Reviews of books with Black representation.
Magic amongst the trees, a rumour of a devil, and friends going missing—Camp Twisted Pine is not the pleasant summer camp that was promised. Booksmart Naomi, who prefers the indoors, was already hesitant about the camp before hearing of its legends… … More Camp Twisted Pine by Ciera Burch
Khodi is a biracial Afro-Caribbean writer, rapper, spoken word artist and educator based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Growing up in Moose Jaw, Khodi was often the only Black person in his school and one of few in his community, experiencing a wealth of microaggressions.
Reading the stories of Khodi’s life made me more aware of how important it is to have a Black Canadian perspective on anti-blackness and anti-racism. … More Stay Up: Racism, Resistance, and Reclaiming Black Freedom by Khodi Dill, illus. Stylo Starr
Each one of her ancestors comes to life through their respective poems, with their own voices, wants, and beliefs. In this, the picture of Weatherford’s family feels whole and complete. Weatherford shares earnestly what she both knows and imagines to be her family’s thoughts and experiences, urging the reader to connect and empathize deeply with the text’s characters. … More Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford, art by Jeffery Boston Weatherford
The characters in Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels are well-rounded and believable, with each undergoing meaningful growth throughout the story. Onyeka herself is a relatable and likable protagonist, grappling with her own insecurities and fears while striving to protect those she loves. Supporting characters like Adanna, Niyì, and Hassan add depth to the story, each bringing their own unique strengths and weaknesses to the table. … More Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels by Tolá Okogwu
Miles Morales Suspended touches on themes of identity, censorship, and the “patterns” of Miles’ life and upbringing through a combination of prose and poetry. The reader joins Miles for a day of in-school suspension, and it soon becomes apparent that something is afoot when termites start popping up and setting off his spidey-sense. Can Spider-Man solve this mystery? Or is this incident representative of something greater than defeating another bad guy? … More Miles Morales Suspended: A Spider-Man Novel by Jason Reynolds, illus. Zeke Peña
So much happens in this book, I could not stop reading. In this sequel to Legendborn, Briana Mathews is no longer just fighting shadowborn demons and trying to uncover the truth of her mother’s death. Now, Bree finds herself in the supposedly most powerful position within the unwelcoming Order. She is suddenly fighting demons who want to take over the world, political leaders who see her as a threat to their system, and ancestors from two different bloodlines who think she should do things differently. … More Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
Throughout the ordeal with the police, the public, and the family, the book shows how privilege, media, racism, and distrust interact to control both parts of a story — the spun narrative and the harrowing truth. As more secrets come to light, things become even more morally complex and layered. The descriptions of violence and terror (clarified in the book’s content warnings) are intense and don’t hold back, creating a suspenseful, disturbing atmosphere in a truly enthralling way. … More Tender Beasts by Liselle Sambury
Coi is a strong-willed and lovable main character, and Carter does a wonderful job of developing her personality. Though this novel tackles tougher subjects like grief and trauma, it also addresses struggles teenagers often face. As a first-year university student, Coi is figuring out her professional passions, developing meaningful friendships, and understanding her new romantic relationship. The mix of these struggles while also coming to terms with her mother’s death culminates in a determined main character I couldn’t help but root for. … More And Then There Was Us by Kern Carter
At the centre of the story, Adina is a fascinating character that doesn’t demand you to like her, but to understand her motivations. Still, it’s impossible not to admire how her stubbornness in holding onto her dreams translates into loyalty toward others and upholding her own dignity. … More Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington
At some point or another, every kid wishes for exciting adventures, real magic, and a trusty animal sidekick. Janelle McCurdy’s The Lightcasters encompasses all those childhood dreams but with a twist. The umbra—hybrid animals made of shadows and magic—come to life in McCurdy’s prose with a unique reimagining of the bond between humans and animals. The novel begins with 12-year-old Mia’s first-day training to be an umbra tamer, a first day which quickly turns dangerous as Mia’s city falls under attack and most of its people are captured. Thrown into an adventure outside the city walls, Mia must learn to tame umbra in the field with only her wits and Jada—an older girl and taming mentor—to guide her. It’s up to Mia, Jada, her best friend TJ, her little brother Lucas, and her newly bonded umbra to brave all kinds of new dangers in the name of saving their world. … More The Lightcasters by Janelle McCurdy
YOUNG ADULTING 