Well, the longest day of the year has passed so you know what that means…it’s officially summer!! It’s time to luxuriate in the late sunsets, early sunrises, stolen beach days, and all the fresh fruit you can handle (or in my case, afford). To cap off the month we’re back with another newsletter to share a little bit about what we’ve been up to at Young Adulting, industry news, submission calls, and job postings. So, without further ado, lets jump into it.
What you might have missed…
Young Adulting has two new reviews on our site:
- Daniella Diogo reviewed E.K. Johnston’s YA novel, Pretty Furious, “a story about quiet rebellion and what happens when the good girls stop playing by the rules and start taking justice into their own hands.” The novel takes us on a journey narrated by five key characters as they set out to right the wrongs they’ve witnessed in their town. For readers looking to see some collective action and teen girl activism, check this one out! You can read the full review here.
- With National Indigenous History Month upon us, we were very excited to have Zobia Alam review Métis Like Me by Tasha Hilderman, illustrated by Risa Hugo. This debut picture book is utterly charming, and invites readers, Métis and not, into the rich and vibrant lives of Métis peoples and their culture, customs, and traditions. What’s more, “[t]he book […] includes a Michif glossary and a recipe for Bannock in the back matter! These interactive elements may help provide a more holistic perspective of Métis culture and encourage readers to carry these traditions with them long after they have finished reading the book.” You can read the full review here.
We’ll have our next batch of reviews out this coming Thursday, next Tuesday, and the following Thursday, so keep your eyes peeled for your next recommended read!
Industry News
National Indigenous History Month is here and we believe it’s important to share a number of the places amplifying Indigenous voices and initiatives in the literary world.
- Massy Books, a 100% Indigenous owned and operated business, has put together booklists by Indigenous authors to read and is also hosting Indigenous author events this month! Find the booklist here! Information about upcoming events can be found on their Instagram page.
- The Vancouver Public Library has put together a list of resources for folks to look through and learn about the rich history, lives, and cultures of Indigenous peoples through novels, podcasts, films, and more. You can find that information here.
On June 24th, join VPL online from 11AM-12:30PM to learn all about Indigenous Genealogy Resources and then stay online from 2:30PM-4PM to learn about land acknowledgements, Truth and Reconciliation, common terminology, and recent changes like UNDRIP. You can register here!
- The Toronto Public Library has launched their Indigenous Initiatives webpage which you can view here! This fantastic resource is a hub for Indigenous focused book collections, Indigenous author talks, podcasts, blogs, and events!
For those of you based in Toronto, there are a number of events taking place this week including a talk with Kevin Sandy, Cayuga Nation, Wolf Clan, Six Nations, Director/CEO of Haudenosaunee Lacrosse, learning Indigenous culture and language through the Indigenous Language Child & Family EarlyON Program, and a poetry writing workshop with Inuit author Jamesie Fournier on June 26th. Click the hyperlinks to learn the where, when, and what!
- The New Quarterly has launched a new initiative called Spirit Ink which is dedicated to supporting emerging Indigenous writers! This fantastic initiative includes mentorship, residencies, and bursaries. If you’re an Indigenous writer looking to hone your craft and share your voice, check out Spirit Ink here!
- Outside of the library, The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is hosting free events all month long. Events and activities will include story sharing, dance, films, and music, and can be found here!
Career Opportunities
Word Vancouver is hiring! They’re looking for a Volunteer Coordinator for their Annual Festival.
“Are you a people-first organizer who thrives in dynamic, creative environments? Join us as Volunteer Coordinator and play a pivotal role in bringing our literary festival to life! You’ll lead the charge in recruiting, scheduling, training, and supporting a diverse team of volunteers who help make the festival a success. This is a hands-on, service-minded role perfect for someone who’s highly organized, approachable, and passionate about both the arts and community engagement.”
- HarperCollins Canada and Harlequin are looking for an Editorial Assistant (hybrid, Toronto) and an Editor. Click on each position to learn more!
Submissions
Exciting opportunities await you here!
- Annick Press is currently accepting submissions of picture books, early chapter books, middle grade fiction, YA fiction, graphic novels, and non-fiction for kids of all ages. You can read more about the submission guidelines here!
- The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is now accepting submissions for its children’s book awards – of which there are seven. You can browse the different calls here!
- Not quite yet, but keep an eye out for Event Magazine as they’ll be open for submissions in July! The date is TBD but we’ll be sure to keep you posted. In the meantime, prep your fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and reviews!
- For Canadian writers, you’re in the final stretch to submit your work to The Malahat Review! Their submission period ends this month so be sure to submit ASAP!
- Filling Station Magazine is open for submissions and has a Companionship themed call, but act fast, because the deadline is July 4th.
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.
Take care, and happy reading,
The Young Adulting Editors
YOUNG ADULTING 