Indies Introduce Interview

“City Girls is a very honest and powerful reminder that adults aren’t the only ones who experience tribulation, and that each child has their own story to tell. I am excited to see it in schools, libraries, and indie bookstores,” said Maryan Liban of Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers in Columbus, Ohio.

“An anthem for strong-willed women of the 21st century, these stories will burrow under your skin and light your blood on fire. The women of Lagos have been put down by men for too long, and they’re reclaiming their power in force. Sharp-witted and fierce, Damilare Kuku speaks directly to the heart and compels you to unveil your inner bad*ss,” said Melissa Sagendorph of Harvard Book Store in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

"This young adult science fiction novel set in a fully realized world is at once enthralling and abhorrent. To say I loved this book would be an understatement," said Paul Swydan of The Silver Unicorn Bookstore in Acton, Massachusetts.

"Lewers’ debut is a magical tale of what happens when a logical science-minded kid encounters things she can’t explain," said Andi Richardson of The Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia.

“There are few wounds that cut as deeply as regret, and Scott Alexander Howard captures that pain and yearning beautifully," said Melissa Sagendorph of Harvard Book Store in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“This affirming memoir, written in verse, walks the reader through the beautiful journey of being honest with yourself and fostering community. This book is for anyone trying to put the puzzle pieces of their life together, but feel like they are missing just one piece,” said Maryan Liban of Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers in Columbus, Ohio.

"Ray Xu delights in this graphic memoir about immigration, family, and fitting in in middle school," said Andi Richardson of Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia.

"This book broke me and put me back together in the best of ways," said Erin Rivera of The Frugal Frigate in Redlands, California.

"That’s Not My Name is binge reading at its finest. Megan Lally has crafted incredible characters, intriguing twists, and bombshell revelations. You are not prepared for this book…and that is what makes it so great," said Molly Olivo of Child’s Play Toys & Books in Washington, DC.

"The Storm We Made shines a light on the brutality of war, the pain of occupation and the resilience of survivors," said Paula Farmer of Book Passage in Corte Madera, California.

“A great introduction into social activism and using your voice in a positive way,” said Susan Reckers of Rakestraw Books in Danville, California.

"Both funny and moving, and including real-life relatable family issues, this features the humor of Jeff Kinney but with the social themes of Gordon Korman,” said Gerard Villegas of Auntie’s Bookstore in Spokane, Washington.

"An intense, beautiful YA novel in verse, highly recommended for fans of Jason Reynolds and Elizabeth Acevedo," said Talia Smart of Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

I Am Kavi author Thushanthi Ponweera sits down with Liz Decker of Caprichos Books in Ocean Pines, Maryland, to discuss her debut title. 

"Filled with plenty of humorous and laugh-out loud antics, this book is sure to sweep you off your feet. The characters are authentic and complex as they all try to fit into high school as well as figuring out who they are," said Jody Hardy of Mostly Books in Tucson, Arizona.