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.

We invite you to take our brief survey by clicking the image above; your feedback and recommendations will help us with our programming and activities. Thank you :)

KONNECTION // April 2024

 

Books for Black Teens & Young Adults (YA)

This month we'd like to focus on books for young people navigating life’s transitions, joys, and social challenges. Here are a few recently published lists, primarily featuring Black characters, and written by Black authors. Take a look at the various titles, support the featured writers, and take heed of the intention to inspire and educate through story! CBC | 18 CANADIAN BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS TO READ  EPIC READS | 50 YA BOOKS YOU NEED TO READ (ESPECIALLY FOR BHM) RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY | BHM CANADIAN BOOKS FOR TEENS   THE CANDID COVER | 106 YA BOOKS BY BLACK AUTHORS: AN ESSENTIAL READING LIST Together, we are guiding and informing the most effective (and engaging) literature for our Black Canadian youth and their peers. We invite you to take our brief survey by clicking the image below; your feedback and recommendations will help us with our programming and activities.

SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITY // YA Fiction

Do you have a contemporary, social justice-focused story for middle grade, young adult, or teen readers that you're excited to write? Submission Guidelines Here

YA FICTION // Black Canadian

Browse these (and more!) young adult fiction titles, for a range of topics, characters, and experiences to guide and inspire young readers.

DANCEHALL REBEL // New Teen Novel

Dancehall Rebel is based on the legacy of empowerment naturally embedded in reggae culture. This book is a savvy tale of a teen finding the confidence and voice to be an agent of change in her musical culture—and with her family. Available via Amazon and Indigo books.

www.kyapublishing.com // info@kyapublishing.com

KONNECTION // March 2024

 

#NBWC2024 // Where Do We Go From Here? The 17th National Black Writers Conference, one of the major programs of the Center for Black Literature, took place from March 20 to 23 at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York and it was fantastic! Inspiring, empowering, and educational, we encourage you to attend an upcoming session if you haven't already! As a national conference, this public gathering is dedicated to the exploration of "emerging themes, trends and issues in Black American literature," African diasporic literature, and African literature. Over the decades, it has attracted thousands of writers, readers, scholars, editors, agents, faculty, students, literary activists, and all lovers of Black literature. NBWC seeks to address themes and stereotypes in Black literature, the legacy and forward direction of Black literature, as well as the renaissance in Black literature, Black thought, and Black life. The Conference also seeks to expand conversations on race, identity, history, and genre. Thank you to the Ontario Arts Council for sponsoring the developmental travel grant for us to attend this year's conference! Visit the OAC website to view and apply for a range of funding opportunities for Ontario artists and arts professionals. Keep up with the Center for Black Literature for their activities and programs year-round, and to check out next year's conference: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM DANCEHALL REBEL // New Teen Novel Reggae music continues to be bold and fearless. The new teen novel Dancehall Rebel written by Stacey Robinson is based on the legacy of resistance and empowerment naturally embedded in reggae culture. Dancehall Rebel is currently featured on Reggaeville.com and the TMU (Toronto Metropolitan University) Alumni Book List! Available via Amazon and Indigo books. OPPORTUNITY FOR WRITERS // YA Fiction If you are interested in writing a contemporary, social justice focused story for middle grade, young adults, or teens, please visit the James Lorimer & Co. Ltd., Publishers website to review their submission guidelines and see if your idea will be a good fit!