2017 The List Great Reads for Youth

LOL #

TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY young voices

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Conference Young Voices 2016 Meet and work directly Cover art by Jane Li with professional authors and artists.

tpl.ca/youngvoices Contents

COMING OF AGE, 3

HARD HITTING, 4

REAL LIFE, 5

SCHOOL DRAMA, 6

IDENTITY, 7

VOICES, 8

LOL FANTASY, 9

SCIENCE FICTION, 10

COMICS, 11

MANGA, 12

HISTORY, 13

REBOOT, 14

NAILBITERS, 15

HUMOUR, 16 # What’s your reading pleasure? Are you looking to solve mysteries, discover superheroes or scare yourself silly. The List has you covered. From real life to fantasy, hard-hitting to humour, comics to coming-of-age, and so much more...TPL’s youth literature experts have worked with youth readers to gather their top recent reading recommendations. These incredible books will make you laugh, cry, refl ect and celebrate. And make sure to check out the TPL website for the full list of 100 books. Happy reading!

LOL Lisa Heggum Manager, Youth Services COMING OF AGE First-time experiences, discovering what’s important to you, and fi nding your way in the world are the themes in these character-driven stories and real-life recollections.

“Coming of age narratives typically show the dramatic changes in the protagonist’s identity.”

Coming of age stories focus on a character’s development between their teenage years to adulthood. Coming of age narratives typically show the dramatic changes in the protagonist’s identity as they are challenged by personal, social or political events. Some novels that are commonly known in the genre include The Giver, The Catcher in the Rye, The Goldfi nch and The Secret Life of Bees. -Kevin Kevin

SUGGESTED READS

Burn Baby Burn Crush MEG MEDINA CATHY ALTER Historical Fiction & DAVE SINGLETON Nonfi ction

Once, in a Town Called Moth TRILBY KENT

Ana has to make huge adjustments after her father abruptly moves the two of them to Toronto from their Mennonite colony in The Smell of Other The V-Word: True Bolivia. People’s Houses Stories about First- BONNIE-SUE HITCHCOCK Time Sex Historical Fiction AMBER J. KEYSER Nonfi ction

Share your book reviews using #tplteenslist 3 HARD HITTING Raw and unfl inching, these powerful and uncompromising books are about devastating and traumatic experiences.

“Yes, realistic fi ction might get a little too real for some, but it’s got some other great perks.”

Your life may or may not be perfect, but it’s always good to read up on someone else’s! Yes, realistic fi ction might get a little too real for some, but it’s got some other great perks. Realistic fi ction makes it easier for readers to relate to the characters. It also does a good job of commenting on culture and society, but it doesn’t need to get as scary as dystopian fi ction. Some realistic fi ction books I’ve loved Terese are: Bridge to Terabithia, Room, and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. -Terese

SUGGESTED READS

A World Without You Fifteen Lanes BETH REVIS S.J. LAIDLAW

Exit, Pursued by a Bear E.K. JOHNSTON

As the captain of Palermo Heights’ elite cheerleading squad, Hermione is used to being in charge. After she is raped, she struggles to Rani Patel in Full Highly Illogical come to terms with the Eff ect Behavior assault and to learn how SONIA PATEL JOHN COREY WHALEY to move forward.

4 PSSST! Check out the full list: tpl.ca/thelist REAL LIFE Inner confl ict, harsh realities, dreams and personal connections shape the journey to self-discovery in these stories of fi ctional and real lives lived.

“I recommend All the Birds to anyone who feels a bit strange, and likes their books to be strange, too.“

Recently, I read All the Birds in the Sky, which is perhaps not YA, but is at least one-third about being a teenager. It also features the imminent end of the world from climate-change- related cataclysms (very refl ective of our current/upcoming world). And, there are things like Harry Potter-esque magic, Lemony Snicket levels of melodrama, plus some sci-fi thrown in. Magic and high tech are, in the end, extrapolations though Wenting – metaphors and extensions of this real world. Anyway, I Photo credit: Rena Rong recommend All the Birds to anyone who feels a bit strange, and likes their books to be strange, too. -Wenting

SUGGESTED READS

Born To Run The Great American BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN Whatever Nonfi ction TIM FEDERLE

Precious Cargo CRAIG DAVIDSON Nonfi ction

Craig is surprised to fi nd himself in the middle of a real community after his writing career stalls and he takes a job as a bus driver for diff erenly-abled Speed of Life The Sun is Also teens. J.M. KELLY a Star NICOLA YOON

Share your book reviews using #tplteenslist 5 SCHOOL DRAMA Pressure, drama and sticky social situations – a close-up look at just how tough school can get.

