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Young Adult

Coda – Orca Books, 2014

The SEVEN SEQUELS are here! Coda continues the rollicking adventures of Spencer as his brother is kidnapped and Spencer’s efforts to save him uncover a dark – or maybe silly – chapter in their late grandfather’s past. A breathless ride of comic suspense following hard on the heels of Jump Cut.

Ace’s Basement – Orca Books, 2013

This is another fast and funny tale about young musicians for reluctant readers grades 6-8. Picking up where Power Chord left off, Ace and his new music partner Lisa reluctantly take up their impulsive friend Denny’s offer to make them famous through a Youtube video, with results that are surprising in more ways than they intended.

“…a refreshingly upbeat teen novel. Staunton successfully portrays the struggles and humiliations of high school and the pressures of fitting in, succeeding, and seeking romance.” –Canadian Materials ****/4 review

A 2014 Red Maple nominee.

Who I’m Not – Orca Books, 2013

Trying to dodge trouble, a teen con artist lands in the midst of it when he claims to be a long missing child from Ontario and is accepted by his new “family”. Part mystery thriller, part black comedy, Who I’m Not wrestles with the key question for us all: identity.

“…takes off like a rocket and continues its upward trajectory right to the very last page…This book is a knockout, and that’s no con.” –Quill & Quire, starred review

“Readers aren’t sure whether or not they can trust the main character and that makes the journey all the more exhilarating…Breathless, fast paced fun.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Reluctant readers will be receptive to this gripping tale about identity and resilience, written in clear language. –School Library Journal

Jump Cut – Orca Books, 2012

Spencer is a film nerd with a simple task to do for his late grandpa: video a kiss on the cheek from an old-time movie goddess. Things get complicated when the movie star demands a drive to a ghost town north of Lake Superior in exchange for the kiss, with a gangster. a girl, and a chihuahua along for the ride in a stolen Cadillac – not to mention the really bad guys in hot pursuit.

Part of the SEVEN series (with other authors).

Power Chord – Orca Books, 2012
(Orca Currents)

Ace and his Grade Nine buddies Denny and Pigpen decide to form a band to meet girls. Not knowing how to play instruments is only a minor problem; the moral dilemma of the best way to win a song contest becomes the real test for Ace.

Acting Up – Red Deer Press, 2010

Sam Foster returns for Grade 11 in the third volume of the Hope Springs trilogy, coping with music, maturity, and a whirlwind girlfriend named Martha. What can maturity be in a town like Hope Springs, where the adults are often weirder than the teens?

Sounding Off  – Red Deer Press, 2004

Follow Hope Springs’ own Sam Foster through the very public trials and tribulations of Grade Nine – where you want to be famous and utterly invisible at the same time – in this touching and funny story of small town teens.

A CCBC Our Choice title.