From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcovers
Enormous Wings: A Novel by Laurie Frankel (Holt, $28.99, 9781250423771). "Laurie Frankel has a way of treating serious issues in a warm and loving way, and of bringing understanding to contentious topics. Maybe this book can open a few eyes to the horrors of the Texas (and unfortunately other states') laws." --Karen Emmerling, Beach Books, Seaside, Ore.
Homebound: A Novel by Portia Elan (Scribner, $28, 9781668201732). "Like all great sci-fi novels do, Homebound blends the anxieties around new technology, like AI, with stirring themes of belonging and hope. This remarkable debut is a perfect read for fans of Becky Chambers and Amal El-Mohtar." --Olivia Marchese, Author's Note, Medina, N.Y.
Paperback
The Duke: A Novel by Anna Cowan (St. Martin's Griffin, $19, 9781250382849). "A sapphic historical romance full of secrets, political plotting, blackmail, revenge, and double revenge that will keep you on the edge of your seat as emotional and erotic tension builds between The Duke and her 'ward,' Celine." --Kinsey Foreman, High Five Books, Florence, Mass.
Ages 4-8
The Whale's Tale and the Otter's Side of the Story by Kate Messner, illus. by Brian Biggs (Clarion Books, $19.99, 9780063372627). "A fun way to literally flip the script, this book shows two sides to the same story from beginning to end and back again." --Stephanie Staton, CoffeeTree Books, Morehead, Ky.
Ages 8-12
Griffin Speaker by Jan M. Flynn, illus. by Matt Rockefeller (Disney Hyperion, $17.99, 9781368109123). "Can a lowly Grub with a magical connection to a wild Griffin upend the expectations of society and rise to earn a spot at the elite Griffin Riders Academy? The start of a new fun fantasy series, full of action and adventure and perfect for older elementary school kids." --Aerie Brown, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, Tex.
Ages 14+
As I Dream of You by Jennifer Lee, illus. by LeUyen Pham (First Second, $27.99, 9781250862037). "I came for LeUyen Pham's art and stayed for the utterly heart-wrenching love story that turned my expectations upside down and caused me to read it again immediately after finishing. I dare you not to cry and gasp and wish for more. Stunning." --Leah Atlee, Bright Side Bookshop, Flagstaff, Ariz.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
