Winter '15-'16 Kids Indie Next List
The Only Child
Guojing (Schwartz & Wade)
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“Both a study in magical realism and a pure celebration of imagination, Guojing's wordless book captivates through its pacing and artistic prowess. In the tradition of Mary Pope Osborne's Moonhorse, a child finds both meaning and celebration in the natural world, and Guojing's art brilliantly blends the fears of being lost with the resiliency found in pressing forward.”
— Todd Wellman (M), Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI
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“Seven-year-old Anna finds herself alone when her father is taken by Nazi soldiers. When a mysterious stranger called the Swallow Man abruptly enters her life, Anna eagerly embraces him and his peculiar ways. The two unlikely traveling companions journey across Poland in an effort to stay safe as war ravages the countryside around them. Both heartbreaking and uplifting, Anna and the Swallow Man is an exploration of innocence, beauty, loss, friendship, and the importance of language. I cannot recommend this beautiful book highly enough.”
— Jennifer Oleinik (E), University Book Store, Seattle, WA
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“Bruce, a grumpy bear who lives alone, is about to boil free-range, organic eggs for a special recipe he found on the Internet when he discovers that the eggs have hatched and are crying, 'Mama!' When he tries to return them to Mrs. Goose, he finds that she has flown south. What does a curmudgeon bear do with four baby goslings? Not what you would imagine! The vision and cleverness of Higgins and his delightful illustrations have produced an outrageously funny picture book that will make even the grumpiest readers laugh.”
— Karen Briggs (W), Great Northern Books and Hobbies, Oscoda, MI
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“Parker is blind and has been for years. She copes by not caring what anyone thinks of her as long as they follow The Rules - a set of what she considers common-sense guidelines for dealing with someone who is blind. Parker enforces The Rules even more strongly since her best friend Scott broke her heart years ago. But when Scott returns, Parker starts to realize that maybe she doesn't know everything she thought she did. Maybe some Rules are meant to be broken. A thoroughly enjoyable debut!”
— Melissa Oates (E), Fiction Addiction, Greenville, SC
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“Warren the 13th's family has been running the Warren Hotel for generations - 13, in fact. The latest caretaker has some added challenges as the hotel has fallen on hard times, and Warren's guardian has married the sinister Annaconda, who is bent on discovering the magic All-Seeing Eye that is rumored to be hidden somewhere in the hotel. The somber setting is captured perfectly by Staehle's illustrations, which are reminiscent of Tim Burton, and del Rio creates subtle subversions of stock characters that will appeal to older readers, while the twists, puzzles, and action will keep young readers turning pages until the book's splashy ending.”
— Paul Boers, Salem Book Bin East, Salem, OR
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“Debut author Reichardt offers a novel about the psychological aftermath of a school shooting that will change your perspective on the issue forever. Morgan has become agoraphobic after surviving a shooting at her school the year before, but a new neighbor helps her to slowly re-enter the world. Thoughtfully handled and thought-provoking, Underwater is a reminder that violence touches us all, but that there is always room for hope.”
— Erin Barker (E), Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
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“Ginevra de' Benci: This mysterious figure is the subject of one of Leonardo da Vinci's earliest, groundbreaking masterpieces. In Da Vinci's Tiger, Elliott imagines Ginevra's story, based on known fragments from history and the only surviving scrap of her poetry: 'I ask your forgiveness and I am a mountain tiger.' Ginevra's story is captivating, empowering, and beautifully told, as she navigates Florence during the Renaissance, a time when women were to be seen and not heard.”
— Hana Boxberger (E), Village Books, Bellingham, WA
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“Bear only wants to spend a pleasant day by himself, but Duck is not about to let that happen. Duck is determined that he and Bear will spend quality time together, NO MATTER WHAT! Finally, when Bear has had enough, Duck thinks that Bear must not like him and becomes dejected. Bear must convince Duck that he loves him already! A fun read-aloud about friends who might be different from each other, but are still friends.”
— Lisa Nehs (W), Books & Company, Oconomowoc, WI
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“Sometimes, a book simply speaks to your soul. For me, Truthwitch is one of those books. Dennard offers an incredible, new high fantasy that features a friendship between two powerful teen girls - Safi, a Truthwitch who can tell truth from lies, and Iseult, a Threadwitch who can see the threads that connect people to one another. Gorgeously written, elegantly built, and perfect for any reader, Truthwitch is a book you do not want to miss!”
— Rachelle Strolle (W), Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL
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“In this charming story, an orphan from Copenhagen goes to the tiny island of Bornholm to live with the grandmother she has never met. Although she is cheerful and loving, Inge Maria fears that she will never be able to make her grandmother love her because she is always falling into misadventures. To her surprise, Inge Maria's mischief reminds her grandmother of her own childhood, and the two forge a loving bond.”
