Contemporary Realism – YOUNG ADULTING

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

The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum

November 24, 2022

Even in the darkest times, Jewish joy and humour always prevail. No matter what. … More The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum

Catch and Release by Liana Cusmano

September 22, 2022

Review by Kaila Johnson

This novel highlights the importance of prioritizing your mental health and allowing yourself to be human. … More Catch and Release by Liana Cusmano

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance by Lisa Yee

May 12, 2022

Review by Avery Lau. Lisa Yee’s book follows Maizy Chen, a pre-teen Chinese-American girl who is taken on a trip to visit her elderly grandparents in a small town called Last Chance, Minnesota. … More Maizy Chen’s Last Chance by Lisa Yee

Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang, illus. by Hyewon Yum

May 5, 2022

Review by Claudine Yip. While their parents take English as a second language class, immigrant children from all cultural backgrounds wait in the playroom next door. The problem is: how do you make friends when you don’t speak the same language? … More Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang, illus. by Hyewon Yum

Me Three by Susan Juby

March 22, 2022

Susan Juby’s Me Three is a daring and refreshing exploration of 11-year-old Rodney’s coming-of-age in the midst of his father’s sexual assault allegations, the displacement of his family, and his subsequent loss of direction and identity. … More Me Three by Susan Juby

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

February 8, 2022

After losing her mother when she was ten, Liz holds onto their connection by doing the thing that they loved the most: watching sappy, wonderfully over-the-top dramatic rom-coms. … More Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff

February 3, 2022

But then, the summer before middle school begins, Uncle Roderick dies. And the ghosts aren’t just cold spots and strange noises anymore: There’s a new ghost — one who seems to have an urgent message for Bug. Too Bright to See is the debut novel from librarian and children’s author Kyle Lukoff. … More Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff

Nothing But Life by Brent van Staalduinen

January 27, 2022

How does a writer describe the trauma and suffering in the aftermath of a school shooting? In Nothing But Life, Brent van Staalduinen tackles difficult subject matter with bravery, sensitivity, and compassion. … More Nothing But Life by Brent van Staalduinen

YOUNG ADULTING

Serious Reviews of Books for Kids and Teens

Category: Contemporary Realism