The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Juvenile Fiction

An Invitation to Passover by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky

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An Invitation to Passover by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky
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When Hannah’s family is unable to come for their Passover Seder, she asks her parents to let her invite her friends from school. She presents them with invitations with the meaning of Passover: Our History, Freedom, Springtime, and Great Food. Each of her friends interprets their invitations and brings their culture to the Seder creating an amazing dinner filled with good food, friendship, and fun.A fun story that shares the diversity and culture of friendship and family.

An Invitation to Passover by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky, (List Price: 19.99, Kalaniot Books, 9798986396507, February 2023)

Reviewed by Gretchen Shuler, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina

100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle

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100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle
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This book made me laugh out loud, and North Carolina gets a shout out, so I’m sold! A very fun book that combines math and searching pictures to count how many dragons (all named Broccoli) are wearing tutus. Totally adorable! The final few pages alone provide plenty of entertainment. The kind of picture book where you’ll notice something new each time you read it.

100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle, (List Price: $19.99, Dial Books, 9780525555445, April 2023)

Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja

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Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja
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A March 2023 Read This Next! Title

Ramen for Everyone beautifully depicts the bond food represents to Hiro and his family. Hiro learns that perfect isn’t always the same for everyone, and that what he can cook is just as wonderful as his dad’s recipe.

Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja, (List Price: $18.99, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 9781665904353, February 2023)

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

The Way We Say Hello by Andrea Denish

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The Way We Say Hello by Andrea Denish
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This is a cute kid’s book to introduce new cultures to younger readers! Saying "hello" happens in lots of ways & this book shows many of them with beautiful illustrations and cute text.

The Way We Say Hello by Andrea Denish, (List Price: $14.99, Starry Forest Books, 9781951784249, February 2023)

Reviewed by Max Ruthless, Foggy Pine Books in Boone, North Carolina

Beware the Blue Bagoo by Karl Newson

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eware The Blue Bagoo by Karl Newson
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There’s a lot of rumors about the Blue Bagoo, and a young girl sets out to investigate for herself, discovering along the way that the rumors and conspiracies don’t have any root in facts. In an era where children will be exposed to a lot of misinformation spread by social media (or their friend’s older brother’s best friend’s uncle), this is a great way to introduce them to ascertaining the facts for themselves, to dig beyond the scare tactics, and search the truth out when others hide it with their fear and ignorance. Also, the Blue Bagoo is adorable, the drawings are vibrant, and the words are just fun to read aloud.

Beware the Blue Bagoo by Karl Newson, (List Price: $18.99, Happy Yak, 9780711267848, February 2023)

Reviewed by Kate Towery, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia

Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja

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Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja
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A March 2023 Read This Next! Title

From the title and cover alone this book attracted everyone in my friend’s family — they homeschool and we were looking at a stack of kidlit over bubble tea. The verbs-with-images pages reminded me of superhero graphics, but instead of "pow" "bang" "zoom" and the like, dad cooking "steeps" "shreds" "stews", ending up with joy and anime eyes! I love the family in the kitchen story, and that it goes disastrously when Hiro first tries for himself, but knowing what individuals uniquely love allows him to tailor the perfect ramen for each in a way someone out of the household never could.

Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja, (List Price: $18.99, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 9781665904353, February 2023)

Reviewed by Lisa Yee Swope, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The Swifts by Beth Lincoln

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The Swifts by Beth Lincoln
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I read this rollicking debut in one sitting. Who knew that etymology, an Agatha Christie-esque mystery, and a subtle discussion of self-fulfilling prophecy could make for such fun book? Filled with colorful characters who live up to their names, this book has the feeling of a children’s classic.

The Swifts by Beth Lincoln, (List Price: 17.99, Dutton Books for Young Readers, 9780593533239, February 2023)

Reviewed by Melissa Taylor, E. Shaver, bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter

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Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter
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Nell plants a tree and it grows into a base for games, a spot for reading, and a place for generations to gather. This beautiful picture book celebrates extended families and the delight of spending time together.

Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter, (List Price: $17.99, Balzer + Bray, 9780062865779, January 2023)

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

Lasagna Means I Love You by Kate O’Shaughnessy

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Lasagna Means I Love You by Kate O'Shaughnessy
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So much love for Lasagna Means I Love You! A lovely novel about how food tells our stories and what means family. When sad circumstances leave Mo alone in the world, she discovers the path to a new beginning is filled with tears, frustration, laughter, love and a full tummy!

Lasagna Means I Love You by Kate O’Shaughnessy, (List Price: $17.99, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9781984893871, February 2023)

Reviewed by Susan Williams, M. Judson, booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina

Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow

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Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow
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Simon has my heart! His spirit, authenticity, and humor make him one of the most compelling characters I’ve met in a long time. Simon, along with his parents, show that trauma changes us in terrible & beautiful ways that create something new. This tough but tender novel shines with hope and resilience. As Dolly Parton says, laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.Please don’t let the subject matter push you away from this wonderful, funny, and important book. It’s a perfect example of its OK to read dark things, our lives are full of dark things and fictional characters working their way towards the light helps us do the same. Simon Sorta of Says is fantastic!

Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow, (List Price: $16.99, Disney-Hyperion, 9781368082853, January 2023)

Reviewed by Susan Williams, M. Judson, Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina

When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn

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When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn
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A February 2023 Read This Next! Title

When Sea Becomes Sky is a book that needs to be read spoiler free, but what I can tell you is that this is Gillian McDunn at her finest. The intersection of science and art is a perfect complement to the interpersonal relationships in the book, every single detail adds a layer and a complexity the story that makes this one to sit and think about. I love how careful McDunn is with her characters and their emotions – and the experience of her readers. Bex and her family will stay in my heart for a very, very long time.

When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn (List Price: $16.99, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 9781547610853, February 2023)

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

The Kindest Red by Ibtihaj Muhammad

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The Kindest Red by Ibtihaj Muhammad
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So often, when people are asked what they would wish for, they reply “World Peace.” In The Kindest Red, Faizah wishes for “World Kindness,” and isn’t that really the first step to world peace? This simple picture book with a big message is just perfect for families or classrooms looking to celebrate diversity and personal responsibility.

The Kindest Red by Ibtihaj Muhammad, (List Price: $19.99, Bloomsbury YA, 9780759555709, February 2023)

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

Cinderella–with Dogs! by Linda Bailey

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Cinderella--with Dogs! by Linda Bailey
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Everything is better with dogs, and the tale of Cinderella is no exception. Not only does Cinderella get a fairy dogmother instead of a fairy godmother, but she also gets some nice updates to her story, including a chance to suggest she gets to know the prince first instead of marrying him right away. I loved all the dogs in this book, but there are plenty of cute cats to see on each page, too!

Cinderella–with Dogs! by Linda Bailey, (List Price: $18.99, Nancy Paulsen Books, 9781984813824, February 2023)

Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

World Made of Glass by Ami Polonsky

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World Made of Glass by Ami Polonsky
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World Made of Glass has the exact range of emotions tweens need and crave – sorrow, love, laughter, tears, regret – in deep swings. And more importantly, this historical fiction novel tells a story that few really know – I didn’t – about the prejudice, misinformation, and rampant fear surrounding AIDS in 1987 – told through the eyes of twelve-year-old Iris. She’s a character who experiences life-shattering circumstances beyond her control – yet with the help of her family and friends, she rises to the occasion. Our youth should read this book because it will build empathy and acceptance of marginalized groups of people, educate a new generation about the AIDS epidemic and LGBTQIA History – an area sorely under-represented in literature and inspire people of all ages to use their voices to fight for justice in their communities. As a bookseller in an indie bookstore who sees firsthand so many young adults purposefully seeking out books that provide a safe place to explore a range of emotions and tackle challenging, complex subjects, I cannot wait for this novel to do just that and find so many readers. Ami Polonsky will inspire the upcoming generation to use their voices for good!

World Made of Glass by Ami Polonsky, (List Price: $16.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316462044, January 2023)

Reviewed by Michelle Uhlfelder, Sundog Books in Seaside, Florida

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