What Happened this Summer
This collection of interconnected short stories follows the lives of Chinese-Canadian teenagers—some locally born, some from Hong Kong, Taiwan and China—over one Toronto summer, giving a rare glimpse into the conflicted world of Chinese youth.
Crush
During a summer in New York, Hope falls in love with another girl and must figure out what that means for her future.
Pure
In a time when genetic engineering is forbidden, Lenni wants nothing more than to be pure.
Juice
When a new coach comes to their school, Michael and his teammates are convinced that steroids are the way to compete.
My Time as Caz Hazard
When Caz and Amanda's behavior seems to contribute to a classmate's suicide, Caz must take a long hard look at her life.
Charmed
Izzy finds she is one in a long line of girls ensnared in prostitution, with no way to escape.
Fastback Beach
When Miles is put on probation for stealing a car, he learns about hot rods and rebuilding cars. When the project is stolen, Miles has to face up to his friends.
Tough Trails
Ambrose buys an old, infirm horse to work the mountains. When a storm comes, the horse leads a young boy to safety.
No Problem
Curt has it all: friends, summer job, a promising career in baseball; then he begins experimenting with drugs.
The Trouble with Liberty
Liberty is the new girl at school, and everyone wants to be her friend. When she accuses a teacher of assault, doubts start to surface about her motives.
Kicked Out
Dime can't get along with her parents. When she moves in with her older brother, she finds out that if she starts believing in herself, other people will too.
One More Step
Fourteen-year-old Julian's parents separated when he was a baby and he is still angry and hurt. On a road trip with his mother and her new beau, Julian finds that love—and happiness—come in many forms.
Dancing Naked
When Kia finds she is pregnant, her ordered life crumbles until she begins to trust herself.
Death Wind
When Allie fears she is pregnant, she leaves home with Razz, a skateboard champion. Returning home she is caught up in a tornado that threatens to destroy everything. She learns to believe in herself and face her future.
Caged Eagles
Racism and injustice toward Japanese Canadians embue this story of a family in an internment camp.
2020 Teen Fiction Essential Collection
The essential collection for teen readers. Includes 20 paperbacks.
