KONNECTION // June 2024

 

WRITERS // Creating Stories for YA Readers

Preparing to write a story for middle grade or teen readers, but aren't sure where to begin? Here are a few things to think about while planning your YA novel: Consider the perspective of your narrator Match your character's age to your audience Develop a realistic voice and language for your character Approach sensitive topics with care Additional insights to help you on your writing journey: Smells Like Teen Spirit: How to Write Young Adult Fiction (by Nisha Tuli) The Ultimate Guide To Writing YA Fiction (by Mackenzie Belcastro) How to Write a Young Adult Novel (by Robert Lee Brewer)

James Lorimer & Company, Publishing is currently open for children and teen book submissions from Canadian authors! If you're interested in developing a proposal, visit their website for complete details and guidelines.

YA LITERATURE // Benefits of Reading

The Teen Magazine has a few articles outlining why youth need to read more. Here are a few highlights about how reading YA literature can benefit children and teens:

THEY NOT LIKE US // Hip Hop Culture Across the Black Diaspora

Commentary about hip hop music and culture across the Black and African Diaspora, written from a Canadian perspective. Posted this month on Kya Publishing's "Reflection & Reason" blog: They Not Like Us: A Drake Thinkpiece (Part 1) They Not Like Us: Hip Hop's Accreditation (Part 2) Related book recommendations, for your reference:

DANCEHALL REBEL // A Caribbean Canadian Teen Novel

"An accessible, realistic cross-cultural coming-of-age novel about seeking a balance between tradition and change. A teen challenges family norms and navigates her sexuality in this novel centering on an Afro-Caribbean Canadian community. Denise, a Black girl born and raised in Ontario by Jamaican immigrant parents, is about to go away to college to study business. Her upbringing has been deeply entrenched in Jamaican culture, and she proudly possesses a deep love of the food and language—and especially dancehall and reggae music. She follows in her father’s footsteps as a DJ and branches out into online streaming..." Continue Reading Full Kirkus Review... Book now available from Amazon and Indigo U.S. release date: August 1, 2024: Barnes and Nobel

YA LIT // More Black Canadian Stories

Take a look at these young adult stories from Black Canadian authors Kevin HeronJones, Jawara Pedican, and Carlos Anthony; visit Lorimer's website to browse the full catalogue of their diverse authors and contemporary themes.

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