From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Bye, Baby: A Novel by Carola Lovering (St. Martin's Press, $29, 9781250289360). "Tell Me Lies made me a Carola Lovering fan, and she has not disappointed since. Bye, Baby is as dark and thrilling as ever and may be my favorite work she's ever done." --Kailey Fox, Kingfisher Bookstore, Coupeville, Wash.
Thunder Song: Essays by Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe (Counterpoint, $27, 9781640096356). "Thunder Song is an insightful account of growing up Indigenous and Queer on stolen land. LaPointe is not consumed with sitting in trauma, but in finding a way forward joyfully and caring for herself and the people around her. Not to be missed." --Margaret Leonard, Dotters Books, Eau Claire, Wis.
Paperback
Red Clay Suzie: A Novel by Jeffrey Dale Lofton (Post Hill Press, $18.99, 9798888455289). "Red Clay Suzie and Philbet's coming-of-age story stole my heart. Jeffrey Dale Lofton is a writer to watch. Highly recommend!" --Karen Schwettman, FoxTale Book Shoppe, Woodstock, Ga.
Ages 3 to 6
Doris by Lo Cole (Boxer Books, $18.99, 9781915801289). "Doris the elephant doesn't want to be noticed, so she tries to find the perfect hiding place. She goes through the birds, flowers, and fish in her attempt to stay hidden. This is a perfect book for any child who struggles with being shy." --Judith Lafitte, Octavia Books, New Orleans, La.
Ages 8 to 12: An Indies Introduce Title
Daughters of the Lamp by Nedda Lewers (Putnam Books for Young Readers, $18.99, 9780593619308). "A magical tale of a science-minded kid encountering things she can't explain as Sahara and her father travel to Egypt for a family wedding. This was an adorable book full of family love and Arabian traditions!" --Andi Richardson, Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, Va.
Teen Readers: An Indies Introduce Title
How the Boogeyman Became a Poet by Tony Keith, Jr. (Katherine Tegen, $19.99, 9780063296008). "This affirming memoir in verse walks the reader through the beautiful journey of being honest with yourself and fostering community. This book is for anyone trying to put the puzzle pieces of life together, but feel like they are missing just one piece." --Maryan Liban, Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers, Columbus, Ohio
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
