The Booksellers Association has today announe The Mermaid's Tale by Lee Wei-Jing, translated by Darryl Sterk, as Fiction Book of the Month for August. Our Tower by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Richard Johnson, has been named Children’s Book of the Month.  
 
The Mermaid’s Tale by the late Taiwanese author Lee Wei-Jing tells the story of Summer, whose only passion is dancing, though she knows she has left it too late to be competition worthy. As she comes under the tutelage of Donny, a legendary dancer, Summer goes on a journey of self-discovery that sees her reckon with past trauma and search for the perfect partner. The Mermaid’s Tale was published by Scribner on 21^st July 2022, and is available to buy in bookshops now.
 
Translator Darryl Sterk said: “I'm thrilled that the novel is getting the attention it deserves, and especially through our wonderful independent booksellers.”
 
The Fiction Book of the Month submissions from publishers are read by a panel of booksellers who vote on each title.  The BA then collates the votes and the title with the most votes becomes the Book of the Month. The panel for this time comprised members of Bridge Books, Beverley Bookshop and Forum Books. 
 
Our Tower by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Richard Johnson, follows three children living in a tower block as they embark on a magical adventure that will make them see their home in a new light. Drawing on Coelho’s own childhood experiences growing up in a tower block, this modern fable sees the children visiting a strange world inside a tree, only to learn that the real magic they were searching for was in their home all along. Our Tower is published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books on 2^nd August 2022 and is available to pre-order in bookshops now.
 
Joseph Coelho said: “When you enter an independent book shop, you enter a mind, a curated space, a library of love, of books chosen out of care and appreciation.”
 
Richard Johnson added: “Inspiration often comes from spending an hour or so in an indie bookshop, uncovering new classics and re-discovering long-lost treasures, all curated by those that care.”
 
The Children’s Book of the Month submissions from publishers are read by a panel of booksellers who vote on each title. The BA then collates the votes and the title with the most votes becomes the Book of the Month. The panel for this time comprised members of Dark Peak Books, Edinburgh Bookshop, Bear Hunt Books and Sevenoaks Bookshop.
 
Independent bookshops around the UK and Ireland will be promoting The Mermaid’s Tale and Our Tower throughout August on social media and instore. The Booksellers Association will be supporting the promotion of the Indie Books of the Month through social media and promotional material.
 
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