“They must conquer their environment to accomplish an inconceivable feat – survival.”

Together, teens navigate the tumultuous world of school and face the various perils of their environment – the pressure, drama and treacherous social situations. The teens endure fi erce tests of their willpower, with the decisions they make ultimately determining their fate. Though in their world, no choice between fl ight or fi ght exists. They must conquer their environment to Monidipa accomplish an inconceivable feat – survival. The only question is, will they succeed? -Monidipa

SUGGESTED READS

Beware That Girl Buff y: The High TERESA TOTEN School Years FAITH ERIN HICKS Graphic Novel

Flannery LISA MOORE

Flannery is trying to cope with being on welfare, being ditched by her best friend, and being paired with her long-time crush, Tyrone, on a class project. Giant Days, Vol. 3 Shooter JOHN ALLISON CAROLINE PIGNAT Graphic Novel

6 PSSST! Check out the full list: tpl.ca/thelist IDENTITY Powerful personal accounts about taking your place in the world and knowing and showing who you are.

“If a person can connect to the struggles of a protagonist in a book, then maybe they can develop a deeper understanding of people in real life.”

How would you ever know what it’s like, if not for literature, to be a part of the LGBTQ community? Not Ross everyone is a part of the LGBTQ community. That’s a fact. If a person can connect to the struggles of a protagonist in a book, then maybe they can develop a deeper understanding of people in real life who face similar struggles. I recommend Funny Boy, a story about the struggles of a young boy growing up in the days of the Sri SUGGESTED READS Lankan riots. -Ross

Even This Page Freedom’s Just Is White Another Word VIVEK SHRAYA CAROLINE STELLINGS Poetry Historical Fiction

Girl Mans Up M-E GIRARD

Pen isn’t trying to be a boy. She just wants to be her gender- nonconforming self, even if it means clashing with her old-school Portuguese family – who Holding Up the Original Fake KIRSTIN CRONN-MILLS totally don’t get her. Universe JENNIFER NIVEN

Share your book reviews using #tplteenslist 7 VOICES Social inequality and injustice experienced by marginalized individuals and communities; and the work of activists who campaigned for change.

“These women have inspired and revolutionized the minds of people all around the world.”

Maya Angelou wrote about civil rights and racism. Emily Dickinson stood against cultural norms in her community. Margaret Atwood included her passion for environmentalism in her writing. Using their words as weapons, these women use their voices to break down walls and their platform as a means to attain social justice. Powerful poets prove that even a medium as simple as Zainab writing has the capability of making the world a better place. -Zainab

SUGGESTED READS

Being Jazz March Book 3 JAZZ JENNINGS JOHN LEWIS Nonfi ction Graphic Novel

Feminism: Reinventing the F-Word NADIA ABUSHANAB HIGGINS Nonfi ction

Find out why society’s new f-word, feminism, makes some people uncomfortable and learn from modern leaders what it means to be a Residential Schools Watched feminist – and why some MELANIE FLORENCE MARINA BUDHOS criticize feminism. Nonfi ction

8 PSSST! Check out the full list: tpl.ca/thelist FANTASY Other-worldly, futuristic or contemporary tales of epic adventure, dark secrets, mortal danger and the supernatural.

“Fantasy is the ethereal world that allows the reader to completely disappear.”

Fantasy is a captivating escape to one’s imagination, where even the wildest dreams become a reality. Fantasy is the ethereal world that allows the reader to completely disappear from the face of society. It’s a magical place where Prince Charming awakens a princess with a kiss and wishes are granted on a regular basis. It thrills our imaginations and allows us to venture through the mythical world of illusions. I particularly enjoyed Josephine Angelini’s brilliant Starcrossed series about an individual Realiza who is unaware of her amazing angel-like powers. -Realiza

SUGGESTED READS

The Forgetting Heir to the Sky SHARON CAMERON AMANDA SUN Fantasy Fantasy

Three Dark Crowns KENDARE BLAKE Fantasy

When they turn 16, triplets Mirabella, Katherine, and Arsinoe must wield their magical powers against each other to determine who becomes queen. Julia Vanishes This Savage Song CATHERINE EGAN VICTORIA SCHWAB Fantasy Fantasy

Share your book reviews using #tplteenslist 9 SCIENCE FICTION Travel into uncharted territory and imagine strange and jarring new worlds in alternate realities or far away futures.

