Ben Philippe
New York
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Former little boy; of color even.
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Articles by Ben Philippe
The Field Guide to the North American Teenager Book Review
age 13+ Funny story of immigrant teen facing culture shock in U.S. Parents need to know that in Ben Philippe's The Field Guide to the Northern American Teenager, Norris, a Black teen who's the son of Haitian immigrants to Montreal, moves to Austin, Texas, when his mother lands a teaching job at a university. He promises his mother he'll give Austin his best shot, and she promises he can move back to Montreal if it doesn't work out.
A BETTER NIGHTMARE
In a world where every child has a “brain defect”—a “cognitive disease” that can be mild—those with the severe version called Grimm-Cross Syndrome are trapped at Wildsmoor Facility. For 15-year-old Emily Emerson, who presents white, and the others at Wildsmoor, which is run by the evil Matron (who’s also the only fat character), the Grimm is dangerous, rendering them capable of causing earthquakes, breaking bones using only their minds, and worse.
JUPITER RISING | Kirkus Reviews
Lachrymose but brimming also with love and heart. Having lost one beloved foster sibling in Orbiting Jupiter (2015), Jack Hurd faces the devastating prospect of losing another in this equally intense companion volume. Schmidt packs his story with seemingly tough but emotionally vulnerable males circling orphaned Jupiter, who is 3 years old and a charismatic scene stealer.
THE FREEZIES | Kirkus Reviews
Young activists set an example for their community in this accessible adventure that conveys both humor and pathos. The Freezies, three determined social outcasts, try to help a quiet man in need. Kai, Leo, and Suleikha (who goes by “Sully”) live in an English village. Some locals, who wish to keep away “squatters and travellers,” quickly become outraged when an unfamiliar van towing a trailer shows up on the common. The driver, Mr. Christaki, plays the violin beautifully.
ADVENTURES OF MARY JANE
This book soars: Huck Finn has met his match in a wildly appealing, smart, and courageous girl. Celebrated scientist and bestselling adult nonfiction author Jahren has chosen as the subject of her fiction debut the girl Huck Finn describes as “just full of sand…beauty—and goodness too.” Fourteen-year-old Mary Jane is content to live with her mother and grandfather on the Minnesota frontier, shifting from a remote fur-trading outpost in winter to the comforts of Fort Snelling in summer.
RULES FOR RULE BREAKING
When two teen rivals reluctantly take a road trip together, all the rules are broken. Sixteen-year-old Winter Park and 17-year-old Bobby Bae are not friends. Their parents might have become close, bonding as the only Koreans in their North Carolina town, and they might have similar high-achieving goals, but given the choice, Winter would have nothing to do with Bobby. The nemeses even have established rules of engagement to ensure minimal interaction.
SCHOOL STATUE SHOWDOWN
A thought-provoking title that explores integrity in the era of truth and reconciliation. This novel about a conflict between Indigenous activists and those opposing their request to change the name of a local school offers a model for navigating tough conversations around reconciliation and heritage. Harold Sullivan Secondary School was named after AJ Sullivan’s great-grandfather.
POISON TOWN | Kirkus Reviews
An absorbing story of grassroots environmental activism by teens. Fourteen-year-old Addie is on a mission to raise awareness about pollution in her small town in the Kootenay region of British Columbia. When Addie Woods and Priya Gill get paired for a science project, neither of them wants to work together.
DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING
Nothing can dim the light of the “Fabulous and Marvelous Kiki Siregar.” Nothing except maybe the atmosphere at the super-conservative Xingfa School, which her parents have made her transfer to from more the progressive Mingyang High, where she “wasn’t even considered one of the more outspoken pupils.” Seventeen-year-old Jakarta resident Kiki is optimistic that she can shine at her new school if she stays true to herself.
OUT OF OUR LEAGUE
Impressively inclusive, with plenty of appeal for sports lovers and couch potatoes alike. Short stories featuring a diverse range of teen girls who are learning how to play and compete in different sports. This compilation featuring many big-name contributors from YA literature not only centers young women’s voices but also showcases their strengths and different abilities, emphasizes the power of team camaraderie, and demonstrates the value of hard-won lessons.
