The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Children

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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Where the Deer Slip Through by Katey Howes

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Where the Deer Slip Through by Katey Howes
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Part seek and find adventure and part ode to nature, this stunning tale is the perfect read-together for young nature lovers.

Where the Deer Slip Through by Katey Howes, (List Price: $19.99, Beach Lane Books, 9781665918275, June 2025)

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

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Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner

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Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner
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Margot is determined to become a real songwriter. If she does, her dad may come home. When she finds an abandoned synthesizer, she’s sure her songs will sound better with it than her ukulele. But the instrument may be haunted by a pop star from the 1980s!

Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner, (List Price: $23.99, Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665938136, July 2025)

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

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Blue by Suzanne Kaufman

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Blue by Suzanne Kaufman
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A fantastical bedtime story of a young boy and a blue heron. It is simple, whimsical and comforting as we get to see this pair travel, separate, but remain connected.

Blue by Suzanne Kaufman, (List Price: $18.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316311663, June 2025)

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

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Outside Mom, Inside Mom by Jane Park

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Outside Mom, Inside Mom by Jane Park
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I think this is a picture book that a lot of kids will relate to. It’s natural for people to be their true selves — their “inside” selves — while in the comfort of their own homes. I think many parents will identify with the mom in the story as they examine the ways in which they also have inside and outside selves to get through their days. I love how gently the author wrote this, full of love and completely absent of judgment. The child is empathetic to their mom, and I think it’s important for adults to see that, too, and know that kids are perceptive and pick up on a lot more than we give them credit for.

Outside Mom, Inside Mom by Jane Park, (List Price: $19.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665929509, March 2025)

Reviewed by Jamie Southern, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Good Boy by Andy Hirsch

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Good Boy by Andy Hirsch
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I’m really excited for this boy and dog graphic novel readers looking for something after burning through Dogman. With adventure, a real-life challenge, and some gross-out humor, this one’s sure to be a hit for summer reading.

Good Boy by Andy Hirsch, (List Price: $14.99, First Second, 9781250291950, 2025-05-20)

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

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The Wish Switch by Lynn Painter

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The Wish Switch by Lynn Painter
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The Wish Switch is a sweet transition by Lynn Painter into books meant for a younger audience than her popular YA novels. The story follows Emma Rockford and her friends as they rely on her late grandmother’s instructions to gain four wishes, while following her very specific instructions. However, something happens to make Emma’s wish become seemingly switched with her brother’s best friend’s, leading them to form an alliance to figure out what had happened. A sweet tale that will entertain young readers for a pleasant afternoon.

The Wish Switch by Lynn Painter, (List Price: $18.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316578585, May 2025)

Reviewed by Molly Reinhardt, Main Street Books in Davidson, North Carolina

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Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Age of Enchantment by Anna James

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Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Age of Enchantment by Anna James
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What a fun beginning for Anna James’s new series! The beautiful seasonal magic system, nefarious plotting, and adventure at Thistledown Academy were reminiscent of some of my favorite series growing up, while still surprising and delighting me every step of the way. I can’t wait for the next wave of young fantasy readers to get their hands on this one!

Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Age of Enchantment by Anna James, (List Price: $9.99, Flamingo Books, 9780593691915, April 2025)

Reviewed by Tori Finklea, Union Avenue Books in knoxville, Tennessee

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Where Are You, Brontë? by Tomie dePaola

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Where Are You, Brontë? by Tomie dePaola
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Who doesn’t love Tomie dePaola? Sad that this is his last book, but it is so fitting that he demonstrates how sad he was over his loving pet, Bronte. This master storyteller hits all the right notes in describing why and how he felt this way. Brilliant! Would be a great healing book for young and old.

Where Are You, Brontë? by Tomie dePaola, (List Price: $19.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781534418509, May 2025)

Reviewed by Suzanne Lucey, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina

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J vs. K by Kwame Alexander

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J vs. K by Kwame Alexander
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These two are superstars in the Literary world. I had the privilege of meeting both of them and know they live and breathe getting kids to love reading and are such advocates of telling real stories for all. Their pretend jabbing is something that will leave you on the floor laughing. I know kids will love reading this because they will feel like they personally know these guys and they are on the inside joke.

J vs. K by Kwame Alexander, (List Price: $16.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316582681, May 2025)

Reviewed by Suzanne Lucey, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina

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Into the Rapids by Ann Braden

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Into the Rapids by Ann Braden
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Into the Rapids will activate your adventurous side as Addy puts her outdoor survival skills to the test as she prepares for Survival Camp. Follow along as Addy realizes that it’s OK to stand on your own, but it’s never wrong to ask for help when you need it. Perfect for readers who are living with and experiencing emotions caused by grief, panic attacks, and isolation.

Into the Rapids by Ann Braden, (List Price: $17.99, Nancy Paulsen Books, 9780593856369, May 2025)

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

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