March/April 2022 Kids Indie Next List
#1 Pick
Gallant
V. E. Schwab (Greenwillow Books)
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“A family curse, a haunted house, and a shadow realm await Olivia Prior as she returns to her ancestral home, despite her mother’s ominous final warning. A dark fantasy perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman and Melissa Albert. Not one to miss!”
— Matilda McNeely, Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, GA
Picture Books
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“What a sweet, lovely, and colorful book! It teaches us about gardening and growing, but also about friendships, memories, and the impermanence of everything. A beautiful and touching book for young and old.”
— Sarah Fischer, Downbound Books, Cincinnati, OH
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“A Gift for Nana is the SWEETEST book. Rabbit is on a quest for the perfect gift for Nana; along the way he meets a cast of quirky characters. A story full of cute illustrations sure to charm children, and wry asides to make grown-ups laugh.”
— Shoshana Smith, Flashlight Books, Walnut Creek, CA
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“I am crying at the power and beauty of this book! ‘You are made of dragons, of phoenixes, of jade rabbits, and of monkey kings.’ Celebrating culture and history as well as individualism! I love a book that connects and empowers so strongly!”
— Tegan Tigani, Queen Anne Book Company, Seattle, WA
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“A tiny owl dreams of being a knight and is asked to patrol during the darkest hours, testing his bravery. But who better to be a night owl than a clever Knight Owl? Adorable illustrations and a powerful, kind message make this a perfect gift.”
— Heather Weirich-Roy, Gibson's Bookstore, Concord, NH
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“Let's Do Everything and Nothing is perfect for new families. It gorgeously encapsulates the love and joy in the infinitesimal moments of simply existing together. It's heartwarming, beautiful to look at, and carries a lovely message.”
— Cristina Russell, Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL
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“Mina’s a mouse with better instincts than her father but a heart just as big! Beautifully illustrated with a palette more piquant than Forsythe’s brilliant Pokko and the Drum, Mina is possibly an even more satisfying tale! Delightful!”
— Julie Rowan-Zoch, Old Firehouse Books, Fort Collins, CO
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“Nigel wants to share his dreams with his classmates, but he doesn't have the courage to do so. Instead, he shares them with the moon. A gorgeous picture book that celebrates a child's courage to dream.”
— Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
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“If you're like me and you worship at the shrine of Jessie Sima's picture book Not Quite Narwhal, get ready for the most wonderful follow up ever! Joyful, touching, and funny — an absolute treasure!”
— Isabel Lawler, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, CA
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“Sir Ladybug is a sweet tale about being the best version of yourself you can be, and the magic of a well-made lemon cake. Sir Ladybug and his pals will charm any reader; this is a sure classic for little ones learning to read on their own.”
— Katlin Kerrison, Story on The Square, McDonough, GA
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“With gorgeous illustrations and stunning writing, With Lots of Love is a beautiful intergenerational, trans-continental gift of a book!”
— Jessica Walsh, The Brain Lair Bookstore, South Bend, IN
Middle Grade
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“A heartwarming story that celebrates neurodiversity, family, friendship, and a community coming together to face adversity with love, patience, and hope. Leslie Connor uplifts and inspires us to be kinder to ourselves and our world.”
— Alyssa Raymond, Copper Dog Books, Beverly, MA
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“When an aquanaut breaks into the marine research center where Sofia’s uncle works, she’s shocked to find the suit is manned by goofy sea creatures. They may have a plan to save the park’s sea creatures in this delightful graphic novel.”
— Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus Books, Nashville, TN
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“I truly enjoyed Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms. The adventure and mystery of Cameron's family and the Chidani people is sure to capture readers. Books steeped in Black history and mythology are much needed on our shelves.”
— Rayna Nielsen, Blue Cypress Books, New Orleans, LA
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“A wonderfully told tale of family, friendship, grief, and longing. When a powerful mermaid is determined to reclaim what is rightfully hers, Kela discovers what really happens when you get the one thing you most want in the world.”
— Susan Williams, M. Judson Booksellers & Storytellers, Greenville, SC
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“Knox grapples with ADHD, moving with his mom and siblings far away from his dad, anti-Asian racism, and a health crisis. Humor tempers serious discussions about race, and readers will feel hope for a future we still don’t fully grasp.”
