10 Canadian young adult titles to watch for in the first half of 2018
Mark your calendars! These young adult fiction books are coming soon to a bookstore near you.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrated by Emily Carroll
What it's about: Melinda is disliked by her classmates for breaking up a summer party by calling the police. What her classmates don't understand is that she only made that call after being raped. Speak is a potent consideration of the repercussions of hiding the truth. Laurie Anderson's novel is updated with illustrations by Canadian Emily Carroll.
When you can read it: Feb. 6, 2018
A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena
What it's about: A journey into the risks of stereotyping, A Girl Like That follows the life, and death, of a girl living in Saudi Arabia. She is considered a troublemaker until a car crash takes her life. Through writing of her death, Tanaz Bhathena explores teenage alienation, angst and ambition.
When you can read it: Feb. 27, 2018
Fire Song by Adam Garnet Jones
What it's about: Following his sister's suicide, Shane, a gay Indigenous teenager in Northern Ontario, struggles to support his family, and is eventually forced to choose between his family's home and his own future. Fire Song is an adaptation of Adam Garnet Jones's award-winning film.
When you can read it: March 13, 2018
Here So Far Away by Hadley Dyer
What it's about: When a high school senior's final year takes a stressful and negative turn, she looks to other avenues to have some fun. In particular, she catches feelings for an older man, and it initially feels like the perfect relationship. Hadley Dyer's novel explores how easy it can be to lose oneself in a controlling and abusive relationship.
When you can read it: March 20, 2018
Black Chuck by Regan McDonell
What it's about: Even with his reputation for danger and madness, Réal is deeply impacted by his best friend's death. It doesn't help that Réal cannot fully convince himself that he was not the murderer. Black Chuck examines how even characters with the darkest reputations can try to make amends.
When you can read it: April 3, 2018
Adele's Garden by Linda Amyot, translated by Norman Cornett
What it's about: Linda Amyot writes about the friendship between two women; one is a teenager, the other is decades older. Brought together through serendipity, they quickly find a connection. With its characters discussing life, growing up and falling in love, Adele's Garden — which won the Governor General's Literary Award for French-language children's literature — gives two rich perspectives to every topic it tackles.
When you can read it: May 1, 2018
The Discovery of Flight by Susan Glickman
What it's about: Two sisters spend a great amount of their time writing. The older sister, living with cerebral palsy, is writing a fantasy novel in which she escapes the confines of her wheelchair. The younger sister writes in a diary expressing her concerns as her sister's condition worsens.
When you can read it: May 1, 2018
Pulse Point by Colleen Nelson
What it's about: Set in a world where climate change has changed everything, society must maintain equilibrium in Colleen Nelson's sci-fi novel. A citizen of this new world may only use energy they produce and if the scale weighs too much to one side, people must be removed to restore balance.
When you can read it: May 8, 2018
Fifteen Point Nine by Holly Dobbie
What it's about: Fifteen-year-old Aggie is tormented by bullies at school, but when she comes home life is no easier. Her mother is a hoarder, alcoholic and neglectful parent. Having had enough, Aggie decides to fight back, turn her life around and save her mom. Holly Dobbie's writing speaks to a sense of courage, determination and hope.
When you can read it: May 12, 2018
Sanctuary by Caryn Lix
What it's about: A trainee guard on an interstellar prison is captured by rioting inmates when a security drill goes awry. The trainee must plan her own escape when her commander appears more interested in sticking to protocol. As she is ready to make for freedom, a new and bigger threat makes its presence known.
When you can read it: July 24, 2018