teen fiction

Stars for Dundurn’s YA Titles

CM Magazine handed out stars to four of our YA novels!  Here are some highlights from the reviews.

“A respected historian, Boissery has done her research into Australia’s convict roots, and her knowledge of the historical and geographical setting is evident in the writing. Boissery manages to incorporate that historical and geographical knowledge into the story in a manner that provides an authentic and generally appropriately gloomy, challenging backdrop to the main story events … Again including strong, complex characters, Sophie’s Exile is more plot-driven and features a more engaging narrative than the earlier books in the trilogy. Middle school readers with an interest in history will enjoy Boissery’s writing.  Schoolteachers desiring to employ historically acurate fictional writing in the classroom will do well to consider the classroom inclusion of Sophie’s Exile.”  – Gregory Bryan. To read more click here.

“With her historian’s eye, Boissery is an author worthy of inclusion in middle school and high school history classes … Those willing to persevere through the slower stages of the narrative will find themselves rewarded with a detailed, carefully constructed, often interesting story.” – Gregory Bryan. For Gregory’s full review click here.

 

 

 

“Pitt’s vivid descriptions of the ice-boat races and Bertie’s struggle to escape the Kelly Gang’s wrath reward the reader with exciting action. In addition, Pitt also includes interesting details about the history of the automobile, the origins of CCM and a glimpse of Toronto’s culture at the beginning of the 20th century. Pitt, whose first book, Rain Tonight was nominated for the Silver Birch, Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain awards, has produced in Faster then Wind a fast-paced, thrilling story recommended for any library, but especially school libraries. The book will appeal to young adults who are interested in sports and history – two topics that don’t often intersect.” – Philip Bravo. Click here to read more.

“Literature for children and young adults should reflect the complexity and trials characteristic of their age, but it should also ultimately celebrate young people’s resilience and desire to be their own. She Loves You succeeds in this. Any young person who has felt different or who has craved options beyond what they see in their high school environment will appreciate or at least relate to this book in some way … She Love You is a memorable story with characters that are real and messages that resonate.”

© 2009 Defining Canada.