Dear Bookstore: 11 Reads for the Young & Young at Heart

Barney is showing off a spiffy new bandana, and we’re showing off our favorite reads for the young and young at heart! While all the titles on this month’s list are near and dear to our hearts, one stands out as being extra special to all of us here at Parnassus. Our sweet friend Emily Arrow based her newest picture book, Dear Bookstore, on Parnassus! Even shop dogs make an appearance! We’re so honored that we are part of this delightful, heartfelt book, and we can’t wait to share it with our Sprout Book Club members. Scroll down to learn more about Dear Bookstore and the rest of this month’s picks!


PICTURE BOOKS
Recommended by Rae Ann

Ruthie Rose's Big Idea: A Poetry Story By John Schu, Holly Hatam (Illustrator) Cover ImageRuthie Rose’s Big Idea: A Poetry Story

By John SchuHolly Hatam (Illustrator)

This picture book is a beautiful celebration of ideas, depicting how they grow and expand when shared.

Recommended by Rachel

How Do I Wonder? By Gianna Davy, Brenda Rodriguez (Illustrator) Cover ImageHow Do I Wonder?

By Gianna DavyBrenda Rodriguez (Illustrator)

The perfect picture book for a kid with endless questions! How Do I Wonder? is all about curiosity, imagination, and awe. From rainbow snails to mermaids with wings, the illustrations spark infinite ideas.

Recommended by Rae Ann

Good Golden Sun By Brendan Wenzel Cover ImageGood Golden Sun

Good Golden Sun celebrates the light of the sun, from sunup to sunset. Brendan Wenzel’s beautiful collage style perfectly complements the dialogue between the animals and people on earth and the sun above in this delightful picture book, perfect for reading aloud.

INDEPENDENT READERS
Recommended by Jake

Inside the Park By Andrea Williams Cover ImageInside the Park

The night before the most important game of the season, 12 year old baseball superfan Pumpsie finds himself locked inside the stadium of his favorite baseball team, the Nashville Wildcats. Living out every kid’s dream, he runs the bases, tests the PA system, and eats all of the concessions he can before he begins to suspect that he might not be alone. Inside the Park is a great read for baseball fans of all ages.

YOUNG ADULT
Recommended by Rae Ann

The Otherwhere Post (A Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick) By Emily J. Taylor Cover ImageThe Otherwhere Post

Maeve’s world burned down (literally) seven years ago. Her father was responsible for the crime. A letter from the past arrives claiming he’s innocent. Maeve practices Scriptomancy, the magic of enchanting letters. She impersonates her way into the only place she can uncover the truth in this atmospheric, dark fantasy.

Recommended by Tara

Our Infinite Fates: Deluxe Limited Edition By Laura Steven Cover ImageOur Infinite Fates: Deluxe Limited Edition

Evelyn and Arden are destined to keep meeting in every life. They not only fall in love each lifetime, but they’re also destined to kill each other. Our Infinite Fates was a book full of gorgeous prose perfect for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

Recommended by Rachel

It's a Love/Skate Relationship By Carli J. Corson Cover ImageIt’s a Love/Skate Relationship

The sapphic hockey romance i have been WAITING FOR! This was a joy to read all around! Big heart, great banter, strong friendships, and an epic ice skating girl duo. I read this in one sitting and I’d do it again!

CLASSICS & BACKLIST
Recommended by Rae Ann

Dragon Hoops By Gene Luen Yang Cover ImageDragon Hoops

Dragon Hoops is the history of basketball and the story of one high school’s pursuit of a championship rolled into one. I’m so glad this YA graphic memoir is finally available in paperback. Perfect for the sports fan or any YA reader!

Recommended by Elizabeth

Flipped By Wendelin Van Draanen Cover ImageFlipped

This is (in my opinion) one of the most underrated stories of the promises and perils of young love. Bryce and Julianna grow up together, falling in and out of love spectacularly along the way. Deemed a “romantic comedy of errors,” this story is perfect for any pre-teen/teen reader in search of a love story.

Sprout Book Club: March Selection

Dear Bookstore By Emily Arrow, Geneviève Godbout (Illustrator) Cover ImageDear Bookstore

By Emily ArrowGeneviève Godbout (Illustrator)

The March 2025 Sprout Book Club selection is Dear Bookstore by Emily Arrow and Geneviève Godbout. A young reader finds a place where her imagination can soar, her neighborhood bookstore. In this delightful book, she meets friendly booksellers and shop dogs in a delightful land of books! 

Early praise for the book:

“A heartfelt tribute to the power of books and bookstores.” – Kirkus

SPECIAL EVENT: Emily Arrow will be at Parnassus for a special storytime on April 26 to help us celebrate Independent Bookstore Day! We hope to see you there.

Sprout Book Club is the book subscription box for picture book lovers. Every month members will receive a first edition picture book. Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite picture book lover for 3, 6, or 12 months. 

Spark Book Club: March Selection

On Thin Ice By Jessica Kim Cover ImageOn Thin Ice

By Jessica Kim

The March 2025 Spark Book Club selection is On Thin Ice by Jessica Kim. Twins Phoebe and Dex Bae star in this contemporary novel about sibling relationships and ice skating. Phoebe needs a new figure skating partner after her friend is injured. When her brother is cut from the ice hockey team, he agrees to partner with her for an upcoming competition in return for new skates to help him get back on his team. Can these siblings team up and skate toward victory together?

Early Sparks for the novel:

“An entertaining and reassuring story of discovery, healing, and reconnection.” – Kirkus

Spark Book Club is the first editions club for middle grade readersEvery month members will receive a first edition middle grade novel — plus a letter written by the author especially for club members. Makes a great gift for the independent reader! Sign ups are available for 3, 6, or 12 months.

ParnassusNext: March Selection

The Otherwhere Post (A Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick) By Emily J. Taylor Cover ImageThe Otherwhere Post

By Emily J. Taylor

The March 2025 ParnassusNext selection is The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor. Seven years before, the Written Doors between worlds were destroyed, a crime committed by Maeve Abenthy’s father. Maeve lives under a false name to protect herself.. When she receives a letter written years before, claiming her father’s innocence, Maeve poses as an apprentice for the Otherwhere Post where she’ll train in the art of Scriptomancy – dangerous magic that allows couriers to enchant letters and deliver them to other worlds. Her handsome mentor knows her secret and time is running out to unravel the mystery.

Early praise for the novel:

“A magically thrilling, gripping, and thoroughly enjoyable read.” – Kirkus, starred review

ParnassusNext is the book subscription box for YA lovers. Every member of ParnassusNext receives a first edition hardcover of each month’s selected book, signed by the author. There is no membership fee to join — and no line to stand in for the autograph. Not only will you have one of the best YA books of the month when it comes out, you’ll have it straight from the author’s hands, with an original, authentic signature! Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite YA reader for 3, 6, or 12 months.