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Overview
notes will include release date and the bookseller blurb :D
Indies Introduce list summer/fall 2024
4 participants (20 books)
Overview
notes will include release date and the bookseller blurb :D
Challenge Books
13
The Lonely Below
g. haron davis
August 6th
“What starts as a creepy horror book quickly becomes a mystery based on history and the process of acknowledging the wrongs of the past. With a diverse cast of characters, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat while incorporating themes of race, neurodiversity, friendship and family bonds. An interesting, fun, and slightly scary read!”
“What starts as a creepy horror book quickly becomes a mystery based on history and the process of acknowledging the wrongs of the past. With a diverse cast of characters, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat while incorporating themes of race, neurodiversity, friendship and family bonds. An interesting, fun, and slightly scary read!”
—Holly Weinkauf, The Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, MN
14
The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night
Steven Banbury
September 3rd
“A fantastic fall debut that will delight readers with its cozy atmosphere and found family aspects. It's perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton without the super scary nature!”
“A fantastic fall debut that will delight readers with its cozy atmosphere and found family aspects. It's perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton without the super scary nature!”
—Lily Taliaferro, Eagle Harbor Book Company, Bainbridge Island, WA
15
Looking for Smoke
K.A. Cobell
June 4th
“This book is a powerful and thought-provoking read that skillfully blends the narratives of four distinct characters. It is a story about the importance of community, the search for belonging, and the heart-wrenching realities of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). If you’re looking for a book that will leave you on the edge of your seat, challenging you to see through the smoke and discover the killer, this book is a must-read.”
“This book is a powerful and thought-provoking read that skillfully blends the narratives of four distinct characters. It is a story about the importance of community, the search for belonging, and the heart-wrenching realities of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). If you’re looking for a book that will leave you on the edge of your seat, challenging you to see through the smoke and discover the killer, this book is a must-read.”
—Kromeklia Bryant, Solid State Books, Washington, DC
16
Now, Conjurers
Freddie Kölsch
June 4th
“Fans of The Craft rejoice! This unabashedly queer, weird, and fantastic debut is here to fill that hole in your heart. Now, Conjurers explores powerful themes of grief, friendship, and the lengths we go to in order to protect the ones we love. I couldn’t help but adore all of the members of North Coven, with all their quirks and foibles, and I know other readers will too!”
“Fans of The Craft rejoice! This unabashedly queer, weird, and fantastic debut is here to fill that hole in your heart. Now, Conjurers explores powerful themes of grief, friendship, and the lengths we go to in order to protect the ones we love. I couldn’t help but adore all of the members of North Coven, with all their quirks and foibles, and I know other readers will too!”
—Donna Liu, Kepler’s Books, Menlo Park, CA
17
Six More Months of June
Daisy Garrison
June 11th
“The most wonderful burst of angsty teen nostalgia! I am so in love with Mina, Caplan, and their group of friends. Just when you think you know exactly how this book is going to go, it does the absolute best thing and goes the way you wish it would instead. Honestly, I was cracking up and tearing up throughout. Daisy Garrison has perfectly captured the banter of the teenage girl, the thought process of the teenage boy (or, sometimes lack thereof), and that achy, wonderful ‘please don't let it end’ pang. Absolutely recommend this to kick off your summer!”
“The most wonderful burst of angsty teen nostalgia! I am so in love with Mina, Caplan, and their group of friends. Just when you think you know exactly how this book is going to go, it does the absolute best thing and goes the way you wish it would instead. Honestly, I was cracking up and tearing up throughout. Daisy Garrison has perfectly captured the banter of the teenage girl, the thought process of the teenage boy (or, sometimes lack thereof), and that achy, wonderful ‘please don't let it end’ pang. Absolutely recommend this to kick off your summer!”
—Katie Pionk, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petosky, MI
18
The Ghostkeeper
Johanna Taylor
July 23rd
“This cozy ghost story looks at death and the afterlife with beautiful illustrations and an intense attention to detail. There is a plethora of paranormal charm while tackling tough topics surrounding loss, mental health, and support for one’s own well being.”
“This cozy ghost story looks at death and the afterlife with beautiful illustrations and an intense attention to detail. There is a plethora of paranormal charm while tackling tough topics surrounding loss, mental health, and support for one’s own well being.”
—Lily Taliaferro, Eagle Harbor Book Company, Bainbridge Island, WA
19
The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky
Josh Galarza
July 23rd
“Brett’s in a downward spiral: his relationship with food has become unhealthy, and despite his support system, there's something major holding him back from asking for help. I loved the honest and vulnerable portrayal of Brett's best-friendship with Reed, who's desperate to help but who feels locked out by Brett's pride and shame. Ostracized but fiercely independent Mallory serves as Brett's Mr. Miyagi, challenging him to frank discussions about race, feminism, diet culture — flipping the script on toxic masculinity and chipping away at his self-loathing. It's Brett's voice, wise-cracking, sensitive, and emotionally raw, that carries his story with a surprisingly light hand. Every page holds love. Every page is a nudge towards self-acceptance. This hero story absolutely demolished my heart.”
“Brett’s in a downward spiral: his relationship with food has become unhealthy, and despite his support system, there's something major holding him back from asking for help. I loved the honest and vulnerable portrayal of Brett's best-friendship with Reed, who's desperate to help but who feels locked out by Brett's pride and shame. Ostracized but fiercely independent Mallory serves as Brett's Mr. Miyagi, challenging him to frank discussions about race, feminism, diet culture — flipping the script on toxic masculinity and chipping away at his self-loathing. It's Brett's voice, wise-cracking, sensitive, and emotionally raw, that carries his story with a surprisingly light hand. Every page holds love. Every page is a nudge towards self-acceptance. This hero story absolutely demolished my heart.”
—Emmy Widener, Changing Hands, Tempe, AZ
20
Tangleroot
Kalela Williams
October 15th
“Sometimes your family history is as tangled as the vines on the ground. Noni is forced to give up everything for her mother’s career. While making a new home in the ‘Big House’ built by an enslaved ancestor, she may discover truths about herself and her family none could have imagined.”
“Sometimes your family history is as tangled as the vines on the ground. Noni is forced to give up everything for her mother’s career. While making a new home in the ‘Big House’ built by an enslaved ancestor, she may discover truths about herself and her family none could have imagined.”
—Sally Sue Lavigne, The Storybook Shoppe, Bluffton, SC