9 Canadian young adult books we are excited to read

Here's a collection of nine YA books to look forward to in fall 2017.

You can see the complete CBC Books fall preview here.Want a PDF of the entire preview?You can find that here.

Ride or Die by Wanda Lauren Taylor

What it's about: Nova Scotia teen Kanikais looking into the disappearance of her best friend when she meets Danny, an attractive older teenager. Danny ends up selling Kanika into the sex trade in Toronto, where she tragically reunites with her friend.

Why we chose it:Though Ride or Die is a novel, it is based on true events in Nova Scotia and Toronto. This book is brought to us by themulti-talented Wanda Lauren Taylor, who is a former CBC TV producer,a social justice activist and the author ofBirchtown and the Black Loyalist.

When you can read it:Aug.15, 2017

The Winnowing by Vikki VanSickle

What it's about:Marivic Stone lives in a small townfamous for a medical invention that saved humankind, but at a significant cost. A tragedy separates Marivic from her best friend Saren, and the young heroine will stop at nothing to avenge her friend.

Why we chose it:VikkiVanSickle is a seasoned YA writer, whose previous books includeDays That End in YandSummer Days, Starry Nights, which was nominated for a Red Maple Award.

When you can read it:Sept.1, 2017

The Assassin's Curse by Kevin Sands

What it's about: Christopher Rowe, an apothecary-in-training, breaks an assassin's coded message and is sent to Paris to investigate a curse that's plagued the French throne for centuries.

Why we chose it:This series by Kevin Sands has been nothing but heart-pounding, good fun. The first book,The Blackthorn Key, won the 2016 John Spray Mystery Award, among many other honours.

When you can read it:Sept.5, 2017

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#NotYourPrincessedited by LisaCharleyboy& Mary BethLeatherdale

What it's about:#NotYourPrincesshighlights the voices of Native American women across North America, usingpoetry, essay writing, interviews and art to explore their experiences.

Why we chose it:This edited collection from CBC Radio host LisaCharleyboyand educator Mary BethLeatherdaleprovides a much-needed platform for voices that have long been invisible.

When you can read it:Sept.12, 2017

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On the Spectrum by Jennifer Gold

What it's about: Clara, the daughter of a famous ballerina, is obsessed with healthy eating. A public debacle sends her Paris, where she stays with her estranged father and takes care of her six year-old brother, who is on the autism spectrum.

Why we chose it:Jennifer Gold's two previous books,Soldier DollandUndiscovered Country, were well-received by critics and, like this new novel, both tackle emotionally challenging subjects.

When you can read it:Sept.12, 2017

To Look a Nazi in the Eye by Kathy Kacer, with Jordana Lebowitz

What it's about:Jordana Lebowitz, 19, is thegranddaughter of Holocaustsurvivors. In this nonfictionbook written byKathy Kacer, Lebowitz reflects on what it was like to attend the2015trial of Oskar Groening, known as the "bookkeeper of Auschwitz."

Why we chose it:Lebowitzand Kacerhave a powerful and important story to share we're all ears. Kacer is experienced at tackling difficult historical subjects for a YA audience.

When you can read it:Sept. 12, 2017

Caterpillars Can't Swim by Liane Shaw

What it's about:Ryan, 16, is unable to walk and finds joy in swimming. His classmate Jack,tired of being bullied for rumours about this sexuality,attempts to drown himself. Ryan saves Jack's life, creating a bond betweentheunlikely pair.

Why we chose it: Liane Shaw is an accomplished Canadian YA writer, who fearlessly explores difficult topics. Her previous books includethinandbeautiful.com and Don't Tell, Don't Tell, Don't Tell.

When you can read it:Sept. 12, 2017

Adele's Garden by Linda Amyot, translated by Norman Cornett

What it's about:A close friendship blossoms between Elaine, a young woman, and Adele, who lives in a stately home andis old enough to be Elaine's grandmother. The younger woman seeks romantic wisdom from her new companion, who reflects on the great love of her life.

Why we chose it:Thisnovel by Linda Amyotwon the Governor General's Literary Award for children's literature in its original French in 2014.

When you can read it:Nov.15, 2017

Strangers by David Alexander Robertson

What it's about:Cole Harper is called back toWounded Sky First Nation a decade after a terrible event forced him out. The community he returns to is reeling from a series of recent murders and a terrible plague is rippingthrough residents. Harper gets help from his oldest friends, plus an unhelpful spirit, to find his purpose.

Why we chose it: David Alexander Robertson has an impressive array of literature to his name, including the graphic novelsBetty: The Helen Betty Osborne StoryandWill I See?, the children's bookWhen We Were Aloneand the novelThe Evolution of Alice.We're excited to see what he comes up with next.

When you can read it:Nov. 20, 2017

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