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Lost Girls of Hollow Lake by Rebekah Faubion

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Lost Girls of Hollow Lake by Rebekah Faubion
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That was an absolutely wild ride that I wish I could do all over again. Lost Girls of Hollow Lake is a fantastic addition to the emerging YA horror-thriller genre. I’m generally pretty proud of the fact that horror doesn’t get to me and that it takes a lot to get under my skin, but this book REALLY got to me at some points. The gore descriptions were especially potent and made me squirm in a way no other book has. There’s one scene later on in the story that I had to read through squinted eyes as if it were a movie I needed to watch through my fingers, and I love that I had such a strong reaction. The lore and legend surrounding the island the girls were stranded on were so deeply unsettling that I felt a sense of genuine dread whenever I’d get to a point in the novel where it was time to learn more about it. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that the island itself was very much the main character, which is why its history and mythology were so alluring. Additionally, I loved the point-of-view character, Evie, and had a lot of fun inside her head. She’s so funny in this biting, caustic way that endeared me to her very quickly. And the sapphic relationship that blooms within the terror is beautiful and complicated and filled with the perfect amount of yearning–not too much, not too little. Finally, the mystery entwined with the dread and terror was so effective. I was turning pages so quickly that I’d glance at the page numbers and wonder where 70 pages went. Even though I’d say the story overall falls more in line with horror than mystery, the back-and-forth between whodunnit and “what the heck happened on that island???” was gripping. An absolutely stellar debut perfect for anyone who loves to stay up late and scare themselves silly with ghost stories that blend seamlessly into nightmares.

Lost Girls of Hollow Lake by Rebekah Faubion, (List Price: $19.99, Delacorte Press, 9780593900437, January 2026)

Reviewed by Abigail, E. Shaver, Booksellers in Savannah, Georgia

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Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

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Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
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Between the World and Me” is an honest, raw love letter from Ta-Nehisi Coates to his fifteen-year-old son, Samori. The six-chapter letter was conceived after Coates watched his son’s heartache at the announcement that there would be no charges filed against Darren Wilson, the police officer who killed unarmed teenager Michael Brown. Coates reveals his own fears for his son and his frustrations with the world the boy is growing up in. He writes about the many senseless murders of black men; men who would still be alive if it weren’t for their black bodies. Coates tells his son, “You have every right to be you. And no one should deter you from being you. You have to be you. And you can never be afraid to be you.” Except the last sentence contradicts the world in which we live. Because Coates is afraid, both for his son and himself, but also of the world in which they live. The word body is repeated excessively in his letter. It is an insightful and persuasive argument that, first and foremost, we are a body. We are a body before any other distinguishing markers or features, and they embody a state of blackness. While this revelation isn’t new, the way Coates strings together his argument so elegantly causes one to pause and contemplate. His contrasts between human ideals and the stark realities of life rooted in racism are raw and painful. I found myself comparing this letter to Isabel Wilkerson’s masterpiece, Caste. While Coates points out the ways black bodies have been mistreated, his letter doesn’t provide the depth of contemplation and assessment that Wilkerson’s excellent work did.

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, (List Price: $20, One World, 9780812983814, June 2025)

Reviewed by Nichole, Bodacious Bookstore and Cafe in Pensacola, Florida

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Gunnar the Viking’s Great Pizza Adventure by Diego Vaisberg

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Gunnar the Viking's Great Pizza Adventure by Diego Vaisberg
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As a pizza lover, I was drawn to this book when it mentioned a “pizza adventure,” and this book did not disappoint! Gunnar the Viking is a cute story about a conqueror who is missing something and finds his missing piece when he tries a slice of pizza! The illustrations are hilarious: the snake with the knife, the pizza disaster, the wave of tomato sauce and the Viking boat on an actual wave scene is amazing. I wish the Raven was featured more, especially since he is named a supporting character in the beginning, but that is just me being a fan of ravens and wanting more pet action.

