If there is a theme to the books on the May & June This Next! Kids List it might be "joy" or "hope" or even "love."

RTNext! Kids Bookseller Resources:
Edelweiss Collection | Flyer | Flyer Front (image)

Here is why Southen indie booksellers love them:

With Love, Miss Americanah by Jane Igharo
I loved all the references to some of my favorite films! I enjoyed tagging along on Enore's journey, as she learns that the kids at her school are more than just their movie stereotypes, finds endearing first love, and learns to use her voice and stand up for the things she wants.
– Emma Tara E. Shaver, bookseller Savannah, Georgia

The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar
A punny, sapphic love story set at an Irish baking show with a Bangladeshi main character and a second chance romance? That should be too many things, but it really is not!
– Jennifer Jones Bookmiser, Inc. Marietta, Georgia

Finding the Way to Faraway Valley by Cecilia Heikkila
A lovely story of a grandfather and his grandson who go searching for Faraway Valley; a place that his grandfather visited when he was younger. This is a sensitive story of the connection they share in order to find this most amazing location.
– Judith Lafitte Octavia Books LLC New Orleans, Louisiana

The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon
When Dally steps inside the Secret Library, her life changes. Each book whisks her through time and connects her with her family’s past. From a seafaring pirate adventure to a connection closer to home, new stories open and reveal where she is meant to be. An adventure story with depth.
– Rae Ann Parker Parnassus Books Nashville, Tennessee

Summer Is Here by Renée Watson, Bea Jackson (Illus.)
Summer is Here is a beautiful story about a girl's perfect summer day. Watson's words are light and feel like sunshine.
– Jennifer Jones Bookmiser, Inc. Marietta, Georgia

Built to Last by Minh Lê, Dan Santat (Illus.)
A delightful story about friendship and the power of imagination! I love that even after their grand plans fail again and again, the two protagonists rely on each other and trust in their friendship.
– Kate Storhoff Bookmarks Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Both lists, with full reviews from SIBA booksellers, will be published at The Southern Bookseller Review on March 1st. Current Read This Next! books can be found here.

And books on past lists make an interesting and unusual "best of the year" reading list for book clubs choosing their picks for the new year.