— Robin Stern, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA
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“Listen. This is a terrific story by a master storyteller. The Ogress and the Orphans is a fable about solidarity and warns against cultural fragmentation, featuring children who are — like most kids — smarter than the adults around them.”
— Timothy Otte, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN
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“Solimar is a compelling adventure story with a sweet cast of characters, including a quetzal and talking rag doll. Readers will love the monarch butterflies’ unique magic, the worldbuilding, and the story’s environmentalist themes.”
— Ellie Ray, Content Bookstore, Northfield, MN
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“Erin Entrada Kelly introduces a strong cast of middle schoolers trying to figure out who they are as individuals and as a group. You will miss Orchid Mason as soon as you read the last page. This book belongs in every middle grade classroom.”
— Laurie Higgins, Blue Bunny Books and Toys, Dedham, MA
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“I really loved Unseen Magic! This book is a thrilling, magical mystery with serious wisdom for readers young and not-so-young.”
— Jane Oros, Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkle's Children's Books, Mendocino, CA
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“Prepare yourself for an adventure! Marjorie Liu and Teny Issakhanian have built a world full of forgotten history and magic rediscovered. Zuli's heroic quest for hope, truth, and identity is perfect for fans of The Hobbit and Amulet.”
— Gibran Graham, The Briar Patch, Bangor, ME
Young Adult
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“A fierce, beautiful novel about two generations of Pakistani Americans making their way in a small California town. Three points of view give unique perspectives on loss, hope, and forgiveness. This book will stay with me for some time.”
— Cynthia Hand, Rediscovered Books, Boise, ID
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“Salvatore captures those intense feelings from the first semester at college, especially for queer young adults. There's a sense that you can create the life you’ve dreamed of and find belonging. I loved relating to Chase's journey!”
— Sara Wigglesworth, Green Apple Books & Music, San Francisco, CA
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“And We Rise is an extraordinary history-in-verse of the Civil Rights Movement, hauntingly written with unflinching honesty. This book belongs on every shelf and in every classroom.”
— Isabella Ogbolumani, Buffalo Street Books, Ithaca, NY
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“Margret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale meets M. Night Shyamalan's The Village in Extasia, a sinister story of unchecked religious extremism in a post-apocalyptic world. This book gave me chills on every page. I could not put it down!”
— Carissa Mina, The Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop, Niwot, CO
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“Allison Saft’s writing drips with color and paints a world so real you feel like you can touch it. A thrilling adventure full of magic and danger reminiscent of Fullmetal Alchemist, A Far Wilder Magic is a story you won’t put down.”
— Marielle Orff, Towne Book Center & Cafe, Collegeville, PA
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“When I pick up a Ruta Sepetys novel, I know that I will have my heart broken and learn from history. Romania in 1989 is a fascinating, hidden history that is brought to light in this insanely propulsive story. It will grab you and not let go.”
— Carrie Deming, The Dog Eared Book, Palmyra, NY
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“Full of magic, history, and mythology, this book is a quiet climb to the top of the biggest hill on a rollercoaster and you can’t wait to get to the other side! Curl up with a warm cup of tea and enjoy the ride.”
— Casey Gerken, Innisfree Bookshop, Meredith, NH
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“Laura Gao’s debut graphic novel shows the power of the form. Dynamic linework and framing conveys narrative as sharply as the dialogue. Balancing humor and heartbreak, this book will be heralded on every list—exactly where it belongs.”
— Stephanie Heinz, PRINT: A Bookstore, Portland, ME
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“A fabulous graphic novel set in a richly-drawn world, Squire explores identity, prejudice, and honor in a fun, heartfelt, rollicking adventure. I loved every page, and I hope to see many more books from Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh!”
— Rebecca Speas, One More Page Books, Arlington, VA
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“Filled with iridescent wheat, bioluminescent melons, and a mercury-esque blight, Hollow's End is perfect for impending doom. Fraistat's debut shows the comforts and horrors of small towns, old families, and the secrets they bury.”
— Laura Graveline, Brazos Bookstore, Houston, TX
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