Reviews written by Lillian McCurry, Indie Co-Manager

CUPCAKE by Cookie O'Gorman is a fluffy YA rom-com read about self-confidence, staying true to your values, and enjoying the moments life gives you. Ariel is a plus-sized social media baking star who is planning what she will cook to win a baking contest that comes with a scholarship when...

Growing up is hard, but losing someone you love is even harder. It's been five years since Zach lost his father, and now at 11, entering middle school, Zach has to let go of his imaginary friend too. IMAGINARY by Lee Bacon is a powerful story about grief and coming...

An exciting mystery-adventure awaits in this new installment of the Zoo Patrol Squad! A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN by Brett Bean is the third adventure of the Zoo Patrol Squad and sees Fennlock Fox and Penny the Pig abandoning their vacation for the Wild West. Nugget, an overly chatty chicken,...

What a fun read! DUNGEON ACADEMY: NO HUMANS ALLOWED! by Madeleine Roux is the first book in an all-new middle grade series that takes readers into the realm of the game where anything is possible and not all is as it appears to be. Following Zelli, a human disguised as...

What an exciting and sweet story about a crusty old camel and two baby chicks who brave the Texas wilderness in the early 1900s. ONCE UPON A CAMEL by Kathi Appelt is a historical novel told from the animal's perspective about a time when camels were shipped from their home...

Unputdownable! Rise of the Vicious Princess by C.J. Redwine is the first book in a new YA political fantasy duology. Calera has been at war with its neighboring kingdom Montevallo for 19 years. As a result, the kingdom is reaching the end of its coffers, it’s citizens are losing faith...

Absolutely loved this continuation of Merida’s story! Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater isn’t a retelling of Disney’s Brave, but a continuation, picking up a few years after the events of the movie. Merida is stuck, not changing, and so is the rest of Castle Dunbroch. They are comfortable in their routines,...

Kasie West is a new, favorite author of mine. I first read her book P.S. I Like You last summer in one sitting. I loved the author’s writing style and the emotions she was able to convey into the characters. Because of this, I was so excited when I was...

Inheritance by Katherine McGee is a prequel novella to her series American Royals which finally gives readers the full inside scoop of the infamous graduation party night. This night is the catalyst for so many things as it is referenced numerous times by various characters. If you are a fan...

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Where There’s a Whisk by Sarah J. Schmitt follows Peyton, a recent high school graduate, as she competes on Top Teen Chef for a chance to win a full paid scholarship to one of the four top culinary schools. This YA contemporary has something for...

This is one of those stories that will stick with me for a long time. It left me utterly bereft and broken, and yet I can say that it is one of the best stories I’ve read in a long time. Full Flight by Ashley Schumacher is a story full...

Absolutely stunning! NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS WORLD ATLAS, 6TH EDITION is a work of art. Beautifully laid out, with full page spreads and pictures on every page, this atlas will be an excellent addition to any classroom or library. What I Loved: ...

SUPER SANTA: THE SCIENCE OF CHRISTMAS by Bruce Hale is a picture book filled with the wonder of Christmas and the answers to kids' most burning question: how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night? Beautifully detailed and whimsical illustrations along with easy to read text make this...

This book is adorable! GHOSTS, GOBLINS, AND NINJAS! is the fourth installment of the popular Pup Detectives series that follows a group of junior detectives who are tasked with guarding the ancient scroll of Bark-Jitsu from the Goblin Gus. Westie has been trying to prove to his friends–and himself–that he...

GIVE CHEESE A CHANCE by Tom Angleberger is the second book in the DJ Funkyfoot adventures. In this installment, our butler finds himself at the White House filling in for the president's butler. An honor to be sure, however DJ finds himself in over his head with a spoiled horse,...