— Nancy Banks (E), City Stacks Books and Coffee, Denver, CO
Winter '15-'16 Kids Indie Next List
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“This is a beautifully illustrated and intricate alphabet book that is sure to spark even the most stubborn of imaginations. The examples for each letter feature images kids will recognize as well as ones that will teach them something new. ABC Dream is whimsical and stunning.”
— Amy Brabenec (E), Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, MA
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“Dennis is a mime whose imagination shapes his world, but even mimes get lonely. Dennis comes up with a creative solution to make a new friend and discovers someone else who shares his world view. Yoon's simple drawings allow readers to see the world Dennis shapes; the message is sweet without being saccharine; and the pantomimes encourage interactive reading.”
— Erin Barker (E), Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
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“Bear lives with ducks and they have become his family. Winter is coming and Bear is getting sleepy, ready to hibernate. But Bear wants to stay awake so that he doesn't miss any fun activities with his family. Can Bear really stay awake all winter long? A very cute story with delightful illustrations!”
— Debbie Buck (M), Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA
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“Murguia uses only 12 words in this hilarious, alliterative story that plays with words and sounds. One cockatoo becomes two, and then two become four dressed in tutus. Toucans follow doing the can-can, and eventually all the jungle birds join in on the wordplay. This fun, simple story is paired with bright, colorful watercolor illustrations in a book that is both smart and silly -- a great combination!”
— Jennifer Oleinik (E), University Book Store, Seattle, WA
By Megan Maynor, Rosalinds Bonnet, Illus.
HarperCollins Children's Books
“Ella has a surprise for her friend Penguin - glow-in-the-dark stickers! But to see the stickers glow they have to be in the dark, and Penguin is afraid of the dark. Can Ella help Penguin face his fear? Through a blend of sincerity and humor, Maynor effectively conveys how friends can help each other in the struggle to overcome whatever it is that makes them afraid. Bonnet's soft and colorful illustrations complete this sweet tale of friendship and bravery.”
— Page Seck (E), Blue Manatee Children's Bookstore, Cincinnati, OH
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“Frederick's Journey is full of important stories and heart-wrenching illustrations. Following the life and adventures of Frederick Douglass, outspoken advocate for freedom and equality, readers will feel that this is more than just another history lesson, but rather a stirring reminder of what life was like for slaves in the United States. This book, weaving Douglass' own words with those of Rappaport, will inspire and provide hope to all readers.”
— Janice Tripp (W), Whistlestop Merchantile, Douglas, WY
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“Kids will love the story of best friends Horace and Hattie, the hedgehogs who just want to hug. They try every way they can think of, in every season, to make it so their quills don't ruin the hug. Then, when they have all but given up on the perfect hug, they finally find a way when they happen upon some fuzzy, soft socks. The story is cleverly crafted and sweet, and even offers an explanation about where socks go when they disappear!”
— Phoebe Dyer (M), Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI
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“Text and illustrations come together perfectly in this romp of a picture book! A toddler loves his or her mommy above all others and this darling exploration of that love will make everyone smile. Plan on reading this out loud over and over again!”
— Margaret Neville (E), The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT
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“It's hard to believe so much action can happen in a book only written with words that begin with the letter 'p,' but author Paul makes it so. There is a plan with a plane that involves planets. And don't forget your pants! This one is perfectly playful and 'peautiful' in every possible way!”
— Jessilynn Norcross (E), McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, MI
By Alice Kuipers, Bethanie Murguia (Illus.)
Little, Brown Young Readers
“Violet is quite imaginative, while Victor is rather realistic. Violet is on a quest to write the best fairy tale ever, while Victor doesn't see the point. But when they collaborate on a story, something special happens! Twins Violet and Victor have a relationship not unlike most siblings, with enough rivalry to make the tale realistic, but also demonstrating how much good and fun can come from cooperation.”
— Melissa Oates (E), Fiction Addiction, Greenville, SC
By Tracey Fern, Boris Kulikov (Illus.)
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
“In 1825, Noah Webster completed a dictionary of American English. Nearly 25 years in the making, with over 70,000 entries, Webster's work remains -- even today -- the most used dictionary in the U.S. In Fern's delightful biography, readers meet the quirky man who changed the face of language for generations of Americans, and Kulikov's distinctive illustrations reflect the humor of Fern's appealing, informative text.”
— Christopher Rose (E), Andover Bookstore, Andover, MA
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“Waddle ... waddle ... bellyslide! Journey along with this hopeful penguin as his search for his new friend takes him on some zany adventures - and, ultimately, to an unexpected and heartwarming conclusion. Delightfully silly!”
