monique polak

Monique Polak's Books

Finding Elmo

new-findingelmoPublisher: Orca, 2007

Fifteen-year-old Tim loves his job at his dad’s pet store, partly because he gets to spend time with his best friend, a black cockatoo named Elmo. But things at work have been tense since the store moved to a new location.

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All In

allinPublisher: James Lorimer, 2006

Todd Lerner’s not much of a student, but he’s got plenty of street smarts and a mean poker face. Todd’s got his eye on Claire, the most beautiful girl in grade eleven. But Claire likes nice things, and if Todd wants to date her, he’ll need cash and plenty of it.

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Home Invasion

invasionPublisher: Orca, 2005

Josh is less than thrilled that he has a new stepfather, and finds his personal habits – and his personality – irritating. When his mother leaves town, Josh is left to spend a week with Clay. Resenting his new living arrangements and his unorthodox home life, Josh finds himself drawn to the idea of a “regular” family and, on a whim, sneaks into a neighbour’s house to see how others live.

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On the Game

onthegame2Publisher: James Lorimer, 2005

There’s nothing more exciting than being young and in love – especially when the object of your affection is older and showers you with gifts and attention. But when Yolande’s new boyfriend, Etienne, asks her to go on a date with another guy, it becomes clear that his love comes at a terrible price.

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No More Pranks

pranksPublisher: Orca, 2004

Pete likes to play pranks. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it gets a laugh. When he impersonates his vice-principal on a radio call-in show, he goes too far and is suspended from school.

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Flip Turn

flipturnPublisher: James Lorimer, 2004

Victoria Miller is a hard-working member of a Montreal swim team who has been training six days a week for the past four years. That’s what it takes to keep up with her teammate and rival, Svetlana. Most of the other swimmers are spurred on by their parents – but not Victoria.

Read more: Flip Turn