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Midwest Books for Everyone on Your Gift List

by Alana Horton

Four-photo collage of independent bookstores, including storefronts and interior shelves filled with books. A large red ribbon and bow stretch across the center, creating a gift-wrapped effect.
Small Midwestern bookstores Dog-Eared Books, Milkweed Editions, Loganberry Books, and Gramercy Books.

Small, independent booksellers across the Midwest share their favorite reads to help you find the perfect gift for every kind of reader.

Looking for the perfect book to gift this holiday season? We turned to small, independent booksellers across the Midwest for the stories they can’t stop recommending, each one by a Midwestern author.  

And best part is, you can buy directly from these shops to support local businesses and regional storytellers!

Graphic map of the Midwest in purple, labeled with independent bookstores and their locations, including shops in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, and North Dakota. A large red gift bow appears on the left side of the map.
Children’s book cover illustration showing Amos McGee and his animal friends—an elephant, tortoise, penguin, and rhinoceros—building a snowman together on a snowy day. Soft, hand-drawn style with pale winter colors.

For the reader with snow-loving kids

Mike of Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan, recommends A Snow Day for Amos McGee (2010) by local author and artist duo, Phil and Erin Stead.

“This book is quiet, sweet, filled with beautiful illustrations, and everything you want in a bedtime book in winter. And if your kids love this one, there are two other Amos books awaiting as well.” | Buy the Book

Illustrated cover featuring a small, wheeled house shaped like a pencil, with two figures inside—one playing a piano—set against a textured, earthy background. The title appears at the top, with the author’s name, Allison Blevins, at the bottom.

For the reader going through change

Ella from Milkweed Editions in Minneapolis, Minnesota, recommends Where Will We Live if the House Burns Down (2024) by Allison Blevins.

“With tender, experimental prose poems, [this book] examines a life in the throes of unexpected change, from chronic illness and cancer to a spouse’s gender transition. A fairytale-like narrative takes form as the speaker leads us through these crises with grace, resilience, and a wild imagination.” | Buy the Book

Illustrated book cover showing a dark, cloaked figure in the foreground facing a calm lake and distant mountains at sunset. Large cream-colored text reads “American Mythology” with the author’s name, Giano Cromley.

For the reader who’d rather be chasing Bigfoot  

Co-owner Amanda of Dog-Eared Books in Ames, Iowa, recommends American Mythology (2025) by Chicago-based author Giano Cromley. 

“[It] is the story of Jute and Vergil — two men, past middle age, who’ve maintained a friendship since childhood thanks in large part to their monthly Bigfoot Society meetings and annual expeditions into rugged western Montana in search of Sasquatch. But this year’s trip is going to change their lives in ways they could never have expected. This novel is a deeply heartfelt novel about friendship, small towns, and wonder in the face of the unknown.” | Buy the Book

Moody photographic cover showing a brightly lit convenience store at night with a parked car in front. Large black space above contains the title “Ohio” and the author’s name, Stephen Markley.

For the reader who enjoys a Midwest mystery

Sarah from Loganberry Books in Shaker Heights, Ohio, recommends Ohio (2018) by Stephen Markley.

“It takes place in Ohio, obviously—from the title—in a small town where five or six people come, for different reasons, during a 24-hour period.  It’s dark, and a heartbreaking read.” | Buy the Book

Clean, light-colored cover with soft pastel text reading “Start With Hello,” followed by the subtitle and the author’s name, Shannan Martin. The design is simple and minimal.

For the reader who wants to build community

Tiffany of Wild Geese Bookshop in Franklin, Indiana, recommends Start with Hello (And Other Simple Ways to Live As Neighbors) (2022) by Shannan Martin.

“In divisive times, Shannan reminds us of the importance in loving people up close and shares moments from her life that have helped her find a way forward.” | Buy the Book

Minimalist book cover with a deep blue background and a small gold monogram-like symbol centered on the page. No imagery beyond the emblem.

For the reader who seeks out queer Midwestern histories 

Iris of A Room of One’s Own Bookstore in Madison, Wisconsin, recommends As Ever, Miriam (2024) by Faythe Levine. 

