By Yolanda T. Marshall

Young adult novels and children’s books have been prominent on my reading list this year. They are like anti-wrinkle creams for my ageing mind. I can’t think of a better way to keep my bones warm as we transition into the colder months ahead. I am thankful for books, and here are a few of my recommended reads this month. Get under a blanket and grab some books!

Matthew Dawkins is a passionate Jamaican storyteller and poet based in Canada. This 2018 Watty Award Winner is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at Western University. Matthew’s young adult novel, Until We Break, touches on mental health, art, and the evolution of oneself.

“Naomi’s been burying her grief by focusing on her dancing. But her mental health deteriorates when an injury steals that refuge, and she seeks answers outside her carefully constructed reality. Then one night, she meets Saint, a street artist, and he opens an entirely new world for her. A world that’s not connected to dance.” – Wattpad Books, Sept 2022.

Johnnie Christmas is an award-winning New York Times best-selling novelist based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. He is the co-creator of the series Angel Catbird alongside Margaret Atwood. His latest book, Swim Team, has been longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.

“Bree can’t wait for her first day at her new middle school, Enith Brigitha, home to the Mighty Manatees—until she’s stuck with the only elective that fits her schedule, the dreaded Swim 101. The thought of swimming makes Bree more than a little queasy, yet she’s forced to dive headfirst into one of her greatest fears. Lucky for her, Etta, an elderly occupant of her apartment building and former swim team captain, is willing to help.”- HarperAlley, May 2022.

Rahma Rodaah is a Somali Canadian author and a mother of four children in Edmonton. Rodaah started self-publishing picture books so kids like hers would feel represented in literature. Dear Black Child is her latest and traditionally published children’s book, delightfully illustrated by Lydia Mba.

“Dear Black Child,

The universe is vast.

So take as much space as you can.

Stand in your own light.

Wear your crown with pride.

Let your name be your flag.

Say it loud and say it proud.

Wave it until it’s woven in their mind.” – HarperCollins, 2022

Leonarda Carranza was born in San Salvador and presently resides in Canada. She is an award-winning author of Briarpatch Magazine’s Writing in the Margins contest and Room’s 2018 short forms contest. Carranza holds a PhD in Social Justice Education from the University of Toronto. Her latest children’s book, Abuelita and Me, addresses racism and empowerment.

“In this touching, empowering picture book debut, a girl and her beloved Abuelita lean on each other as they contend with racism while running errands in the city. Spending time at home with Abuelita means pancakes, puddle-jumping, and nail-painting. But venturing out into the city is not always fun. Warm, expressive illustrations by Rafael Mayani highlight the tenderness in Abuelita and the narrator’s relationship.” – Annick Press., April 2022.

Trynne Delaney, the brilliant author of A House Unsettled, currently resides in Tiohtià:ke (Montreal). This is Delaney’s debut young adult novel.

“With her dad’s incarceration, escalating fights with her mom, and an overbearing stepdad she’s not sure she can trust, Asha is desperate for the fresh start promised by a move to the country. Her great aunt Aggie’s crumbling, pest-ridden house isn’t exactly what she had in mind, but the immediate connection she makes with her new neighbour Cole seems like a good sign. Soon, though, Asha’s optimism is shadowed by strange and disturbing occurrences within the old house’s walls: footsteps stalking the halls; a persistent chill; cold hands around her neck in the middle of the night . . .” – Annick Press, October 2022.

Mark your calendars! On October 22^nd, from 3 pm to 9 pm, attend the BLK Book Fair for more great books. Meet local authors and illustrators such as Ekiuwa Aire, Kwame Osei, Kelvin Nyeusi-Mawazo, Cheryl Charles, Sam Tita, Victoria Daley, Dornalee Saunders, Stephanie Duff and many more. This book event is at 155 Commerce Valley Dr E (Thornhill).

I will see you there!

  books, Reading