KONNECTION // January 2024

 

YA FICTION // Books About African Canadian Children & Teens from Lorimer Check out these engaging stories from Canadian publisher James Lorimer & Company, Ltd.! Ace and the Misfits by Eddie Kawooya | New to Canada, Ace is battling ignorance, bullying, and a new culture. Now he seeks to regain his confidence and show himself he has the tools to make it in his new life... Not Talking About You by Kevin heronJones | Not Talking About You portrays racism as it occurs amongst young Canadians today. It explores the impact on the target and on bystanders who have to decide how to react when they find a racist youth in their midst... The Hoop and the Harm by Jawara Pedican | ...with the clarity and poetic style of a seasoned writer, and drawing on his own time as an elite sports prospect, Jawara Pedican shows the trials and traumas of becoming fixated on a dream of sports stardom. Shades of Black by Carlos Anthony | Shades of Black is an honest and authentic portrayal of life as a young Black male teen in today’s culture and environment at an urban school in Toronto’s Etobicoke neighbourhood... Additional Lorimer titles from African Canadian writers Johnny Boateng, Dirk McLean, Wanda Taylor, and Eric Howling are also available. We encourage you to view their full catalogue for a range of powerful and culturally reflective narratives and characters! DANCEHALL REBEL // Available in February In the YA novel Dancehall Rebel, a teen shares her dad’s vibrant Caribbean musical legacy but is burdened by the homophobia that comes along with it. She needs to find a new path for the music and for herself. Author: Stacey Robinson Publisher: James Lorimer & Company Ltd. Publication Date: February 13, 2024 ISBN: 9781459418141 OPPORTUNITY FOR WRITERS // YA Fiction James Lorimer & Company Ltd. is an independent publishing house based in Toronto that publishes children's and teen fiction (and non-fiction) focusing on reluctant and struggling readers. Their titles are widely recognized and recommended by children's book reviewers in Canada and the U.S., with an adult list also focusing on contemporary Canadian social and political issues. Authors! If you are interested in writing a story for young adults and teens, please visit the Lorimer website to review their submission guidelines and see if your idea will be a good fit!  TORONTO TALES // Growing up in the 90s Documenting the young adult culture and style of the 90s, Kya Publishing offers a collection of fictional novels and short stories reflecting a range of interpersonal experiences for African Canadian characters. LEARN MORE “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” – CW Elliot VIDEO // International Writers' Workshop Have you seen the recap video from the most recent IWW, the Black Writers' Wellness Check-In? This past summer, the event featured a panel discussion with authors Stacey Ann Berry and Kamilah Haywood, spoken word performances from Lalaa and Glowz, and opportunities for attendees to network and meet with presenting artists. Authors from Kenya (Mutendei Writes), Barbados (Wilmont St. Cyr), and Jamaica (Andre L. Simpson) joined us virtually, along with a special opening from Robin Rice and an informative online presentation from Dr. Dobijoki Emanuela Bringi. Sponsored by the Toronto Arts Council, the session was hosted by Cleveland author Jameel Davis, and took place at the Lauft flexible co-working and event space. Take a look! LEARN MORE