“What makes sci-fi so popular is that it is such a broad category with many sub-genres.”

Sci-fi is a very imaginative fi ction genre set in a diff erent time or place from today that features advanced technology. It is driven by action. Although it can be set in futuristic societies, alternate realities, or involve space or time travel, none of these are mandatory components. However, these characteristics are often what draw readers in. What makes sci-fi so popular is that it is such a Claire broad category with many sub-genres, such as superhero, steampunk or hard science fi ction, that appeal to a variety of readers. -Claire

SUGGESTED READS

Descender: How to Talk to Machine Moon Girls at Parties JEFF LEMIRE NEIL GAIMAN Graphic Novel Graphic Novel

Where Futures End PARKER PEEVYHOUSE Science Fiction

Five narratives, fi ve futures, fi ve possibilities, all bound through a secret. This complicated dystopic novel gives us fi ve characters and multiple sides to a single Scythe The Swan Riders story. NEAL SHUSTERMAN ERIN BOW Science Fiction Science Fiction

10 PSSST! Check out the full list: tpl.ca/thelist COMICS Get a glimpse of the real people behind these larger-than-life heroes and villains, as they play out the eternal struggle between good and evil.

“I love to read comics because I like to look at all the great artwork in the books.”

Graphic novels are a great source of entertainment with endless options for you to read. Some of my favourites are The Walking Dead, and its amazing artwork alongside any kind of manga. I love to read comics because I like to look at all the great artwork in the books. Some more examples of really great comics are Naruto, Black Panther, Paper Girls and Faith. What all these comics have in common is that Leo they are all a thrill to read. -Leo

SUGGESTED READS

Black Canary: Black Panther Kicking and Screaming TA-NEHISI COATES BRENDEN FLETCHER Graphic Novel Graphic Novel

Ms. Marvel: Super Famous G. WILLOW WILSON Graphic Novel

Teenaged Muslim superhero Kamala Khan, a.k.a. Ms. Marvel, struggles with her new celebrity status when Pitiful Human-Lizard Wonder Woman: she hits the big time and JASON LOO The True Amazon becomes an Avenger. Graphic Novel JILL THOMPSON Graphic Novel

Share your book reviews using #tplteenslist 11 MANGA Friendship, geeking out, college sports and yōkai, in action- packed page-turners featuring captivating Japanese art.

“Read/watch whatever you like and welcome to the fandom.”

Manga and anime (Japanese comics/cartoons) include four main types: shonen for boys under 15 featuring action and fanservice (Naruto, Bleach) and seinen for older boys with more violence and psychology (Berserk, Hellsing). Shojo targets girls age 10-18 and idealizes relationships (Last Game, Orange), while josei for women is more realistic (Nana, Loveless). Sub-genres such as fantasy, drama and slice-of-life also exist within each type. I personally love 5 Centimeters Per Second, Akatsuki no Yona, Angel Beats, Tammy Anohana, Hakuouki, Last Game, No Game No Life, Psycho- Pass, Yuri!!! On Ice. Lastly, please remember that the above genres are only guidelines. Read/watch whatever you like and welcome to the fandom. -Tammy

SUGGESTED READS

Behind The Haikyū!! Scenes!! HARUICHI FURUDATE BISCO HATORI Manga Manga

Orange: The Complete Collection 1 ICHIGO TAKANO Manga

Naho discovers she must protect a new student from a terrible future when, in grade 11, she receives a letter from herself from 10 years in Princess Jellyfi sh 01 Shigeru Mizuki’s the future. AKIKO HIGASHIMURA Kitaro: The Birth Manga of Kitaro SHIGERU MIZUKI Manga

12 PSSST! Check out the full list: tpl.ca/thelist HISTORY Traversing time and space, these historical fi ction and nonfi ction books illuminate the often painful past.

“I don’t want dry facts, but how the facts moulded the lives of people.”

