A POTPOURRI OF TITLES: 3 fiction + 2 verse novels+ 2 picture books + 1 novella + 1 graphic stories + 1 award winner. Most books, unless noted otherwise, are from 2025.
COACH by Jason Reynolds
Jason Reynolds knows a lot. He really knows the inside and outside life of his characters and tells great stories that invites readers into the behaviours, dreams and trials of his protagonists. He really knows his readers by telling stories that engage, question and connect to the fictional narratives. Jason Reynolds also knows a LOT about being a track kid. He once was one. Coach is the fifth book in his Track series and this story is centred on the kid who grew into the man who became the Coach of Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu. When he was a student in middle school, Otis Brody Jr. was a track star who had dreams of running in the Olympics. Spurred on by his adoration of Carl Lewis, Otis (Otie) is an expert runner well-coached by his coach – and his father, who was once a fast runner too. There are some secrets about his father’s past and present life and Otie hopes to learn about these hidden truths and his father’s place in the Black neighbourhood community. Reynold’s tells a great story about Otis Brody Jr.’s determination and spirit to be the best track and field star he can be (and the best coach he will become). Jason Reynolds uplifting Track novels are moving stories about athletic kids well on the move. Note: A pair of Air Jordan Three sneakers is a strong character in the story. (“To me, they were more than cool. They were also the possibility of magic. They were transportation to the sky. Leather and laced-up time machines.” (p. 180)
Jason Reynolds presents a clever device to introduce each of the sixteen chapters of this novel. In lieu of a ‘traditonal’ title, the author writes “The Moral of the Story is: and provides a brief passage that encapsulates both the narrative and message/moral of the chapter’s content. Examples: Chapter 3: Principals Are the Real Aliens and They Will Never Understand the Future World Champions Like Best Friends Do; Chapter 5; A Future World Champion Has to Sometimes Teach His Own Mother How to Dream.
FINDING LOST by Holly Goldberg Sloan / Death Loss and Remembrance
Who doesn’t love a novel about dogs that are great companions? Cordy Jenkins’s family is dealing with the accidental death of her father. Her mother works hard to keep things above board and her brother, Geno, a gentle kind sold adored by all. When Cordy discovers a stray dog she (of course) makes a plea to take him into their home. Lost (the dog) is the perfect pet – except for the fact that his breath stinks. In an attempt to get proper care for Lost, Cordy takes him to a free clinic and this ends up changing her life. (Spoiler: Cordy’s Mom and the veterinarian, Taj, become ‘involved’. The setting, a small town in Oregon adds to the appeal of this novel as Cordy observes, admires and is curious about nature. Sloane offers just enough information about dogs, dolphins, crabs and birds. Add this title to the list of books by Holly Goldberg Sloan (Counting by 7’s; Short) that provide portraits of loving families and strong friendships. Finding Lost is a heartwarming story about a resourceful daughter who’s described as being ” so smart and curious about the world. You’re always learning about new things. That’s what I’m saying. You aren’t afraid.” Cordy thinks “If I gave myself a nickname, what would it be? Maybe The Wonderer I wonder about everything. Readers will find a friend in Cordy, a girl who learns to deal with change and finding hope when she finds Lost.
Excerpt (p. 63)
Now that I have Lost waiting at home, he takes away some of the sadnes. That might be why people live with animlas. There’s a another beating heart close by. Maybe you can’t hear it, but you feel it. / Comfort means different things to different people.
THE FIRST YEAR by Matt Goodfellow; Illus. Joe Todd Stanton / sequel / verse novel / bullying
We first met Nate a student who was completing his final year in Primary School (Year 6) and is now entering high school (Year 7). In the award-winning book The Final Year readers came to know and care for Natie and the trials he encountered in his family and school life. As an older brother and son and friend, Natie is beloved. He comes to learn how to play ‘the high school game’ and continues to be burdened with anxiety attacks (The Beast) and the threat of a bully’s fists. He also is dedicated to putting his thoughts into writing poems and this device helps readers get inside Nate’s head. In this book, we learn about the reappearance of his long-lost father and Natie (and readers) wonder if this will have positive outcomes. This sequel is another great read by Matt Goodfellow. Nate is a lovable optimistic, carry on young adolescent (“I’m OK. I can handle it. All of it”.) As former school teacher and multi-award winning poet, Goodfellow’s use of verse to tell a story with honesty and humour and love is sensational.
Excerpt (p. 438)
Yer a tough kid, Nate.
A fighter.
Ain’t nothin can stop ya, LAD,
Proper powerful thing to have,
Yer mum’s done a good job.
