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“Mentions of real singers, video games, and other pop culture make the story feel even more relevant, and the author is skilled at creating realistic and complex characters of all ages.”

– School Library Journal

“A teen challenges family norms and navigates her sexuality in this novel centering on an Afro-Caribbean Canadian community…Robinson’s language and descriptions of the dual worlds Denise navigates as a first-generation Canadian are authentic in this work with reluctant reader appeal that explores important themes relating to family, community, and identity…An accessible, realistic cross-cultural coming-of-age novel about seeking a balance between tradition and change.”

– Kirkus Reviews

Dancehall Rebel

Written by Stacey Robinson
Published by Lorimer Children & Teens

What do you do when the musical culture you love comes with a legacy of intolerance?

Denise is a teen who was raised on Jamaican dancehall music; her dad is a leading local DJ who has imbued her life with a love of music. Denise has aspirations to follow in her dad’s footsteps, but there’s a problem: Denise identifies as queer, and the music she loves often reflects homophobia. Her mother and relatives are also not accepting. But when she moves to Ottawa for first year university school, encouraged by a sympathetic cousin, she finds a community of like-minded kids who love and cherish both music and diversity.

This lively true-to-life portrayal of teen lives and relationships puts a contemporary spin on the cultural conflict often between more traditional families and their young family members. A groundbreaking novel portraying a Caribbean Canadian teen challenging the ongoing legacy of homophobia in her musical and cultural community. Dancehall music and culture is undergoing a large shift.

Primary ISBN: 9781459418158
Publication Date: August 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Young Adult, Age 14 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Canada (Ontario, Ottawa)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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Source: Lorimer Kids