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 Phoebe Variations by Jane Hamilton (Zibby, $27.99, 9798991140287). "This book is beautiful. If you ever felt like a dim light in high school just yearning to shine as bright as you can, I think you'll feel seen by this book. It's a perfect coming-of-age entry!" --Thomas Wallace, Reading Rock Books, Dickson, Tenn.
The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey (Cardinal, $30, 9781538774076). "In a world where World War II ended without a clear Allied victory, science is advanced, but moral ambiguity, distrust, and political weakness pervade Britain. Who are the three boys who remain in the Sycamore Home? Who is Nancy? Read to find the answers to these puzzles." --Anmiryam Budner, Main Point Books, Wayne, Pa.
Paperback
Sister Snake: A Novel by Amanda Lee Koe (Ecco, $18.99, 9780063355071). "A unique book about two ancient sisters who are both human and snake. Su lives her life as humanly as possible; Emerald is very much herself. Though this novel was pitched as dark humor, it explored themes of identity, queerness, and family poignantly." --Sara Landon, Paragraphs Bookstore, Mount Vernon, Ohio
Ages 4-8
Whodonut?: A Holiday Mystery (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast #7) by Josh Funk, illus. by Brendan Kearney (Union Square Kids, $18.99, 9781454943655). "This holiday who-donut features little nods to all the festivals of the winter season, plus a full charcuterie of characters from Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast books past. Audiences will be wrapt as they attempt to solve the mystery of Agatha Crispy's missing manuscript." --Amanda Zarni, Book Ends Winchester, Winchester, Mass.
Ages 8-12: An Indies Introduce Title
Lost on Doll Island by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez (S&S Books for Young Readers, 9781665975131, $18.99). "This is no ordinary class field trip. Inspired by the real Isla de Las Muñecas, Lost on Doll Island is clever, suspenseful, and haunting (literally!). It will have you desperately searching for answers." --Heather Albinson, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, Minn.
Ages 13+
The Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum, $19.99, 9780063314269). "The stories in this collection are so hopeful and uplifting. The way that the magical realm of The Legendary Frybread Drive-In brings the characters exactly what they need is a comfort we all need in these trying times." --Rebecca Kinkade-Black, Books on the Bosque, Albuquerque, N.Mes.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
