Telling A Thumper
Pete's limited knowledge about his own past adds an extra layer of mystery, turning him into both a source of information and a puzzle to be solved, and Fleming expertly balances multiple threads of intrigue—Colin's missing father, Pete's hazy past, and the secrets lurking in Colin's family—to create a complex web of clues and revelations. The pacing of these revelations is particularly well-handled, with each new piece of information raising as many questions as it answers, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the final pages. Fleming generates depth for the investigative aspects of the story with the addition of Colin’s cousin, Katie, and the pair’s collaborative efforts to unravel the story’s mysteries—a realistic and engaging approach to amateur sleuthing, grounded in the limitations and resources available in the ‘70s.
The novel's exploration of "telling a thumper"—a clever lie with serious consequences—adds a moral dimension to the mystery that elevates it beyond a simple whodunit. This thematic element intertwines with the plot in unexpected ways, challenging readers to consider the long-term impacts of deception and revenge. The ending is shocking, the perfect culmination for this electric story.
Takeaway: Richly textured mystery exploring the sometimes murky path to truth.
Comparable Titles: John Connolly's Charlie Parker series, John McMahon’s The Good Detective.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
Jason Doll’s bold illustrations flawlessly channel the mock seriousness of Federico’s situation, painting his time at Madame Giroux’s boarding school in cool, somber shades, broken up by the occasional bright splash of color—as when Madame Giroux, without her trusty eyeglasses thanks to Federico’s endless pranking, concocts a serious mess in the kitchen, a scene that hums with shades of viscous green goo and an array of ominous cooking utensils. That prank, of course, backfires on Federico, who quickly finds out a madame who can’t see is a disaster waiting to happen—especially when it comes to his mealtimes.
Natural consequences eventually teach Federico the manners his family’s been hoping for, and astute readers will speculate just how much of that lesson Madame Giroux may have planned out. The end result is a Federico who “says his please and thank yous, just like all children should,” a valuable exercise in the appeal behind social graces. Kids will especially appreciate the imminent relatability of Federico—a young boy too focused on having fun, who doesn’t quite think ahead to the aftereffects of his actions. This is sure to be a hit with readers of all ages.
Takeaway: An impeccable celebration of good manners.
Comparable Titles: Jane Yolen and Mark Teague’s How Do Dinosaurs Show Good Manners?, Pat Zietlow Miller’s Be Kind.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
Speak Up! Tell Your Story to Influence Others: A Guide to Storytelling with a Multicultural Approach
Among much practical advice on honing and delivering a message, Baumann also weaves her own story into the guide, revealing a tale of “living through over 20 years of military dictatorships in Argentina” and immigrating to the U.S., the narrative persuasively exemplifying the techniques Baumann lays out. These methods are rooted in authenticity. Baumann demonstrates how to use a persona to shape a personal brand, develop characters in one’s story, and develop and demonstrate individual leadership styles and one’s connection to an organization’s culture. Prompts, questionnaires, and thought experiments offer actionable steps towards the construction of their own “personal brand statements,” which act as anchors for their narrative frameworks. Throughout Speak Up, Baumann also offers incisive social commentary on navigating and dismantling systems of oppression in the workplace.
Touching on microaggressions related to racism, sexism, ageism, cognitive biases related to stereotypes, and the ways systems of oppression like patriarchy and white supremacy affect the success of marginalized people in the workplace, Baumann offers a refreshing methodology on how to turn differences into assets. Baumann encourages entrepreneurs to show their clients, coworkers, and customers who they are through authentic storytelling, sharing “the stories that can help us all heal.”
Takeaway: Wise guide to multicultural workplace narratives that make assets of differences.
