The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Juvenile Fiction

Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate

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Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate
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Absolute perfection. I am a sucker for a novel in verse, and Katherine Applegate is a master of the genre. She packs so much action, empathy, and emotional depth into those short passages. I’m in awe. And – I’M IN LOVE WITH WOMBAT. This charming story about a stray dog, a displaced boy, a small owl, and a lonely bat is one that will absolutely win you over. It will be a great ‘bridge’ book for kids moving out of early chapter books into more robust novels.

Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate, (List Price: $19.99, Storytide, 9780063221178, May 2026)

Reviewed by Kate, Plaid Elephant Books in Danville, Kentucky

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Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner

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Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner
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Eighth grade graduation, the start of summer break, a pool party to which the whole class is invited, and underneath it all, the complex ecosystem of junior high. Socially awkward Dustin is doing his best to host the party, wallflower Rose is working on her Junior High Goals checklist, Liv is auditioning new best friends, and mean girl Maya is discovering that she may have to start being nicer if she wants real friendships. I smiled, cringed, and laughed as I followed all these dramas. The story slides from one scene into another like a soap opera. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner, (List Price: $21.99, Labyrinth Road, 9798217031429, April 2026)

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

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The Second Life of Snap by Erin Entrada Kelly

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The Second Life of Snap by Erin Entrada Kelly
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Perfect for fans of The Wild Robot. Kelly created a wonderful story about the friendship between a girl, Zuzu, and her guardian robot, Snap. The book, in only 176 pages, covers a lot of important themes, like AI, climate change, and class. In a dystopian future where the wealthiest control the population with the help of machines, a group of kids tries to get by until an old guardian robot is added to the mix. The book also teaches the power of human connection. A great read. I would not be surprised if Kelly gets another award with this one!

The Second Life of Snap by Erin Entrada Kelly, (List Price: $19.99, Greenwillow Books, 9780063485952, May 2026)

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

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Serafina Makes Waves by Matthew Burgess

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Serafina Makes Waves by Matthew Burgess
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Serafina does NOT like water. She doesn’t like running faucets, bathtubs, or the sea. When the powers that be decide she must take swimming lessons, she refuses to enter the pool. But when a friend is in danger, she leaps into action and, to her shock, finds she actually loves the water. This is a sweet book about looking beyond yourself and helping others.

Serafina Makes Waves by Matthew Burgess, (List Price: $18.99, Dial Books, 9780593699638, March 2026)

Reviewed by Rae Ann, Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN

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Homeland by Hannah Moushabeck

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Homeland by Hannah Moushabeck
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A love letter to a people and place we see far too little of in books and media. It is time for more books like Hannah’s to teach us about Palestinians and their beautiful culture. I fell in love with the family in this book and the stories they share, and I know the littles in your world will too. This book is not just a teaching tool; it is an entertaining and heartwarming story.

Homeland by Hannah Moushabeck, (List Price: $18.99, Chronicle Books, 9781797202051, March 2023)

Reviewed by Rayna, Blue Cypress Books in New Orleans, LA

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Where I Grew by Jashar Awan

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Where I Grew by Jashar Awan
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Where I Grew is a love letter and celebration of the immigrant story, and how we come to the places we call home for generations. Poetry-esque writing dances across the pages, coupled with illustrations of the sunsets, seas, and plains you may cross to find yourself at your new home. Deeply tender and gentle, and absolutely essential for our current time and for years to come.

Where I Grew by Jashar Awan, (List Price: $18.99, Norton Young Readers, 9781324016618, March 2026)

Reviewed by Grace, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, VA

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Life on the Moon by Matthew Swanson

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Life on the Moon by Matthew Swanson
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12 year-old Leo joins the first moon colony. Exciting! Until his father disappears and Leo sets out to find him, encountering shocking surprises on the way. What if everything he’s been told about the moon is a lie?

Life on the Moon by Matthew Swanson, (List Price: $17.99, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9780593704721, April 2026)

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

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A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh

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A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh
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A stunning, heartbreaking, story that was well-performed by the voice actor on the audiobook. Every line seemed to tug my heartstrings, and yet this story felt grounded. Beautiful.

A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh, (List Price: $19.99, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 9781250896704, November 2024)

Reviewed by Nyawira Nyota, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina

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Selma–The Story of a Stellar Spider by Tini Malina

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Selma–The Story of a Stellar Spider by Tini Malina
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I LOVED this book! This book is a perfect reminder that you can do anything you put your mind to! Even being the first spider to make a web in outer space!

Selma–The Story of a Stellar Spider by Tini Malina, (List Price: $19.95, NorthSouth Books, 9780735846067, March 2026)

Reviewed by Sarah, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC

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The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga

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The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga
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A delightful tale of rescue dog Finnegan and cheetah cub Chase. Finnegan’s new family includes zookeeper Basma. When she needs a friend for the cheetah cub she’s training, Finnegan accompanies her to the zoo, finding friendship in an unlikely place. This is a story of soaring hope and kindness.

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga, (List Price: $18.99, Balzer + Bray, 9781250387189, March 2026)

Reviewed by Rae Ann, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee

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Ruthie by Esmé Shapiro

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Ruthie by Esmé Shapiro
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Calling all royal dreamers, explorers, and butterberry pancake lovers! This whimsically illustrated picture book tells a charming tale of friendship and the cozy joys of home. Prince Ruthie leaves their beloved queen behind to explore the kingdom beyond their castle. As journeying into the unknown is not without its dangers, Ruthie soon finds themselves missing the comforts of home and mostly, their loving queen. Ruthie may just have to rely on the help of their loyal subjects (or newfound friends?) to once again return home to their queen. The gentle humor and warmth of the story shine through the softness of Shapiro’s illustrations. Share this delightful story with your favorite friend over a slice of three-year-old cake.

Ruthie by Esmé Shapiro, (List Price: $18.99, Tundra Books, 9781774885659, March 2026)

Reviewed by Laura, Bookmiser in Marietta, Georgia

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How to Read a Very Serious Book by Mireille Messier

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How to Read a Very Serious Book by Mireille Messier
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A not-so-serious book about reading “very serious books.” Messier does a wonderful job of “explaining” to young readers how to read a “serious book” and how to look serious while doing it. There are instructions on how to look “deep in thought”, how to make sure you’ll be seen reading your serious book to impress people, and how to drink tea and “ponder” when you are finished. Because serious books have boring covers, no pictures, and lots of tiny words. Unlike this delightful book, whimsically illustrated by Kelly Collier. What a clever way to show us all that we can choose to read for fun, and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks!

How to Read a Very Serious Book by Mireille Messier, (List Price: $18.95, Owlkids, 9781771476584, March 2026)

Reviewed by Kelly, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia

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The Curse Breaker by Jen Calonita

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The Curse Breaker by Jen Calonita
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If the Isle of Forever put you on the edge of your seat, just wait until you read Jen Calonita’s The Curse Breaker. Be sure to sit comfortably in your chair and hold on!

The Curse Breaker by Jen Calonita, (List Price: $16.99, Sourcebooks Young Readers, 9781728277066, March 2026)

Reviewed by Judith, Octavia Books in New Orleans, Louisiana

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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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