A funny, frank contemporary story about navigating the physical and emotional realities of growing up.
When four friends have their phones confiscated in class, Sunny (not her real name) comes up with the idea of a secret shared journal, where they can communicate, share thoughts and pass them on. The pages of the book they jokingly refer to as the P.A.D. (pass-around diary) become filled with sweet, funny, sharp and important insights that speak to navigating middle grade life—friendships, crushes, consent, bodies, parents, siblings, periods, sports and student life. What began as a lighthearted way of passing notes becomes a poignant and heartfelt way to explore and share big and small feelings and events—a safe way for Sunny, Twix, Hoops and MP to find themselves, and support one another, through all the transitions of a grade seven year. In the tradition of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, this novel is a fearless exploration of the lives of tween girls, and how they find answers to questions that continue to feel impossible to ask. About the Author: Vikki VanSickle is an award-winning author and a devoted member of the Canadian children’s book industry. Frequently referred to as “Canada’s Judy Blume,” she is the author of a number of acclaimed books, including the picture book Anonymouse and novels Words that Start with B, Summer Days, Starry Nights and the 2018 Red Maple Award winner The Winnowing. After obtaining an MA in Children’s Literature from UBC, Vikki’s career began in bookselling at The Flying Dragon Bookshop, which earned her the 2011 CBA Young Bookseller of the Year award. She is frequently called upon to speak about kids’ books as CTV Your Morning’s resident bookworm and as Lainey Gossip’s YA mentor! Vikki lives in Toronto. Visit her at https://vikkivansickle.com/ . |
