From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Young Jane Young: A Novel by Gabrielle Zevin (Algonquin, $26.95, 9781616205041). "I've been waiting for a quirky, funny, thoughtful novel to follow in the footsteps of Where'd You Go, Bernadette, and behold: I have found it. I loved the vibrant female characters at the heart of this book. Told in four different voices, Young Jane Young is the story of Aviva Grossman, a young Congressional intern in South Florida who does the unthinkable: she sleeps with her boss. The book details the repercussions of that decision and examines the abuse of power that occurs in politics and in the day-to-day interactions between members of the opposite sex. Gabrielle Zevin has written something really smart and heartwarming, yet also incredibly timely." --Annie Jones, The Bookshelf, Thomasville, Ga.
The Child Finder: A Novel by Rene Denfeld (Harper, $25.99, 9780062659057). "In Rene Denfeld's new novel, a woman who searches for abducted or lost children must confront her own memories of being abducted as a young girl. While searching for a girl recently kidnapped in her hometown, she is haunted by her past and the lies that she used to weave her present, lies that often took the form of stories. Meanwhile, the abducted girl must survive years of terror and heartbreak, all while constructing a magical mythology to shield herself from the atrocities of her captor. These characters, especially the women, are strong and imaginative. Readers who enjoyed Room will devour this literary thriller, which promises to open up Denfeld's readership to a much wider level." --William Carl, Wellesley Books, Wellesley, Mass.
Paperback
The Risen: A Novel by Ron Rash (Ecco, $15.99, 9780062436320). "The most overused cliche in the book business is 'page-turner,' so I will ask indulgence when I declare that The Risen by Ron Rash is a page-turner in the truest sense of the phrase. The Risen explores a young boy's coming of age, sibling rivalry, a decades-old mystery, and extreme life choices. It is an exciting read for all who appreciate literature at its finest." --Jake Reiss, Alabama Booksmith, Birmingham, Ala.
For Ages 4 to 8
Baabwaa and Wooliam: A Tale of Literacy, Dental Hygiene, and Friendship by David Elliott, illustrated by Melissa Sweet (Candlewick, $16.99, 9780763660741). "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 Books, Jackson, Miss.
For Ages 9 to 12
Click'd by Tamara Ireland Stone (Disney-Hyperion, $16.99, 9781484784976). "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, Colo.
For Teen Readers
I Hate Everyone But You by Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin (Wednesday Books, $18.99, 9781250129321). "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, N.C.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