Comparable Titles: Elaine Welteroth’s More Than Enough, Nely Galán’s Self Made.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Found: Book One of the Vinyi Chronicles
Weber crafts a gripping narrative, rich in descriptions of Mars’ alien terrain and the minutiae of daily life but also powered by Michelle’s amusing, slightly over-it voice (“The lithe purple bastards were stronger than they looked”), effectively setting the stage for this otherworldly adventure. Found further humanizes the interplanetary saga through Michelle’s personal relationships, exploring themes of loss, and the new bonds of solidarity she forms in the alien world. This is as much a journey of shifts in Michelle’s surprising experience as the first human to have alien contact as it is about grappling with the loss of her family and the life she once knew. The novel stands out for its deft incorporation of Vinyi terminology and socio-political structures, which add depth to the narrative and help readers empathize with the characters.
As Michelle navigates life-threatening challenges that keep the tension high, the intricacies of Vinyi society come to the fore, especially during the Council proceedings, where Michelle seeks asylum—a sequence that highlights underlying themes of immigration and animal testing, all reframed within a planetary context. This thematic depth, combined with the fast-paced action, makes Found a refreshing and thought-provoking read. This promising series starter blends compelling SF adventure, social commentary, and strong characterization.
Takeaway: Fleet, smart, character-rich SF debut, exploring an alien society.
Comparable Titles: Ada Palmer’s Tera Ignota series; Ann Leckie.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Nature’s stunning synergy is on full display here, as readers learn the intricacies to monarch survival, from their need to find a warm place at night to their innate sense of direction that guides them yearly to a toasty volcanic region in Mexico for safe harbor during North America’s changing seasons. Kaufman emphasizes the monarch’s fascinating resilience throughout, as she follows other butterflies to her winter destination—and manages to reconnect with the group even after she’s blown off course, into a desolate desert. Always, the story’s star depends on her community for survival, and Kaufman’s depiction of this balanced harmony will speak volumes to younger readers.
Natural photography created by various artists dots the landscape of Kaufman’s debut in an effort to bring the monarch’s journey to vivid life: a curious-eyed ocelot provides a safe place for the monarch to pass a chilly night, fir trees are carpeted in tangerine waves of monarchs seeking heat, and wildflowers are rendered in flashy colors across lush meadows. The butterfly’s journey starts anew at the book’s close, when she carefully places her own eggs, knowing “Her young would find their way. They came into the world knowing many things.”
Takeaway: Delicate rendering of a monarch’s maiden voyage to Mexico for the winter.
Comparable Titles: Carrie A. Pearson’s Stretch to the Sun, Katherine Pryor’s Home Is Calling.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
Ares favors steely protagonists who, in spite of past trauma, make hard choices, and what her heroes go through here is wrenching but exciting, especially in the propulsive first half. After a consultation with a mysterious lawyer, Mina is forced to make two unthinkable choices: first, to allow herself to be kidnapped by this RBOC (Russia-Based Organized Crime Group.) Second: to push Oliver away, for his protection. Of course, after some lushly romantic stolen moments, Oliver is on the case despite her protestations, even as Mina is captured and jetted off to parts unknown, where she endures torture, attempted sexual assault, and the pain of not knowing how her mother’s doing. Ares brings real power and fear to these scenes.
Mina’s resilience and savvy gamesmanship in her captivity scenes offer thriller thrills, and Ares keeps the pages turning with brisk dialogue, frequent twists, and a smart dual-perspective structure, switching from Mina to Oliver. The novel is long, though, and in its second half it feels that way, especially as the story edges into a different thriller subgenre with an expanded cast, milieu, and spy tech, all introduced late in the game. The urgency returns, though, in a strong climax.
Takeaway: Sprawling romantic thriller of a young couple, hard choices, and Russian gangsters.
Comparable Titles: Mia Sheridan; Karin Slaughter’s Pieces of Her.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
The king’s downward spiral is painful to behold, and younger readers would benefit from adult support when reading this pensive story. As he transforms into a monster himself, his family suffers, and the king slides further into the abyss, eventually crying “I miss my happy life! I want my family back… Somebody, please help me get away from this Monster!” Lockwood accompanies the heart wrenching text with stark renderings of the king’s monster, a black, sinister cloud that infiltrates his world, swelling in size until it consumes the entire page.
