I Am Connected is about unity. Ḵung Jaadee’s picture book, illustrated by Carla Joseph, inspires readers to observe and reflect on our relationships with each other, the environment, animals, our ancestors, and ourselves. … More I am Connected by Kung Jaadee, illustrated by Carla Joseph
Léa Taranto’s debut YA novel, A Drop in the Ocean, brings readers into the life of teenaged protagonist Mira, who has been institutionalized at the Residency Adolescent Treatment Centre for obsessive compulsive and comorbid disorders. Drawing from her own lived experience, Taranto has written this auto-fictional novel straight from her heart. Through Mira, Taranto has penned a fiercely loyal and loveably articulate protagonist who is brutally honest, full of empathy, and impossible not to root for. … More A Drop in the Ocean by Léa Taranto
In Words with Wings and Magic Things, Matthew Burgess returns with an enchanting poetry collection for children, once again earning his well-deserved spot on the Kids’ Indie Next List. With Burgess’ whimsical, heartfelt verses combined with stunning illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Doug Salati, this collection reminds readers to pause, look up, and to see the best our world has to offer. … More Words with Wings and Magic Things by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Doug Salati
The Bitter End by Alexa Donne features eight reluctant high schoolers on a “digital detox” senior trip at a ski chalet. Most of them are rich and spoiled, some of them are on the rise to fame, and a few are just regular students trying to get to graduation, making for a varied and dynamic cast. … More The Bitter End by Alexa Donne
For the worriers and their steadfast counterparts who offer reassurances, Scott Rothman gives us Warm and Fuzzy, a touching example of anxiety and the gentle ways in which to handle it. This picture book, wonderfully illustrated by Brian Won, follows Warm and Fuzzy as they gear up to embark on an adventure. … More Warm and Fuzzy by Scott Rothman, illustrated by Brian Won
In her debut picture book, Chantaie Allick introduces the wonderfully colourful, bold and inspiring Amoya Blackwood Is Brave. As children, we march to the beat of our own drum, carrying a confidence that can sometimes fade as we grow up. This story explores that first moment when someone dims your light and the impact of the experience. … More Amoya Blackwood Is Brave by Chantaie Allick, illustrated by Aaron Marin
Randy Ribay, award-winning author of Patron Saints of Nothing, returns with another stirring novel foregrounding Filipino-American experiences. Everything We Never Had follows four generations of Filipino-American boys wrestling with their identities. … More Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay
Getting any role in the school play, big or small, is a big deal, but finding a way into the spotlight at home is a struggle for Russell within his big, fun, and vibrant Native family. As the play approaches, Russell fails to get his family’s attention. He begins to wonder, is it time for Russell to shine on his own and give up on his wish for his family to notice him? Or will he manage to succeed and get his family to cheer him on before it’s too late? … More Too Much: My Great Big Native Family by Laurel Goodluck, illustrated by Bridget George
Maia Dueck reviews Adi Denner’s YA novel, The Kiss of the Nightingale. This action-packed story filled with a whirlwind romance and quick turns will pull you in. Right when the characters reach a moment of understanding, more drama unfolds, pulling them apart or pitching Cleodora into another impossible decision. … More The Kiss of the Nightingale by Adi Denner
It’s always the ones you least expect. Pretty Furious by E.K. Johnston is 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. Set in the small, conservative town of Eganston, Ontario, the novel follows Maddie, Jenny, Mags, Louise, and Jen, self-proclaimed 17-year-old vigilantes who are tired of sitting by and watching the injustices in their community go unpunished. … More Pretty Furious by E. K. Johnston
YOUNG ADULTING 