Happy paperback book birthday to EBB & FLOW by Heather Smith, out today from Kids Can Press!
Heartbreaking—but uplifting.―Kirkus Reviews
… a powerful and poetic story of emotional endurance.―School Library Journal, starred review
… one of the year’s best books.―Quill & Quire, starred review
Smith’s sparse language exposes the heart of Jett’s anguish and destructive anger; he’s a realistically complex character whose emotional development unfolds organically through Smith’s quiet storytelling.―Publishers Weekly
Exquisite and heartbreaking …―Canadian Children’s Book News
… a warm-hearted, compassionately observed novel that demonstrates that redemption is a quality we can achieve for ourselves.―Resource Links
One summer, after a long plane ride and a rotten bad year I went to Grandma Jo’s. It was my mother’s idea. Jett, what you need is a change of scenery. I think she needed a change of scenery, too. One without me. Because that rotten bad year? That was my fault. Thus begins the poignant story, told in free verse, of eleven-year-old Jett. Last year, Jett and his mother had moved to a new town for a fresh start after his father went to jail. But Jett soon learned that fresh starts aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. When he befriended a boy with a difficult home life, Jett found himself in a cycle of bad decisions that culminated in the betrayal of a friend – a shameful secret he still hasn’t forgiven himself for. Will a summer spent with his unconventional grandmother help Jett find his way to redemption?
Writing in artfully crafted free-verse vignettes, Heather Smith uses a deceptively simple style to tell a powerful and emotionally charged story. The engaging narrative and the mystery of Jett’s secret keep the pages turning and will appeal to both reluctant and avid readers. This captivating book offers a terrific opportunity for classroom discussions about the many ways to tell a story and how a small number of carefully chosen words can have a huge impact. It also showcases the positive character traits of empathy resilience, courage, and responsibility.
Heather Smith is the author of numerous books for children and teens. Ebb & Flow was the winner of the TD Canadian Children’s Book Award and the BMO Winterset Award, and was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award, among many other honors. Originally from Newfoundland, Heather now lives in Waterloo, Ontario, with her family. Her east coast roots inspire much of her writing. Heather is represented by Amy Tompkins.