First Day On Earth by Cecil Castellucci
Summary: Mal is a compassionate teen caring for his mother since his father left them both and started a new life in a new place. But he harbours a secret – when he was a kid, he was abducted by aliens and experimented upon. Mal stumbles into a support group for abduction survivors and meets Hooper, who eventually reveals that he is an alien himself. Looking for a way to escape his miserable, lonely life on Earth, Mal tries to convince Hooper to take him along on his journey home, only to be turned down. In the process of getting Hooper to his spaceship, Mal just might realise that...
Read MoreDooley Takes the Fall by Norah McClintock
Summary: Ryan Dooley is a teenager with a troubled past living with his uncle to get his life back on track. When a stroll after work leads him to witness a schoolmate named Mark Everley falling from a bridge to his death, he is called in for questioning. The police initially rule Everley’s death an accident but Dooley finds himself under scrutiny from his classmates, teachers, and Everley’s sister who wants Dooley’s help in finding out what happened to her brother. A memorial service/party Dooley attends ends up getting him involved in another murder case when another...
Read MoreClose to the Heel by Norah McClintock
Summary: Part of “Seven the Series,” Rennie is the grandson of David McLean that no one knew about. When his grandfather dies, he leaves a task for each of his seven grandsons to complete. Rennie’s task is to venture to Iceland and create a memorial for his grandfather’s friend, but when he gets there events snowball until he finds himself in life and death situation. Whether he makes it out alive and solves the mysteries surrounding him depend on his determination and his ability to face his grief. Number of Pages: 257 Age Range: 14-16 Review: I hadn’t...
Read MoreCarmen by Carole Frechette
Summary: Overwhelmed by nerves at the thought of doing a class presentation, Carmen decides to skip school instead. It’s Valentines’ Day, and after uncharacteristically stealing some lipsticks, Carmen finds herself in front of a tv camera being asked what she would like. Her innocent answer is taken out of context, but an adventure with one of her favourite musicians helps her to understand that she is not alone. In the span of twenty-four hours, Carmen gains newfound confidence not only to face school again, but also to go on a date with the guy she likes. Number of Pages: 101...
Read MoreBreak On Through by Jill Murray
Summary: Overnight, Nadine’s life has turned upside down. Her family is moving from downtown Toronto to Scarborough, and her parents are having another baby. At first it seems she’ll be able to keep her spot in the break dancing group “tha Klub,” but her move to the suburbs is used against her to force her out. An outsider at school and at home, Nadine turns to her break dancing for solace, discovering that you don’t have to be from the inner city to be a b-girl. When her dancing gets in the way of getting good grades at school and her parents discover...
Read MoreAbout Amy
Amy Mathers has been passionate about reading from a very young age, and hopes others will share her enthusiasm for funding a teen book award. Read more Follow Amy
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