Indies Introduce Interview

“Don't let the duppy get you…Honeysuckle and Bone transports you to the canicular heat of Jamaica as the secrets heat up with each turning page. From the secrets to the lies, you’ll feel like our main character, Carina, eavesdropping behind every wall,” said Morgan Haywood-Joy of Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn, New York.

 “This atmospheric mystery was brimming with red herrings and conspiracies, all shrouded in a sinister fae mist; perfect for fans of Holly Black and Melissa Albert,” said Jessica Hahl of Books Inc. in San Leandro, California.

“Kaya of the Ocean is an absolutely gorgeous story, shining a light on the very real struggles of growing up and feeling like you are different. With incredibly heartfelt writing and a vivid setting, Kaya’s story can help young people that struggle with anxiety feel seen and heard,” said Jonathan Pope of Prologue Bookshop in Columbus, Ohio.

“In the 1990s working class town of Fife, Scotland, Cora Mowat is adrift and unsure of herself. Cora’s survival and her path forward are frustratingly unclear as she navigates loss and trauma. When she finally addresses her long-hidden ADHD her path forward becomes clearer, and you cannot help but cheer her on,” said Lisa Swayze of Buffalo Street Books in Ithaca, New York.

“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.