Just as the king reaches his breaking point, his Guardian Angels—who have watched over him since he was young—step in with a lifeline, sending him to the kingdom’s Wisdom Tree for help. That help means the king must move to a Healing House to recover, an important sobriety step that Lockwood skillfully portrays through sketches of his family’s sadness and bewilderment at his absence. Lockwood ties in other well-known Alcoholics Anonymous tenets as well, including depending on a higher power, as the king eventually heals and learns skills to keep his monster at bay, returning home to his joyful family. This is a heartbreaking—but necessary—read for any families facing addiction.
Takeaway: Powerful introduction to the impact of addiction, for younger audiences.
Comparable Titles: Laura Washington’s A Sickness You Can’t See, Anthony Curcio’s Critters Cry Too.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
Shavers’s debut is more than a chilling story of love gone wrong; it’s one woman’s therapeutic journey to overcome traumatic events, in scenes that feel as if they were ripped from a horror movie. Readers will suspect early on that Amaya’s husband, Quentin, is harboring ulterior motives closely tied to her immense fortune, though the true depth of his greed is revealed gradually. Shavers places a strong emphasis on personal relationships, particularly those surrounding Amaya’s grandparents' legacy—extending beyond the mere material inheritance she receives from them. Dialogue is filled with glimpses of Amaya’s relationship dynamics, offering insight into her naive nature, but as the plot thickens, these exchanges take a darker turn, revealing the complexities of the characters.
In a nod to her life experiences, Shavers acknowledges Amaya’s story was born out of her desire to heal from her own past trauma, and, in many ways, the narrative feels as if it’s delivered by an omnipresent observer, weaving through the lives and minds of each character. Readers will piece together crucial information ahead of Amaya, who eventually must harness her inner strength, with the help of unexpected friends, to escape, making this an intriguing, character-driven study on the healing power of telling your story.
Takeaway: Twisty psychological thriller with character revelations around every corner.
Comparable Titles: Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid Is Watching, Leila Slimani’s The Perfect Nanny.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: C+
Marketing copy: A
Finally, Haley realizes that the smudges always covering her hand after she draws or writes a story are the key to her distinctive quality. She gains this new point of view when one of her classmates comments on her artwork and says the smudges look cool, which Haley has never considered before—she’s always seen them as messy. Unlike most of her classmates, Haley is left-handed, which means the side of her hand drags over the pencil marks she makes in her notebook. Watching Haley’s perspective shift from frustration to pride will help kids reconsider how their own challenges and differences can also be strengths.
Kim Soderberg’s expressive illustrations follow Haley on her journey from discouragement to enthusiasm, with her emotions clearly visible on her face in each scene. Wearing a purple striped sweater, Haley appears most relaxed and happy when she’s doodling, writing jokes, or imagining stories in her favorite notebook. The smudges in Haley’s drawings seem to lovingly enhance her colorful sketches of unicorns, butterflies, and bees, which will give kids and adults the opportunity to discuss and celebrate their own one-of-a-kind qualities.
Takeaway: A little girl named Haley considers what makes her unique.
Comparable Titles: Cale Atkinson’s Where Oliver Fits, Laura Gehl’s Except When They Don’t.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
With warmth and welcome delicacy, Cook, a grief coach and counselor, introduces these topics to young readers through the endearing central friendship, showing how George navigates stages of grief and the heavy emotions that come with them. Anastasia Merzlaya’s touching illustrations suggest life’s passages with clarity and everyday understatement, capturing the animals’ connection, George’s loneliness, and at last—after a simple but resonant spread charting the turn of the seasons through the silhouette of that oak–—healing and a rousing embrace of life. “He would want you to be happy and find another friend,” a human says to George, who at first just shakes his head.
