Always with You

When a little girl’s grandfather dies, she knows that although he is “gone,” he is still very much a part of her life. Emily sees reminders of him everywhere, from a framed photograph on her ... Read More »

April 1, 2019 | Filed under: Children and YA Fiction, Kids’ Books

Camp Average

By Craig Battle

“We’re Number Two!” chant the returning denizens of Camp Avalon, affectionately nicknamed Camp Average for its notable lack of sporting prowess. Little do they know that changes are afoot: this summer there’s a new director, ... Read More »

March 28, 2019 | Filed under: Children and YA Fiction, Kids’ Books

Orange for the Sunsets

By Tina Athaide

In 1971, nine years after Uganda declared independence, General Idi Amin staged a coup in the African country, seized power, and executed his predecessor’s supporters. In August of 1972, he declared Ugandans of South Asian ... Read More »

March 25, 2019 | Filed under: Children and YA Fiction, Kids’ Books

★ Operatic

By Kyo Maclear and Byron Eggenschwiler (ill.)

Expectations are high for this debut graphic novel from prolific writer Kyo Maclear and Calgary illustrator Byron Eggenschwiler. For publisher Groundwood Books, Operatic follows on the success of huge literary hits Jane, the Fox & ... Read More »

March 18, 2019 | Filed under: Children and YA Fiction, Kids’ Books

Stand on the Sky

By Erin Bow

Although Aisulu loves her brother dearly, she is getting tired of living in his shadow. When an opportunity finally arises for her to shine on her own, she seizes it. While the premise of Stand ... Read More »

March 4, 2019 | Filed under: Children and YA Fiction, Kids’ Books

The Case of Windy Lake

By Michael Hutchinson

Most mysteries featuring kid detectives – Nate the Great, Cam Jansen, the Boxcar Children, the Bobbsey Twins, and Harriet M. Welsch (better known as Harriet the Spy) – default to a white protagonist or a ... Read More »

February 21, 2019 | Filed under: Children and YA Fiction, Kids’ Books

The Center of the Universe

By Ria Voros

Grace Carter shares a name with her mother and grandmother, but the three generations of women have little else in common. Or so high-school student Grace thinks at the beginning of the latest novel by ... Read More »

February 14, 2019 | Filed under: Children and YA Fiction, Kids’ Books

Manuelito: A Graphic Novel

By Elisa Amado and Abraham Urias (ill.)

Three new graphic novels tell difficult stories of survival, highlighting the struggles many teens face in battling discrimination, racism, and political violence. In each book, home is shown to be of critical importance, while at ... Read More »

February 7, 2019 | Filed under: Children and YA Fiction, Kids’ Books