The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Children

The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes

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The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes
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The Queen of Kindergarten had new braids, a sparkly tiara, dresses, and a chariot (well, a pickup truck) to take her to school on the first day. She is caring and kind and brightens every room she enters. The first day will be a breeze for the Queen of Kindergarten! This wonderful little book should be required reading for every new kindergartner!

The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, (List Price: $18.99, Nancy Paulsen Books, 9780593111420, May 2022)

Reviewed by Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina

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Recess by Lane Smith

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Recess by Lane Smith
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Another SPECTACULAR entry from Lane Smith, all about our favorite subject, recess! Its colorful imagery and interactive elements make this the perfect back-to-school read for elementary school classrooms.

Recess by Lane Smith, (List Price: $19.99, Harry N. Abrams, 9781419776892, July 2025)

Reviewed by Jamie Kovacs, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Miss Camper: A Graphic Novel by Kat Fajardo

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Miss Camper: A Graphic Novel by Kat Fajardo
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It’s Sue’s first time at summer camp, and she is so excited! She knows exactly what she wants to do and can’t wait to do it all with her best friend. She soon finds that things don’t always pan out the way we plan, but sometimes that can lead to something better. Miss Camper is a fun, enjoyable read full of adorable illustrations. It is an all-around fun-filled adventure you won’t want to miss!

Miss Camper: A Graphic Novel by Kat Fajardo, (List Price: $24.99, Graphix, 9781338535600, July 2025)

Reviewed by Keeshia Jacklitch, Bookmiser in Marietta, Georgia

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The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall

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The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall
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Gwen MacKinnon has spent much of the eleven short years of her life feeling unwanted, but it only takes two weeks in a small Massachusetts town–plus one unruly dog, an enthusiastic four-year-old, the coolest older cousin, the corniest uncle, some love and attention, and an entire clan of tiny, winged creatures convinced she is destined to be a hero–for Gwen to understand that home isn’t just a word. This new book by Jeanne Birdsall is absolutely worth the wait (tbh I needed the time, I’m still recovering from The Penderwicks in Spring), full of Birdsall’s signature heart and community love, with some very unique world-building for the lore of the Lahdukan. Gwen is a delightful character to join on her journey of fate, discovery, and courage.

The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall, (List Price: $20.99, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9780525579052, August 2025)

Reviewed by Morgan Holub, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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I Got You by Derrick Barnes

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I Got You by Derrick Barnes
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Derrick Barnes captures the magical relationship between brothers in a celebration of both big brothers and little brothers. From learning everything you know from your big brother to realizing that as he gets older you might not spend all your time together, >I Got You is the perfect book to read with siblings — or children expecting a new addition to the family, too. A thoughtful, beautiful story.

I Got You by Derrick Barnes, (List Price: $18.99, Nancy Paulsen Books, 9780593111451, July 2025)

Reviewed by Beth Seufer Buss, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Witchycakes #1: Sweet Magic by Kara LaReau, Ariane Moreira (Illus

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Witchycakes #1: Sweet Magic by Kara LaReau, Ariane Moreira (Illus
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Grab your beach cruiser and join Blue as they make the daily bakery deliveries around the community. Along the way, they’ll create a little havoc with their untamed magic abilities, but are always there to help clean up the remnants of the spells. Perfect for young witches-to-be who like cooking, helping their community, and want to start their own coven.

Witchycakes #1: Sweet Magic by Kara LaReau, Ariane Moreira (Illus, (List Price: $15.99, Random House Books for Young Readers, 9798217025855, August 2025)

Reviewed by Jenny Gilroy, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Forts by Katie Venit

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Forts by Katie Venit
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I love this celebration of forts, the ones found in nature, to the ones you can build for yourself. Forts are for gathering with friends or being alone in this delightful picture book.

Forts by Katie Venit, (List Price: $18.99, Viking Books for Young Readers, 9780593466155, July 2025)

Reviewed by Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee

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Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez

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Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez
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Magical and imaginative, this autobiographical picture book follows a young girl’s explorations under the sea as she observes marine life and our critical need for marine conservation. I loved that Mother of Sharks features a Hispanic woman in STEM!

Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez, (List Price: $19.99, Penguin Workshop, 9780593523582, May 2023)

Reviewed by Jessica Nock, Main Street Books in Davidson, North Carolina

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Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

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Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
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Julia and the Shark has some of my favorite things: deep dives (pun intended) on Greenland sharks, conservation & environmentalism, and an awesome cat named Noodle who likes to ride on boat figureheads. It also has a beautiful message on mental illness and that its okay to not be okay. The heart-squish was real and my heart ached for Julia as she navigated her mom’s ups-and-downs as well as the local bullies. Courage, cold seas and starry skies, and whales more ancient than trees, this story had me by the heartstrings.

Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, (List Price: $18.99, Union Square Kids, 9781454948681, March 2023)

Reviewed by Candice Conner, The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, Alabama

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Tyger by SF Said

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Tyger by SF Said
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Tyger is a breathtaking story of courage, creativity, and resistance. SF Said weaves a powerful tale of magic and change, brought to life by Dave McKean’s stunning illustrations. With themes of anticolonialism, anticapitalism, and the power of empathy, this book reminds us that young minds can shape the world, if only we let them.

Tyger by SF Said, (List Price: $18.99, Penguin Workshop, 9780593887240, July 2025)

Reviewed by Hezekiah Olorode, Old Town Books in Alexandria, Virginia

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Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson

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Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson
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Tiffany D. Jackson’s signature style transitions beautifully to middle grade in Blood in the Water. Tackling heavy subjects with the gravity they deserve while letting her characters have just a bit of fun, Jackson navigates racism, classism, and the concept of controlling the narrative.

Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson, (List Price: $18.99, Scholastic Press, 9781338849912, July 2025)

Reviewed by Carly Crawford, Novel. in Memphis, Tennessee

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Millie Fleur Saves the Night by Christy Mandin

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Millie Fleur Saves the Night by Christy Mandin
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The dark might seem scary, but the dark is full of wonderful, magical, important things, from night-blooming plants to nocturnal creatures. Millie Fleur La Fae loves them all, but her town of Garden Glen isn’t as keen as she is on inviting the dark into town. But, what might happen if we turn off our lanterns and join Millie Fleur in the dark of her moon garden? Millie Fleur Saves the Night is a gorgeously written and illustrated tale of embracing the wonders of the dark, from the moon to the stars, from raccoons to bats. A perfect book to pair with a full moon hike at a local park or preserve!

Millie Fleur Saves the Night by Christy Mandin, (List Price: $18.99, Orchard Books, 9781339023373, July 2025)

Reviewed by Mikey LaFave, Avid Bookshop in Athens, Georgia

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The Little Ghost Quilt’s Winter Surprise by Riel Nason

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The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise by Riel Nason
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We get to see Little Ghost Quilt in another adventure, this one during the Christmas season. I love how Little Ghost Quilt is different, and so are his ghost friends, and that is OKAY, more than normal. This story isn’t about changing to be more similar, but finding ways they can all experience the magic of the holidays. Little Ghost Quilt comes up with an idea to bring the holiday spirit to his friends.

The Little Ghost Quilt’s Winter Surprise by Riel Nason, (List Price: $18.99, Tundra Books, 9781774885376, August 2025)

Reviewed by Morgan DePerno, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom by Jessixa Bagley

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Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom by Jessixa Bagley
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Jazzy the Witch is such a relatable character! She is really struggling with her identity as a witch, and realizes that she is different than everyone around her. This was such a fun graphic novel! I enjoyed the witchy sayings and phrases, and I loved that it has such an amazing message, which is that it’s ok to be who you are.

Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom by Jessixa Bagley, (List Price: $14.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665922326, July 2025)

Reviewed by Sarah Blackwell, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Into the Bewilderness by Gus Gordon

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Into the Bewilderness by Gus Gordon
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This book is a treat (just look at that art!), especially for fans of Frog & Toad who are ready for a bigger adventure. Luis (the guitar playing bear) & Pablo (the grumpy mole) are an odd pair of buddies that must brave their way to The Big City to in an attempt to experience *culture* and fine dining (versus the usual catch your own meal way of the woods) and not get mugged by rough and tough city squirrels with spoons in this hilarious, pitch perfect, highbrow-lowbrow tale that will leave you singing a song and giggling all the way through.

Into the Bewilderness by Gus Gordon, (List Price: $15.99, HarperAlley, 9780063246119, July 2025)

Reviewed by Julie Jarema, Hub City Bookshop in Spartanburg, South Carolina

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