Happy August! We hope you’ve been having a fantastic summer—perhaps you’ve even had time to finish a few (or more) books from your ever-growing TBR pile? If so, you’re in luck! Because we’ve got all the latest book recommendations to help you replenish your nightstand.
YAing Updates
First, let’s start with what’s been going on here at Young Adulting this month. In our August author spotlight, managing editor Hannah Luppe interviews Marianne Boucher, a comics creator and painter from Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Her graphic novel, Talking To Strangers, an adult memoir, was published by Penguin Random House in 2020, and was listed as one of the best Canadian comics in 2020 by CBC. Her upcoming graphic novel for lower YA/MG audiences, Survival of the Goodest, is set to release October 2024.
Sable uses ancient magic by way of a paper spell to help defend her island’s animals. This graphic novel is my paper-wish to the world. Just like Sable I wrote down what my heart most desires and tossed it out into the universe. Sable relies on community, compassion and love to defend the island’s animals. Her message is that we all evolved from love and community, as we continue to alienate ourselves from the natural world through greed and exploitation. The message is clear, we need to tell a different story. The known way is an impasse.
We’ve also published some marvellous reviews. Here’s a recap:
- “The Longest Shot uses tools to make its occasionally heavy information easily digestible. Soon and Chiang wisely split Larry’s life story into eight shorter sections, giving the chapters titles based on their contents. I found this format helpful for divvying up reading time and seeing what might come next in Larry’s life. The two authors also collaborated with illustrator Amy Qi to bring life to Larry’s story. Qi’s vibrant images draw the eye to key moments in Larry’s life, reaffirming them in the reader’s mind.” Kaitlyn Chan reviews The Longest Shot by Chad Soon and George Chiang, illus. Amy Qi
- “The dynamics of Russell’s family were definitely a highlight of my reading experience. His family is very unconventional, but the scenes where they interact made me laugh and want to know more about them. Most of the scenes they appear in, they are setting up a game of Fishbowl which I would have loved to be a part of.” Dany Caballero reviews The Ballad of Darcy and Russell by Morgan Matson
- “Julia is courageous, determined, and confident, but still, above all, she identifies as a swimmer. Therefore, when she feels like that part of herself is stripped away, she begins to question who she truly is and spirals over what her future will be like if she cannot be the swimmer she always dreamed of becoming.” Moira Young reviews Julia On the Go! Swimming into Trouble by Angela Ahn, illus. Julia Kim
- “How far would you go for a reality show? What if you had nothing left to lose? After Dex’s life collapses when his ex-girlfriend dumps him publicly on a stream, he receives a once in a lifetime opportunity to escape his real life and star as one of six contestants on Dropped!, an internet reality show.” Kay Snell reviews Dropped! by Alice Kuipers
- “Reading about Benji continuing to stand up for himself and his family throughout the book was inspiring. Following along with his journey felt worthwhile: I wanted to know how he was going to tackle the various problems that were thrown at him, and to see him grow and change as the book progressed.” Maia Dueck reviews Benji Zeb is a Ravenous Werewolf by Deke Moulton
As always, check back every Thursday and every other Tuesday for more reviews of upcoming and new releases.
Industry News
A reminder that on August 22nd the Penguin School Library team is hosting SLJ Teen Live!, an all-day, FREE virtual celebration of authors and artists from around the world who tell amazing teen and tween stories. They’ll have authors on panels throughout the day, advance copies of new and upcoming titles, free resources like author videos, discussion guides, and more! Register for this event here!
Join Little, Brown School on Monday, August 19 at 3:00pm EST for A Conversation on Representing Community in Middle Grade Literature. Moderator Becky Calzada will be joined by Erika J. Kendrick (Instafamous), Jennifer Torres (Vega’s Piece of the Sky), and Rajani LaRocca (The Door Is Open) for a conversation on community in middle grade fiction. Register here.
Applications for Annick Press’ mentorship program open on September 3rd. This yearly mentorship program supports works in progress of emerging, underrepresented writers whose access to children’s publishing may have been limited. Applications for the 2024–25 mentorship will open on September 3, 2024. Keep checking this page for updated information.
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 