IZ THE APOCALYPSE
Despite some missteps, this will appeal to readers who enjoy a fresh and realistic teen voice. A teenage, not-so-lonely loner endures the wilds of high school in Austin, Texas. Norris Kaplan, the protagonist of Philippe’s debut novel, is a hypersweaty, uber-snarky black, Haitian, French-Canadian pushing to survive life in his new school.
FIREBIRD | Kirkus Reviews
A Korean American teen’s stifled life changes when she makes an unexpected friend. When sophomore Caroline Kim agrees to peer tutor another student, she doesn’t expect it to be the outgoing, charismatic, and beautiful Korean and Filipina American senior Kimberly Park-Ocampo. The friendship that grows between them mirrors their slow-burn attraction, depicted through teasing dialogue, blushes, and emotive moments.
WE SHIP IT | Kirkus Reviews
A complicated story of family dysfunction blended with a frothy romance. Seventeen-year-old Olivia Schwartz’s drive masks the intense anxiety she’s carried since finding her beloved older brother dead six years ago. Her parents never mention Logan; her 5-year-old twin brothers don’t even know he existed.
SIXTEEN SOULS | Kirkus Reviews
A living boy, once badly harmed by phantoms, is the unlikely savior of ghosts in York, England. Charlie’s been able to see ghosts ever since a childhood bout of meningitis. Seeing ghosts isn’t the problem, though; his only friends are spectral. No, the problem is that he can touch ghosts—which means they can touch him. Charlie lost his only human friends two years ago, when Mitch and Leonie witnessed him be violently attacked by invisible forces.
BLISS ADAIR AND THE FIRST RULE OF KNITTING
by Jean Mills ‧ A teenager finds the world is more complicated than she thought. Sixteen-year-old Bliss Adair loves the order and predictability of math and knitting. She’s never been kissed and doesn’t really get boys. Bliss spends most of her time when not at school at String Theory, her parents’ knitting store, located just outside Toronto.
WHAT IT COST US | Kirkus Reviews
STORIES OF PANDEMIC & PROTEST IN DC by Young Authors of Shout Mouse Press , illustrated by Alexis Williams , Courtney Williams Skinner , Rae Flores , Sade Adeshida & Vivian Jones ‧ Young writers share stories inspired by their experiences of life during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.
VISIONS OF THE CROW
From the Dreams - John-Kehewin series , Vol. 1 by Wanda John-Kehewin ; illustrated by nicole marie burton ‧ A First Nations teen finds himself swept into a metaphysical exploration of self-discovery. Damon Quinn, who has a Métis father and Cree mother, doesn’t really know who he is. His mother abuses alcohol, and he suffers constant torment from racist bullies in school; all Damon wants is to leave everything behind.
THE SOUND OF A RAINBOW
by Sharon Frayne ‧ After being harassed online, a former child singer is packed off to summer camp by her self-centered stage mother. Raven’s nearly 16, and her happiness has already been destroyed. During the finals of a televised singing competition, her overused vocal cords snapped, and the teen star ended up hospitalized for a vocal hemorrhage. The result was online bullying and threats, leading Raven to attempt suicide.
THE RENAISSANCE OF GWEN HATHAWAY
by Ashley Schumacher ‧ This year, Madeline’s Renaissance faire summer is one of new friendships, budding romance, and self-discovery. Growing up with parents who work the Ren faire circuit, traveling around the country in an RV and going to online school, Madeline lived in a warm bubble until her mother’s death last year. When she and her dad arrive in Oklahoma, she meets teen bard Arthur, who happens to be the son of the faire’s new owners—and is determined that she play the role of princess.
NATHALIE | Kirkus Reviews
AN ACADIAN’S TALE OF TRAGEDY AND TRIUMPH by Debra Amirault Camelin ‧ The author mines her genealogy for this story of the expulsion of the Acadians. This brutal, mid-18th-century act of ethnic cleansing, carried out by the British army against peaceful, French Catholic farming and fishing families in what is now Nova Scotia, is ripe with drama.