Eventually, though, George learns how to work through his pain from his human companions who loved Jack just as much as he did. George the Duck and His Day of Big Grief is an impactful story that is equal parts moving and endearing, centered on animal friends whose relationship shines through on every page. Perfect for young readers struggling with grief or loss, or parents wanting to expose their children to the heavy subject of death, George's story is informative and a sensitive exploration of an uncomfortable topic.
Takeaway: Touching story of friendship and loss, introducing young readers to handling grief.
Comparable Titles: Patrice Karst's The Invisible String, Debi Gliori's No Matter What.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: B
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
Iceapelago 3
Brennan's world-building continues to impress, painting a vivid picture of an Iceapelago slowly recovering from climatic upheaval. The author skillfully balances the optimism of improving conditions with the underlying tensions of a world forever altered. The contrast between the recovering Iceapelago and the losses endured in less fortunate regions adds depth to the global context of the story, and Brennan creates a compelling conflict involving climate refugees from the Principality of Ria Formosa, in Portugal, and elsewhere. While always emphasizing the lived human experience, Brennan explores territorial rights, resource scarcity, and the moral implications of exclusion in a world reshaped by climate change. The character of Rory, the Iceapelago Commander, serves as a practical focal point for these ethical dilemmas.
While the novel's pacing may be slower than traditional post-apocalyptic thrillers, this allows for a more considered, empathetic examination of long-term societal adaptation, with an incisive emphasis on how each generation faces the future. Brennan's prose is clear and descriptive, effectively conveying his characters' physical landscape and emotional terrain. Brennan generally provides enough information to make the story accessible to newcomers—though for full context they are advised to start with the first entry—while satisfying long-time readers with continuity, character development, and a strong sense of how people and societies adapt over time.
Takeaway: Humane climate novel prioritizing societal questions in a ravaged future.
Comparable Titles: Kim Stanley Robinson's New York, 2140, Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
From graduating high school to moving into her first apartment, Niami chronicles a rollercoaster life in sunny California, as she makes lifelong friends and tastes the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. Her foray into drugs and alcohol use is painful to watch, as are the tragic losses and startling family revelations that threaten her “inner fortitude and wisdom,” as she must learn to cope with—and heal from—the most heartbreaking betrayals and violations from people she once believed in—“trustworthy monster[s],” as she calls them. A true icon of resilience, Niami continues to push forward, working through her pain, mistreatment, and the complex relationships she endures with her abusers, all while echoing a resounding message for anyone who has suffered from sexual abuse: “You are never alone, and it's not your fault.”
"Through this journey, I discovered healing was not always about complete eradication of pain, but rather about finding moments of respite, small victories that punctuated the struggle,” Niami wisely observes. Her razor-sharp prose is both transparent and vulnerable, much like the author herself, and her willingness to hold nothing back empowers—and gives voice to the deep wounds abuse can cause. This will resonate with readers from all walks of life.
Takeaway: Razor-sharp memoir of resilience and self-love in the face of trauma.
Comparable Titles: Sarafina Bianco's The House on Sunset, Gemma Carey's No Matter Our Wreckage.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Inland
Risse’s attention to detail vividly captures the devastation the massive flood brings to the Eastern seaboard. As Juliet searches desperately for a way home through submerged towns and broken infrastructure, Billy—forced to retreat to the upper floors of the house to escape the waters—sees his neighborhood turn into a “brown-green stew” of floating cars, swirling debris, and rotting corpses. Though often disturbing, the haunting descriptions of the flood’s fallout will keep readers on edge as they follow Juliet and Billy’s attempts to navigate the cataclysmic aftermath of a major environmental disaster.
The fractured texts between mother and son, frequently stalled by the failing telecommunications network, underscore their deep bond and heighten their sense of alienation. Though the banned phones provide their only tenuous connection, they also tempt those around them: tensions within the complex relationship between Juliet and her impromptu traveling companion Martin are heightened when he tries to use her phone for his own ends. The nuanced complexity of the relationships among characters shines even against the tumultuous backdrop of the environmental catastrophe. The story’s relentless intensity can be emotionally exhausting, but the characters’ resilience in the face of disaster offers a sobering but hopeful vision of the future.
