YOUNG ADULTING

It Happened on Sweet Street by Caroline Adderson, Illus. by Stéphane Jorisch

May 21, 2020

Review by Jocelyne Gregory

When bakers fight, it’s the public that wins… at least that is what happens on Sweet Street. Caroline Adderson’s It Happened on Sweet Street takes place on a quiet cul-de-sac where Monsieur “creator of cakes” Oliphant, Mademoiselle “cookie concocter” Fée, and Madame “ baker of pies” Clotilde compete against each other in baking contests. … More It Happened on Sweet Street by Caroline Adderson, Illus. by Stéphane Jorisch

Ray by Marianna Coppo

May 14, 2020

Review by Lauren Hathaway

Life can be rather boring when you’re a lightbulb in a dark closet. At least it is for Ray, who passes most of his time in dreamless sleep, waiting to be turned on. … More Ray by Marianna Coppo

Hot Comb by Ebony Flowers

May 12, 2020

Review by Britt Runeckles

What does your hair mean to you? To your identity? Hot Comb,by Ebony Flowers, is a collection of raw short stories about black women who face adversity and demonstrate strength, in a world where they are frequently tokenized, rather than accepted. … More Hot Comb by Ebony Flowers

Permanent Record by Mary H.K. Choi

April 28, 2020

Review by Jieun Lee

Nineteen-year-old Pablo Neruda Rind’s life is a complete and utter mess. He’s up over his eyebrows in student debt from a college degree he didn’t finish, and he’s stuck working a graveyard shift at a bodega—err, health food store—while his friends are all getting their lives together and starting real jobs. … More Permanent Record by Mary H.K. Choi

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

April 21, 2020

Review by Hira Peracha

Everyone lies. Or so it seems. Zoe’s biological father, whom she has never met, is in prison for the murder of a university peer and no one will tell Zoe the truth about what happened. … More From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan

April 7, 2020

Review by Natasha Zippan

The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali brings to life the struggle of a queer Muslim teen and takes the reader on an unforgettable ride of love, betrayal, loss, and transformation. Written by Sabina Khan, who immigrated to British Columbia from Bangladesh via the United States, this novel is at once relevant, shocking, and heartwarming. … More The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan

5 Questions for Brittany Luby

April 6, 2020

Brittany Luby is an award-winning historian who originates from Treaty #3 in what is now known as northwestern Ontario. Luby believes that ink is a powerful tool. The words we write lay the foundation for our future. Luby writes for social justice and seeks to stimulate public discussion of Indigenous issues through her critical and creative work. … More 5 Questions for Brittany Luby

Serious Reviews of Teen Fiction