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Redwall: A Tale from Redwall (Paperback)

By Brian Jacques, Gary Chalk (Illustrator)

$9.99

ISBN: 9780142302378

Availability: Not On Our Shelves. Usually arrives in 1-5 Days

Published: Firebird - September 30th, 2002

 SONIA

High fantasy and talking animals? Yes, please! The once and future Sonia will always have a soft spot for the lovely little critters that populate Brian Jacques's Redwall series. The first book in particular, propelled by the threat posed to the picturesque Redwall Abbey by Cluny the Scourge and the unlikely heroism of the mouse Matthias, holds a special place in my heart. A great read for adventurers of all sizes and species!

The Fledgling (Paperback)

By Jane Langton

$8.99

ISBN: 9780064401210

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: HarperCollins - January 22nd, 2002

2. This book and the movie Fly Away Home inspired my OBSESSION with geese as a kid. This is the charming story of a girl growing up on the shores of Walden Pond, who one night is visited by a Canada goose who teaches her how to fly. A beautiful, poignant book about the power of imagination, generosity, and the quiet kind of strength.

A Picture of Freedom (Dear America) (Hardcover)

By Patricia C. McKissack

$14.99

ISBN: 9780545242530

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Scholastic Press - January 1st, 2011

 LYRIC

I compulsively read and re-read the Dear America books when I was in middle school in 2001. At the time there were dozens, now there are only 5 available to order. You should be able to find the rest at your local library, as I did all those years ago. I recently revisited A PICTURE OF FREEDOM, and it handled difficult, complex subjects beautifully, while remaining true to historical reality. The series were just some of the many books that instilled in me a love of reading and writing and imagining!

The First Horror (Fear Street #1) (Paperback)

By R.L. Stine

$5.99

ISBN: 9780671885625

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Simon Pulse - August 1st, 1994

 ALANA

Fear Street. I specifically remember checking out The Prom Queen. The girl on the cover was wearing a very 80s/early 90s puffy sleeved dress and her reflection in the window/mirror WAS A SKULL. Trippy. So someone is murdering all the prom queen candidates at Shadyside High. Teen hijinks and murder ensue. I'm not sure why 11 year old Alana liked reading spooky things, but here we are.

Half Magic (Tales of Magic #1) (Paperback)

By Edward Eager, Alice Hoffman (Introduction by), N. M. Bodecker (Illustrator)

$7.99

ISBN: 9780544671720

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: HMH Books for Young Readers - May 24th, 2016

 JOY

When I was eight I discovered Edward Eager's HALF MAGIC, which is about British siblings who, one boring summer, find a magic amulet on the ground which allows all sorts of amazing wishes to come true... but only half way. I adored this book. I read it over and over, scouring our Chicago neighborhood, hoping to stumble on a magic amulet and make my own boring summer with my younger brother become magical. I mean, who doesn't want to transform into a quippy British kid who finds magic? I'm still waiting, only slightly bitter.

The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (The Secrets of Droon #1): The Hidden Stairs And The Magic Carpet (Paperback)

By Tony Abbott, Tim Jessell (Illustrator)

$5.99

ISBN: 9780590108393

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Scholastic Paperbacks - June 1st, 1999

 LAURA G

1. I have never once met anyone else who's read THE SECRETS OF DROON, but everyone should know about it! This chapter book series has magic, adventure, llamas with six legs, and talking pillows called Lumpys! If that doesn't strike your fancy I don't know what will!

Creatures: A Novel (Hardcover)

By Crissy Van Meter

$25.95

ISBN: 9781616208592

Availability: Not On Our Shelves. Usually arrives in 1-5 Days

Published: Algonquin Books - January 7th, 2020

LAURA G'S LOOKING TO 2020 PICK

Creatures is an ocean tide, enticing the reader then begging them to give chase. Van Meter explores the depths of human pain; the sharp sting of grief and burning despair of loneliness. Inextricably tied to place, this book uncovers a darkly glittering world both above and beneath the waves. Winter Island is a fog coated land unto itself populated by humans who can't help but betray each others' love. Driven by emotion, Van Meter has written a stunning, tactile book. I half expected to taste the sea salt on the page.

