Our April Picks are Here!

Our Monthly Speculative Fiction Pick 
The Bone Shard Daughter 
Andrea Stewart
“A stunning tale of magic and revolution in which a former heir to an emperor fights to reclaim her power and birthright. This fantasy debut has it all — forbidden magic, epic world-building, political unrest, vibrant characters, mysterious monsters and nonstop adventure! With an Asian-inspired setting and refreshingly unique magic system, this one is a standout in the fantasy space right now, and — best news of all — it’s the first in a planned trilogy. Get ready to be completely absorbed in the drowning empire.” —Kat S, Science Fiction & Fantasy Buyer

Our Monthly Fiction Pick
Godshot 
Chelsea Bieker
“A gritty debut, Godshot follows a young girl, Lacey May, in a drought-afflicted central Californian town. When the town is taken over by a charismatic pastor hiding nefariously dark intentions, young Lacey May decides to fight tooth-and-nail for her family and freedom. A page-turning plot, soulful prose, and gothic feeling all combine to paint a redemptive portrait of motherhood in an unputdownable novel. A must-read.” —Shannon D, Fiction Buyer 

Our Monthly Mystery & Thriller Pick
Three Hours in Paris 
Cara Black 
“One of our favorite cat and mouse thrillers this year. Cara Black sets the tone with a deceptively simple premise: three hours in Paris. Kate Rees has just one job to do, and it’s not an easy one — assassinate the Führer. The clock is ticking, and we are at the edge of our seats. Along the way, we learn of Rees’ reason for putting herself in such danger and as you turn the pages, the tension ramps up. A thriller from the past that keeps us quite present.” —Jules H, Mystery & Thriller Buyer

Our Monthly Nonfiction Pick
Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss 
Margaret Renkl
“Settle into this debut work, a shimmering memoir of family and place told in lyrical linked essays, some no more than a few enticing sentences and vivid illustrations by the author’s brother. Late Migrations captures stories of kinship and personal legacies of grief, joy, cruelty, loss and caring, while rippling throughout with observations of the close natural world of her backyard, woods and fields, trees, grasses, flowers, birds, snakes and insects.” —Sallye L, Nonfiction Buyer

Our Monthly YA Pick
With the Fire on High 
Elizabeth Acevedo
“Though on the verge of adulthood, high school senior Emoni Santiago has been making adult decisions for the past three years, ever since she got pregnant with her daughter as a freshman. Now, with senior year coming to a close, Emoni has even more decisions ahead of her — most importantly, whether or not to pursue her dream of becoming a chef. Authentic and heartfelt, With the Fire On High is a joyful read about finding the courage to pursue your passion even when it seems impossible.” —Stephanie P, YA Buyer

Our Monthly Young Reader Pick
Black Brother, Black Brother 
Jewell Parker Rhodes
“Twelve-year-old Donte is one of the few Black students at his wealthy prep school; even his brother is lighter-skinned and presents as white. When Donte is arrested after being framed by the captain of the fencing team, he sets out to beat him at his own game. However, through fencing, he embarks on a powerful journey of self-discovery and learns the importance of friendship, community and embracing his identity. While a relatively quick read, Black Brother, Black Brother is sure to spark important conversations on racism, colorism and the school-to-prison pipeline for a younger audience.” —Stephanie P, Young Readers Buyer