Takeaway: Powerful story of survival and connection amid climate catastrophe.
Comparable Titles: Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, Stephen Markley’s The Deluge.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Acknowledging how painful it can be to revisit childhood memories, Arussy encourages readers to always err on the side of honesty, concede their shortcomings, and avoid blame, a toxic force that, he writes in a chapter rebuking the pitfalls of “blame culture,” can destroy relationships as much as damage personal wellbeing—“life starts when we stop blaming others” he asserts. Each chapter concludes with simple, direct questions that echo Arussy’s steady, pragmatic advice, a friendly yet professional tone that reliably guides readers and candidly clears a path towards personal improvement, while not falling prey to criticism or harsh judgments.
That warm but direct tone is arguably the book’s strongest asset, and Arussy is at his best when he urges readers to “move on and focus on your ownership and lessons… on the power you have within the situation and own it.” His smart, uncompromising style forms the backbone of the guidance here, but that savvy is elevated by the book’s refreshing ideas, like avoiding the pitfalls of “living life under the constant scrutiny of strangers” on social media, facing fears head on, or transforming envy into a motivation instead of a roadblock. Telling your story is the ultimate accomplishment, Arussy argues—it’s “a choice to love the life you have.”
Takeaway: Refreshing, candid look at how personal stories can fuel success.
Comparable Titles: Leslie Leyland Fields’s Your Story Matters, Matthew Dicks’s Storyworthy.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
This poignant exploration of historical trauma, resilience, and tragedy quickly upends the brothers’ pained dynamic as Tim cleans himself up, fixing up 1946 Renault, and seems to engage with the world again. Tensions reach a boiling point when Dub’s daughter, Loretta, and her husband, Waylon, challenge local segregation by enrolling their three children in a swimming class in the nearby town of Hickory Hill. Their defiance sparks an explosive confrontation and a harrowing crime.
Sebastian paints a detailed, vivid picture of a family trying to reconcile with a history that continues to haunt them, with an emphasis on the mental and emotional scars—and what it takes to dare to make change. Lost Seeds has a wide array of characters, which adds to the richness of feeling, culture, and history, though that at times comes at the expense of narrative momentum. However, the novel pulses with love, family, and hard-won wisdom.
Takeaway: Urgent historical saga of a Black American family in the shadows of racism.
Comparable Titles: Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half, Ayana Mathis’s The Twelve Tribes of Hattie.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: B
be. love.
Collins (Her Phoenix Rising) explores complex topics throughout this thought-provoking guide, including how generational transference can hinder healing but also serves as a reminder that we are interconnected to our ancestral history: “It underscores the importance of understanding our lineage, not just as a source of pride or identity but as a reservoir of potential healing” she writes. To heighten self-awareness, Collins provides readers with her “be.love. GPS,” a mnemonic—breathe, emotions, pause, let go, open heart, visualize, energize, prioritize—she uses to seek personal wholeness. She highlights key points of that GPS, such as why focused breathing can help readers stay present, how emotions convey whether “thoughts and actions are in alignment with our true desires and well-being,” and the ways that neuroplasticity reshapes the brain, reinforcing “positive emotions, resilience, and compassion.”
Receiving love is always more difficult than giving it, Collins writes, and she beseeches readers to make self-love a priority—to improve mental health, reduce burnout, and build self-esteem. She offers easy steps to implement that guidance, such as beginning each day with meditation or practicing gratitude, and refers readers to her website to access online exercises from the text. That concise approach makes this imminently relatable, a valuable resource for that “sacred union of self-discovery, compassion, and conscious living.”
Takeaway: User-friendly guidance on how to make love the framework of life.
Comparable Titles: Shannon Kaiser’s The Self-Love Experiment, Cindi Buckley’s Love Awakens You.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