The Bear (Paperback)

By Andrew Krivak

$16.99

ISBN: 9781942658702

Availability: Coming Soon - Pre-Order Now

Published: Bellevue Literary Press - February 11th, 2020

LAURA M'S LOOKING TO 2020 PICK

In this spare, delicate fable, a father and daughter live an ancient hunter/gatherer lifestyle in a post-human world. While reading, I felt the pace of the modern world slow down, and my reality became the same as the characters': following mountain streams, traveling under the stars, the daily tasks of hunting and fishing. This book's quiet beauty will stay with me for a long time, and finishing it felt like waking from a long, beautiful dream. Read THE BEAR to be transformed. 

Hurricane Season (Hardcover)

By Fernanda Melchor, Sophie Hughes (Translated by)

$22.95

ISBN: 9780811228039

Availability: Coming Soon - Pre-Order Now

Published: New Directions - March 31st, 2020

MARK'S LOOKING TO 2020 PICK

The witch is dead, discovered by a group of children playing near the irrigation canals. Who is the witch? Let Melchor escort you into the insidious, violent world of a provincial Mexican village. A stunning English-language debut about depravity, violence and the fear all of us live with. Reminiscent of Bolano's 2666 but with glimmers of hope and humanity slipping through. 

Coming March 31st from New Directions!

Sword in the Stars: A Once & Future Novel (Hardcover)

By Cori McCarthy, Amy Rose Capetta

$18.99

ISBN: 9780316449298

Availability: Coming Soon - Pre-Order Now

Published: jimmy patterson - April 7th, 2020

CASSIE'S LOOKING TO 2020 PICK

Filling in the mythological gaps left by centuries of retellings, the anticipated sequel to ONCE & FUTURE was everything I wanted and more. Completely full of love for the original Arthurian legend while fearlessly adding their own twists and turns, SWORD IN THE STARS is not just the perfect end to this duology; it’s one of my most anticipated books of 2020. Ari and her diverse Knights return to end the Arthurian cycle once and for all, but all final quests come with the most terrible costs. Between the gut-wrenching emotional beats and the meta jokes that make you laugh so much your face aches, SWORD IN THE STARS is a triumph.

True Love: A Novel (Hardcover)

By Sarah Gerard

$25.99

ISBN: 9780062937438

Availability: Not Yet Published

Published: Harper - July 7th, 2020

TRACI'S LOOKING TO 2020 PICK:

Dubbed as the novel version of the TV show FLEABAG-- TRUE LOVE is a dark comedy about modern romance from one of today's most provocative literary voices and a book that I can not wait to read. Striking and evocative cover design as well! 

Honored Guest (Vintage Contemporaries) (Paperback)

By Joy Williams

$15.00

ISBN: 9781400095520

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Vintage - November 8th, 2005

One of my favorite story collections from one of my favorite writers, Honored Guest combines the best of Williams’s dark, quirky sensibility with highly original plotlines, settings, and characters. Taxidermists and neurotic gardners, frustrated teenagers and budding gun nuts all make an appearance in this stunning exploration of life, death, and the consequences of obsession. 

Soft Science (Paperback)

By Franny Choi

$15.95

ISBN: 9781938584992

Availability: Not On Our Shelves. Usually arrives in 1-5 Days

Published: Alice James Books - April 2nd, 2019

Franny Choi ‘yr weird gay aunt’ goes above and beyond with her second collection. Anchored by a series of Turing-test poems, the book explores the interstices of sexuality, race, gender, and technology. Choi innovates not only with content, but also with form, pressing language to its limits in this beautiful book.

Severance: A Novel (Paperback)

By Ling Ma

$17.00

ISBN: 9781250214997

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Picador - May 7th, 2019

I wouldn’t feel right without working some sci-fi into this list. But Ling Ma’s 2018 novel Severance isn’t about your garden-variety zombie apocalypse. Set in a reimagined version of the recent past, Ma’s novel explores office culture, consumer capitalism and intimacy as the world around her Bible-designing protagonist descends into chaos after the outbreak of a mind-obliterating illness known as Shen Fever. A fun and refreshing read for sci-fi newbies and old hats alike.

My Year of Rest and Relaxation: A Novel (Paperback)

By Ottessa Moshfegh

$16.00

ISBN: 9780525522133

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Penguin Books - June 25th, 2019

If you told me you were going to write a novel about a woman who sleeps for a year, I’d call you crazy. That Moshfegh not only pulls it off, but pulls it off so amazingly well is a testament to her skill as a fiction writer. By turns hilarious, vicious, and heartbreaking, this voice-driven novel about the vicissitudes of privileged youth is impossible to put down.

