Young Adult Fiction / 14 and up (Doubleday Canada, 2017) It’s been a while since I gushed about a book but Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten is one of the best things I’ve read all summer. It gripped me with a double set of finely manicured nails and not once did it let me…… Continue Reading
Ages 18+; Young Adult (Penguin, 2009) At the same time hysterically funny and deadpan serious, Me and the Blondes is an engaging read for girls aged 13-16. From Auntie Eva’s unforgettable life philosophies – “You got to inspire za boobies. A beautiful too-big brassiere vill … encourage zem to fill up za cups” – to…… Continue Reading
Grades 5-9 (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2010) I knew I would love Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings. I had read the great reviews. I enjoy the author’s quirky, somewhat “out-there” sense of humour. And I always love a book that draws me into an alternate world and allows me to stay there, happy for the duration,…… Continue Reading
Ages 12+ (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2011) Nailed it! Inside Helaine Becker, there must reside the soul of a 15-year-old boy. I know this because I just spent the afternoon pulled into into the world of Cam Stewart, the mountain-biking, adventurous and somewhat rebellious main character of Trouble in the Hills. Grounded by his father, Cam…… Continue Reading