“Ephemera from the Wisconsin Historical Society archives of two women, Miriam Frink and Charlotte Partridge, opening The Layton School of Art (MKE). Engaged in a ‘Boston Marriage’, the book collects photos, a timeline of their life together, and the sign-offs of letters sent over 50 years. Set within the better part of the 20th century, this book is a wonderful piece of queer Wisconsin history.” | Buy the Book

Dramatic cover illustration of the cargo ship Edmund Fitzgerald battling large waves during a storm at night on Lake Superior. The title and author’s name, John U. Bacon, appear in bold lettering.

For the reader who dives deep into Great Lakes disasters

Katie from Between the Covers Bookstore in Harbor Springs, Michigan, recommends The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald (2025) by John U. Bacon.

“Just in time for the 50th anniversary of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy, John U. Bacon brings Great Lakes’ maritime history to life. Bacon’s style is adept at capturing both the majesty and peril of stormy waters. His detailed storytelling honors the sailors who braved impossible odds, blending history and human drama seamlessly. Reading this book feels like an adventure and a eulogy all at once.” | Buy the Book

Bright illustrated cover in pink and magenta tones showing a large guitar shape with two people sitting on either side, facing each other. Decorative lettering reads “Just Another Love Song” with the author’s name, Kerry Winfrey.

For the reader who’s rooting for rekindled sparks

Haley from Gramercy Books in Bexely, Ohio, recommends Just Another Love Song (2022) by Kerry Winfrey.

“This book is the perfect fun, small town romance where second chance love is in the air. Sandy and Hank were high school sweethearts until Hank went to Boston to follow his dreams of being a musician and Sandy stayed back home in Ohio (where the author is from). If you like the vibes of the show Gilmore Girls, then pick this book up! Wonderful read for all the romantics!”  | Buy the Book

Surreal illustrated cover featuring a pale hand with dark red nail polish, stitched together with red thread, surrounded by green moths on a pink background. White text reads “Six of Sorrow” and the author’s name, Amanda Linsmeier.

For the reader who devours young adult thrillers  

Jordan from Lion’s Mouth Bookstore in Green Bay, Wisconsin, recommends Six of Sorrow (2024) by Amanda Linsmeier.  

“Six girls, one legend-filled small town in Georgia, and a mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seat for this entire unputdownable read. This makes [it] a perfectly creepy, sapphic young adult horror read for fans of Pretty Little Liars and Yellowjackets.” | Buy the Book

Illustrated cover showing the silhouette of a giant standing in a pastoral landscape with a farmhouse and trees in the background. Handwritten-style text reads “Life, Death, & Giants” with the author’s name, Ron Rindo.

For the reader who loves a larger-than-life legend  

Owner Molly of Lake City Books in Madison, Wisconsin, recommends Life, and Death, and Giants (2025) by Wisconsin trout fisherman, gardener, and writer Ron Rindo.  

“It’s a gorgeous Wisconsin-centric story that follows the life of an extraordinary Amish boy and the impact he had on his family, his town, and the world. Skillfully crafted, soulful, humbling, and life-affirming.” | Buy the Book

Dark book cover featuring a rusted red pickup truck abandoned in a wooded area at night. The title “Our Greatest Enemy” appears in large red letters above the subtitle and the author’s name, Jordan Thiery.
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For the reader who loves haunting short stories

Co-owner Sterling from Silver Dawn Books in Grand Forks, North Dakota, recommends Our Greatest Enemy: Five Horror Stories on Fatherhood (2024) by Jordan Thiery. 

“I would highly recommend it for horror fans but also warn people it will give you a gut punch emotionally.” | Buy the Book

Illustrated book cover showing a leafy suburban neighborhood with colorful houses nestled among green trees. Large white text reads “Same as It Ever Was” with the author’s name, Claire Lombardo, at the bottom.

For the reader who lives for drama and messy moments  

Jamie of Women & Children First bookstore in Chicago, Illinois, recommends Same As It Ever Was (2024) by Claire Lombardo. 

“Claire Lombardo’s ability to write about motherhood, aging, and long-term marriage despite not experiencing any of those things is astonishing. Her new novel is populated with messy moments between friends, unreliable and flippantly cruel mothers, neighbors who become anchors (who can also inadvertently lead to drowning), and a main character who is hard to get to know by design but ultimately becomes someone you’ll love despite all of her attempts to keep you at a distance.” | Buy the Book