About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
All Seventeen-year-old Jemma wants now is to be a good mom to her baby daughter, Violet. But when she witnesses a violent crime she'll have to choose between keeping her baby or letting a killer walk free.
Jemma's older brother took her in when she needed to get away from her abusive ex-boyfriend, Razor. One night she needs to go out, just for a few minutes, to get diapers and ice cream. On her way back, she witnesses the drive-by shooting of a kid, Kwame, who lives in the same building. The driver is Razor. Jemma is terrified. If she tells anyone what she saw, they'll know she left her baby alone and she might lose custody. But if she doesn't, Kwame's killer will go free. Razor convinces Jemma to make a deal to save her life, but Jemma isn't sure she can live with the consequences.
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Contributor Notes
Jocelyn Shipley is an award-winning writer who has written several books for teens, including Raw Talent and Shatterproof. A graduate from York University, Jocelyn has studied writing at St. Lawrence College and the Humber School for Writers. She lives in Toronto and on Vancouver Island.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 12 to 18
- Grade:
- 8 to 12
- Reading age:
- 12 to 18
Awards
- Commended, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
- Commended, YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
- Commended, YALSA Quick Picks
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
Editorial Reviews
"Presents an excellent dilemma for the main character, Jemma. The reader is right there with her wondering what the best decision is. Impossible is legitimate and believable. The reader will turn the pages to find out what Jemma decides to do in the end."
— Suzanne Goulden blog
"Impossible is a short novel with high interest and low vocabulary, perfect for reluctant readers in either a literature circle setting or as an independent read. It's compelling characters and linear plot will work well in middle school classrooms and libraries. The reader will empathize with Jemma, maybe even wonder what they would do faced with the same situation. But overall, Jemma has courage, strength and the maturity to realize that every action will have a consequence, and that one must face that consequence no matter what."
— Resource Links
"An interesting and fast paced story. Recommended."
— CM Magazine
