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
Julia and Ruth have been unlikely best friends since they first met in Sunday school—Ruth was standing on the Bible-crafts table belting out "Jesus Loves Me." Now that they're a year away from graduation, they're putting the finishing touches on their getaway plans. But their dream of a funky big-city loft and rich, interesting older men is threatened when preacher's daughter Ruth goes to a wild party without studious Julia, and all hell breaks loose.
Ruth gets pregnant; Julia gets creative. Determined to support her friend and stay on track for life after high school, Julia comes up with a plan that will require all her intelligence, compassion, ingenuity and patience. Drawing on some great (and some not-so-great) works of literature, Julia proves that you can learn a lot just by opening up a book.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 12
- Grade:
- 8 to 12
- Reading age:
- 12
Awards
- , Stellar Book Award
- Short-listed, Stellar Award nominee
- Commended, CCBC Best Books starred selection
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
- Short-listed, BC Book Prize - Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize nominee
- Short-listed, BC and Yukon Book Prizes - Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize
- Short-listed, CLA Young Adult Book Award nominee
- Short-listed, Canadian Library Association (CLA) Young Adult Book Award
- Short-listed, Bolen Books Children’s Book Prize nominee
- Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets
- Commended, OLA Best Bets
- Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books
- Commended, Resource Links "The Year's Best"
Editorial Reviews
"Laugh-out-loud portrait of a raucous and intelligent friendship being tested and forced to grow all at once. [Rated Excellent]."
— Resource Links
“A terrific story about a strong girl friendship...readers will be drawn into her story and will be satisfied with the conclusion. Highly recommended.”
— CM Magazine
"Julia's eventful year is both insightful and funny... [a] thoughtful take on teen pregnancy made bearable by best-friend support."
— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"This is a funny, moving and realistic picture of the love the friends feel for each other - like sisters - and the faithful support and care the one shows for the other. There is a lot going on in this richly realized novel, and it is even more to the author's credit that there is as much laughter as tears and that the cast is so well considered and portrayed, human beings all."
— Deakin Newsletter
"The story is compelling and will likely appeal to readers. A little bit of drama, a little bit of romance, and a little bit of pop culture makes this book timely and entertaining."
— VOYA
"This is a wonderful story of two friends who find themselves on the cusp of adulthood when they are forced into growing up in a big hurry."
— Pudgy Penguin Perusals
"A great friendship, good writing, and a unique story... definitely has teen appeal."
— A Patchwork of Books blog
"An original novel of triumph and friendship. It is the kind of book that makes you read long into the night."
— What If? Magazine
"Harvey does a good job of capturing the voice of Julia, and Ruth is often a riot to read. The use of language actually spoken by teens...gives the book a realistic feel."
— Quill & Quire
"[A] hot-button book that mixes the platitudes of literature with the realities of daily teenage life."
— CD Syndicated
"A bitingly funny, page turning read. Harvey's characters are witty, graphic and well-rounded, throwing stereotypes out the window...High school age students will enjoy this lively story and its excellent dialogue."
— The Bookmark (BCTLA)
"Edgy, earthy - and filled with literary references...Julia is a wonderful character with her mixture of practical wisdom and intelligence and her naivete."
— KLIATT
"A refreshingly original alternative to many of the more angst-ridden teen problem novels."
— Canadian Children's Book News
"An interesting view of teen (hidden) pregnancy, parental reaction and the misguided intentions of friendship...Highly recommended."
— Tucson Unified School District
"Readers will enjoy the story...[and] librarians will love the literary references."
— Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee
"Harvey depict[s] authentic relationships. She also reveals, quite wonderfully, the fluid line between family and friends. She opens us up to the joyous unpredictability of life. And through the example of Julia's mother, she demonstrates the transformative power of a gentle, adaptable faith."
— The Globe and Mail
