MacMillan

This debut sci-fi novel is an engrossing tale of space colonization and alien first contact on a world full of sentient plants. The saga spans 100 years and 6 generations, each with its own unique story. Infusing plants with sentience and agency gives the book an eerie quality that’s hard to shake. Thought-provoking concepts, excellent world-building, and solid character development. - Trey

A nostalgic piece recalling first love and the obsession that ensues, this novel is narrated by an adolescent boy living in the Italian countryside in the 1980s who develops a passionate infatuation with a summer guest. Aciman's prose detailing the confusion and lust that consumes Elio is both captivating and sincere. A coming-of-age story that reminds us of the profundity of desire. - Natalie O.

In this action-packed novella, Gailey imagines what the U.S. would have looked like if we had gone through with the proposed 1910 plan to import hippos for meat. This (ill-conceived) plan was real. Galey creates a U.S. filled with one of the most dangerous creatures in the world. Follow this diverse band of "hoppers" as they jaunt through the southern swamps. - MJ

A poetic parable of an occupied town which refuses to hear soldiers, Deaf Republic is the most unique and profound anti-war work I’ve ever read. Kaminsky, himself a hard-of-hearing immigrant from Ukraine, re-envisions disability as a powerful act of defiance and silence as “the invention of the hearing.” - Ksenia

Kristoff evokes a brutal and beautiful fantasy world inspired by Venice and Rome, driven by betrayals ancient and awesome, current and political. Mia's life is defined by the moment her father is hung for treason, beginning again with blood and lust as she commits to the path that will help her destroy those who destroyed her family. - Jocelyn

As fry bread has become a cherished staple for indigenous peoples across Nations, this book will become a staple for Bookshop families. It’s a sweet story about the making and meaning of traditions that will resonate with children from the Oklahoma Seminole Nation to the neighborhoods of Santa Cruz. The book, like fry bread, is born from necessity—speaking of, from, and to being uniquely at home and loved through tradition and adversity. Perfect for families forming traditions! - Citlalli

Fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas, look no further for your next read: This epic, high-stakes, multiple-narrator fantasy is for you! Ephyra, Beru, Hassan, Anton, and Jude’s lives are all thrown into chaos when an ancient prophecy begins unfolding. Pool’s fantasy world is detailed, distinctive, and immersive—I felt I was there with the characters and I stayed up too late trying to unravel the various enigmas integral to the story. I’m already looking forward to the sequel! - Stephanie

Children of Blood and Bone was one of my favorite fantasy novels of 2018, and I’ve eagerly awaited the sequel from the moment I finished it. Tomi Adeyemi is one of fantasy’s best new voices—the world building and characters are superbly drawn, gorgeously rendered, and very human: Zélie and Amari are brave, charismatic, at times afraid and unsure, but always willing to rise to the challenges thrown their way. I can’t wait to see where they go next! - Stuart

This book is heartwarming and real. Amara plunges into her school assignment when she convinces her parents it’s time for her to see Harlem and meet her grandfather for the first time. Amara’s curiosity about the silence between her father and grandfather keeps the pages turning. A great read for any adolescent curious about where they really come from and why family is important. - Noreen

It’s the crossover everyone’s been waiting for: Zita the Spacegirl & Mighty Jack get an adventure together! When an army of creatures bent on destruction attempt to portal to Earth, it’s up to the dynamic duo and their friends to save the day in this out-of-this world adventure. A great place for new readers to jump in, this story’s sure to please long-time devotees of Zita and Jack, and is a perfect choice for fans of Amulet and Cleopatra in Space. - Stephanie