Kyo Maclear

Kyo Maclear is a Canadian novelist and children's author known for her captivating storytelling and diverse literary contributions. Born in London, England, Kyo moved to Toronto, Canada, at a young age, where she was raised in a culturally rich environment. Her father, Michael Maclear, is a respected journalist and documentary filmmaker, while her mother, Yoko Maclear, is a Japanese artist and gallerist.

Kyo's educational background is as impressive as her literary works. She pursued fine art and art history at the University of Toronto, which provided a solid foundation for her creative endeavors. Her passion for learning led her to complete a Master of Arts in cultural studies at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in 1996, and she further expanded her academic horizon by obtaining a doctorate in environmental humanities and education at York University in 2018.

As an essayist, novelist, and children's author, Kyo's books have resonated with readers worldwide, being translated into eighteen languages and published in over twenty-five countries. Her works have received critical acclaim and numerous nominations from prestigious awards such as the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction, the Governor General's Literary Awards, and the TD Canadian Children's Literature Awards. Her hybrid memoir Birds Art Life (2017) was a #1 National bestseller, sharing her insightful exploration of the nature of creativity and the joys of discovering the beauty in the everyday.

Kyo Maclear's latest book, Unearthing, delves into a story of family secrets and the complexities of inheritance beyond mere genetics. Her narrative skillfully intertwines personal history with broader themes of identity and belonging, making her a beloved figure in contemporary literature.

Editor's note

¡Amo su trabajo! Desde su bellísima autobiografía "Unearthing" hasta sus libros para niños.

- Ivette

Popular now

Smart But Scattered Teens

The Executive Skills Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential
by Richard Guare, Peg Dawson

Smart But Scattered Teens is an insightful guide that leverages key principles from the business world to help teens become more organized, stay focused, and manage their impulses effectively. If you're a parent of a "smart but scattered" teen, this book offers an alternative to micromanaging and ineffective punishments.

This positive guide provides a science-based program for promoting teens' independence by building their executive skills—fundamental brain-based abilities necessary for getting organized, staying focused, and controlling impulses and emotions.

Executive skills experts Drs. Richard Guare and Peg Dawson, joined by Colin Guare, offer step-by-step strategies to help your teen reach their potential now and in the future, while strengthening your relationship.

Helpful worksheets and forms are available for download, designed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size, making it easy to implement the strategies provided in the book.

A Promised Land

by Barack Obama

A Promised Land is an intimate and powerful account of history in the making, from the president who inspired us to believe in democracy. Barack Obama narrates his journey from a young man searching for his identity to becoming the leader of the free world, offering personal insights into both his political education and the significant moments of his first presidential term.

From his earliest political aspirations to the pivotal Iowa caucus victory, and the historic election night on November 4, 2008, Obama's memoir is a deeply personal exploration of the reach and limits of presidential power, U.S. partisan politics, and international diplomacy. He takes readers inside the Oval Office, the White House Situation Room, and across the globe, sharing his thoughts on assembling his cabinet, handling the global financial crisis, confronting Vladimir Putin, and authorizing the mission that led to the death of Osama bin Laden.

With candor, Obama discusses the challenges of running for office as a Black American, the impact of the presidency on his family, and never loses faith in the progress possible within the American experiment. A Promised Land is a testament to democracy, founded on empathy and common understanding, built together day by day.

Ignite Me

by Tahereh Mafi

The heart-stopping third installment in the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Hollow City, called "a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love."

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn't know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won't keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that's not all he wants with her.

Tahereh Mafi has created a captivating and original story that combines the best of dystopian and paranormal and was praised by Publishers Weekly as "a gripping read from an author who's not afraid to take risks."

A Sense of Urgency

by John P. Kotter

Most organizational change initiatives fail spectacularly (at worst) or deliver lukewarm results (at best). In his international bestseller Leading Change, John Kotter revealed why change is so hard, and provided an actionable, eight-step process for implementing successful transformations. The book became the change bible for managers worldwide.

Now, in A Sense of Urgency, Kotter shines the spotlight on the crucial first step in his framework: creating a sense of urgency by getting people to actually see and feel the need for change. Why focus on urgency? Without it, any change effort is doomed. Kotter reveals the insidious nature of complacency in all its forms and guises.