Gunnar the Viking’s Great Pizza Adventure by Diego Vaisberg, (List Price: $18.99, duopress, 9781464233630, April 2026)

Reviewed by Kait, The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, Alabama

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Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman

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Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman
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Judgy Bunny will steal your heart with her cuteness, even though she’s very, VERY grouchy. She insults everything and wants no part of the fun other kids are having on the beach, but it turns out that an unrelentingly cheerful friend can pull even the judgiest bunny out of the grumps. Adorable, relatable, with bright, fun illustrations that are sure to turn any sour mood around. Perfect for a read-aloud!

Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman, (List Price: $18.99, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 9781728296722, March 2026)

Reviewed by Amanda, Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville, Arkansas

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Loops by Jashar Awan

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Loops by Jashar Awan
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Loops is such a cute story about a child learning how to become a “big kid” and the importance of not losing their shoe. I loved how the book gently teaches kids how to tie their shoelaces in a fun, simple way. The title is extra funny because the story itself goes into a loop, which kids will enjoy noticing. This is a great, sweet book for toddlers who are growing up, learning new skills, and starting to take on little responsibilities.

Loops by Jashar Awan, (List Price: $19.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665974943, March 2026)

Reviewed by Erika, Righton Books in St Simons Island, Georgia

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Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder

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Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder
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Gorgeous, and a helpful context for young readers about anxiety and worry. How do we do big things when we feel small? How do we shore ourselves up when the occasion demands it? Snyder, as always, provides gentle, reflective solutions to hard questions.

Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder, (List Price: $18.99, Chronicle Books, 9781797200729, April 2026)

Reviewed by Amelia, Long Story Books in Atlanta, Georgia

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Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions by Ahmad Saber

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Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions by Ahmad Saber
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Ramin is a Pakistani-Canadian boy who just wants to get through his senior year at his Muslim high school without anyone finding out that he’s gay. Is it possible for him to love Allah and also boys? When he has to join the soccer team to make up for a missing gym credit, he makes an unexpected friend and starts to question his assumptions about faith, family, and queerness. Ramin’s sincerity, questions, and earnest attempts to find a path that honored all parts of himself captured my heart.

Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions by Ahmad Saber, (List Price: $21.99, Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, 9781665960694, March 2026)

Reviewed by Fisher, Carmichael’s Bookstore in Louisville, Kentucky

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The Lamb by Lucy Rose

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The Lamb by Lucy Rose
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I love a good cannibalism book, yum! It’s not only a coming-of-age story for Margot but also a realization of sexual identity and femininity for Mama. I personally have this notion in which each stray that comes to their cabin is a sexual experience or encounter that Mama has, and once it has been lived through, they are gone, aka eaten. I mean, there must be a metaphor in there somewhere, right? When Eden comes to their cabin, however, everything changes for Mama and for Margot. She’s not a stray to them but becomes a part of their family. However, Eden isn’t exactly a good role model but rather causes Mama to question her hunger and her role as a mother, and causes Margot to question their lifestyle (as cannibals). Poor little Margot. Growing up so isolated with a mother who doesn’t know how to satiate her hunger, and simply knowing what is taught to her. Her desire to be normal and be within societal standards can easily be seen in how much she desires Abby and Abby’s green ribbon. There’s so much I could say regarding this relationship, but for my sake, I’ll keep it brief. All I can say is, Rose is an absolute genius, and this is definitely for those who love a complicated mother/daughter relationship, gore, horror, and, of course, cannibalism.

The Lamb by Lucy Rose, (List Price: $18.99, Harper Perennial, 9780063374614, February 2026)

Reviewed by Itzy, M. Judson Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina

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Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams

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Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams
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Everything Alicia D. Williams does is gorgeous, and this picture book is no exception. The illustrations are phenomenal, and the message of a young girl’s strength and the power of music and community is exceptional. Loved it!

Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams, (List Price: $19.99, Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, 9781665914222, February 2026)

Reviewed by Alissa, South Main Book Company in Salisbury, North Carolina

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Pierce Brown’s Red Rising: Sons of Ares Omnibus by Pierce Brown

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Pierce Brown's Red Rising: Sons of Ares Omnibus by Pierce Brown
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I am mostly a fantasy girly, but I kept feeling drawn to Red Rising. The story is fast-paced and divided into three parts. I really enjoyed the first two, while the third was action-packed and, at times, felt a bit like The Hunger Games without the same emotional charge. That said, the characters are very well fleshed out, and the world-building is compelling. I have heard the other books in the trilogy are even better, and I am genuinely curious to see where the story goes. There are so many threads that feel ripe for major plot twists. I am especially interested in Darrow’s psyche after the transformation. It does not feel like only his body was changed. I am also curious to see whether Eo will continue to play a role in the resistance and how everything ultimately unfolds. A very well-crafted story that left me wanting more.

Pierce Brown’s Red Rising: Sons of Ares Omnibus by Pierce Brown, (List Price: $59.99, Dynamite Entertainment, 9781524127299, March 2026)

Reviewed by Erika, Righton Books in St Simons Island, Georgia

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Whidbey by T Kira Madden

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Whidbey by T Kira Madden
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T Kira Madden has written a unique and highly compelling story that kept me turning the pages as quickly as possible to find out what happened while also feeling the heartbreak, rage, and helplessness that haunt the story’s characters. The best thing about this book was how nuanced it is while still telling a story that never excuses horrific behavior. She manages to capture the gray in every character, showing us the full range of humanity in both the victim and the perpetrator, as well as the people who love each.

Whidbey by T Kira Madden, (List Price: $30, Mariner Books, 9780063289680, March 2026)

Reviewed by Kandi, WordsWorth Books in Little Rock, Arkansas

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A Suit or a Suitcase by Maggie Smith

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A Suit or a Suitcase by Maggie Smith
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This beautiful poetry collection looks at the connection between mind and body and the ways our sense of self shifts over time. Moving through questions of memory, meaning, and connection, it asks how time shapes who we are and how we are seen. A quiet, powerful read that stays with you.

A Suit or a Suitcase by Maggie Smith, (List Price: $25, Washington Square Press, 9781668090053, March 2026)

Reviewed by Sandra, Hills and Hamlets Bookshop in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia

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The Creek, The Crone, and the Crow by Leah Weiss

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The Creek, The Crone, and the Crow by Leah Weiss
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It’s a gift and a joy to read one of Leah Weiss’s books. Her descriptions of the natural world and well-crafted characters stay with you for years. She writes intelligently yet lovingly about Appalachia and the people who live in the small community of Baines Creek. In her new novel, the author weaves together the story of Kate and Lydia — two women at crossroads in their lives who help each other heal familial wounds and move forward to futures they hadn’t imagined. This powerful and moving story is one you don’t want to miss.

The Creek, The Crone, and the Crow by Leah Weiss, (List Price: $17.99, Sourcebooks Landmark, 9781464250590, March 2026)

Reviewed by Mary, The Little Bookshop in Midlothian, Virginia

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In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means to Be a Man by Tom Junod

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In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means to Be a Man by Tom Junod
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In the days before caustic masculinity was recognized as such, when men could be men, and women could be, well, dismissed, abused, and ignored, along with so many other choice words. Thankfully, though, the public-school systems and Universities taught us to think for ourselves, and, with the help of our mothers, sisters, and friends, we were able to see past that dark tunnel of masculinity. But our fathers were still our fathers, and we loved them regardless of their foibles as this elegant and elegiac memoir shows. Tom Junod took me back to my childhood, and I saw my father, and with an honesty I don’t have, shares with us his father warts and all.

In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means to Be a Man by Tom Junod, (List Price: $32, Doubleday, 9780375400391, March 2026)

Reviewed by Pete, McIntyre’s Books in Pittsboro, North Carolina

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