2012 WINNER
The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Maya lives in an idyllic community where all the grown-ups have stable jobs at a nearby medical research company and are well provided for. But when a local teen dies, the questions that pop up are quickly shut down. Suddenly Maya’s views of her quaint little community life are shattered as a stranger named Rafe introduces her to a world of doubt and mystery.

Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari

In Lucy’s world, the elements and a pandemic have conspired to take out 99% of the population. The sole survivor of her family, Lucy lives on her own until a tsunami destroys her shelter. After a stranger named Aidan helps her out, Lucy's attraction to him leads her to give up being alone and to join his community. When strange people come after Lucy for mysterious reasons, however, being part of that community proves to be both a blessing and a curse.

Beat the Band by Don Calame

In Beat the Band, the sequel to Swim the Fly, Cooper, Matt and Sean are entering their sophomore year at high school. Cooper’s goal is to hook up with the girl of his dreams, but when he’s paired with the school nightmare he must convince the rest of the student body he is cool. He forms a band with his buddies and despite being less than talented they enter the Battle of the Bands competition. What follows is pure hilarity and is sure to make you laugh out loud.

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

When the person Saba cares for most in the world is taken from her, acceptance is not an option. Saba’s single-minded determination drives her in pursuit of her twin brother Lugh’s captors through a post-apocalyptic world: across the desert, through cage fighting in Hopetown and past the hellwurms that stand in her way. Her brash, independent spirit is challenged when she is joined by others in her quest, especially Jack, her potential soul mate (if she doesn’t kill him first).

Chance to dance for you by Gail Sidonie Sobat

Ian lives in a suburb where everything’s the same. The houses are the same, the cars are the same, and their aspirations are the same. But Ian is different. Openly gay in his bigoted high school, Ian doesn’t exactly fit in. But he’s not worried - he’s been training in dance for a long time and soon he’ll be able to leave town and train to become a professional. Then he falls in love with Jess, the high school quarterback…

Death Benefits by Sarah N. Harvey

Looking after a ninety-five-year-old—especially one as cantankerous, crafty and stubborn as Arthur—is a challenge. But as Royce gets to know the eccentric old man—who loves the Pussycat Dolls, hates Anderson Cooper and never listens to the kind of music that made him famous—he gradually comes to appreciate that his grandfather's life still has meaning. Even if Arthur himself seems to want it to end.

The Fifth Rule by Don Aker

Reef has totally turned his life around thanks to his mentor, Frank who helped him recover from a life changing event. Word comes that Frank has been killed in an accident and Reef returns home to pay his respects. In just a few days, Reef’s life starts to crumble around him thanks to misunderstandings and his desire to make things right for Frank.

Motorcycles & Sweetgrass by Drew Hayden Taylor

Things are upside-down in 13 year-old Virgil's life. First his grandmother dies after an awkward visit from a mysterious stranger, and then his mother Maggie starts dating a white man named John whom Virgil really hates. Used to being the man of the house, Virgil decides to find his reclusive, eccentric uncle and seek his help in getting John out of his mother's life.

Something Wicked by Lesley Anne Cowan

Sixteen-year-old Melissa’s most recent troubles stem from a secret: her twenty-eight-year-old boyfriend, Michael, has just broken up with her. Meaningless sexual escapades, drunken nights, and drug-induced blackouts help her deal with heartbreak, but her pain goes much deeper than her failed relationship. When the cracks in her life threaten to tear her apart, Melissa has to decide whether to keep fighting—or to let go.

The way it is by Donalda Reid

The Way It Is is a historical novel about racial discrimination, gender inequality, self-discovery, friendship and love. Set in a small town in the British Columbia interior in the 1960s, the story follows Ellen Manery, an academically gifted and self-isolated fifteen-year old, and her friendship with Tony Paul, an eighteen year-old who lives on the reserve.