September/October 2025 Kids Indie Next List
#1 Pick
Whodonut?: A Holiday Mystery (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast #7)
Josh Funk, Brendan Kearney (Union Square Kids)
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“This holiday who-donut features little nods to all the festivals of the winter season, plus a full charcuterie of characters from Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast books past. Audiences will be wrapt as they attempt to solve the mystery of Agatha Crispy’s missing manuscript.”
— Amanda Zarni, Book Ends Winchester, Winchester, MA
Picture Books
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“I am a sucker for grumpy/sunshine pairings and Aggie and her ghost friend fit the bill! You manage to pick up on so much emotion (well, snark) from this one eyed lil blob of ghost and Aggie is such a mood. So much fun!”
— Leah Atlee, Bright Side Bookshop, Flagstaff, AZ
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“This is a surprisingly fast-paced and thrilling tale about your would-be average, uncomplicated snail. But Bob's not just any snail, he's also a vampire! Readers will delight in Bob's journey.”
— Chelsea Bromley, Bromley's Books, Marquette, MI
By Bess Kalb, Erin Kraan
Random House Studio
“Buffalo Fluffalo is back! This time with a new little sibling disturbing his peace. A great book for anyone looking to introduce their child to the idea of a new brother or sister. As a big sister myself, I found it super heartwarming.”
— Tara Ludwin, Northshire Saratoga, Saratoga Springs, NY
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“A simple chase between a curious cat and a clever mouse quickly spirals into an extraordinary journey through the world of art and history. This whimsical tale is perfect for readers with a passion for art history and a love for the unexpected.”
— Kassandra McKenna, Watermark Books & Cafe, Wichita, KS
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“A beautiful story perfect for new gardeners and green thumbs alike, or anyone intrigued by their family’s history. Filled with fresh fruits and vegetables specific to Palestine, I loved the lyrical text and heart in this book.”
— Emma Kawecki, bbgb books, Richmond, VA
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“A lovely story about friendships overcoming friction told through a mysterious treasure hunt that kids will love. The adorable illustrations perfectly match lazy summer evenings and the warmth of early fall.”
— Katie McNally, Queen Takes Book, Columbia, MD
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“How sweet to share a message that kids can be anything they want…canine or otherwise! Full of silliness, sweetness, and beautiful illustrations. Another hit to add to any picture book collection!”
— Katie Pionk, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, MI
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“Can I please, please, please live in these Woods? This story and illustrations are so lush and breathtaking, I can not wait to share this with the world.”
— Rebecca Crosswhite, Rediscovered Books, Boise, ID
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“The quiet sweetness of Amos McGee returns with a story that allows us to pause and celebrate friendships and SNOW! Erin Stead's illustrations together with the pace and words from Philip Stead are just pure magic.”
— Jeri Kay Thomas, 2 Dandelions Bookshop, Brighton, MI
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“As soon as I saw this book, my heart had the same little flutter as Zeb! I knew it would not disappoint. A sweet, charming book with adorable illustrations that is perfect for story time!”
— Kaitlyn Reed, Read Between the Lynes, Woodstock, IL
Middle Grade
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“The best thing about Cabin Head and Tree Head is that there is no reason they have a cabin and tree on their heads! And yet, it’s exactly right that they DO have a cabin and tree on their heads! This absurd best-friend duo will make young readers (and their grown-ups) laugh!”
— Betsy Haberl, Booked, Evanston, IL
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“I was completely swept away by Ghost Circus. I loved the story of Casey’s interim ghost-hood and the denizens and abductees of the Circus. And as a beautiful cherry on top, the art is so dynamic and beautiful — creepy in the cutest way possible!”
— Valerie Partenheimer, Books Are Awesome, Parker, CO
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“When her family inherits her grandfather’s historic inn, Lila gets more than she bargains for: the place is full of ghosts, and Lila must help them with their unfinished business. A wonderful medium-spooky read from a two-time Newbery Medalist!”
— Suzanna Hermans, Oblong Books, Millerton, NY
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“I loved Gwen’s story of finding home and happiness amongst a quirky cast of characters and more than a hint of magic. Those familiar with the heart and adventure of the Penderwick sisters will find good company in Gwen.”
— Ellie Ray, Content Bookstore, Northfield, MN
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“(Indies Introduce) This is no ordinary class field trip. Inspired by the real Isla de Las Muñecas, Lost on Doll Island is clever, suspenseful, and haunting (literally!). It will have you desperately searching for answers.”
— Heather Albinson, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN
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“Han Yu lives in China in the year 731. Luli lives in New York’s Chinatown in 1931. Karina Yan Glaser has cleverly woven the parallel stories of these children together. It is a story of bravery and resilience, friendship and family, and the gifts that rich ancestry continues to give — even over a thousand years.”