COME HOME SAFE | Kirkus Reviews
by Brian Buckmire ‧ A pair of biracial siblings face the challenge of trying to feel safe after traumatic interactions with the police in this debut by a public defender and television legal analyst. Reed is a stylish 14-year-old soccer phenom who’s excited to try out for the varsity soccer team at his Brooklyn high school. He’s out with his 12-year-old sister, Olive, when three older boys offer Reed a joint.
ANOTHER DIMENSION OF US
Teens venture through time and space. In 1986, Tommy Gaye struggles with romantic feelings toward his best friend, Renaldo Calabasas. In 2044, Pris, who has a form of vitiligo that manifests as black-and-white stripes and was adopted by her Uncle Myles, a kind former nurse, feels isolated because of her disconnect from any family of origin.
A TALE OF TWO PRINCES
by Eric Geron ‧ Accidentally separated at birth, gay identical twin brothers Edward and Billy are thrown into a royal whirlwind when their unexpected reunion interrupts both of their plans for the future. Crown Prince of Canada Edward Dinnissen is starting his senior year of high school at an elite prep school in New York City. He’s ready to shed the bad press from a mishap on his last birthday and is busy preparing for his upcoming investiture ceremony.
BLITZKRIEG | Kirkus Reviews
by Brian Falkner ‧ A teen working for Britain’s MI6 during World War II infiltrates the Hitler Youth. Joseph St. George is 12 on Nov. 9, 1938—Kristallnacht—when the Gestapo take his father away. Joe’s family isn’t Jewish, and he believes his New Zealander parents are diplomats. He’s grown up in Berlin and, with his best friend, Klaus, nephew of Martin Bormann, Hitler’s secretary, has witnessed both military parades and the persecution of neighborhood Jews.
HEARTBREAK BOYS | Kirkus Reviews
Can a road trip of petty vengeance help two gay British teens recover from a dream prom–turned-nightmare? Jack—out, flamboyant, and a drama queen—knows that prom with his hot, popular boyfriend, Dylan, is going to be sublime. He and Dylan will surely be prom king and queen. Nate—closeted, shy, and totally in love with his out boyfriend, Tariq—is going to bite the bullet and come out tonight during his senior prefect speech.
BUCKHEAD | Kirkus Reviews
by Shobo ; illustrated by George Kambadais ‧ A young Nigerian gamer mods up with his friends to rescue the residents of his new town from Ewon, a spirit from Yoruba history. Toba Adekunle has recently moved to the United States from Lagos because of his mother’s job. His parents visited sites in Nigeria in order to create the Elseverse, a virtual reality system meant to preserve Nigerian history.
The Field Guide to the North American Teenager
This week we are joined by our teacher friend Carissa Peck as we chat about The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe. (Transcript) In today’s episode… When Norris’ mother gets a job as a professor in Austin and his father “can’t quite fit a teenager” in the same house as his new wife and baby, Norris knows he’s in for a culture shock.
FOUR FOR THE ROAD
by K.J. Reilly ‧ Three New Jersey teens and a semisenile senior citizen, all grieving family losses, take a road trip to Graceland. All four are devastated, vulnerable, and looking for ways beyond therapy groups to ease the pain. Henry seizes the chance to carry his beloved wife’s ashes to Memphis, and Sloane comes along to steal and ride a Harley down Beale Street wearing her father’s leather jacket.
THOSE SUMMER NIGHTS
Seventeen-year-old Hannah Klein rebuilds her life one year after a heartbreaking and reckless summer. Since she was little, Hannah has cherished a dream of following her beloved grandmother to Olympic glory. When, in rapid succession, her Bubbie succumbed to cancer and her soccer ambitions were snatched from her by a serious ankle injury, she spun out of control. Now, nearly a year later, she’s still struggling to rediscover her center.
FINAL CUT | Kirkus Reviews
From the Orca Anchor series by Marty Chan ‧ Getting back at bullies gets a little out of hand. Before he moves away, Mason has plans for making one more great movie, starring his best friend, Maya. But when Denise and Cole, two of the biggest bullies in the whole middle school, start interfering with the shoot and making fun of them, Mason decides to take matters into his own hands.
