Konnection Newsletter | Two Black Canadian YA Novels Released Today

 

View in Browser Greetings! Join us in celebrating the release of two powerful new young adult novels by Black Canadian authors Angelot Ndongmo and Kamilah Haywood. Both stories center Canadian teens navigating identity, belonging, relationships, and community in contemporary Toronto. Committed to championing Black voices in Canadian literature, we are so excited to share these books that reflect the richness, complexity, and diversity of Black Canadian experiences and ensure more young readers can see themselves represented on the page. Congratulations Angelot and Kamilah! Presented by James Lorimer & Company Ltd. (a Canadian publisher known for its long-standing commitment to accessible, socially relevant fiction for young readers that reflects the diversity of contemporary life), Between Classes by Angelot Ndongmo and Finding Family by Kamilah Haywood bring forward fresh, authentic voices that expand the landscape of Canadian teen literature. "Between Classes" by Angelot Ndongmo When eighteen-year-old Derell leaves Jamaica to live with his father in Toronto, he enters a world defined by privilege, status, and unspoken rules at an elite high school that feels nothing like home. Struggling to adjust, he finds connection with Amina, a gifted dancer who is herself caught between personal desire and family expectations tied to wealth and social standing. As romance develops, Derell becomes entangled in tensions with Malik, a flashy aspiring rapper who sees him as both rival and threat. Navigating culture shock, family complexity, and the pressure to belong, Derell must decide what—and who—he is willing to fight for in a world shaped by class and ambition. FOLLOW @BETWEENCLASSESBOOK ON INSTAGRAM "Finding Family" by Kamilah Haywood Eighteen-year-old Trey leaves behind rejection in the suburbs and begins a new life in Toronto’s Gay Village, searching for acceptance and a place to belong. As he adjusts to a new environment, he begins to explore his queer identity while forming new friendships and navigating the possibilities of romance. Through these experiences, Trey begins to understand that family is not only defined by blood, but also by the people who choose to see, support, and accept you. Set against the backdrop of Toronto’s LGBTQ+ community, Finding Family is a story of self-discovery, healing, and the search for chosen family. FOLLOW @FINDINGFAMILYBOOK ON INSTAGRAM "Own Your Words" by Kya Publishing Inc. Coming soon from Kya Publishing Inc., Own Your Words is a practical guide to publishing for creators, centered on the idea that your story is your power. It offers a clear blueprint for publishing with purpose, maintaining creative control, and owning your voice from start to finish. This guide breaks down how to build a publishing path while developing work that contributes to a lasting creative legacy. While grounded in publishing, Own Your Words is not only for writers, it’s for all content creators, artists, and visionaries who want to take ownership of their work and solidify their place in cultural and creative history. More Teen Novels from Lorimer Kids Explore more teen novels from Black Canadian authors Kevin Heron Jones, Eddie Kawooya, and Stacey Robinson, also published by Lorimer. All books are available from your favourite local and online booksellers, including Chapters Indigo, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. Resources for Writers and Creators At Kya Publishing Inc., through books, services, essays, and archives, we support storytelling in many forms with professional guidance and ongoing cultural commentary on the Black Canadian and Caribbean diaspora. Whether you’re discovering new novels, seeking support for your own creative work, or exploring the essays and materials in our "Jamaican Canadian Zone" or "Carnival Spotlight" archives, Kya Publishing offers a space dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and preserving the stories that shape our communities. VISIT KYAPUBLISHING.COM We welcome literary news submissions from our Konnection community; if you have updates to share, please send them to konnection@kyapublishing.com, and we’ll be glad to feature you!

Limited-Edition Carnival Curves Tees Are Here

TORONTO, ONT. (December 2025) - Limited-edition Carnival Curves tees were created exclusively for the launch of the Carnival Curves novel and printed locally by Donsdatter Ink. These vibrant, carnival-friendly shirts feature empowering messages of self-love, liberation, body positivity, cultural pride, emancipation, power, freedom, and resistance...all core themes of the book.

Designed by the Carnival Curves team and crafted on soft, durable cotton blends, each tee brings the energy of the masquerade to everyday life.

With multiple colours, patterns, and sizes available, you’ll find the perfect fit to step into the season feeling confident, beautiful, and celebrated.

• Screen-printed on soft, durable cotton blends in multiple colours, patterns, and inclusive sizes.

• Printed & fulfilled by Donsdatter Ink; local pickup or shipping available. Made to order, standard turnaround time applies.

ORDER TEES: https://www.donsdatterink.ca/product/carnival-curves-book-launch-tee/XORJBT7UVTGJNUAFNJKD2ZEL

ORDER BOOK: https://www.amazon.ca/Carnival-Curves-Stacey-Robinson/dp/1459420004/

FOLLOW CARNIVAL CURVES ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/carnivalcurves

Celebrate your curves, rep your culture, and wear your empowerment...carnival style!

CARNIVAL CURVES | New Teen Novel About Friendship, Body Image & Mas!

Greetings! There’s a new teen novel celebrating the creativity and confidence that comes with playing mas. Carnival Curves follows two friends as they get ready for their first Toronto Carnival—an authentically Caribbean Canadian story full of heart, culture, and good vibes! Written by Stacey Robinson and published by James Lorimer & Company Ltd., this book is inspired by Toronto’s annual Caribbean Carnival. It’s a great addition to your mas camp’s bookshelf or your personal library.

Order a copy of Carnival Curves for your teen or for your library in hardcover, paperback, or ebook/digital format.  KNOWLEDGE BOOKSTORE: https://www.knowledgebookstore.com/products/carnival-curves?srsltid=AfmBOoqj-ep2eb3VMPc1-wfv7_GRmpKo4804NLY0MB5T7AGLzRI-mrqs  A DIFFERENT BOOKLIST: https://adifferentbooklist.com/item/ifabLUcZKdKwXoZ1nTn7bw  CHAPTERS/INDIGO: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/carnival-curves/9781459420014.html  MCNALLY ROBINSON: https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9781459420007/stacey-robinson/carnival-curves  AMAZON: https://www.amazon.ca/Carnival-Curves-Stacey-Robinson/dp/1459420004/  BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/carnival-curves-stacey-robinson/1147209896  WALMART: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lorimer-Real-Love-Carnival-Curves-Paperback-9781459420007/16903572489  TARGET: https://www.target.com/p/carnival-curves-lorimer-real-love-by-stacey-robinson-paperback/-/A-1005347310   JAMES LORIMER & COMPANY LTD., PUBLISHERS: https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/carnival-curves/ ISBN: 9781459420007 Pages: 152 Ages: 14–18 Carnival Curves follows Karla and Nneka in their final summer of high school as they navigate making costumes, building relationships, and addressing questions of body image. Through the shimmer of sequins and the pulse of soca music, they discover that carnival isn’t just a parade; it’s a journey of self-discovery, emancipation, and cultural pride. Follow @CarnivalCurves on Instagram! Whether it’s their first time playing mas or they’ve been watching from the sidelines for years, teens deserve to experience carnival in a safe, confident, and joyful way. Preparing Your Teen for Caribbean Carnival is a short guide with tips and conversation starters.  Download the guide here; share and get ready for the road! Looking for more carnival content? Visit Kya Publishing's carnival archive of Caribbean culture related articles, photos, videos, and resources including the Caribbean Carnival Booklist and a template for Selecting a Masquerade Band. This email was shared by Kya Publishing Inc. on behalf of author Stacey Robinson. Carnival Curves is published by James Lorimer & Co. Ltd., Publishers (October 2025).