September/October 2021 Kids Indie Next List
#1 Pick
The Beatryce Prophecy
Kate DiCamillo, Sophie Blackall (Candlewick)
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“Kate DiCamillo weaves a medieval tale that reads like a classic fable. This ode to stories will leave readers feeling comforted, like they are securely holding onto the ear of a beloved goat.”
— Julie Jarema, Avid Bookshop, Athens, GA
Picture Book

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“Jonathan Stutzman spins a timeless story of a child and their beloved teddy. In the hands of illustrator Dan Santat, Bear is instantly lovable. Be warned: Parents may tear up reading this one at bedtime.”
— Ernio Hernandez, River Bend Bookshop, Glastonbury, CT

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“Yuyi Morales has the ability to convey so much emotion and imagery, leaving the reader teary-eyed with a pounding heart. Bright Star is a gorgeous and stunning picture book with a powerful message.”
— Lauren Nopenz Fairley, Curious Iguana, Frederick, MD

By Torben Kuhlmann
Northsouth Books
“Einstein and his theory of relativity send the mice on an adventure to solve a problem, and ultimately to entertain us! ‘Ingenious’ is the perfect word to describe this fourth book in the series.”
— Margaret Neville, The King's English Bookshop, Salt Lake City, UT

By Terry Fan, Eric Fan, Terry Fan, Eric Fan
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
“The Fan brothers tell the story of a mysterious object landing and becoming a centerpiece in a P.T. Barnum-style, ticketed museum of wonders. Except...those attending the exhibits are insects.”
— Lisa Yee Swope, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, NC

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“Delightful, whimsical, and sweet, Slow Lizard is a calm and observant little creature, and he’s great at helping his friends calm down and feel better. I would love to see more of Slow Lizard and his friends.”
— Andrew King, Secret Garden Bookshop, Seattle, WA

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“Four seasonal short stories introduce children to the forest and kindness to their fellow creatures in various ways. Beautiful illustrations accompany lessons about care for all in our world.”
— R. Aimee Chipman, The Bluestocking Bookshop, Holland, MI

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“With vibrant illustrations and a message on using your privilege to advocate for and take care of those without the same privilege, this overwhelmingly sweet story is meant to ignite further discussion.”
— Claire Phelan, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

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“For seasoned animal parents (or those adopting their first), Sophie Blackall illustrates the wonderful individuality of cats while demonstrating that patience, unconditional love, and reading aloud can be a truly healing force.”
— Angie Zhao, bbgb books, Richmond, VA

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“Did Norman do it? Children of all ages will find a relatable, lovable friend in Norman the porcupine. A creative, thoughtful, and humorous book that parents and children will adore (and talk about)!”
— Kirsten Hess, Let's Play Books!, Emmaus, PA

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“Spanning centuries of African American experience and weaving into the story the principles of Kwanzaa, this is a stunning picture book that should become a classic.”
— Sandy Scott, The Galaxy Bookshop, Hardwick, VT
Middle Grade

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“Readers will be drawn into the Mexican Revolution as they follow Petra and her family through a world of Federales and revolucionarias. An engaging, action-packed, and mighty fine story!”
— Kim Brock, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, OH

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“A stellar addition to any collection. Soman Chainani reworks fairy tales in a dark, enchanting, and fresh way that breathes life into the classics and makes them feel timely and empowering.”
— Brad Sells, Parnassus Books, Nashville, TN

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“A heartwarming story about living life, dealing with death — even if you’re the one who’s dead — and the impact you have on others’ lives.”
— Melissa Fitzgerald, Watermark Books & Cafe, Wichita, KS

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“Skunk and Badger’s budding friendship is tested as they embark on an adventure and encounter Badger’s shifty cousin, rats in hardhats, an incredible fossil, and one very brave chicken.”
— Chris Saccheri, Linden Tree Children's Books, Los Altos, CA

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“Why wouldn’t a living head of garlic make the best vampire-hunter among a garden of vegetables? Garlic isn’t sure she’s the right hero. But when duty calls, she answers.”
— Griffin Mauser, BookPeople, Austin, TX

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“Fragmentary tales spin together with beautiful illustrations to tell a story of longing, togetherness, separateness, and — above all — love. Behind the kaleidoscope is the constant that we inevitably come together even when far apart.”
— Stephen Allen, Forever Books, St. Joseph, MI

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“Addy suffers from the memory of the house fire that killed her parents, and then a forest fire overwhelms her at wilderness camp. A gripping and satisfying novel for middle-grade readers.”
— Carol Moyer, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC


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“Janae Marks offers readers hope in this appealing novel of friendship and second chances. Exploring powerful themes, such as responsibility, loyalty, and forgiveness, A Soft Place to Land is a joy!”
— Christopher Rose, Andover Bookstore, Andover, MA

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“A brilliant treasure of the heart with beautiful graphics, wonderful characters, and a story that will excite readers on every page. Kids and adults will be grabbing this one off the shelf and devouring it.”
— Chris Abouzeid, Belmont Books, Belmont, MA
Young Adult

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“Through constant twists and turns, Kendare Blake keeps readers on the edge of their seats trying to discover who’s responsible for the Bloodless Murders. A young girl couldn’t possibly kill all these people…could she?”
— Stephanie Carrion, The Oxford Exchange, Tampa, FL

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“Ayana Gray creates an amazing fantastical world with things that are both wondrous and monstrous. Told from three points of view that come together beautifully, this book is an immersive experience.”
— Revati Kilaparti, Old Firehouse Books, Fort Collins, CO

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“This story of an immigrant girl growing up in Detroit in the 1930s hits every mark. Woven into the story are her parents’ histories and all the love and loss the family has faced. It will tug your heartstrings.”
— Izzy Stringham, Bookbinders Basalt, Basalt, CO

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“This is a one-sitting kind of book that has a fantastic combination of political and romantic tensions in a world with outlaws, rebels, consuls, and kings. Fantasy fans: You don’t want to miss this one!”
— Bridey Morris, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT

By Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
“Moon Fuentez’ story and voice are pure magic. This has the perfect balance of comedy, romance, and serious issues within a relatable exploration of complicated families, social media, and body positivity.”
— Cori Cusker, Bright Side Bookshop, Flagstaff, AZ

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“This book is compulsively readable, an exquisite balance of self-aware ‘heart and hustle’ sports cliché balanced by the nuance of navigating sexuality and gender presentation in a gossipy small town.”
— Nora Tjossem, Greenlight Bookstore, Brooklyn, NY

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“Once Upon a Broken Heart is a love letter to fairy tales (and villains!). Evangeline’s wholehearted belief in true love and happily-ever-afters will turn you into a believer, which, in this day and age, is an extraordinary gift.”
— Isabella Ogbolumani, Buffalo Street Books, Ithaca, NY

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“Elisabet Velasquez conjures her community into existence in a living, breathing narrative debut in verse that moved my soul. Her fiery, literary voice is echoing in my mind still.”
— Brein Lopez, Children's Book World (CA), Los Angeles, CA

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“Tiffany Jackson blends gentrification, for-profit prisons, mental illness, generational trauma, and addiction in a compelling plot with spine-tingling scenes that will make you sleep with the lights on.”
— Carissa Mina, The Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop, Niwot, CO

By Saraciea J. Fennell
Flatiron Books
“An excellent collection. Each essay feels both incredibly personal and deeply honest. I loved getting to know authors new to me, as well as new layers to authors whose books I’ve read many times before.”
— Cecilia Cackley, East City Bookshop, Washington, DC
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