In this exciting new book, Kotter explains:

  • How to go beyond "the business case" for change to overcome the fear and anger that can suppress urgency
  • Ways to ensure that your actions and behaviors -- not just your words -- communicate the need for change
  • How to keep fanning the flames of urgency even after your transformation effort has scored some early successes

Written in Kotter's signature no-nonsense style, this concise and authoritative guide helps you set the stage for leading a successful transformation in your company.

The Wise Man's Fear

The Kingkiller Chronicle: Book 2
by Patrick Rothfuss

"There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man."

My name is Kvothe. You may have heard of me. So begins a tale told from his own point of view—a story unequaled in fantasy literature. Now in The Wise Man's Fear, Day Two of The Kingkiller Chronicle, Kvothe takes his first steps on the path of the hero and learns how difficult life can be when a man becomes a legend in his own time.

Picking up the tale of Kvothe Kingkiller once again, we follow him into exile, into political intrigue, courtship, adventure, love, and magic... and further along the path that has turned Kvothe, the mightiest magician of his age, a legend in his own time, into Kote, the unassuming pub landlord.

The Wise Man's Fear is a sequel in every way the equal to its predecessor and a must-read for all fantasy fans. Engaging and gripping, it is the biggest and the best new fantasy novel out there.

The Power of Neurodiversity: Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain

Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain (published in hardcover as Neurodiversity)
by Thomas Armstrong

Develop a new understanding of neurodivergence with this thoughtful exploration of the human mind from a bestselling author and psychologist. From ADHD and dyslexia to autism, the number of diagnosis categories listed by the American Psychiatric Association has tripled in the last fifty years. With so many people affected, it is time to revisit our perceptions of people with disabilities.

Bestselling author, psychologist, and educator Thomas Armstrong illuminates a new understanding of neuropsychological disorders. He argues that if they are a part of the natural diversity of the human brain, they cannot simply be defined as illnesses. Armstrong explores the evolutionary advantages, special skills, and other positive dimensions of these conditions.

A manifesto as well as a keenly intelligent look at "disability," The Power of Neurodiversity is a must for parents, teachers, and anyone who is looking to learn more about neurodivergence.

Ficción y no ficción que te ayudará en el complejo, único y divertido camino de criar hijes feministas. Algunos libros incluyen "cómos", pero la mayoría simplemente reflejan relaciones, ideas o historias que generan reflexiones muy valiosas alrededor de la crianza de hijes feministas.

Join the spine

The Spine is a small community of book lovers.
Currently we are in beta, as we work on refining the site with the help of our friends.

New releases

Water Moon

by Samantha Sotto Yambao

A woman inherits a pawnshop where you can sell your regrets, and then embarks on a magical journey when a charming young physicist wanders into the shop, in this dreamlike and enchanting fantasy novel.

On a backstreet in Tokyo lies a pawnshop, but not everyone can find it. Most will see a cozy ramen restaurant. And only the chosen ones—those who are lost—will find a place to pawn their life choices and deepest regrets.

Hana Ishikawa wakes on her first morning as the pawnshop’s new owner to find it ransacked, the shop’s most precious acquisition stolen, and her father missing. And then into the shop stumbles a charming stranger, quite unlike its other customers, for he offers help instead of seeking it.

Together, they must journey through a mystical world to find Hana’s father and the stolen choice—by way of rain puddles, rides on paper cranes, the bridge between midnight and morning, and a night market in the clouds.

But as they get closer to the truth, Hana must reveal a secret of her own—and risk making a choice that she will never be able to take back.

Lightfall

by Ed Crocker
Lightfall is an epic fantasy novel filled with vampires, werewolves, and sorcerers. It's the debut work of Ed Crocker, perfect for fans of Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Vampire and Richard Swan’s The Justice of Kings.

In a world where no humans exist, only immortals, the story dives into their intricate politics, fierce feuds, and long-hidden secrets.

Centuries ago, vampires roamed freely until the mysterious Grays decimated half the population in one night. The remaining vampires retreated to the last city of First Light, where societal rules are harsh: the poor drink weak blood, the nobility savor the best, and no one can leave.

Enter Sam, a palace maid fed up with her station and the oppressive rules. After discovering a clue to the murder of the ruler's son, she seizes the opportunity to elevate her status and joins the Leeches—a rebel group of maids challenging the Lords' tyranny. Teaming up with a sorcerer with unparalleled deductive skills, a lethal werewolf assassin, and a secretive countess, Sam embarks on a journey to uncover a vast conspiracy among the ruling elite.

Will Sam unveil the truth before becoming a victim herself? If she survives the treacherous path, immortality awaits.

