From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise by Katherine Rundell (Knopf Books for Young Readers, $17.99, 9798217230747). "A fun little book focused on the joys and wonders of children's books. Recommended for those who think they are too old to read kids' books and for readers who adore them." --Lauren Brown, The Story Shop, Monroe, Ga.
Books, Iced Coffee & a Side of Dragons: A Graphic Novel by Amanda Lovelace, illus. by Raquel Travé (Andrews McMeel, $24.99, 9798881600860). "This was the sweetest graphic novel ever. As a fat, sapphic bookseller myself, the ending made me tear up. Sweet, realistic but fantastical, and the cutest love stories spread as diversely as they are in real life." --Caitlyn Vanorder, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, N.C.
Paperback
She's a Doll by Barbara Truelove (Bindery Books, $19.95, 9781967967186). "This is not your usual haunted doll story. Violent, devastating, and surprisingly serious as well as hilarious. When Lucy is killed unexpectedly, she possesses one of her grandmother's dolls and is determined to get revenge on her killer. Preferably by killing him." --Clara Gauthier, Courageous Books, Dexter, Mich.
Ages 4-8
The Wishing Well by Gideon Sterer and Emily Hughes (Union Square Kids, $19.99, 9781454963615). "Beautiful, thoughtful, bittersweet, and even cheeky. Read it once, then promptly reread right away. Wishes upon wishes." --Lindsey Leavitt, Folklore Bookshop, Midway, Utah
Ages 8-12
The Wild Season: The Remarkable True Story of a Rabbit Rescue by Dashka Slater (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $18.99, 9780316596275). "I adore this book! This reads like fiction, and kids (and adults) will learn so much while not realizing they are learning. The author does a great job at bringing the information to a kid's level without making the reader feel like they are being talked down to. I will recommend this to so many readers of all ages!" --Jean Bartz, Books on Main, Friendship, Wis.
Ages 13+
Firstborn by M.J. Hastings (Stonefruit Studio, $19.99, 9781464244513). "This book has the same propulsive, addictive reading experience as the stories that defined my teen and young adult years. Firstborn puts an action-packed plot, the intrigue of a political thriller, and a swoon-worthy romance into one incredible adventure. I cannot wait to recommend this one to our older teen readers." --Courtney Ulrich Smith, Underbrush Books, Rogers, Ark.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