— Kami Diehl, Paragraphs Bookstore, Mount Vernon, OH
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“15 years ago, a disaster made a wasteland of the island where two young friends have spent their whole lives. They strike a deal with a pirate who agrees to take them to an idyllic land in exchange for a mysterious book in their possession. This action-packed first of a duology will make you pine for more!”
— Mary Wahlmeier Bracciano, Raven Book Store, Lawrence, KS
By Aaron Reynolds, Peter Brown
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
“A fun tale about a common childhood experience. A great step up for those who loved the Creepy Carrots series that are now ready to read their own chapter books.”
— Jody Everett, Beanbag Books, Delaware, OH
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“A comfy cottage-core chapter book for any young witch to fall in love with! I want to live in a little magical bakery by the sea with a seagull familiar helping my mom bake for our community. Blue gets up to magical hijinks with a sweet cast of characters.”
— Allie Cesmat, Changing Hands, Tempe, AZ
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“(Indies Introduce) Zeyna is an eminently relatable twelve-year-old in 1970, visiting Pakistan (and maybe some other countries, too!) who always wants a mystery to solve…and finds a real one. Shafaq’s voice really comes through in such delightful ways in this super fun historical fiction mystery.”
— Grace Lane, Linden Tree Children's Books, Los Altos, CA
Young Adult
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“Winter has a dying grandmother, a neglectful mother and a missing father. When her father comes back into her life, she lashes out. This interrogates anger and grief so well, as well as the complications of being a caretaker. A book that all should read.”
— Audrey I-Wei Huang, Belmont Books, Belmont, MA
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“(Indies Introduce) An Embroidery of Souls weaves together a new form of magic in storytelling styles inspired by both Mexican and German heritage and lore. This romantasy is different from the other romantasy tales you’ve heard, but will delight dedicated readers of the genre.”
— Erin Decker, White Rose Books & More, Kissimmee, FL
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“The best of genre fiction: a coming-of-age story with werewolves, vampires, and a love triangle. Set in small-town middle America and riveted by a well-written tale and a fierce main character, I have been telling everyone: Put Blood Moon at the top of your reading lists.”
— Lera Shawver, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, NC
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“The Dead of Summer is the perfect blend of unsettling horror with a mystery blended throughout that makes it almost impossible to put down. We get amazing side characters and themes many readers will be able to relate to. I cannot wait for the second book!”
— Lizzy Schmitter, Books & Company, Oconomowoc, WI
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“This book's got all the charm of a classic mystery from the ’90s mixed with the grit and camp of any iconic teen television show. I giggled and gasped in equal parts as Freddie made her way through all the perils of high school and the threat of a supernatural killer.”
— Lillie Reimer, Literati Bookstore, Ann Arbor, MI
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Kate Hart, Eric Gansworth, Marcella Bell, Darcie Little Badger, Karina Iceberg, Kaua Mahoe Adams, Andrea L. Rogers, Cheryl Isaacs, Christine Hartman Derr, Brian Young, K. A. Cobell, Jen Ferguson, A. J. Eversole, Byron Graves, Angeline Boulley, David A. Robertson
Heartdrum
“The stories in this collection are so hopeful and uplifting. The way that the magical realm of The Legendary Frybread Drive-In brings the characters exactly what they need is a comfort we all need in these trying times.”
— Rebecca Kinkade-Black, Books on the Bosque, Albuquerque, NM
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“A fantastic fantasy romance graphic novel. I've loved reading this series so much. It's a slow burn romance and the mystery is so intriguing. A series for fans of great stories, fun romances, and magic!”
— Ashley Dang, The Ripped Bodice, Culver City, CA
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“After months of being cyberbullied for hooking up with her best friend’s boyfriend, unrepentant theater nerd Jess Lanza starts a retaliatory blog in this heartfelt, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking debut novel.”
— Matilda McNeely, Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, GA
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“A haunting yet hopeful story set in the foster care system, shedding light on the importance of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), found family, and community support. Angeline Boulley expertly ties her first two novels into this powerhouse. Easily my favorite novel of hers yet.”
— Nadine Abery, Birchbark Books & Native Arts, Minneapolis, MN
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“In this bewitching YA novel, protagonist Mazzy and her best friends Nora and Elliot never really know what they're doing, except when they do. The story keeps you guessing until the climax unfolds, and all your theories dissolve in the wonder of it all.”
— Paul Swydan, The Silver Unicorn Bookstore, Acton, MA
More Indie Next Lists
- October 2025 Indie Next List
- September 2025 Indie Next List
- Fall 2025 Reading Group Indie Next List
- August 2025 Indie Next List
- July 2025 Indie Next List
- July/August 2025 Kids Indie Next List
- June 2025 Indie Next List
- Summer 2025 Reading Group Indie Next List
- May 2025 Indie Next List
- May/June 2025 Kids Indie Next List