RIDE WITH ME | Kirkus Reviews
by Lucy Keating ‧ Charlie Owens’ part-time gig for a local ride-share app puts her on the path to self-discovery and an unlikely relationship. The Backseat app is a convenient way for Charlie to make money. She regularly picks up riders while maintaining her top-notch driver rating.
A GIRL'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MAGIC
by Debbie Rigaud ‧ A sophomore with a lot on her mind must come to terms with the Vodou in her blood. Cicely Destin turns 15 on Labor Day this year, which, as a Haitian American girl from Brooklyn, also coincides with her favorite annual event, the West Indian Day Parade. Things have been especially difficult since her Grandma Rose passed away, taking with her the last civil connection between Cicely’s mother and Tati Mimose, her beloved aunt who is a Vodouista.
OTHER EVER AFTERS
NEW QUEER FAIRY TALES by Melanie Gillman ; illustrated by Melanie Gillman ‧ Happily-ever-after has no predictable formula for these protagonists. In the king’s forest, a young ranger is charged with protecting the magical flowers. When a flower thief shows the ranger that any picked flowers will be replaced by two more the next day, the ranger begins to question the king’s edict.
THE SKY WE SHARED
by Shirley Reva Vernick ‧ Two girls, separated by the Pacific Ocean, witness World War II from their respective small towns. Fourteen-year-old Nellie Doud, a White American in Bly, Oregon, worries about her father, away in the war; her mother, who hasn’t been the same since he left; and her once best friend, whose brother died in combat. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Tamiko Nakaoka, an orphaned Japanese girl, lives with disability due to polio.
ZAKIYA'S ENDURING WOUNDS
From the Roosevelt High School series , Vol. 11 by Gloria L. Velásquez ‧ The 11th installment in the Roosevelt High School series delves into grief and self-harm. Black sophomore Zakiya Cameron has it all—a spot on the volleyball team, solid best friends, Peyton and Dalana, and a loving (though sometimes annoying) family. Her Catholic family struggles financially, but her parents are saving to buy their own house.
I GUESS I LIVE HERE NOW
by Claire Ahn ‧ Suddenly relocated against her will from New York to Seoul, Melody finds it hard to adjust. Sixteen-year-old Melody Lee loves living with her mom in their cozy New York City apartment, spending time with her best friend, and working toward an interior design internship. Her father visits occasionally from Korea, where he lives and works; Melody’s parents wanted her to get a U.S. education.
SURE ILL BE YOUR BLACK FRIEND by Ben Philippe Read by James Fouhey
James Fouhey narrates this witty, perceptive collection of essays from writer and professor Ben Philippe, who was born in Haiti, was raised in Montreal, and currently resides in New York City. Philippe's conversational memoir discusses his experiences in diverse cultures navigating cultural divides.
Only Murders In The Building Season 1 Episode 7 Review
8.6 BRILLIANT Created by Steve Martin & John Hoffman Written by Stephen Markley and Ben Philippe Directed by Cherien Dabis Starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, James Caverly and Nathan Lane This is by far one of the best episodes of Only Murders In The Building’s first season and it uses barely any words. We watch this episode from Theo’s perspective (he is Teddy’s son).
Letter to a Future Son from a Meek Son
Listen well, my unborn son. What follows is a document outlining all the life lessons I sadly will not be able to provide for you as you grow up. Oh, don’t worry—I assume I’ll still be around, but, well, in truth, I might have moved on to other things by then. A boat in the driveway, an acute interest in model trains in our basement, or perhaps a new identity as an oenophile. The point is that the sheer delight in your existence that I am feeling at this very moment may dim in the coming years.
CHARMING AS A VERB
James Fouhey engagingly portrays Henri Haltiwanger, a particularly charming high school student. Raised by Haitian immigrants, the affable Henri is chasing a lifelong dream of attending Columbia University. Corinne Troy, the daughter of a Columbia dean, who is his neighbor, on the other hand, is intense, driven, not so personable, and unaffected by Henri's magnetism. Despite his charisma and 1000-watt smile, his college dream begins to crumble after a series of poor decisions.
