Round-up of Excellent YA Reads for Spring 2021
Reviews of diverse YA books by Canadian authors for your spring reading list
Screen & Words
Kristen Zaza’s On a Dark, Cold Night podcast returns with new chilling, soothing bedtime stories
Interview with Kristen Zaza, about the second season of her award-winning audio drama podcast, On a Dark, Cold Night
Michelle Obama’s “Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers” and “Waffles + Mochi” will “captivate and inspire”
Michelle Obama has been busy creating engaging content for young people! Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers is the new version
New film “Stitched Glass” spreads message of hope and harmony
“Stitched Glass” depicts the creation of Kirk Dunn’s solo show The Knitting Pilgrim. Co-written and co-directed by Toronto-based filmmakers Ian Daffern and Omar Majeed, “Stitched Glass” makes its world premiere at the International Festival of Films on Art (LeFifa) March 16 – 28, 2021
What’s now and next for Frankie Drake Mysteries’ Chantel Riley
Interview with actor-singer Chantel Riley about her role on Frankie Drake Mysteries, playing Nala on Broadway in Disney’s The Lion King, representation in the arts, and her dream to one day join the MCU
Torres and Levins’ new graphic novel “Planet Hockey” provides unpretentious winter fun with sneaky substance
“This engaging read for 8-12-year-olds balances engaging character work, fast-paced world-building and sneaky-meaningful themes – and wraps it all up in a slick, colorful and unpretentious package. ” Scott Sneddon reviews Planet Hockey graphic novel.
Celebrate I Read Canadian Day with the charming picture books Ten Little Dumplings and The Aquanaut
“This is a big part of what ties together the experience of reading The Aquanaut and Ten Little Dumplings. At first glance, it might seem these are “girl power” stories. But a careful reading yields a deeper impression.” Review of Ten Little Dumplings and The Aquanaut
New picture book The Name I Call Myself depicts a young person’s journey to self-acceptance
“With its universal message of self-love and acceptance, The Name I Call Myself will resonate with a range of readers, children, teens and adults.” Interview with Canadian author Hasan Namir and illustrator Cathryn John
25 things every podcaster should know – courtesy of Marco Timpano’s new book
“With clear language, an inviting tone and a systematic structure, Timpano shares the many insights he has gleaned – and the mistakes that sometimes led to them – from producing four popular and acclaimed podcasts.” Review of Marco Timpano’s new book, 25 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Podcast
The Umbrella Academy’s Ken Hall has thrived during the pandemic. His toolkit can help us all.
I swear Toronto actor and comedian Ken Hall was built for this pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has been brutal for