• Age: 14 to 18
• Grade: 9 to 12

The year 2000 isn't starting out too well for Toronto high school senior Katherine Boatman. Not only has her oldest friend ditched her for yet another boyfriend, her beloved grandmother died on New Year's Eve leaving a void of goodness in her life that Katherine's not sure how to fill. While overwhelmed with sadness and self-doubt, Katherine unexpectedly finds new love, both for Toronto's underground music scene and for her would-be saviour: a straight edge, loud mouth misfit named Marie. As Katherine seeks comfort in jagged guitars, mind-reading poets and honest conversations, she struggles to figure out not only what she and Marie might mean to each other, but also what it truly means to be good.

Suzanne Sutherland is an author and editor of books for young people who is passionate about inclusive and engaging storytelling. Her debut novel, When We Were Good, was selected for ALA’s Rainbow list and Under the Dusty Moon was a Toronto Public Library Top Ten Recommended Read for Teens. Suzanne lives in Toronto.

Suzanne Sutherland's profile page

Suzanne Sutherland's debut novel is a stunning, heartbreaking Toronto/punk/lesbian coming-of-age story that will deeply affect everyone who's ever had, y'know, feelings. If you aren't compelled to mark up your hands with X's or start a band after reading this book, you probably never will be.

Evan Munday, author of <em>The Dead Kids Detective Agency</em>

Finally, the definitive Toronto novel for a new generation of readers. Suzanne Sutherland's When We Were Good is an ode to the city, to music, and to falling in love.

Kerry Clare, writer and editor at the 49th Shelf