The Booksellers Association has today announced Evil Eye by Etaf Rum as Fiction Book of the Month, and Troll by Frances Stickley and Stefano Martinuz as Children’s Book of the Month for September.    
 
Independent bookshops around the UK and Ireland will be promoting Evil Eye and Troll throughout September on social media and in-store. The Booksellers Association will be supporting the promotion of the Indie Books of the Month through social media and promotional material.

Evil Eye explores the expectations of Palestinian-American women, the meaning of a fulfilling life, and the ways our unresolved pasts affect our presents. Raised in a conservative Palestinian family in Brooklyn, Yara thought she would finally feel free when she married a charming entrepreneur. Now, she has a good job at the local college, and balances that with raising her two daughters and taking care of their home. But after Yara responds to a colleague’s racist provocation, she is put on probation at work and must attend mandatory counselling. Her mother blames a family curse for Yara’s troubles, and while Yara doesn’t believe in superstitions, she still finds herself growing increasingly uneasy about falling victim to the same mistakes as her mother. Evil Eye is published by HQ, HarperCollins (29^th August 2024) and is available to buy in bookshops now.
 
Etaf Rum, author of Evil Eye, commented: “Independent bookshops are the lifeblood of literature: a place where every page tells a story, and every purchase supports a community. Supporting indie bookshops means supporting vibrant communities and diverse voices that celebrate literature and bring people together. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share Evil Eye in these vital spaces.”
 
Alexandria Ross, bookseller at The Orcadian Bookshop and member of the selection panel, said: “It has instantly become one of my go-to favourite books due to its fantastic portrayal of Yara's story, balancing societal expectations and coming to the realisation that her needs are as important as everyone else’s. I am now recommending it whole-heartedly to customers!”
 
Troll is a funny story about internet trolling and learning to love yourself.  In this funny tale, inspired by both internet trolls and The Three Billy Goats Gruff, there is a terrifying troll that lives under a bridge. Unseen, he delights in shouting nasty things to passers-by. But when a d/Deaf bunny unwittingly faces up to him, he realises that it's not so fun to say nasty things to someone's face. Can Troll finally learn to love himself and others? Troll is published by Magic Cat (29^th August 2024) and is available to buy in bookshops now.
 
Frances Stickley, author of Troll, commented: “I’m delighted that Troll has been chosen as the Children’s Book of the Month. Independent bookshops are the heart of the industry and it’s wonderful to be a part of this along with so many passionate, creative and knowledgeable booksellers.”
 
Julia Coxon, bookseller at Chestnut Books and member of the selection panel, said: “A creative and modernised re-working of a traditional tale that cleverly highlights the impact of online bullying and how words matter. This enchanting tale is one that every child should read.”
 
The Indie Book of the Month titles are selected by panels of booksellers from publisher submissions. The Children’s panel for September comprised members from Booka Bookshop; Norfolk Children’s Book Centre; Owl & Pyramid; Suddenly on Sheaf Street; Heron & Willow and Chestnut Books. The Fiction panel were from The Wee Bookshop; Hold Fast Books; The Stripey Badger Bookshop; The Orcadian; The Rabbit Hole and Four Bears Books. The titles were also available to be voted on by all participating bookshops on Edelweiss.
 
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