North to Benjamin

Gr 5–8—Edgar and his mother, Stephanie, flee Toronto for the colder climes of northwestern Canada. Although used to his mother's bad breakups, Edgar is hoping for a fresh start in the Yukon. The 11-year-old is more comfortable watching the world at a distance through his camera lens. But even he is surprised when he loses the ability to communicate except by barking after his mother forms yet another inappropriate relationship. Only Benjamin, the Newfoundland they're dog-sitting, seems to understand him. Edgar also gains canine senses in this novel with a magical realism bent, which become especially necessary when the boy sets out on a dangerous journey across the frozen Yukon River with only Benjamin by his side, in order to stop his mother from upturning their lives again. The protagonist is wise beyond his years. Edgar, who had predicted his mother's actions, sees parallels between Stephanie's determination to take what she wants and the miners who starved out First Nations population during the Gold Rush. Cumyn uses Edgar's transformation as a measure to show not only a more radical disappearance, but also a stronger ability to observe the world around his. His survival story, friendship with Benjamin, and coping mechanism will resonate with and fascinate young readers.