YOUNG ADULTING

Playlist: The Rebels and Revolutionaries of Sound by James Rhodes, Illus. by Martin O’Neill

April 13, 2021

Review by Louise Brecht

James Rhodes’ Playlist: The Rebels and Revolutionaries of Sound is a spellbinding introduction to the rock star composers of the classical music era(s). Cleverly crafted to resonate with teen readers unfamiliar with this genre, its message that our current tunesmiths are born from classical roots is potent for lapsed fans or music aficionados, regardless of age. … More Playlist: The Rebels and Revolutionaries of Sound by James Rhodes, Illus. by Martin O’Neill

5 Questions for Janet Hill

April 12, 2021

Janet Hill is an artist and writer living in Stratford, Ontario. She is the author and illustrator of Miss Moon: Wise Words from a Dog Governess, Miss Mink: Life Lessons for a Cat Countess, and Lucy Crisp and the Vanishing House. … More 5 Questions for Janet Hill

Lucy Crisp and the Vanishing House by Janet Hill

April 6, 2021

Review by Hira Peracha

When Lucy Crisp, who is halfway through her second gap year between high school and university, receives an acceptance letter to the floral artistry program at Ladywyck Lodge, the last thing she expected to come across was a town of witches and fairies.
… More Lucy Crisp and the Vanishing House by Janet Hill

YAing News: Week of Apr. 5

April 5, 2021

It’s finally April, and somehow this new month just screams spring and all the things that we love about this season — warmer weather, longer days, and colourful spring flowers! … More YAing News: Week of Apr. 5

Tough Like Mum by Lana Button, Illus. by Carmen Mok

April 1, 2021

Review by Logaine Navascués

What does it really mean to be tough? Despite her young age, Kim has already learned that faces are not always a reflection of the feelings people carry inside. … More Tough Like Mum by Lana Button, Illus. by Carmen Mok

The Boy and the Gorilla by Jackie Azúa Kramer, Illus. by Cindy Derby

March 25, 2021

Review by Logaine Navascués

Sometimes, grief fills up everything in and around us, like an enormous dark gorilla standing in the middle of the room: present and inevitable, yet still unimaginable.
… More The Boy and the Gorilla by Jackie Azúa Kramer, Illus. by Cindy Derby

Parked by Danielle Svetcov

March 23, 2021

Review by Sara Francoeur

When someone you love is struggling with a big problem, all you want to do is help. But what if they don’t want your help? In Parked by Danielle Svetcov, two 12-year-olds develop an unlikely friendship while tackling hardships that would challenge most adults. … More Parked by Danielle Svetcov

YAing News: Week of Mar. 22

March 22, 2021

This newsletter is full of resources and contests for our teen readers and writers. Share this list with that avid young reader or writer in your life! … More YAing News: Week of Mar. 22

Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker

March 16, 2021

Review by Claudine Yip

Have you ever gotten in trouble with a parent or teacher for drifting off into your own world? The disapproving look that follows is an expression eleven-year-old Ware is more than familiar with. … More Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker

5 Questions for Gabrielle Prendergast

March 15, 2021

Gabrielle is an award winning writer, teacher and designer living in Vancouver, Canada. She writes picture books, middle grade, and YA contemporary and historical novels as Gabrielle Prendergast. Her science fiction and fantasy is published as G.S. Prendergast. … More 5 Questions for Gabrielle Prendergast

Serious Reviews of Books for Kids and Teens