THE LAST SAFE PLACE ON EARTH by Richard Peck / YA / 1995 /censorship
Walden Woods seems to be an ideal safe place to live. Todd, a tenth grade student, lives with his family (on Tranquility Lane) and all seems to be happy and safe in his family, that is until Laura Kellerman arrives to babysit, Todds’ baby sister, Marnie. Todd is smitten with her almost as much as Marnie. But something wicked this way comes as Laurel attempts to indoctrinate the young girl with her fanatic religious beliefs. “If you don’t know the power of the devel, you go to hell. You burn for a long time, for eternity. Anyone who doesn’t believe that burns in hell.” (p. 86). Meanwhile, Marnie is terrified of participating in Halloween events. Meanwhile there are car crash incidents appearing throughout town. Meanwhile, a local parents’ group rises to remove ‘evil’ books from the school libraries (The Diary of a Young Girl, The Chocolate War.) Walden Woods isn’t a perfect place as Todd – we – were lead to believe.
This novel was a bit of a curiosity for me. When I read that it dealt with banning books in schools, (Todd’s English class is studying Ray Bradbury’s Farenheit 451), I was intrigued, especially since Peck’s hook was published thirty years ago. Richard Peck was the award-winning author of over 40 novels for middle years and adolescent readers (e.g., A Year Down Yonder, A Teacher’s Funeral, Secrets of a Shopping Mall) Speaking of censorship, I once attended and heard Peck speak on a panel of authors about book banning and remember him saying, if you want to get kids to read a book, just say “Don’t read this book! This panel took place about decades years before the release of his novel, Best Man (2016)that told a love story about a gay marriage. Bravo to you, Richard Peck (1934 – 2018).
Excerpt
“We had all kinds of problems in junior high, but none of them were about books. And if anybody told us not to read a ook, that’s the first one we’d have read.”
LOST EVANGELINE by Kate DiCamillo; Illus. Sophie Blackall / novella
A shoemaker welcomes a tiny girl, tiny as a mouse into his household and much to the chagrin of his wife, he raises the girl who he named Evangeline as his own. Both adopted daughter and father dream of searching the wide wide world by sea but, the when mean old wife gets rid of the girl, Evangeline is lost and yearns to be reunited with the shoemaker. Will she able to find her way home again with the help of a dangerous cat? Lost Evangeline is the stuff of folktales and Kate DiCamillo brilliantly (of course!) tells an imaginative story filled with adventure and heart. Sophie Blackall’s art work covers full page and half page spreads, as well as featured spot images that illuminate the people, places and things of this story. Lost Evangeline is the third title in ‘The Norendy Tales’ trilogy (The Puppets of Spellhorst. The Hotel Balzaar). I’d be a very happy reader if this series continues and continues. Kate DiCamillo is a master storyteller. Sophie Blackall is a magical artist. Two geniuses at work. The pages of this edition are edged in gilt. DiCamillo and Blackall are indeed a golden team. A+ from Dr. Larry.
PEACHALOO IN BLOOM by Chris Raschka / novel
The title may seem a bit ‘precious’ but Peachaoloo Piccolozsmpa is a strong, resourceful character that readers would likely want for a friend. Peachaloo, a young girl who is about to enter seventh grade is spending time with her OMI (Helena) in a small town named Four words in Pennsylvania. Fourwords, (i.e.,Four words) got its name from the towns ancestors who lived by the motto of FOUR WORDS (FAITH, HOPE, CHARITY, and PATIENCE. Peachaloo has one leg shorter than another and walks with a limp but maintains a carefree, accepting attitude about her disability. She enjoys spending time swimiing with Omi as well as her jump-roping friend Lucy. All is happy, until Peachaloo is stung by a wasp and develops Extra Sensory Perception which she calls EWP (Extra Wasp Perception), which enables the girl to spot the truth behind everone’s words. Adventure ensues when arrogant, rich, bully, Major Gasbag, ol comes to town with the threat of taking over, building huge buildings, destroying the environment and building a golf course. Will Peachaloo and her acquaintances be able to put a stop to this evil plan, especially when everyone is busy putting together the annual Ronnie and Donny pageant to retell the story of famous bank robbers who are part of Fourwords history. Award-winning author/ illustrator Chris Raschka has created over 5 dozen books working alone or as an illustrator for poetry books. Hooray to Mr. Raschka for this delightful foray into writing and doing art work for this novel. A great storyteller + a great artist + a great sense of humour = an original, adventurous piece of fiction with unforgettable peachy characters.