You Da One (Paperback)

By Jennif(f)Er Tamayo

$18.00

ISBN: 9781934819678

Availability: Not On Our Shelves. Usually arrives in 1-5 Days

Published: Noemi Press - July 15th, 2017

Named for Rihanna’s hit song, Tamayo’s daring multidisciplinary collection circles around her return to her native Colombia after leaving the country behind as a young child. Smart and provocative, YOU DA ONE reassembles and reappropriates the language and tropes of the Internet in order to reckon with self, past, heritage, and the long shadow of injustice.

Color Me In (Hardcover)

By Natasha Díaz

$17.99

ISBN: 9780525578239

Availability: Not On Our Shelves. Usually arrives in 1-5 Days

Published: Delacorte Press - August 20th, 2019

Sixteen-year-old Nevaeh Levitz never thought much about her biracial roots. When her Black mom and Jewish dad split up, she relocates to her mom's family home in Harlem and is forced to confront her identity for the first time.

Hope and Other Punch Lines (Hardcover)

By Julie Buxbaum

$18.99

ISBN: 9781524766771

Availability: Not On Our Shelves. Usually arrives in 1-5 Days

Published: Delacorte Press - May 7th, 2019

Abbi Hope Goldstein has lived most of her life in the shadow of iconic ‘Baby Hope’ photo of her wearing a birthday crown and carrying a red balloon as behind her, the South Tower of the WTC collapses. This summer she hopes for anonymity as a camp counselor a few towns away from her suburb. But when Noah Stern, whose world was also shattered that day, convinces her to team up to find answers about the other people in the photo, their summer takes a very different direction.

Our Year of Maybe (Hardcover)

By Rachel Lynn Solomon

$18.99

ISBN: 9781481497763

Availability: Not On Our Shelves. Usually arrives in 1-5 Days

Published: Simon Pulse - January 15th, 2019

A powerful contemporary about the complicated aftermath of a kidney transplant between friends.

Sick Kids In Love (Hardcover)

By Hannah Moskowitz

$17.99

ISBN: 9781640637320

Availability: Not On Our Shelves. Usually arrives in 1-5 Days

Published: Entangled: Teen - November 5th, 2019

Chronically ill Isabel has one firm rule: No dating. But then she meets another sick kid...It’s complicated. It’s dangerous. He’s gorgeous and fun. But is he worth breaking the rules for?

The Upside of Unrequited (Paperback)

By Becky Albertalli

$10.99

ISBN: 9780062348715

Availability: Not On Our Shelves. Usually arrives in 1-5 Days

Published: Balzer + Bray - January 30th, 2018

From the award-winning author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (which became the HBO movie LOVE SIMON), comes this tale of seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso, who knows all about unrequited love, even as her twin sister Cassie tells her to get over herself and get that first kiss. But neither of them anticipate that Molly just might fall for her Tolkein-superfan co-worker Reid.

Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel (Paperback)

By Casey McQuiston

$16.99

ISBN: 9781250316776

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: St. Martin's Griffin - May 14th, 2019

If you’ve stopped by the bookstore any time after May this year, you have heard me talk about this book. I’ve probably tried to sell it to you. This unapologetically queer escapist political rom-com is EVERYTHING I didn’t know I needed. Dive into an alternate universe where the son of the first female president of the United States, Alex, falls in love with his media rival, Henry, a.k.a. The Prince of Whales. Some of my favorite rom-com tropes are present (animal shenanigans, fake dating, enemies to lovers, a gratuitous karaoke moment) without shying away from politics. There’s a gerrymandering subplot! When I finished reading this book, I found myself crying from pure, unadulterated joy. You will not regret reading this book.

Intrigued? Check out the interview Joy and I had with author Casey McQuiston (https://www.brazosbookstore.com/casey-mcquiston-qa-joy-cassie). You’re welcome.

Once & Future (Hardcover)

By Cori McCarthy, Amy Rose Capetta

$18.99

ISBN: 9780316449274

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: jimmy patterson - March 26th, 2019

There have been so many King Arthur retellings in film and literature this past year. Even the new “Aquaman” movie was a King Arthur story. I wonder what could possibly be causing this trend. It’s almost like we live in a dark and unstable political climate that could be changed for the better with a nice, good ol’ fashioned societal upheaval led by someone who actually cares about humanity as a whole…

Anyway.

