Indies Introduce Interview

“As soon as I picked this up, I knew it was going to be a showstopper. Kalela Williams beautifully writes a coming-of-age story, while reckoning with the history of slavery and the often overlooked parts of ancestry,” said Lily Taliaferro of Eagle Harbor Book Co. in Bainbridge Island, Washington.

“Nico Lang provides needed insight into the lives of trans teens. Following eight trans and nonbinary teenagers, American Teenager shows us that there is no one way to look or be trans — or a teen,” said Kristin Saner of Fables Books in Goshen, Indiana.

“If you read only one middle grade book this year, it has to be The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night,” said Sally Sue Lavigne of The Storybook Shoppe in Bluffton, SC.

“An Indigenous romance, written by an Indigenous author, featuring Indigenous characters? Yes, please! Danica Nava's debut is not to be missed,” said Preet Singh of Eagle Eye Book Shop in Decatur, Georgia.

“This debut novel is a must-read: it effortlessly weaves together a horrifying truth, supernatural elements, and the poignant sense of being unheard and misunderstood,” said Kromeklia Bryant of Solid State Books in Washington, DC.

“This is a ghost story with plenty of ghosts and creepy scenes. It’s also a sweet, feel good story with so much more. Taylor is an incredible artist and her lush illustrations give wonderful depth to this imaginative story of grief, belonging and love,” said Holly Weinkauf of Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“This stunning and heartfelt debut starts off with Brett in a terrible mental place, coping with harmful strategies like binge drinking and eating. Stick with it though, because you will care for Brett and the people around him so deeply, and if you’re anything like me, end up sobbing over the last few chapters. I absolutely loved it and wholeheartedly recommend it,” said Donna Liu of Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park, California.

Donyae Coles is the author of Midnight Rooms, a Summer/Fall 2024 Indies Introduce adult selection and July 2024 Indie Next List pick. Mary Taris of Strive Bookstore in Minneapolis, Minnesota, served on the bookseller panel that selected Coles’ book for Indies Introduce. Coles sat down with Taris to discuss her debut title.

“This moving story of a family dealing with the complexities of addiction is told with incredible sensitivity, compassion, and hope. These wonderful young characters — Reese, Meg, and Charlie — and the rich friendship they develop will stay with you long after the last page is turned,” said Holly Weinkauf of Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“Masquerade is a magical debut with rich characters, challenging battles, wonderful West African myth and lore, all woven together to make a fresh historical read,” said Matt Aragon – Shafi of West Side Books in Denver, Colorado. 

“The Dallergut Dream Department Store is a sparkly, fun, and engaging read. Full of whimsy, wonder, a light-hearted debut. Definitely a book that’s like walking into a dream,” said Matt Aragon - Shafi of West Side Books in Denver, Colorado.

“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…Absolutely recommend this to kick off your summer!” said Katie Pionk of McLean & Eakin Booksellers in Petoskey, Michigan.

“A super fun and queer space opera that follows a group of late twenty-somethings on a journey they never anticipated. This was a fun, engaging, and quick read. Any queer person out there will be able to see the roots of a found family in Cleo’s group — and the U-Haul lesbians U-Hauling at light speed. This was the book I needed to get out of a reading slump, so thank you Emily Hamilton for that and the group of queers that will be living rent free in my head for a while,” said Arden Harris of A Seat at the Table Books in Elk Grove, CA. 

“Each story in Zan is powerful, deep, and nuanced, providing a needed window into the complex lives of Iranian women today. A must-read,” said Kristin Saner of Fables Books in Goshen, Indiana.

“I loved this charmingly written middle grade inspired by Chinese mythology. Exploring themes of grief, growing up, and family, this novel grabbed me right from the first page and didn’t let go. Full of action-packed sequences and quiet, emotional moments alike, this book was a wonderful read. I know kids and fans of Percy Jackson, Aru Shah, and Amari and the Night Brothers are going to love it,” said Donna Liu of Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park, California.