A SEA OF LEMON TREES by Maria Dolores Aguila / Historical fiction/ verse novel
Maria Dolores Aguila has done a thorough job researching the history “The Lemon Grove Incident”, a significant event in the history of the United States, i.e.. the segregation of Mexican children attending the Lemon Grove Grammar School. The event takes place in 1931, more than 20 years before the Supreme Court’s landmark Brown v Board of Education decision. Mexican children were being forced to attend a separate inferior location, a shack known as la caballeriza (the stable). The Mexican community stood their ground despite threats of deportation and racist taunts. Twelve year old Roberto Alvarez was chosen as the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the school and Aguila has chosen to recall this history through Roberto Alvarez’s eyes and dreams that ‘Yo soy el futuro.’ The choice of free verse format, filered through with Spanish language, helps to provide snapshots into the world of the Mexican community (“The Houses in La olonia are like patches/ each one different/ but sewn together / into a community (p,130). A Sea of Lemon Trees is a superior example of historical fiction that digs into the plight of Mexican’s working and surviving almost 100 years ago. In the end, this is a novel that ultimately speaks to activism and a fight for what’s right, insisting that “all young people belong”. I expect future award recognition for this beauthiful book.
Excerpt (p.134-135)
“… adults always say / you are being disrespectful if you point out/ when they are wrong. And I really, /really, / want to say /he’s wrong. All the kids should be together. / We are all equal. This is something / my bones know.”
SEVEN GENERATIONS: A Plains Cree Saga by David A. Robertson; Illus. Scott B. Henderson/ graphic stories / YA
7 Generations. 4 chapters. 3 centuries. 1 Cree family. This graphic book is presented with four titles, each capturing the past history and present story of Edwin, a teenager struggling to fell connected to his family and his Indigeneity. (“…knowing where you came from helps you understand where you are.”). The four narratives include 1) war experience in the early 1800’s 2) a smallpox epidemic; 3) residential school trauma’ and 4) family conflicts and connections. This release is the 15th anniversary edition by master storyteller, David A. Robertson with striking, masterful art work by Scott B. Henderson.
From the preface by David A. Robertson
“The term ‘blood memory’ is not exclusively Indigenous: the lives of those who come before us are woven into our DNA.”
“I worked at developing a story that would entertain, educate, and change the perception of Indigenous Peoples.”
“Stories are a gift. They are meant to be shared.”
“Visual storytelling speaks to something innate in all of us. That’s what makes comics so effective as an educational tool: they reach a wide demographic, and the images and words create an environment where readers can draw significant meaning from a page full of panels, images, speech balloons and captions.”
WORDS MATTER: The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, and the White Rose Resistance. Words: Anita Fitch Pazner; Art by Sophie Casson / nonfiction, free verse, picture book
The White Rose Resistance was a German student movement that spoke out against the Nazis during World War II. Words and leaflets were the ammunition used by the members of the Resistance who worked in secret to plan the spreading of the word, even though it meant that there lives were at risk. Believing in the goodness that was inherent in the souls of German citizens and believing in the right to freedom of speech in fearful times, brother and sister, Hans and Sophie Scholl were instrumental members and eventual leaders of the White Rose Resistance. Words Matter is a brilliant hybrid of a publication – historical fiction, biography, free verse format. vividly strong art work throughout – making this a powerful legacy to words:Words, you see, are beautiful; Words you see, spread truth: Words, you see, have consequences; Words, you see, matter!
SHOUT OUT!
ALWAYS REMEMBER: The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, The Horse and the Storm by Charlie Mackesy/ all ages
When it was published in 2019, Charlie Mackesy’s book The Boy, The Mole, the fox, the horse enjoyed huge success (deserved). It was one of my favourite books of the year, a book I gifted to many friends. The story was tranformed into an animated film which won an Academy Award. I was thrilled to see the release of a sequel where we once again meet four characters having a series of conversations. The author captures the soul and personality of each of the friends as hey discuss the importance of facing life’s struggles and storms, carrying on, kindness and cake. Some might consider that the messages of this book might be a bit ‘shmaltzy’ but the philosophical statements are gems that invite readers to connect, reflect and wonder. Mackesy’s watercolour art work and ink drawings are spectacular vividly capturing the mood of the story and splendour of the natural environment. Always Remember is another illustrated masterpiece that will be remembered once finished and returned to again and again.
Excerpts
“When you think of everyone you love…: said the fox, “I hope you include yourself.”
>>>>
“Sometimes” said he mole, every step you take is a victory.”
>>>>
“What if I’m afraid of my nex step?” asked the boy. “Breathe, ” said the horse. “That can be your next step.”
>>>>]
“Carpe diem, ” said the mole. “What does that mean?” “Don’t leave to tomorrow the cake you could eat today.”
>>>>
“Often the best answer is just to listen.”
SHOUT OUT
TIG by Heather Smith / 2024
Bravo to Heather Smith for winning the Governor General’s award for young people’s text. Tig tells the story of a young girl struggling to find peace within herself after being abandoned by her addict mother and taken in by her uncle and his partner. This is a heartbreaking story about resilience, imagination and coping. Heather Smith’s writing is oh-so-glorious and this publication is so deserved of Governor General’s award recognition.
NOTE: This Land is A Lullaby writtern by Tonya Simpson and illustrated by Delree Dumont was the winner in the young people’s illustrated book category