From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover: An Indies Introduce Title
Ocean's Godori by Elaine U. Cho (Zando-Hillman Grad Books, $28, 9781638930594). "Elaine Cho articulates delicate, intergalactic celebrity politics and the nuances of queerness and racism in this incredible space opera, where we follow Ocean and her found-family crew setting off from a distant-future Korea." --Devon Overley, Loganberry Books, Shaker Heights, Ohio
Hardcover
Darling Girls: A Novel by Sally Hepworth (St. Martin's Press, $29, 9781250284525). "Sally Hepworth has masterfully crafted another suspense about families, secrets, lies, and love. Three foster sisters struggle to deal with their horrific past when a child's bones are found under the foster home where they grew up." --Sharon Davis, Book Bound Bookstore, Blairsville, Ga.
Paperback
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club: A Novel by J. Ryan Stradal (Penguin Books, $18, 9781984881090). "J. Ryan Stradal captures so much about small town life and families in his stories. Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club was like sitting down at The Club back in my hometown. There's comfort and delicious food on every page." --Terri LeBlanc, Swamp Fox Bookstore, Marion, Iowa
Ages 4 to 8
Penelope's Balloons by Brooke Bourgeois (Union Square Kids, $18.99, 9781454951827). "This is a sweet story about holding on tight to our comfort objects as we learn to make friends and explore the world beyond our immediate circle. A great read aloud for the animal loving littles in your life." --Megan Strang, Sidetrack Bookshop, Royal Oak, Mich.
Ages 7 to 10: An Indies Introduce Title
The Wishkeeper's Apprentice by Rachel Chivers Khoo, illus. by Rachel Sanson (Candlewick, $16.99, 9781536231205). "One wish opens up a world that Felix never knew was all around him, and he becomes the apprentice of the local Wishkeeper. Together they fight against the Wishsnatchers to save the joy of their little town. An adorable story of magic, wishes, and family." --Andi Richardson, Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, Va.
Teen Readers
Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew (Scholastic, $19.99, 9781338885071). "A spellbinding journey into the depths of loyalty, fate, and the shadows that lurk within us all. Andrew's tale is as enchanting as it is chilling, and will leave readers eagerly anticipating what shadows may unfold next in Wyatt and Peter's entangled destiny." --Jessie Fischer, The Book Nook, Saranac Lake, N.Y.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
