Book: The Gutter Child 🍁

This is a debut novel from Canadian Jael Richardson. We were immersed in an imagined world but also a recognizable reality. We know you will find yourself making connections to the Mainland and the Gutter. The protagonist Elimina Dubois faces powerful struggles: for her identity, against injustices and for the opportunity to realize her freedom and potential. A harrowing read about a class system and the ramifications it has on the characters’ lives. 

What is in the box?

Asheville Mix Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn – A sweet and salty mix of popcorn flavors from North Carolina.

Jasmine or Sencha Tea – Genuine Tea- A hot cup of tea is going to be your best reading companion for this book as you ponder its deep themes. We chose Green Tea to connect to the cover and as a fresh, uplifting tea. 🍁

Buttons - Harper Collins – A fun gift from Harper Collins to celebrate the novel’s release.

Wool Socks – Duray Canada - The Gutter Children work hard at Livingstone Academy in order to put freedom in their future. Wear these comfortable socks when doing your hard labour or playing hard. 🍁

She's Like Nothing the World Has Seen Before Journal – Compendium – A beautiful journal for dreaming, planning or reading notes. Filled with beautiful designs, bold statements and inspirations.

Sweet Reads Box Pen – SRB – The perfect reading and journal writing pen. Keep for yourself or pass along to a Sweet Reads Box loving friend. 🍁

And Still I Rise, Poems by Maya Angelou – Penguin Random House - One of the few delights Elimina and her fellow Gutter Children have, is to surreptitiously read poetry to each other. We included one of our favourite collections of poetry because it features Maya Angelou’s poem Phenomenal Woman which ties into the journey of the women in Gutter Child.

**100 boxes will include a special tote bag as a gift from Harper Collins. We distributed these randomly throughout provinces and boxes!

🍁 Indicates a Canadian company

Why American Dirt?

We read this novel long before its release date and the controversy surrounding it began. A number of people have been critical of the novel because a Latino author did not write it and the story is very much rooted in the culture and experiences of that community. We respect and honour this opinion while also believing this novel is compelling, timely and important. We hope you will agree.

Lydia and Luca’s story is unlike any novel we’ve read before. Their experiences as migrants making a journey we’ve only heard about are powerful, heartbreaking and at times beautiful. We could not put this book down as we yearned to find out whether they would survive the journey. The novel reminds us of the resilience required to persevere through trauma and gives the reader a glimpse into the migrant experience.

What’s in the box?

*Mexico – San Cristobel Coffee – Kyoto Coffee – A perfect pot of delicious medium roast coffee. The ideal drink to compliment an afternoon of reading.

*Sinfully Raw Vanilla Stone Ground Dark Chocolate – Chocosol – We chose this chocolate from well known Toronto Chocosol Traders who blend cacao varieties from indigenous communities in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Ecuador.

*Fierce Enamel Pin – Danica Studio – Lydia and so many of the characters embody this word. Let this pin be a symbol of your own fierceness.

*Week From Hell Lip Balm – Walton Wood Farm – We see lip balm used at various points in the novel as Lydia and Luca deal with the blazing sun and sun damaged lips. Take care of your lips with this natural lip balm.

*Empire Zippered Pouch - Danica Studio – The eagle is a powerful symbol in Mexico (and America) making it a fitting image for this canvas pouch. We felt this type of durable pouch would be similar to the one Lydia carries.

Cactus Pencils – Kikkerland – While the experiences of the characters in the novel are anything but fun, we wanted to add a lighter touch to the box with cactus pencils perfect for school, work or home office.

*A Canadian company