Alumni Book Nook: Dr. Beverley Brenna (BEd’84, MEd’91, BA’02, PhD)

University of Saskatchewan (USask) Professor Emerita Beverley Brenna (BEd’84, MEd’91, BA’02, PhD) is the editor of a new collection of stories for teenagers written by authors from across Canada. The book, I’m Here: YA Stories of Identity, was published this fall by Red Deer Press, an imprint of Sutherland House Books.

Brenna has previously written more than a dozen books for young people as well as two scholarly titles on Canadian children’s literature, earning her a Printz Honor, a Dolly Gray Award, a Saskatchewan Book Award, and a Stuchner Award for humour. Her work was also shortlisted for a Governor General’s Literary Award and is included on a CBC list of “Young Adult Books That Make You Proud To Be Canadian.”

Brenna is a professor emerita who earned three degrees at USask—a Bachelor of Education in 1984, a Master of Education in 1991, and Bachelor of Arts in English in 2002—as well as a PhD at the University of Alberta. After spending many years working as an elementary classroom teacher, a special education teacher, and a special education consultant, in 2010 Brenna joined USask’s College of Education, where she taught graduate and undergraduate courses in literacy education and Canadian children’s literature. She retired in 2022.

I’m Here: YA Stories of Identity includes an introduction from Brenna followed by 19 brand-new stories for teens that explore identity through multiple genres and writing styles. The Green&White recently asked Brenna about the new anthology and what inspired her to get involved with the project.

What is the focus of your new book?

In I’m Here: YA Stories of Identity, I bring together 19 original short stories from writers across Canada, each exploring what it means to define—and redefine—who we are. From newcomers to seasoned authors, these voices span a range of genres, including realism, speculative fiction, historical adventure, and contemporary mythology. Each story captures a moment of transformation, belonging, or discovery, reflecting the complex tapestry of teen identity in contemporary Canada.

What inspired you to work on this book?

I have long wished to edit a short fiction collection for young adults, as an early short story of mine began my writing career.

Did your education at USask play a role in editing this book?

Yes, the study of children’s literature, and the creative writing courses I took, were instrumental to this project.

What are five adjectives that you would use to describe this book?

Diverse, compelling, humourous, poignant, and authentic.

Why would you recommend this book to USask alumni?

We are all connected to young people in some way, and I think this collection of short fiction is a great way to support ongoing literacy development in teen readers as well as to support the excellent Canadian authors whose work comprises this collection.