Category: Fiction

Mindworks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction by Neal Shusterman

December 18, 2025

Mindworks, by Neal Shusterman, is a collection of short stories that intermingle sci-fi, horror, dystopian fiction, the supernatural, and even family drama. Its range is vast and eclectic including stories about various subjects from a dolphin politician, to a spray-painting teen in a love-triangle, to the begrudging “living dead,” and, somehow, it all works. … More Mindworks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction by Neal Shusterman

On a Wing and a Tear by Cynthia Leitich Smith

November 26, 2025

Cynthia Leitich Smith returns with a middle grade novel bursting with characters that pay tribute to storytelling traditions of Muscogee People, and Indigenous storytelling in general. On a Wing and a Tear captures the adventure of Melanie “Mel” Roberts, Ray Halfmoon, and Grampa Halfmoon with the legendary Great-Grandfather Bat, who’s fostering an injury to his wing. Together, they hit the road to escort Bat to the historical rematch of the infamous Great Ball Game between the Animals and the Birds on the traditional gaming lands in Georgia. On this wild adventure, readers will see the wonderful characters escape Bat-nappers, rekindle an old romance, visit many relatives, encounter mysterious creatures, and find out if Bat’s wing heals in time for the game. … More On a Wing and a Tear by Cynthia Leitich Smith

The Cranky-Verse (A Cranky Chicken Book 4) by Katherine Battersby

November 13, 2025

In the energetic fourth installment of author/illustrator, Katherine Battersby’s, Cranky Chicken chapter book series, Cranky Chicken and Speedy the worm return! The Cranky-Verse will have readers wondering how Cranky and Speedy will work through meeting a new friend, what Cranky will do when Speedy becomes the cranky one, and if a camping trip will be the solution to all of their troubles and woes. … More The Cranky-Verse (A Cranky Chicken Book 4) by Katherine Battersby

A Drop in the Ocean by Léa Taranto

September 18, 2025

Léa Taranto’s debut YA novel, A Drop in the Ocean, brings readers into the life of teenaged protagonist Mira, who has been institutionalized at the Residency Adolescent Treatment Centre for obsessive compulsive and comorbid disorders. Drawing from her own lived experience, Taranto has written this auto-fictional novel straight from her heart. Through Mira, Taranto has penned a fiercely loyal and loveably articulate protagonist who is brutally honest, full of empathy, and impossible not to root for.  … More A Drop in the Ocean by Léa Taranto

Words with Wings and Magic Things by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Doug Salati

September 16, 2025

In Words with Wings and Magic Things, Matthew Burgess returns with an enchanting poetry collection for children, once again earning his well-deserved spot on the Kids’ Indie Next List. With Burgess’ whimsical, heartfelt verses combined with stunning illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Doug Salati, this collection reminds readers to pause, look up, and to see the best our world has to offer. … More Words with Wings and Magic Things by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Doug Salati