Bitter, Sweet by Laura Best
Summary: The Burbidge family have each other, and after being abandoned by their father and the illness of their mother, their bond is stronger than ever. After their mother dies, Jesse, Pru, and their younger brother and sister struggle to keep her death a secret from noisy neighbours and the law so they can stay together. An unexpected return further complicates things and ultimately results in a showdown between Jesse and the RCMP, leaving the Burbidge children to decide who they can and cannot trust. Number of Pages: 144 Age Range: 13-14 Review: Bitter, Sweet. Apt title. With all of the...
Read MoreMembrane by Carol Moreira
Summary: Tanya’s got problems. When she falls through a membrane and enters a parallel universe, she encounters her double who has problems of her own. Nicknamed P by Tanya, P’s problems include the inhabitants of another parallel universe trying to invade her world. The membrane has a mind of its’ own, and Tanya, P and their friend all find themselves at its’ mercy, giving them new perspectives on the invasion issue. Faced with an invasion into her mind, Tanya learns to overcome her troubled memories to become a stronger person. Number of Pages: 234 Age Range: 13-14...
Read MoreThe Secret Under My Skin by Janet McNaughton
Summary: Blay Raytee is an orphan living in a Committee (or government) work camp. Her life changes one day when she is chosen to be the tutor/maid for the new Bio-Indicator, Marrella. Living with Marrella gives Blay a chance to become part of a community and also allows her a chance to figure out the secrets of her past, something Blay is reluctant to give up when she realises her time with Marrella is coming to an end. Number of Pages: 238 Age Range: 13-14 Review: Janet McNaughton goes from Scotland circa 1164 in An Earthly Knight to a dystopian Canada circa 2368 in The Secret Under My...
Read MoreBuried Truths by Alice Walsh
Summary: Fourteen year-old Zoe is facing major life changes. Her mother died and she’s suddenly moving from Toronto, Ontario to Port au Choix, Newfoundland to live with a father she’s never met because her mother told her he was dead. Things become more confusing when Zoe realises her new family have secrets of their own, but it turns out her father being alive was not the only thing her mother was hiding. When Zoe’s Aunt Caroline sends her mother’s journals to her, she learns just how terrifying facing the truth can be. Number of Pages: 175 Age Range: 13-14 Review:...
Read MoreThe Secret Life of a Funny Girl by Susan Chalker Browne
Summary: The year is 1971 and the sudden death of 13 year-old Maureen’s Gran changes the dynamics of her family for the worse. Her mother’s already fragile institution is pushed to the limit, and her profound depression can only be treated through a stay at the local mental hospital. Maureen is expected to step up in her mother’s absence, doing household chores previously done by her Gran and her mother. Finding herself facing the stigma of having a mother dealing with mental illness and the pressures of her increased responsibility, Maureen is also finishing up her grade...
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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