Read This Next! Young Readers for November and December is all about home and friendship and the many different shapes they take. "Warm," "funny," and "adorable" are the watchwords for this list.

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

Why booksellers love these books:

Leap by Simina Popescu
I loved everything about this story! Much more than just a story about dancers we are following Ana who is struggling with her identity, her relationships, being queer, and her struggle to figure herself out.
– Sarah Blackwell, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Not for the Faint of Heart by Lex Croucher
A slow burn, grumpy/sunshine romance inspired by Robin Hood, Croucher’s newest novel is a wonderful romp. When Robin’s granddaughter kidnaps a local healer on her father’s orders, both girls - and a new generation of Merry Men - are pulled into an adventure filled with peril, deceit, love, and friendship.
– Matilda McNeely, Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, Georgia

Brown Girl, Brown Girl by Leslé Honoré, Cozbi A. Cabrera (illus)
Cozbi Cabrera’s beautiful illustrations really make this poem by Leslé Honoré sing! This will be a book that all ages can enjoy; as a read aloud for littlest listeners, as a shared read for older kids who can also enjoy the details in the artwork, and as a lovely gift for adults.
– Johanna Albrecht, McIntyre's Books in Pittsboro, North Carolina

Bert, the Bowerbird by Julia Donaldson, Catherine Rayner (illus)
Bert the Bowerbird is just the sweetest little guy. All he wants is a wife to share his bower with. Can Bert find a bird who loves him for who he is? a wonderful tale of bird-based romance and self-acceptance. Don’t settle, Bert!!!
– Charlie Marks, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia

A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh, Aliaa Betawi (illus)
A stunning, heartbreaking, story that was well-performed by the voice actor on the audiobook. Every line seemed to tug my heartstrings, and yet this story felt grounded. Beautiful.
– Nyawira Nyota, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina

Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows
Being invisible and lonely is better than being seen and ridiculed, right? Warmth, caring, and cozy were all knit together to make this book. Middle school relationships are hard and are often made that much worse with miscommunication. Meadows handles it in a way that I think anyone can relate to and appreciate. Not to mention me giggling and kicking my feet at how sweet this romance is.
– Lana Repic, E. Shaver, Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

Current Read This Next! books and what SIBA booksellers have to say about them can always be found at The Southern Bookseller Review.