From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
The Lilac People: A Novel by Milo Todd (Counterpoint, $27, 9781640097032). "Focusing on the experiences of queer and trans people during World War II, Milo Todd tells stories of suffering, survival, and resilience without leaning into unnecessary trauma. A timely and powerful novel." --Hezekiah Olorode, Old Town Books, Alexandria, Va.
Old School Indian: A Novel by Aaron John Curtis (Zando-Hillman Grad Books, $28, 9781638931454). "Curtis is a pugilist on the page, fighting tropes in a landscape that uses language to marginalize the Indigenous experience. Abe Jacobs wrestles colonization in the world and with the disease inside his body, forces that gnaw at his very existence." --Arvin Ramgoolam, Townie Books, Crested Butte, Colo.
Paperback
My Best Friend's Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner (St. Martin's Griffin, $18, 9781250873323). "If you're a sapphic who's been in love with your best friend, have a seat. Wilsner paints a picture of exactly what that feels like and cranks up the spice. If you've ever been there, this book is beautiful catharsis." --Katey Salogar, Literati Bookstore, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Ages 4-8
Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor (Greenwillow Books, $19.99, 9780063373587). "Adorable! Despite the simple dialogue from our main character--maybe because of it!--Crow and his neighbors will have kids engaged, excited, and possibly rolling on the floor like any other Cranky, Crabby Crow." --Julie Rowan-Zoch, Old Firehouse Books, Fort Collins, Colo.
Ages 10+
Candle Island by Lauren Wolk (Dutton Books for Young Readers, $18.99, 9780593698549). "Candle Island is one of those stories that stays in your heart. A beautiful book about love, family, and grief that shows the healing power of creativity and nurturing wildness in wild spaces. I loved it!" --Susan Williams, M. Judson Booksellers & Storytellers, Greenville, S.C.
Teen Readers
Blades of Furry (A Graphic Novel): Volume 1 by Emily Erdos and Deya Muniz (Little, Brown Ink, $32.99, 9780316459839). "Blades of Furry has tons of rainbow lighting, heart eyes, and gay yearning, while not shying away from social commentary. The protagonists--figure skating, martial artist animals--learn and grow alongside one another, fighting for life and love against all odds." --Olivia Williams, Harvard Book Store, Cambridge, Mass.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
