Close 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 More121 Express by Monique Polak
Summary: Lucas is determined to change his nerdy reputation when he switches schools. Going from brainiac to popular proves to be pretty easy though if he’s willing to make a few bold moves on the 121 Express bus. His efforts quickly pay off, but the pranks on the bus become more and more outrageous – opening the emergency window, dumping yogurt on another car’s windshield, throwing objects at pedestrians – until the bus driver himself has a nervous breakdown. When one of Lucas’ other friends is about to be the victim of the next prank, it is up to him to stand...
Read MoreEsther by Sharon E. McKay
Summary: Esther is a Jewish girl living in the 1700s, a time when both Jewish people and women are controlled and undervalued. An outsider in her own community due to the nature of her birth, Esther uses a shipwreck to escape her family after learning her father is going to marry her off to Red, the rag picker. She is rescued by Philippe, a sailor, who helps her get on her feet by finding her a place to stay and work. When things go wrong though, Esther transforms herself into a boy and runs away. Thus begins a series of adventures that lead her to New France, where she must confront the...
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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