What Happened to the McCrays?

by Tracey Lange

From New York Times bestselling author Tracey Lange, comes a poignant story about the resilience of family, the importance of community, and the magic of middle school hockey.


When Kyle McCray gets word his father has suffered a debilitating stroke, he returns to his hometown of Potsdam, New York, where he doesn’t expect a warm welcome. Kyle left suddenly two and a half years ago, abandoning people who depended on his father, his employees, his friends—not to mention Casey, his wife of sixteen years and a beloved teacher in town. He plans to lie low and help his dad recuperate until he can leave again, especially after Casey makes it clear she wants him gone.


The longer he’s home, the more Kyle understands the impact his departure has had on the people he left behind. When he’s presented with an opportunity for redemption as the coach of the floundering middle school hockey team, he begins to find compassion in unexpected places. Kyle even considers staying in Potsdam, but that’s only possible if he and Casey can come to some kind of peace with each other.


Full of love and hope, What Happened to the McCrays? takes an intimate look at both sides of a failed marriage and two people who must finally confront the awful pain of their past or risk being consumed by it.

More or Less Maddy

by Lisa Genova

A breathless, riveting novel about a young woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder who rejects the stability and approval found in a traditionally “normal” life for a career in stand-up comedy.


Maddy Banks is just like any other stressed-out freshman at NYU. Between schoolwork, exams, navigating life in the city, and a recent breakup, it’s normal to be feeling overwhelmed. It doesn’t help that she’s always felt like the odd one out in her picture-perfect Connecticut family. But Maddy’s latest low is devastatingly low, and she goes on an antidepressant. She begins to feel good, dazzling in fact, and she soon spirals high into a wild and terrifying mania that culminates in a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.


As she struggles to find her way in this new reality, navigating the complex effects bipolar has on her identity, her relationships, and her life dreams, Maddy will have to figure out how to manage being both too much and not enough.


With her signature deep empathy and insight, Harvard-trained neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author, Lisa Genova, has crafted another profoundly moving novel that makes complicated mental health issues accessible and human. More or Less Maddy is a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding the nuances of mental health.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls

by Grady Hendrix
There’s power in a book…

They call them wayward girls. Loose girls. Girls who grew up too fast. They’re sent to the Wellwood Home in St. Augustine, Florida, where unwed mothers are hidden by their families to have their babies in secret, give them up for adoption, and most importantly, to forget any of it ever happened.

Fifteen-year-old Fern arrives at the home in the sweltering summer of 1970, pregnant, terrified, and alone. Under the watchful eye of the stern Miss Wellwood, she meets a dozen other girls in the same predicament. There’s Rose, a hippie determined to find a way to keep her baby and escape to a commune. Zinnia, a budding musician, knows she’s going to go home and marry her baby’s father. And Holly, a wisp of a girl, barely fourteen, mute and pregnant by no-one-knows-who.

Everything the girls eat, every moment of their waking day, and everything they’re allowed to talk about is strictly controlled by adults who claim they know what’s best for them. Then Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft, and power is in the hands of the girls for the first time in their lives. But power can destroy as easily as it creates, and it’s never given freely. There’s always a price to be paid…and it’s usually paid in blood.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is a searing, completely original novel by the author of How to Sell a Haunted House and The Final Girl Support Group, further cementing his status as a horror master.

Cross My Heart

by Megan Collins
She has his dead wife’s heart; the one she wants is his. The author of The Family Plot brings her signature prose to a twisty novel about a heart transplant patient who becomes romantically obsessed with her donor’s husband.

Rosie Lachlan wants nothing more than to find The One.

A year after she was dumped in her wedding dress, she’s working at her parents’ bridal salon, anxious for a happy ending that can’t come soon enough. After receiving a life-saving heart transplant, Rosie knows her health is precious and precarious. She suspects her heart donor is Daphne Thorne, the wife of local celebrity author Morgan Thorne, who she begins messaging via an anonymous service called DonorConnect, ostensibly to learn more about Daphne. But Rosie has a secret: She’s convinced that now that she has his wife’s heart, she and Morgan are meant to be together.

As she and Morgan correspond, the pretense of avoiding personal details soon disappears, even if Rosie’s keeping some cards close to her chest. But as she digs deeper into Morgan’s previous marriage, she discovers disturbing rumors about the man she’s falling for. Could Morgan have had something to do with his late wife’s death? And can Rosie’s heart sustain another break—or is she next?

Are you sure you want to delete this?