Spring 2024

Ace and the Misfits

  • Interest Level: Grade 7 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 6

In his debut novel, Eddie Kawooya presents a fish-out-of-water story of immigration and the pains and joys of integration into a new and sometimes frightening environment.

Loosely based on Kawooya’s own life, this novel follows fifteen-year-old Patrick “Ace” Katumba. Kutumba’s life is changed drastically when he, his mother, and his sister are forced to flee their lives in Uganda. Ace’s mother is a journalist who has reported on government corruption and has now been marked.

Arriving in Canada, Ace finds himself living in his uncle’s basement apartment and having to integrate into a new community where he is the “African.” Despite being an excellent student, he meets ignorance and bullying at school until he falls in with a crew of international misfits who understand what he’s going through. With their support, Ace starts to regain the confidence he lost in the move and his subsequent troubles.

At the core of this story is the isolation a child feels after his world is snatched from him, and the journey of self-worth and self-confidence he must undertake to rise above it.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-4594-1752-6
$20.99
978-1-4594-1751-9
$16.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 7 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 6
Genre Young Adult
Category Diverse Books: Immigration & Refugees, Diverse Books: #OwnVoices, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diversity, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2024
Publisher James Lorimer and Company Ltd., Publishers
Imprint Lorimer Children & Teens
Language English
Number of Pages 160
Publication Date 2024-03-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS YAF058120, YAF058100, YAF014000
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5.5 x 8.5
Lexile 710
Features Author/Illustrator biography and Reviewed

Author: Eddie Kawooya

Eddie Kawooya was born in Uganda and raised on three different continents before settling in Canada. As an immigrant to Canada, he is passionate about issues related to race, inclusion, and diversity. He lives in Toronto.

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

“Kawooya’s debut novel flows smoothly and is full of charming personalities. . . . A heartwarming journey.”—Kirkus Reviews