ISBN: 978-0-9947302-7-5
Paperback 6"x 9", 146 pages Price; $13.95 |
BREAKING BOUNDARIESAn anthology of LGBTQ2 writers coming out and into Canada nominated for George Ryga Award - an annual literary prize for an outstanding degree of social awareness,
|
REVIEWS“What does it mean to be LGBTQ2 in Canada? The only possible answer to that question is one given in many voices. That is exactly what this book offers. There is struggle in these stories and poems, but there is also strength and resilience, compassion and determination. Woven together these voices leave me with a sense of hopefulness: a belief that the creativity and fierce commitment of our community will carry us forward as we work to create a Canada that lives up to the dream of freedom and safety it represents to so many people around the world.”
-Robin Stevenson, author of Pride: Celebrating Diversity and Community |
Summer is only a month away, but things aren’t going according to plan for fifteen-year-old Nick Bannerman. Nick dreams of making it big in music, and summer means scoring a deal for his band, mega parties, surfing in Tofino—and not much else. His best friend, Trevor, wants him to spend the summer with him in Africa building a school with a changemaker organization, but Nick isn’t at all interested. Unlike Trevor, Nick has no interest in global activism, volunteering, or physical labour. So how does a teen like Nick, intent on being a famous rock star, end up in Thailand volunteering at an elephant refuge?
Meanwhile, in glimpses from Africa, Trevor learns about Kenyan culture and language from twelve-year-old local boy Kito, and encounters child soldiers who threaten the young boy’s family. Back at the refuge, Nick meets sixteen-year-old Camila, an intimidating and self-assured local girl who wants to be a mahout, even though local tradition won’t allow it. When Nick encounters an extreme animal rights activist, drugged tigers, and rampaging elephants, will he have the courage to act and care about more than just himself? Themes: changemaker, elephants, global activism, diversity, feminism and female empowerment, multiculturalism, animal rights and welfare, social activism, volunteering, coming of age, and the complex & controversial topic of elephant captivity. |
ISBN: 978-1-9992416-8-1 Price:$13.95
Pre-sales available October 2020 |
Reviews
Author L S Stone’s first novel, What’s in it for Me?, contains those elements of a captivating story that not only make it fun and exciting to read but leaves the reader thinking about it afterwards. Stone provides an interesting variety of characters with traits and personalities the young adult reader can relate to. The characterizations add humour and drama to the story. The duo voice storytelling, with the insertion of text messages between Nick and Trevor, adds interest and different perspectives. The author’s knowledge of global and social issues particularly involving elephant sanctuaries is presented in a manner that encourages the reader to become more informed about them. What’s in it for Me? is an entertaining and captivating book for young adults. The combination of readers’ sitting on the edge of their seats and smiling at the humourous antics of the characters keeps the momentum of the story. Finally, the vivid depiction of the elephants is fascinating. Highly Recommended
~Canadian Review of Materials See the full review at https://www.cmreviews.ca/node/2105
"What’s In It For Me will be a hit with animal lovers and those who love adventures. This fascinating glimpse into the world of elephant sanctuaries and international volunteering is also a delightful tale about the unexpected friendships that can happen when we are doing good things in the world. LS Stone’s debut novel is a treat." Susan Juby, award-winning author, The Woefield Poultry Collective and The Truth Commission
A fascinating story that will entrance young readers from the first page to the last. I couldn’t put it down. From a glimpse into the disturbing world of Kenyan’s child soldiers to the heart-warming workings of a Thai elephant rescue centre, Stone weaves a coming-of-age-story like no other. -Julie Burtinshaw, award-winning author, Saying Goodbye to London
I felt transported with Nick and Camila to beautiful Thailand for this fun and exciting elephant adventure that had me grinning in delight or transfixed on the edge of my seat. LS Stone’s writing is full of humour, but doesn’t shy away from shining a light on complicated topics like elephant captivity and tourism, and female rights and empowerment. A mesmerizing first novel for LS Stone. -- Chantal Hughes, award-nominated author, Breaking Boundaries
What’s in it for Me? is a perfect fit for entertaining young readers while introducing them to important topics of animal welfare, social justice, and global activism. I also really appreciated the depiction of Camila, the strong, self-assured female character. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put the book down!
— Lisa King, Teacher -Librarian
ALL LIT UP interview with LS Stone, May 7, 2021:
https://alllitup.ca/Blog/2021/What-s-in-it-for-ME-An-interview-with-LS-Stone#topofpostcontent
~Canadian Review of Materials See the full review at https://www.cmreviews.ca/node/2105
"What’s In It For Me will be a hit with animal lovers and those who love adventures. This fascinating glimpse into the world of elephant sanctuaries and international volunteering is also a delightful tale about the unexpected friendships that can happen when we are doing good things in the world. LS Stone’s debut novel is a treat." Susan Juby, award-winning author, The Woefield Poultry Collective and The Truth Commission
A fascinating story that will entrance young readers from the first page to the last. I couldn’t put it down. From a glimpse into the disturbing world of Kenyan’s child soldiers to the heart-warming workings of a Thai elephant rescue centre, Stone weaves a coming-of-age-story like no other. -Julie Burtinshaw, award-winning author, Saying Goodbye to London
I felt transported with Nick and Camila to beautiful Thailand for this fun and exciting elephant adventure that had me grinning in delight or transfixed on the edge of my seat. LS Stone’s writing is full of humour, but doesn’t shy away from shining a light on complicated topics like elephant captivity and tourism, and female rights and empowerment. A mesmerizing first novel for LS Stone. -- Chantal Hughes, award-nominated author, Breaking Boundaries
What’s in it for Me? is a perfect fit for entertaining young readers while introducing them to important topics of animal welfare, social justice, and global activism. I also really appreciated the depiction of Camila, the strong, self-assured female character. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put the book down!
— Lisa King, Teacher -Librarian
ALL LIT UP interview with LS Stone, May 7, 2021:
https://alllitup.ca/Blog/2021/What-s-in-it-for-ME-An-interview-with-LS-Stone#topofpostcontent