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Dark Side
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Dark Side

By John Choi

$12.95 Paperback
In Stock Ships in 24hrs or or less
$7.95 Ebook
EPUB In Stock Ships immediately
Series: Lorimer SideStreets

Rating: 0 vote(s).


Emerson Yeung seems to have every reason to be happy-- he gets good marks, has some friends, and has a part time job at his parents' dry cleaning business. But Emerson has been hiding something. The pressure to be the perfect son put on him by his parents that sometimes escalates into abuse from his father. This has led to a depression that leaves him roaming the city in the middle of the night.

When his phone is stolen and used to post racist threats toward the vice principal and a teacher at his school, Emerson gets suspended and is investigated by the police. Not seeing any way out of his situation, he plans to commit suicide. But Emerson manages to find help and to gain the strength he needs to deal with his life.

This novel is a realistic look at how a responsible teen can feel overwhelmed by life's pressures --and how personal and family tragedy can be averted.

"Many adults are wary of discussing suicide and depression with teenagers out of fear of encouraging teens to consider suicide. I myself believe that talking about issues demystifies them, and for that reason would suggest this book be put in the hands of any teen who's struggling with depression, academic pressure, or family violence. I also admire that Emerson is Chinese-Canadian, adding a little more diversity to YA literature and chipping away at some persistent stereotypes about Asian characters in books for teens.Dark Side is a strong novel for reluctant readers. I look forward to more sensitive, empowering books from John Choi."

- Resource Links

"Emerson is a realistic character with whom readers are likely to connect because they or someone they know may have been in a similar situation with feeling overwhelmed with school and life at some point... The book is likely to encourage readers to think critically about mental health and healthy family relationships. Dark Side is an engaging read that covers many serious issues which will hold appeal to a wide audience of teen readers. Highly Recommended."

- Chasity Findlay, CM Magazine

"Good YA books about the struggle with depression and suicide, as well as cultural and generational barriers. I'd definitely recommend this for any junior high and high school library."

- Colleen Maynard, Librarian , NetGalley

JOHN CHOI lives in Toronto where he has worked as a child and youth mental health professional for over twenty years. Dark Side is his first novel.

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Publication Details:

Binding: Paperback, 168 pages
Publication Date: 22nd August 2016
ISBN: 9781459411524
Format: 7.5in x 5.25in

Binding: Electronic book text, 168 pages
Publication Date: 22nd August 2016
ISBN: 9781459411531
Format: EPUB

BISAC Code:  YAF014000, YAF058060, YAF058170
Imprint: Lorimer

Interest age: From 13 To 18
Fry Reading Level [grade]: 3.3
Lexile Reading Level: 610L

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SideStreets

SideStreets Series

Edgy & realistic teen fiction

Series Website

Series features

  • Page-turning novels that engage reluctant readers
  • Presenting real-world issues in real ways
  • Award-winning, knowledgeable authors
  • Diverse characters and settings

"Sensitive and effective, these small, short books are explicitly aimed at reluctant readers." —Kirkus Reviews

"The quality of writing is excellent, and this book should be in every junior and senior- high school library...highly recommended."
—Canadian Book Review Annual

Sidestreets are edgy, fast-paced novels, that combine real-world themes and believable characters to make for short heart-stopping books - sure to engage the most reluctant reader.

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