Swimmers

Ever since her Dad went away, Poppy and her Mom have led a very quiet, isolated life. It is better that way – much more calm and safe. Poppy is homeschooled by her Mom learning her math lessons and reading every book she can get her hands on. When their neighbour asks if her nephew, Harper, can join her home-school lessons Poppy’s mom agrees. It makes it more like a real classroom for Poppy and Harper doesn’t know about their family’s past. But Harper has his own secrets to deal with – why else would his parents have abruptly sent him to live with his aunt? And why has Harper’s friend Lee suddenly shown up at their front door with news that awakens in Harper a desperate need to return home and make things right. In an impulsive moment, 10-year-old Poppy decides to go along for the bus ride with the two teenagers – away from the problems of her own life and into the unknown world of Harper’s secrets.

Praise for "Before We Go" by Amy Bright

"This debut novel takes place in Victoria, B.C., during the course of one New Year's Eve. Emily is leaving the hospital where she has been visiting her terminally ill grandmother when she runs into Alex, who invites her to join him and his sister, Lucy, at a nearby fast-food place. Emily, who has been alone since her grandmother went into the hospital, agrees, and the three teenagers spend the evening together. What Emily does not know is that Alex is also terminally ill, and that he and Lucy have an ulterior (though benign) motive for seeking out Emily's company. The truth is revealed in bits and pieces as the night goes on, and they drive around town, stop at a carnival, and go to a New Year's Eve party. Because the story is told variously from the points of view of Emily, Lucy, and Alex, the reader learns what is going on long before Emily does. The technique works, because it gives the reader the opportunity to watch Emily's reaction carefully and to empathize with her. Bright creates characters who are easy to care about, and flashbacks flesh-out their back stories. Despite the compressed time frame, the story moves at a deliberate, gentle pace. Teens who like character-focused realistic fiction will appreciate this one." (VOYA)