ONCE & FUTURE is my absolute favorite of the King Arthur retellings. Honestly, it’s everything I’ve always wanted. Featuring a funny and heartfelt cast of characters (with queer, nonbinary, and ace rep - just the tip of this inclusive iceberg), a charismatic chosen one, OUTER SPACE AND MAGIC, you won’t want to put this book down. The last book in this duology, SWORD IN THE STARS, comes out in April, and it is just as amazing. You’ll love it.

Spellhacker (Hardcover)

By M. K. England

$17.99

ISBN: 9780062657701

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: HarperTeen - January 21st, 2020

This book. This book!!! It comes out in January, and I cannot wait for you to read it. I loved it so much. In our YA world of #ownvoices works and growing availability of LGBTQIA+ stories, SPELLHACKER is a must read. The female/nonbinary romance, found family, unique magic system, and heart of this novel left me completely spellbound. SPELLHACKER packs a fantastic one-two punch of comedic and emotional complexity that will grab you by page one.

Honorary shout out to MK England’s debut novel that came out this year, THE DISASTERS. It’s also excellent. Keep an eye out on our website for my interview with them closer to the SPELLHACKER release date!

Full Disclosure (Hardcover)

By Camryn Garrett

$18.99

ISBN: 9781984829955

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Knopf Books for Young Readers - October 29th, 2019

FULL DISCLOSURE is a roller coaster of a debut that makes my thespian heart soar. When the book begins, Simone is expertly navigating life at her new high school when the unthinkable happens - someone threatens to tell the whole school she is HIV+. This coming-of-age story features LGBTQ+ representation, the stress that comes with navigating new friendships and budding romance, and enough musical theater to get Rent stuck in your head for days to come.

Check out my interview with author Camryn Garrett! https://www.brazosbookstore.com/articles/kids-article/cassie-interviews-camryn-garrett-author-full-disclosure

Loki: Where Mischief Lies (Hardcover)

By Mackenzi Lee, Stephanie Hans (Illustrator)

$17.99

ISBN: 9781368022262

Availability: Not On Our Shelves. Usually arrives in 1-5 Days

Published: Marvel Press - September 3rd, 2019

The story is set between Asgard and gritty 19th century London with a cast of characters both familiar and new. Follow our genderfluid God of Mischief as he learns the true potential of his powers, battling between who he wants to be and who fate says he must become.

Mackenzi Lee is one of my favorite writers, and I was lucky enough to interview her about LOKI and her other 2019 projects. Check it out! https://www.brazosbookstore.com/articles/features/cassie-interviews-mackenzi-lee-author-loki

Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion (Hardcover)

By Jia Tolentino

$27.00

ISBN: 9780525510543

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Random House - August 6th, 2019

Jia Tolentino probes the depths of American experience with this observant collection of essays.

This Is My Body: A Memoir of Religious and Romantic Obsession (Paperback)

By Cameron Dezen Hammon

$17.95

ISBN: 9781940596327

Availability: Not On Our Shelves. Usually arrives in 1-5 Days

Published: Lookout Books - October 22nd, 2019

Cameron Dezen Hammon is a New Yorker who has made Houston her home, and this year debuted a moving memoir about spirituality, feminism, failure and acceptance.

In an Invisible Glass Case Which Is Also a Frame (Stahlecker Selections) (Paperback)

By Julia Guez

$15.95

ISBN: 9781945588372

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Four Way Books - September 3rd, 2019

The poems in Guez’s collection are quiet, thoughtful, and open to misery and the joy of the world.

Levee (Paperback)

By Paul Otremba

$15.95

ISBN: 9781945588419

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Four Way Books - September 3rd, 2019

The late poet Paul Otremba left us with one more beautiful, thoughtful collection of poems that reflect on Houston’s floods, the city’s practices of oil extraction, and suburb expansion, as well as the nature of time, vulnerability, and change.

Houston Noir (Akashic Noir) (Paperback)

By Gwendolyn Zepeda (Editor), Tom Abrahams (Contribution by), Robert Boswell (Contribution by)

$15.95

ISBN: 9781617757068

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Akashic Books - May 7th, 2019

This collection of mystery, murder, and thriller short stories, edited by Houston’s first poet laureate Gwendolyn Zepeda, features the work of a variety of authors, many of whom are Houstonians, including Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton and Reyes Ramirez.

