Our Toronto silent book club member Sundus Butt offers another splendid collection of young adult (YA) titles, accompanied by sensitive, perceptive reviews. These and all Sundus’ recommendations just might help you with some last-minute holiday gift giving ideas, not to mention some new year’s reading resolutions.
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt (10+)
There was only my sister left. To ask your big sister to be your ally is like asking Nova Scotia to go into battle with you.
One of my favourite books, The Wednesday Wars is set during the late 60s and follows seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood. Holling is one of the most enjoyable characters to read. He’s dramatic, witty, compassionate, and Schmidt does a wonderful job of ensuring Holling feels like a kid whilst also having profound moments of strength and clarity. There is so much contained within this book, including the imperfect dynamics of family, the Vietnam War, an amazing teacher, the love of Shakespeare (that I wholeheartedly concur with), all of which make this is a truly special coming-of-age story.
The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead (9–12)
“What’s it like to have a sister?”
[…]
“It’s like there’s someone else in my boat. Someone I don’t have to explain things to.”
“Because she knows?”
“Yeah, I mean she doesn’t know what it’s like to be me, but she knows a lot of the reasons I am me.”
After Bea’s parents get divorced, they give her a notebook with a list of things that will not change, which is topped by her parents always loving her. But now things are changing as her dad is about to marry his long-time boyfriend, Jesse, and Bea is about to inherit her very own sister — something she has always wanted.
Bea is a great character made up of a jumble of anger, guilt, joy, and kindness. And throughout the story, she must deal with the complexity of her feelings whilst also dealing with the people around her, and all the joy and pain that encompasses. Stead has a gift in taking everyday stories and making them feel extraordinary, and this is no exception.
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate (9–12)
It is a great gift indeed to love who you are.
Who knew a tree could be such a charming character? Applegate masterfully brings Red, an old oak tree, to life and narrates a full and engaging story from its perspective. Red has seen and survived a lot over its many years, and as the local wishtree, it has a special place in the community. But things are changing, a Muslim family has moved in and isn’t welcome, Red’s attempt to make two children become friends is failing, and now Red is on the verge of being cut down. Armed with its best friend, Bongo the crow, and all the other animals that call Red home, Red must find a way to make things better. This is a lovely story told in a unique way.
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty (8–12)
Life is like an equation and mine is perfectly balanced. Nana + Uncle Paul + math = happiness. Other people might need to add in friends or sports or money or something else, but my equation is already solved.
After being struck by lightning, Lucy Callahan develops acquired savant syndrome making her a genius at math. She’s been homeschooled for years, but finally her grandmother, concerned by Lucy’s isolation, decides Lucy has to go back to school for one year at least. As Lucy enters fourth grade, she encounters all the trials and tribulations that school entails, especially when you’re different.
McAnulty does a great job in making Lucy and her struggles feel real. At school, Lucy tries to hide her gift for math, but she can’t hide her OCD or her discomfort with social situations, and while gifted with numbers, they can also drown out Lucy’s thoughts when she’s anxious or unsure. It takes a combination of family, a great teacher, some quirky friends, a dog shelter, and Lucy’s own bravery for her to realize her life is more than a simple calculation and that’s something to be celebrated.
Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce (10+)
“… you seem to think we won’t like you unless you do things just like everyone else. Have you ever thought we might like you because you’re different?”
This fantasy story follows Alanna Trebond who wants to be a knight more than anything. But knighthood is forbidden to girls, so Alanna convinces her twin brother to trade places so he can go learn magic, and she can learn to be a knight. Fiercely determined, but also full of doubts and vulnerability, Alanna is an engaging character you root for right from page one. Pierce has been creating wonderful female protagonists long before it was normalized — Alanna was one of the first I encountered growing up and she’s stayed with me through the years.
Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol (13+)
People might think that five-year-olds can’t be cruel, but I have some strong evidence to the contrary.
Told with humour and horror, this is a great (and unusual) graphic novel about teenager Anya struggling with her identity. Anya feels embarrassed by her Russian heritage, worries she’s overweight, and struggles to fit in at school. When Anya finds an unlikely friend at the bottom of a well, things start to look up. But Anya soon learns that things aren’t always what they seem.
Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly (10+)
One day I would have all the books in the world, shelves and shelves of them. I would live my life in a tower of books. I would read all day long and eat peaches. And if any young knights in armour dared to come calling on their white chargers and plead with me to let down my hair, I would pelt them with peach pits until they went home.
Meet Calpurnia Virginia Tate. She’s 11 years old (practically 12), growing up on a farm in Texas in 1899 with six brothers. But Callie is different from most other girls. She loves examining the natural world, and by befriending her odd grandfather, Callie is able to go exploring and develop her love for science. This is alarming to her mom, who decides to inundate Callie with “lady-like” work so she can’t get too carried away with her scientific pursuits. Not to be deterred, Callie continues her scientific investigations when she can, even while facing the numerous barriers set before a girl of her time period.
Kelly does a great job of creating a certain setting, time (sometimes with backwards language and views), and some special characters. Callie’s wit and fierceness make her a joy to read. Her perspective adds to this fun coming-of-age story about breaking norms and finding your place even as a kid.