Preview of the November/December 2026 Kids' Indie Next List Titles

This season's featured title is "This Is a Door" by Daniel Nayeri, published by Stonefruit Studio on October 27, priced at $19.99 for ages 8-12. Enthusiastic bookseller Becky Anderson from Anderson's Bookshops in Naperville, IL, described it as a "visual wonder" and a journey of self-discovery.

**Picture Books:**

1. **"The Bakery Dragon and the Giant Cookie"** by Devin Elle Kurtz - Knopf Books for Young Readers, Oct. 6, $19.99, Ages 4-8. Anna Moritz from Changing Hands, Tempe, AZ, praises it for its holiday cheer.

2. **"Brain vs. Screen: How Screen Time Affects Our Brains"** by Bethany Barton - Viking Books, Nov. 3, $18.99, Ages 4-8. Karlie Martens of Novel Bay Booksellers highlights its engaging approach to educating children about screen time.

3. **"Carrots Make Me Suspicious"** by Robin Mitchell Cranfield - Greystone Kids, Oct. 20, $19.95, Ages 3-7. Michelle Cavalier from Cavalier House Books appreciates its exploration of children's food opinions.

4. **"Duel"** by Shawn Harris - Neal Porter Books, Oct. 6, $19.99, Ages 4-8. Melissa LaSalle from Old Town Books commends its modern take on a medieval duel.

5. **"Fancy Dogs"** by Tini Malina and Tammi Reichel - NorthSouth Books, Oct. 6, $19.95, Ages 4-8. Amy Cobb from Loudmouth Books finds it appealing for dog lovers.

6. **"Help! I'm Being Eaten by a Bear!"** by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat - Dial Books, Nov. 3, $19.99, Ages 3-7. Kristin Richland from Phoenix Books calls it hilarious and whimsical.

7. **"How to Escape a Playdate: The Fun Way"** by Rachel Michelle Wilson - Feiwel & Friends, Oct. 13, $18.99, Ages 3-5. Kinsey Foreman from High Five Books notes its humorous take on social interaction.

8. **"The Little Stone Buddha"** by Grace Lin - Alvina Ling Books, Oct. 6, $18.99, Ages 6-8. Rajean Erbar from The Novel Neighbor describes it as a heartwarming community story.

9. **"Millie Fleur's Worst Day Ever"** by Christy Mandin - Orchard Books, Oct. 6, $19.99, Ages 4-8. Lily Clay, Eagle Harbor Book Company, highlights its important lesson on teamwork.

10. **"The Pizza Brothers"** by Lian Cho - HarperCollins, Oct. 13, $19.99, Ages 4-8. Suzanna Hermans from Oblong Books appreciates its themes of collaboration.

**Middle Grade:**

1. **"Brittle Magic"** by Kate O'Shaughnessy - Knopf Books, Oct. 20, $17.99, Ages 8-12. Kristina Swilley from Bookshop Santa Cruz describes it as a charming read about family secrets.

2. **"Front Desk: The Graphic Novel"** by Kelly Yang, illustrated by Fumio Obata - Graphix, Oct. 20, Hardcover $25.99, Paperback $14.99, Ages 8-12. Chris Abouzeid praises the graphics and storytelling.

3. **"The Horse Dreamer"** by Holly Surplice - Chicken House, Nov. 3, $19.99, Ages 8-12. Maureen Palacios calls it heartwarming with stunning illustrations.

4. **"Licorice"** by Kara LaReau and Kelly Murphy - Scholastic Press, Oct. 20, $18.99, Ages 8-12. Elizabeth Fusco found it captivating and delightful.

5. **"The Moonlit Spiral: A Graphic Novel"** by Mike Maihack - Candlewick, Oct. 6, Hardcover $24.99, Paperback $14.99, Ages 8-12. Jamie Kovacs appreciates its adventurous spirit.

6. **"An Octopus Named Houdini"** by Zana Fraillon, illustrated by Corinna Luyken - Simon & Schuster, Nov. 24, $17.99, Ages 8-12. Andrew Preston praises its playful narrative.

7. **"Starting Now"** by Janae Marks - Quill Tree Books, Oct. 13, $19.99, Ages 8-12. Chloe Purton notes its sensitive handling of youth challenges.

8. **"Trunk No. 3: A Story About a Life-Changing Correspondence"** by Allie Millington - Feiwel & Friends, Oct. 20, $18.99, Ages 8-12. Claire McWhorter finds it charming and relatable.

9. **"The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe"** by Karen Foxlee, illustrated by Martina Heiduczek - Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster, Nov. 10, Hardcover $19.99, Paperback $9.99, Ages 8-12. Rae Ann Parker comments on its whimsical pirate adventure.

10. **"The Year I Stopped Drawing: An Illustrated Novel-in-Verse"** by Grant Snider - Amulet Books, Nov. 10, $18.99, Ages 8-12. Keith Glaeske values its sensitive exploration of adolescence.

**Young Adult:**

1. **"Fallen Beauty"** by Astrid Scholte - Wednesday Books, Nov. 3, $21, Ages 13-18. Alyssa Raymond calls it a captivating blend of classic tales.

2. **"It's Only Dancing"** by Jasmine Guillory - Scholastic Press, Oct. 6, $15.99, Ages 12-19. Jenni Hill mentions its romantic themes inspired by classic films.

3. **"The Pools"** by E. Lockhart - Delacorte Press, Oct. 6, $20.99, Ages 12+. Shannon Krug remarks on its exploration of freedom from societal pressures.

4. **"The Queen of the Spirit Woods"** by Sharon Choe - Atheneum Books, Nov. 3, $19.99, Ages 14-19. Angela Whited highlights the rich fantasy elements.

5. **"Radio Free Texas"** by Libba Bray - Scholastic Press, Oct. 6, $21.99, Ages 14-19. Jenn Guare appreciates its nostalgic portrayal of teen frustrations.

6. **"Scorpion Deep"** by CG Drews - Feiwel & Friends, Oct. 27, $20.99, Ages 13-18. Nicolina Chamran notes its moody atmosphere.

7. **"The Sixth Faction Deluxe Limited Edition"** by Veronica Roth - HarperCollins, Oct. 6, Deluxe $25.99, Standard $21.99, Ages 13-19. Chris Schmidt discusses its alternate universe take on a familiar story.

8. **"What Feeds Below"** by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne - Boozhoo Books, Oct. 6, $17.95, Ages 14-17. Sarah Sedor-George praises its dark and captivating storyline.

9. **"Where We Go at Night"** by Ikwo Ntekim - HarperCollins, Oct. 27, $19.99, Ages 13-19. Michael Leali highlights its atmospheric adventure.

10. **"You're No Better: A Novel (Deluxe Limited Edition)"** by Andrew Joseph White - Peachtree Teen, Oct. 27, $21.99, Ages 14+. Milo Michels gives a thoughtful review on its exploration of trauma.