The end of July is fast approaching, and whether you’re soaking up the sun or wishing for some AC, we here at Young Adulting have pooled together the coolest up-to-date bookish news that is sure to help you beat the heat! Here’s a roundup of all the exciting reviews and news since I last wrote:
YAing Updates
First, let’s start with what’s been going on here at Young Adulting this month. We’ve published some marvellous reviews this month. Here’s a recap:
- “In his author’s note, King describes Butt Sandwich & Tree as “a personal story about one of the people [he] know[s] best, and a reminder that the names that matter most are the ones we give ourselves.” The novel is based on his own relationship with his younger brother who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. King based Cedar on the love his older brother and himself have for their “little bro,” as Cedar would say.” GiGi Kang reviews Butt Sandwich & Tree by Wesley King
- “This book deals with topics such as mental health issues, parental neglect, addiction, and verbal abuse so tread with caution when recommending to especially young readers. Although this book covers some heavy themes, Walters combines humor, heart, and devastation, adding so much depth into Robbie and Harmony’s characters.” Hooria Bilal reviews The King of Jam Sandwiches by Eric Walters
- “For all of the hurt and frustration in Alyson Derrick’s solo debut, there is at least twice as much love. A suspenseful teeter between tragedy and romance, Forget Me Not weaves the two into a captivating ode to memory, teenage love, and queerness.” Alicia L’Archevêque reviews Forget Me Not by Alyson Derrick
As always, check back every Thursday and every other Tuesday for more reviews of upcoming and new releases.
Industry News
Diaspora Dialogues has just announced that, in association with the Carol Shields Prize Foundation, the Carol Shields Foundation Prize Fellowship at Diaspora Dialogues will be awarded for the period of September 2023–May 2024. This is a $20,000 opportunity for a woman or non-binary fiction BIPOC writer who is a refugee or new immigrant to Canada (within five years). Click this link for more information about this fantastic opportunity.
Penguin Classroom’s Picture Book Palooza is happening this Thursday, July 27th! This is an all-day, free virtual celebration of authors and artists dedicated to the art of picture books. The event lasts from 10 AM – 5:00 PM ET. Learn more and register here.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out FOLD Kids’ 2023 Summer Reading List! The July Reading Challenge is to read a book by a Black author from the East Coast. See FOLD Kids’ challenge recommendations!
As always, please do send us your news related to children’s and young adult literature at young.adulting@ubc.ca so we can feature them in future newsletters. Our newsletter is published on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. And remember to keep up with us on Twitter and Instagram!
Take care, and happy reading,
The Young Adulting Editors
YOUNG ADULTING 