Category: Contemporary Realism

Picture a Girl By Jenny Manzer

April 18, 2024

Addie’s voice is very compelling, and she explains her life as an eleven-year-old in a beautiful way. She’s fiercely protective of her brother Billy and is also incredibly practical, having been forced to grow up at such a young age. The descriptions and sensory detail in this book are so honest and real that I was entirely transported into Addie’s world while reading. Manzer does an amazing job at writing about a girl who has experienced things kids should never have to experience in a very age-appropriate way. … More Picture a Girl By Jenny Manzer

And Then There Was Us by Kern Carter

April 16, 2024

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

The Care and Keeping of Grandmas by Jennifer Mook-Sang, illus. by Yong Ling Kang

April 18, 2023

Review by Gabrielle Tselos Illustrated by Yong Ling Kang Tundra, April 4th, 2023 32 pages, hardcover, $23.99 CAD, 9780735271340 Ages 3-7 years Picture book, realistic fiction “My grandma was discombobulated by changes to her routine. But I was patient. Eventually, we found plans that worked for everyone.” The Care and Keeping of Grandmas tells the … More The Care and Keeping of Grandmas by Jennifer Mook-Sang, illus. by Yong Ling Kang

Double or Nothing by Brooke Carter

March 30, 2023

Review by Deborah Vail Orca Sounding Books, August 2020 137 pages, paperback, Hi-Low $10.95 CAD, 978-1459-8238-15 Ages 12+ Young Adult, Contemporary Realism It’s not about the money. It’s not even about winning or losing. It’s about hating myself, punishing myself and then seeking redemption in all the wrong ways. Imagine being so smart that, at … More Double or Nothing by Brooke Carter