The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Juvenile Fiction

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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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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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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Bartleby by Matt Phelan

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Bartleby by Matt Phelan
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I love this story. Bartleby marches to his own drum, and his class gives him room to be himself and welcomes him on his own terms when he is ready to show warmth to them in his own way. Compelling and told through conversation, storytelling, and through the color scheme of the pictures to convey feelings, this book is a winner!

Bartleby by Matt Phelan, (List Price: $18.99, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 9780374393557, March 2026)

Reviewed by Kimberly, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina

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A Year of Kites by Monisha Bajaj

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A Year of Kites by Monisha Bajaj
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A Year of Kites is an informative book about the role kites play in traditions around the world. Replete with beautiful illustrations, it would be a nice addition to elementary classrooms, allowing teachers to combine multiple subjects in their lesson planning: the history of kites, following the directions to use artistic skill to create individual kites, and assessing proper wind conditions needed for kite flying. Sounds like a fun afternoon to me as the kids also will get a few steps in as they let ’em soar!

A Year of Kites by Monisha Bajaj, (List Price: $18.99, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 9781547612246, February 2026)

Reviewed by Barb, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina

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