— Tegan Tigani (E), Queen Anne Avenue Books (DO NOT USE), Seattle, WA
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“Beloved author and illustrator Browne offers a glimpse of 10 classic tales with the help of a library-loving chimp. Kids will have fun identifying the original stories in this delightful tribute to the wonders of children's literature.”
— Carol Moyer (E), Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC
Winter '15-'16 Kids Indie Next List
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“I love these whimsical stories from Michaels and the lovely full-color illustrations from Block! Sweet and endearing with just the right touch of fanciful adventure, this is perfect for cat-lovers of all ages and especially those young readers with an interest in writing down their own adventures.”
— Johanna Albrecht (E), Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, NC
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“Alistair Grim and company are on the run. After their last encounter with Prince Nightshade, they have come out the villains. But Alistair has a trick up his sleeve. He knows that if he can just get his hands on the legendary sword Excalibur, he might be able to defeat Prince Nightshade once and for all. The problem is finding the lost realm of Avalon. For that he needs a submarine, and what better submarine than the Odditorium? This is a wonderful addition to the Alistair Grim stories!”
— Janice Hunsche (E), Kaleidosaurus Books, Fishers, IN
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“This is a charming middle-grade read about a girl who lives in a town where you are born either 'Lucky' or 'Luckless.' On your 12th birthday, you must take a test to determine your fate. Despite all the signs pointing to being a Luckless, Sadie attempts to buck fate and superstitions and change her luck around.”
— Jenny Siegel (E), Anderson's Book Shop, Larchmont, NY
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“What if your grandmother were a witch? What if you could hire a guardian angel to protect you? What if dragons migrated south for the winter? What if you could tame a sasquatch by singing 'Hotel California?' These are all part of Gracie's reality, but so is the dark cloud that follows her family in a quest to take one of their spirits. Can the family escape their fate by taking off on an epic road trip to the end of the Earth?”
— Summer Laurie (E), Books Inc., San Francisco, CA
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“A death curse looms over Saki's grandmother's house because Saki used the wrong branch in a fire to honor the dead. She now has only three nights to undo the curse or say goodbye to the world of the living forever. The Night Parade is the biggest celebration of the year, when spirits travel from far and wide to pay homage at the shrine on the mountaintop overlooking Saki's grandmother's house. The Night Parade is full of adventures and unusual creatures that will grab the attention of middle-grade readers and also introduce them to Japanese culture. Not to be missed!”
— Karen Briggs (W), Great Northern Books and Hobbies, Oscoda, MI
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“In Sepahban's debut novel, Manami literally loses her voice when her family is forcibly relocated from Bainbridge Island, Washington, to the Manzanar internment camp in California. Now relying on her family members, Manami attempts to make sense of the new circumstances of her life. Despite the systematic containment of her new experiences, Manami must decide what is worth speaking up about. Based on the strong first-person narration, readers know Manami's voice is worth hearing, but will she realize it in time to make a difference?”
— Toffer Lehnherr (W), Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN
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“In this sequel to President of the Whole Fifth Grade, Brianna deals with middle school and evolving friendships and learns the difference between being bossy and being a leader as she heads up fundraising for the sixth-grade class trip to Washington. Gradually, Brianna discovers that there are some things she cares about more than raising money.”
— Sarah Rettger (E), Porter Square Books, Cambridge, MA
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“Everyone's favorite middle-school pranksters are back in The Terrible Two Get Worse. This time the fate of Principal Barkin is at stake when a picture day prank grows out of control. Have Miles and Niles achieved supreme prank power, or will their prank backfire? Cornell's fun illustrations add even more humor to this absolutely hysterical series.”
— Caitlin Luce Baker (W), University Book Store, Seattle, WA
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“Jackson Greene is back, reluctantly coming out of retirement again, because he and his crew have been framed for pulling a prank. The objective of this long con? To figure out who is framing them and then get them to turn themselves in. The result? Another winner of a book from Johnson, this one filled with revenge, action, and just a little bit of romance.”
— Melissa Fox (E), Watermark Books, Wichita, KS
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“Arthur Bean is sure that he can write a brilliant, award-winning novel - just as soon as he gets an idea. With lots of warmth, humor, and sly wit, Canadian author Matson introduces readers to one of the funniest characters to ever cross the pages of middle grade literature. With his story told through a series of e-mails, journal entries, and memos, Arthur Bean is a unique new voice not soon to be forgotten. My fingers are crossed for a sequel!”