King of the Mississippi: A Novel (Hardcover)

By Mike Freedman

$26.00

ISBN: 9780525573784

Availability: Not On Our Shelves. Usually arrives in 1-5 Days

Published: Hogarth - July 9th, 2019

Mike Freedman’s debut novel has the name of another Southern state in the title, but the story is firmly set in Texas, and he is most definitely a Houston writer.

Wilder Girls (Hardcover)

By Rory Power

$18.99

ISBN: 9780525645580

Availability: Not On Our Shelves. Usually arrives in 1-5 Days

Published: Delacorte Press - July 9th, 2019

We begin with one of my favorite covers (and books) of the year. WILDER GIRLS a raw, speculative debut filled with stunning prose and a brutally fierce story. It absolutely devoured me, which is why I was so thrilled when the cover design was revealed. 

As a principle, I dislike books that have faces on the cover. I’m not quite sure why this is, perhaps I’m a bit of a snob (it just seems like a lazy choice for many YA titles). But this face. This cover. The artwork is done by one of my favorite digital artists, Aykut Aydoğdu. It’s eerie, and enigmatic, and incorporates small nods to the plot. Basically, it does everything a cover should do: draws in the reader and makes them pick up the book.

Days by Moonlight (Paperback)

By Andre Alexis

$17.95

ISBN: 9781552453797

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Coach House Books - April 2nd, 2019

Lyrical, existential, and above all accessible, Alexis’ latest novel is filled with enchanted pastoral scenes juxtaposed by violence and death. DAYS BY MOONLIGHT is a joy to read, perfect for lovers of Saša Stanišic’s rich provincial worlds or Claire-Louise Bennett’s poetic prose. 

The cover works perfectly for this. It’s got a hazy filter, like an afternoon laying in a hot sun. I also love the mystery of the letters disappearing into the foliage. It’s just the slightest bit sinister, all accomplished by some skilled and subtle layering.

Wicked Saints: A Novel (Something Dark and Holy #1) (Hardcover)

By Emily A. Duncan

$18.99

ISBN: 9781250195661

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Wednesday Books - April 2nd, 2019

WICKED SAINTS is lush and darkly romantic, filled with blood and bones. Perfect for fans of Maggie Stiefvater and Leigh Bardugo, Duncan's thrilling debut explores the ecstasy and heart-breaking tragedy of what it is to love a monster.

The cover takes this gothic feel and runs with it! I adore the blue and black toned artwork (and as a bonus, the blue is metallic! We all know how I feel about shiny things…). The splotch of red adds an understated sinister touch while aesthetically balancing the entire composition. Absolutely phenomenal!

salt slow (Hardcover)

By Julia Armfield

$24.99

ISBN: 9781250224774

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Flatiron Books - October 8th, 2019

Perfect for fans of Daisy Johnson, Samantha Hunt, and Carmen Maria Machado, SALT SLOW is beautiful, poetic, and dizzying. Once again, the cover does a great job of evoking the book. The cool color scheme is calming while the warm speckles of metallic gold and trippy peacock feather pattern throws the viewer off-kilter. 

There are certainly things I would change about the cover, namely the white border with the zig-zag edge. To me it’s a little too distracting from the overall effect. The white accent color is a great choice, but if there were just a half-inch less of it around the border, I would be very happy. Overall, though, this is a fantastic cover that I’d definitely pick up.

Serpent & Dove (Hardcover)

By Shelby Mahurin

$18.99

ISBN: 9780062878021

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: HarperTeen - September 3rd, 2019

Mahurin’s debut is brilliant - filled with dimensional characters, grey morals, and a fantastic romance! Just to show how much I love it, I put it on our holiday list!

Now, there’s something you may have gathered while reading through this list or talking to me at the store: I am a complete and total sucker for metallic accents and spot glossing, and this cover has both, along with a gloriously dark and intricate background. As much as I dislike fantasy mass-market covers on hardback books, I will always fall for a rich, detailed cover design for YA fantasy. And the final nail in my coffin? The cover is embossed, right down to the texture on the snake. I could - and have! - wasted countless minutes just tracing the scales in an infinite loop of pure tactile pleasure.