From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Everybody Knows: A Novel by Jordan Harper (Mulholland, $28, 9780316457910). "What Don Winslow's The Force did with the NYPD and New York, Everybody Knows does with Hollywood and Los Angeles. A wonderful yet wretched exploration of human nature, you will struggle to put this book down or ever forget it." --Hilary Kotecki, The Doylestown & Lahaska Bookshops, Doylestown, Pa.
Moonrise Over New Jessup: A Novel by Jamila Minnicks (Algonquin, $28, 9781643752464). "An absolutely breathtaking debut that celebrates Blackness in all of its triumphs. Both an in-depth exploration of all-Black towns and a love story all the same, Jamila Minnicks has written a stunning and poignant modern classic." --Mary Louise Callaghan, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, N.C.
Paperback
The Dream Builders: A Novel by Oindrila Mukherjee (Tin House, $17.95, 9781953534637). "A fascinating look at modern Indian culture through an imaginary city, a homage to consumerism, capitalism, and globalization. The creative structure pulls back the curtain and shows what it means to live in this glittery, modern place." --Cori Cusker, Bright Side Bookshop, Flagstaff, Ariz.
For Ages 4 to 8
The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali, illus. by Hatem Aly (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $18.99, 9780759555709). "People often wish for 'World Peace.' In The Kindest Red, Faizah wishes for 'World Kindness.' Isn't that the first step to world peace? This simple picture book with a big message celebrates diversity and personal responsibility." --Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop, Southern Pines, N.C.
For Ages 8 to 12
Trashed! by Martha Freeman (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, $17.99, 9781665905350). "When Arthur discovers a teacup in his parents' second-hand shop, life takes a turn to the adventurous. Arthur teams up with his best friend, little sister, and a ghost mouse to get to the bottom of some seemingly unrelated mysteries." --Chelsea Stringfield, Parnassus Books, Nashville, Tenn.
For Teen Readers
Queen Among the Dead by Lesley Livingston (Zando Young Readers, $19.99, 9781638930181). "Queen Among the Dead is bright, authentic and spellbinding. The story takes place in a kingdom where magic is outlawed and druids hoard and misuse magic. When Eire is threatened, an outlaw and a princess team up to secure a safer future." --Kahill Perkins, Raven Book Store, Lawrence, Kan.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
