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. … More Benji Zeb is a Ravenous Werewolf by Deke Moulton
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. … More Julia On the Go! Swimming into Trouble by Angela Ahn, illus. Julia Kim
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. … More The Longest Shot by Chad Soon and George Chiang, illus. Amy Qi
This book reads like a real labour of love because the amount of tropes Lukens’ manages to cram in is unreal. Trapped in a room together, sharing a bed, truth potion, sword fighting, and romantic rescue are all methods of seduction Arek tries on his friends. Through fateful happenstance, or subtle subterfuge, Arek somehow only ever manages to succeed with Matt. … More So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens
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
Karen S. Chow’s expert characterizations flow and the climax in Miracle is both beautiful and coherent, giving readers the sense of truthfulness of life’s circumstances, while at the same time creating a story that is not too heavy or bogged down by traumatic material. There may be controversy over whether or not a story surrounding death and trauma is good for children to read. But, in my opinion, if written correctly by tying in themes of love, friendship, and strength throughout the book, as Chow does, children will benefit from reading the type of material written in Miracle and realize that they are not alone. … More Miracle by Karen S. Chow
Heilman tells this story through the alternating perspective of these three girls, and the insight she gives us into each of their psyches leads to heart wrenching moments of personal discovery and inner conflict. Each girl is earnest and open in their own chapters, confessing their own deepest anxieties and secrets, while still swiftly maintaining the image of ‘having it all together’ to one another. The layers of lies and pressures— from Renzi’s complicated relationship with Davis’s ex, to Jae’s burgeoning queer identity suppressed by her distant mother— build themselves into a painfully realistic and relatable recreation of the high school experience. … More Badass(ish) by Jaymie Heilman
Amy and Christopher also have unique voices that I really enjoyed reading. Amy is a funny and idealistic activist who always dresses as if she’s going to a punk concert. Christopher is a journalist for the highschool paper and the only openly gay guy in the highschool. I loved reading how his perspective of Barcley changed as the book progressed. … More Time Out by Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, and Carlyn Greenwald
Readers learn more about Liv’s interests through Leth’s illustrations of her bedroom posters, the pins on her backpack, and her signature style including fishnets, combat boots, stripes, and lots of black. Leth also incorporates different mediums into her art, including views of Liv’s online messaging and the Daemon’s Thirst video game that Liv’s new friends invite her to play. Overall, the illustrations work to amplify not only the setting, but the characters as well, allowing a deeper connection between readers and Liv. … More Mall Goth by Kate Leth
This story teaches the beautiful lesson that no matter where we are in the world, we can try and bring our favourite parts of home with us. It can be hard moving to a new country, for both children and adults. Not only does this book remind readers that they are not alone, but it also encompasses the importance of getting out into nature. Both the girl and her mother enjoy and value nature, learning about the Earth and all it has to offer. … More A Garden Called Home by Jessica J. Lee, illus. Ellaine Chen
YOUNG ADULTING 