— Pamela Klinger-Horn (E), Excelsior Bay Books, Excelsior, MN
Winter '15-'16 Kids Indie Next List
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“A Regency-set, supernatural adventure with a reluctant heroine, a broody dark 'hero,' an unwanted destiny, family drama, the world's best lady's maid, court presentation gowns, and one really fabulous fan all had me tearing through this book like it was a box of bon-bons. Much as she did in Eon and Eona, Goodman has created a richly detailed, immersive world for her oh-so-human characters - with all their flaws and insecurities on brilliant display. Fans of Libba Bray and Gail Carriger - or Buffy the Vampire Slayer - will find much to love here.”
— Billie Bloebaum (E), A Children's Place, Portland, OR
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“Social norms were at both their most elastic and most reactionary during World War II, and Grant leverages this paradox to great effect by juxtaposing the modern inclusion of women in combat roles with the Second World War in this alternate history. This paradox allows Grant to convincingly combine the visceral excitement surrounding the advent of America's engagement in the war with dynamic contemporary social issues of race, religion, gender, and class.”
— Kenny Brechner, Devaney, Doak & Garrett Booksellers, Inc., Farmington, ME
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“With characters who are believable and a female lead who is compelling, Elwood has penned a captivating debut. The House of Fane is in trouble, but Asa, the youngest daughter of the House, thinks she knows how to save it. She just has to marry Eagle, the heir apparent to the throne. There's only one problem - he is her sister's fiance. I can't wait for the next book in this new series!”
— Linda Bond (E), Auntie's Bookstore, Spokane, WA
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“What do you need? The students at Nottawa High School are asked this question when they join an exciting new social networking site created just for them. Some ask for phones. One asks for better grades. One asks for more winter break. Kaylee asks for a kidney for her brother. Little does she know that her request sets in motion a chain reaction that will have catastrophic consequences for her and her friends. Need will redefine how you look at social networking and have you asking, What do I really need? You need to read this book!”
— Carolyn Roys (M), Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL
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“This fantasy informed by Chinese folklore is full of new ideas and breathtaking moments. Fei lives in a world where no one can hear, and people are starting to go blind. High atop a mountain with no way down and no link to the outside world except a zipline that delivers scant rations in exchange for the metals that they mine, Fei and her people are trapped by injustices. That is until, suddenly, Fei can hear. She is ready to climb down the mountain to ask for some changes, but what she finds there is not at all what she expected.”
— Alison Nolen (E), Linden Tree, Los Altos, CA
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“In this sequel to A Thousand Pieces of You, Marguerite's life has been turned upside down since her parents' invention of the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes. Marguerite is wanted by Triad, an evil corporation headed by Wyatt Conly, who wants to use Marguerite's innate ability to cross alternate dimensions for his own purposes. To that end, Conly has splintered the soul of Paul, Marguerite's boyfriend, and scattered the pieces throughout the multiverse. Can Marguerite rescue Paul in time? These are excellent books, thrilling and full of original, thought-provoking twists and turns. I look forward to the concluding volume in the trilogy.”
— Krys Tourtois (M), Bookbug, Kalamazoo, MI
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“Fifty-four minutes. That's all it takes to devastate a small town in Alabama. That's all it takes for innocent lives to be lost and some twisted idea of revenge to be enacted. That's all it takes to forever change everyone who is left alive. Told through the eyes and ears of four different characters, with a few social media posts interspersed, this is an unforgettable book. Nijkamp masterfully brings to life the terror and disbelief that a school shooting elicits and makes the reader go through that same turmoil. A thought-provoking must-read!”
— Phoebe Dyer (M), Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI
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“Abandoned by her mother and with her father out of the picture, Lucy finds herself with an empty pantry, bills piling up, and a hungry little sister to take care of. This Raging Light is Lucy's survival story as she finds what she needs within herself to keep going in the face of overwhelming obstacles and, in the midst of those circumstances, fall in messy, complicated love. Laure's debut is luminous, and Lucy will stay in reader' hearts long after they turn the last page.”
— Stephanie Appell (W), Parnassus Books, Nashville, TN
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“All her life, Harper has single-mindedly pursued her goal of becoming a professional ballerina in the San Francisco Ballet, to the exclusion of much outside distraction - including a rather interesting new boy named Owen. When, through no fault of her own, Harper is denied her dream, she takes on her ancestor's legacy as an Antarctic explorer and embarks on a journey to a research station at the bottom of the world. A hypnotic and engaging journey flashing between Antarctica and San Francisco, Longo's book brings the reader intimately into Harper's heartbreak and healing in a way that will speak to readers of all ages.”
— Anna Eklund (W), University Book Store, Seattle, WA
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- January/February 2024 Kids Indie Next List
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- November/December 2023 Kids Indie Next List
- October 2023 Indie Next List
- Fall 2023 Reading Group Indie Next List
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