Why do I have to learn about dead people? Makes no sense, right? You probably nodded your head while reading that. I agree that history can be kind of boring and repetitive. But, learning history is all about the delivery; how engaging and fun it can be when we free our imaginations. I don’t want dry facts, but how the facts moulded the lives of people. I want to sink into drama and action, but I want to come out enriched with knowledge. So a good author will bring a foreign world to you and a Nancy good story allows you to learn without noticing it. And don’t you just love it when you’re swept away to a far off time and place? What do you love about historical fi ction? -Nancy

SUGGESTED READS

Delilah Dirk and Every Hidden Thing the King’s Shilling KENNETH OPPEL TONY CLIFF Historical Fiction Graphic Novel

Anna and the Swallow Man GAVRIEL SAVIT Historical Fiction

When Anna’s father disappears after being summoned by the Gestapo, Anna fl ees into the Polish countryside with the mysterious Every Falling Star Wonder Women Swallow Man, who SUNGJU LEE SAM MAGGS & SUSAN MCCLELLAND teaches her how to Nonfi ction Nonfi ction survive in the woods.

Share your book reviews using #tplteenslist 13 REBOOT Everything old seems new again as the past is retold and recast in a brand new light.

“They are on a continuous run from their past, which catches up to them in twisted ways.”

The characters in these books strive to attain a solid grip on reality, where everything in their world is distorted, changed or otherwise altered. Along with their search for self-discovery, they are on a continuous run from their past, which catches up to them in twisted ways. Hence, their personalities, set in this quasi-eccentric world are both intriguing and entertaining. Being so, it Monidipa can be concluded that the old becomes the new; the new becomes the old – such is the essence of these stories. -Monidipa

SUGGESTED READS

Glitter The Revenge of APRILYNNE PIKE Analog DAVID SAX Nonfi ction

My Lady Jane CYNTHIA HAND

Humans morph into animals in this funny, romantic novel with supernatural elements. It’s history rewritten with a hilarious and sarcastic twist. Sense and Sensibility: The Singing Bones Manga Classics SHAUN TAN JANE AUSTEN & STACY KING Fairy Tales Manga

14 PSSST! Check out the full list: tpl.ca/thelist NAILBITERS Combining high stakes and uncertainty, these tense and thrilling books will have you on the edge of your seat.

“Don’t eat food – you might get scared and choke!”

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enjoy reading horror books: 1. Make sure you aren’t alone (and DON’T look behind you!); 2. Dim the lights; 3. Make yourself comfortable; 4. Don’t eat food – you might get scared and choke! 5. Enjoy reading! -Shantal

Shantal

SUGGESTED READS

The Hill The Thousandth KAREN BASS Floor KATHARINE MCGEE

The Leaving TARA ALTEBRANDO

Eleven years after their mysterious disappearance, a group of blindfolded teens, with no memory of what has happened to them, is dropped off by a van. Salt to the Sea Wayward: Out RUTA SEPETYS from the Shadows Historical Fiction JIM ZUB Graphic Novel

Share your book reviews using #tplteenslist 15 HUMOUR Raunchy, clever, biting, absurd, inventive, whimsical… these books deliver insight along with the laughs.

“I borrowed this book from TPL...and was laughing by the third chapter.”

When the beautiful, talented contestants of a conglomerate-sponsored pageant fi nd themselves stranded on a deserted island, they discover a lot more than where’s the best place to fi nd coconut water to keep your skin moist. Told from multiple humorous, enlightening and action-packed perspectives, Libba Bray’s Beauty Queens manages to expertly capture the power and fl uidity of femininity, the convolution of corporate greed, and learning how to love your true self, no matter what. I Terese borrowed this book from TPL a few summers ago, and was laughing by the third chapter. -Terese

SUGGESTED READS

Enter Title Here Esther the Wonder RAHUL KANAKIA Pig STEVE JENKINS Nonfi ction

Dan vs. Nature DAN CALAME

Dan’s NOT keen on his mom’s newest man, Hank, so when she sends them on a bonding outdoor adventure, he and his Moon Girl and Romeo and/or Juliet: bff plot hilarious pranks Devil Dinosaur: BFF A Chooseable-Path meant to scare Hank off . BRANDON MONTCLARE Adventure Graphic Novel RYAN NORTH

16 PSSST! Check out the full list: tpl.ca/thelist FREE with your library card

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