Why are there no Black teen romances on Netflix?
All American -- "Protect Ya Neck"-- Image Number: ALA210b_0060b.jpg -- Pictured (L-R): Daniel Ezra as Spencer and Samantha Logan as Olivia -- Photo: Eddy Chen/The CW -- © 2020 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved Hey there, Netflix Lifers, I’m coming at you this week with a heavier topic for our teen beat but this has been weighing on my heart since I brought y’all teen rom-coms to watch in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
Books in Brief: Gone to the Woods, Charming as a Verb
Books in Brief: Gone to the Woods, Charming as a Verb 1 of 2 MEMOIR Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood by Gary Paulsen; Farrar Straus Giroux, 368 pages ($17.99) Ages 8 to 12. ... Gary Paulsen, author of thrilling survival tale "Hatchet," a 1986 Newbery Honor book, tells the story of his own truly "lost childhood" in this compelling memoir. Now 81, Paulsen relates the tale referring to himself as "the boy", giving the memoir the feel of a novel.
Q&A: Ben Philippe, Author of 'Charming As A Verb'
The Nerd Daily recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Ben Philippe, author of the acclaimed The Field Guide to the North American Teenager and the upcoming YA coming-of-age novel Charming as a Verb. We got to ask Ben all our burning questions surrounding his writing, his own experiences and the neverending hustle! Hi, Ben! Thank you so much for joining us! Why don’t you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Charming As a Verb
Gr 9 Up–Henri Haltiwanger is a go-getter. He’s created a dog-walking business disguised as a much larger corporation to lure rich New York clients into trusting him with their precious pooches. Henri hopes this hustle will help him achieve his, and his father’s, dream of getting into Columbia University.
Charming as a Verb | Quill and Quire
by Ben Philippe by Dani Jansen If people weren’t aware of it already, Felicity Huffman’s and Lori Loughlin’s recent escapades highlight how significant it is for some families to see their children gain acceptance to elite colleges. And while these Hollywood parents may have taken matters into their own hands, for the most part it’s high school seniors themselves who have to decide just how far they’ll go to distinguish themselves from their peers.
Charming as a Verb
From the award-winning author of The Field Guide to the North American Teenager comes a whip-smart and layered romantic comedy. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han. Henri “Halti” Haltiwanger can charm just about anyone. He is a star debater and popular student at the prestigious FATE academy, the dutiful first-generation Haitian son, and the trusted dog walker for his wealthy New York City neighbors.
Books by Black Creators That You Can Preorder Right Now
Books for Readers of All Ages by Black Creators Now Available for Preorder Looking for more ways to support Black authors and illustrators? Searching for diverse and inclusive representation to add to your shelves? Planning ahead for future curriculum? We’re here to help. Check out the list below for forthcoming fall titles now available for preorder.
Charming as a Verb
Charming as a Verb (Hardcover) By Ben Philippe Balzer + Bray, 9780062824141, 336pp. Publication Date: September 8, 2020 List Price: 18.99* * Individual store prices may vary. Description From the award-winning author of The Field Guide to the North American Teenager comes a whip-smart and layered romantic comedy. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han. Henri “Halti” Haltiwanger can charm just about anyone.
Sometimes the Audiobook is Better Playlist on Libro.fm
These Audiobooks Give 100% of Proceeds to Local Bookstores Browse Now The Field Guide to the North American Teenager By Ben Philippe Narrated by James Fouhey / 9 hours 11 minutes William C. Morris YA Debut Award Winner! A hilarious YA contemporary realistic novel about a witty Black French Canadian teen who moves to Austin, Texas, and experiences the joys, clichés, and awkward humiliations of the American high school experience—including falling in love.
A Letter from Ben Philippe, author of The Field Guide to the North American Teenager
The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe On shelves now! Dear Reader, My favorite superhero has always been Spider-Man. This wasn’t due to his superpower or beautiful love interests permanently dangling from bridges but the fact that shy Peter Parker was able to unleash biting snark on the world whenever he donned the Spider-Man mask.
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