From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Sunny Side Up: A Novel by Katie Sturino (Celadon Books, $28, 9781250344205). "Very rarely do we ever fit into a mold. This book completely forges a new path in accepting yourself and others for who we are. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and this is just what the doctor ordered!" --Suzanne Lucey, Page 158 Books, Wake Forest, N.C.
The Girls Who Grew Big: A Novel by Leila Mottley (Knopf, $28, 9780593801123). "Just as she did in Nightcrawling, Leila Mottley gives voice and understanding to parts of life that our culture often tells us to ignore. The book is full of life and heart and hope." --Beth Black, The Bookworm of Omaha, Omaha, Neb.
Paperback
The Undercurrent by Sarah Sawyer (Zibby Publishing, $17.99, 9781958506431). "The Undercurrent is an impressive literary work of fiction that pulls the reader in and never lets them go. Two families grapple with the disappearance of a young girl in their neighborhood, leading them to an unimaginable truth. Intelligent, gripping, and beautifully written!" --Kathy Mailloux, East City Bookshop, Washington, D.C.
Ages 3-6
Zebra and Yak: The Backwards Alphabet Book by Paul Friedrich (Putnam Books for Young Readers, $19.99, 9798217002108). "Zebra and Yak are running through the alphabet backwards trying to find Apple, who never showed up. Watch out for that slithery Snake--and what's with all the violins? Have a zany time with this alphabet book that both kids and parents can enjoy!" --Amy Lane, Bards Alley, Vienna, Va.
Ages 8-12
On Guard!: A Marshall Middle School Graphic Novel by Cassidy Wasserman (Random House Graphic, $21.99, 9780593649985). "A story about a middle schooler who discovers fencing for the first time! It helps her make friends, gain confidence, and helps with her mental health while struggling with her parent's divorce. Kids navigating big feelings will feel seen in this." --Meghan Bousquet, Titcomb's Bookshop, East Sandwich, Mass.
Ages 14+ (An Indies Introduce Title)
Arcana: The Lost Heirs by Sam Prentice-Jones (Feiwel & Friends, $19.99, 9781250290229). "Magical, mysterious, and queer--some of my favorite words all in one place! Arcana: The Lost Heirs, with its beautiful and fluid illustrations, is full of cryptic clues, secret histories, and found family." --Heather Albinson, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, Minn.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
