From Our Editors, Fall 2021

With the holiday season on the horizon, I often find myself in reflection. December into the New Year for me typically means more time with loved ones, and for those who have the privilege to slow down and carve out space to press pause, it can be quite regenerative. 

For me in particular, I tend to reflect on my childhood and look back nostalgically at those moments that make my present day self wish to be a kid again. To be honest, I reflect on my childhood a great deal, and that has to do with the influence that reading with my “youngest self” in mind has on me. That is also what this issue is all about, and what an honour it has been to work as Guest Editor for the Hamilton Review of Book’s first themed issue focusing on youth. 

As you read the issue, I invite you to read with your younger self in mind, both through the issue and beyond. For me, that means picking up books that I wish I could’ve read when I was younger, many of which are a part of this issue. It means connecting with the protagonist in a coming-of-age novel. Or being moved by the poetry within a children’s picture book. I’ve found many mirror moments through reading books for younger audiences, and every time I end up feeling more seen and understood.

This issue proudly centres the voices of young writers as contributors, while also acknowledging that there is really no age cap on when someone can connect to the voice of their inner child. The stories within us shouldn’t have a time limit on when they should be heard. We are also proud to share a full slate of reviews of youth-focused literature. Thank you to every contributor, reader, and editor that brought this issue to life. 

To close out this welcome, here’s some special shout-outs to all of the new HRB content that came along over the past few months: a new monthly round up of Independently Published Bestsellers – check out October’s here, and the launch of the HRB’s very own podcast! Listen here.

All the best and happy reading,  
Ja’miil Millar, Guest Editor, HRB Fall Youth Issue 2021

Ja'miil (she/her) is a writer, editor and student and teacher of movement in Hamilton on Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), Haudenosaunee, Mississauga, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation land. Ja’miil’s identity and culture play a central role in how she expresses herself and guides her to consistently reflect on the spaces she takes up. She relies on this expression through words, movement, and creativity to sustain her capacity and connection for community work.