Heather Smith has torn out my heart once again. In her new story Barry Squires, Full Tilt she transports us to the island of Newfoundland, into the life of Barry Squires grade eight student with a huge chip on his shoulder. Perhaps it’s the port wine stain displayed prominently on his face, perhaps it’s that his mom barely leaves her bedroom, perhaps it’s just that he is a boy on the precipice of high school who just doesn’t know how to navigate in this tumultuous year of discovery, perhaps it’s all of these things that make Barry so, so angry.

Heather Smith’s writing has the ability to pick you up and drop you right into the setting of her story. Readers will cross the border into Newfoundland the minute they begin reading. She has created this beautiful and damaged cast of characters, each as important as the next. Even the minor characters are crucial to Barry’s journey. From Mrs. Muckler the school principal, Saibal, Barry’s friend to Father O’Flaherty parish priest and head of the Full Tilt Dancers, they all colour Barry’s life with different shades to help guide him along his path.

This book at times made me laugh out loud then sob big ugly streaming tears. I’m astounded by Heather Smith’s ability to gently navigate mental illness, bullying, grief, racism, and adolescence in such a short novel. She delves into the consequences of each of these heavy topics while leaving the reader lighter at the end. Barry Squires, Full Tilt is a must read for teens and one of my favourite books of the year!