The Swallow By Charis Cotter Polly is an awkward and lonely girl with a big family – too big in her estimation. There are so many kids that her parents barely notice Polly. Even her own bedroom, which has always been her sanctuary, has now been invaded by baby Sarah, with whom Polly must share […]
Three Day RoadBy Joseph Boyden The violence and brutality of war are not my idea of enjoyable subject matter. Joseph Boyden’s Three Day Road is indeed a story of war. But it is also the story of best friends. Their physical journey from the Ontario bush to the trenches of Europe mirrors their interior journey […]
by Megan MirandaKelsey has lived most of her life in the shadow of fear. 17 years ago Kelsey’s mom escaped from kidnappers, with no memory of the year she was held in captivity. Now, terrified that the kidnappers might come back, Kelsey and her mom live in a fortress-like house – complete with electric fence […]
by Ruta SepetysIf you’re like me and love historical fiction, you must give this one a try. Salt to the Sea knocks it out of the park with its combination of interesting characters, mystery, suspense and heartbreak within the context of one of the lesser known tragedies of WWII.Have you ever heard of the sinking […]
Where Are You Going Baby Lincoln?By Kate DiCamillo In the third installment in the Tales from Deckawoo Drive series, Baby Lincoln is feeling stifled by her older sister Eugenia. Having been bossed around by the rule-bound Eugenia all her life, Baby Lincoln decides she must go on a “necessary journey”, although she does not know […]
The Wonder TrailI checked out Steve Hely’s “The Wonder Trail: True Stories from Lost Angeles to the End of the World” for a few reasons: 1. He’s a former staff writer for “30 Rock”, which I think is one of the funniest North American sitcoms of all time; 2. Los Angeles is featured quite prominently […]
ShadowshaperBy Daniel Jose OlderHere is an urban fantasy set in the magical city of Brooklyn. Shadowshaper follows artist Sierra Santiago during a summer of discovery. Sierra’s family has been keeping a secret from her but with the help of her friends she will find out what a special soul she truly is. Sierra and her […]
Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis I was first intrigued by this book when I saw it on the Globe and Mail’s “Best Books of 2015” list, because it involved two things I really like to read about: dogs and mythology. Fifteen Dogs: An Apologue, by André Alexis, opens with two of Zeus’ sons, Hermes and […]
the particular sadness of lemon cake For nine year old Rose, having her mother bake her favourite lemon cake for her birthday is a real treat, until the day she bites into it and can feel all of her mother’s despair and sadness in the otherwise tasty morsel. At first confused, Rose has trouble grasping […]
by Kevin SandsIt’s 1665 in London, England. Christopher Rowe is an apothecary’s apprentice. His master, Benedict Blackthorn – a well-respected, if slightly absentminded, apothecary, is teaching Christopher all about combining ingredients to create powerful medicines, as well as codes and puzzles that help to keep recipes for said medicines a secret. Suddenly apothecaries all over […]