for the Introvert in All of Us by Andie Powers, illus. by Betsy Petersen (Bala Kids, $16.95, 9781611809848). "I've never read a book that so beautifully captures what it's like to be an introvert. Quiet is not always shyness, but perhaps something more, something open. A gift to all children (and adults) who grapple with quietness in a loud world." --Amy Lane, Bards Alley, Vienna, Va.
For Ages 8 to 12
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat (Candlewick, $17.99, 9781536204957). "Sai is a great, relatable heroine. So many strong female characters, both friend and foe--who can she trust? Soontornvat builds a remarkably vivid world and keeps the surprises coming until the end. An incredible middle grade fantasy." --Christina Batten, Schuler Books, Grand Rapids, Mich.
For Teen Readers
Sofi and the Bone Song by Adrienne Tooley (Margaret K. McElderry, $18.99, 9781534484368). "A musical fantasy, a magical mystery, a lyrical love story--Sofi and the Bone Song is a gorgeous, wintry novel that does it all. Readers who love soft, sweet coming-of-age stories with clever fantasy worldbuilding will find a home here." --Kiersten Frost, Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, Mass.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
