Munro Maddox is trying to outrun “the Coyote,” the negative voice plaguing him since the death of his sister. Embarking on a six-month exchange to Australia doesn’t seem to do the trick. He is plagued with flashbacks, anxiety attacks, and a recurring numbness in his right hand. Despite a loving host family and new friends, Munro can’t escape feelings of guilt. To fulfill his volunteer hours at school, Munro begins work at Fair Go Community Village, an assisted living facility for adults with special needs. Coyote goes silent. Munro spends more time at Fair Go, but when one resident suddenly leaves and another is forced to go, Coyote returns. Munro’s subsequent collapse forces him to come to terms with the past. Darren Groth’s experience with individuals with special needs helped him create authentic characters who bring humour and joy to a novel that deals with grief, trauma, and healing.

288 pp., 5 × 7.5"

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Darren Groth is the author of seven novels including Kindling (Hachette Australia, 2010), Are You Seeing Me? (Orca, 2017), Munro vs. the Coyote (Orca, 2017) and Infinite Blue (Orca, 2018). He won the 2016 Adelaide Festival Award for Young Adult Literature and has been nominated for numerous other prestigious prizes, among them the Governor General’s Literary Awards, the BC Book Prizes, the OLA White Pine Award, the CBCA Book of the Year (Australia), and the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards (Australia). Groth is a passionate advocate for the representation of neurodiversity and intellectual disability in literature, and is the proud father of a son with autistic spectrum disorder. When he’s not watching American Ninja Warrior with his beautiful wife, he’s eating Fatburger with his wondrous twins. He lives in Vancouver, BC.

Darren Groth's profile page

• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools
• Short-listed, White Pine Award
• Commended, CCBC Best Books
• Short-listed, Amy Mathers Teen Book Award

"A celebration of all that makes us weird, wonderful, and unique. Groth creates characters who learn resilience in the face of grief and discrimination and does it with the perfect balance of humour and heart."

Eileen Cook, bestselling author of <i>With Malice</i>

"Groth's realistic novel is a can't-put-it-down read. Young adults will root for Munro to defeat Coyote and find peace…Readers will find Munro's coping with death fascinating and relevant. Recommended for fans of The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner and Winger by Andrew Smith; this book will fly off the shelves."

School Library Journal

"In addition to some laugh-out-loud humour, this page-turner has some heart-wrenching moments...It is a richly layered book about love, the tenacity of the human spirit, and our capacity to mend. Darren Groth is a brilliant storyteller...A delight to review."

BC Bookworld

"Munro's journey is compelling and his voice believable."

Canadian Literature

"This book exceeded my expectations with very simple to read writing, excellently plotted twist, and strong friendships with fantastic characters."

Mariam's Yummy Books blog

“Authentic, intense emotion drives the story.”

The Horn Book Online

"An engrossing, uplifting must-read. An insightfully complex cast of characters, engaging dialogue and an original storyline that masterfully tackles weighty subjects…A welcome, highly readable addition to every YA lover's bookshelf…By deftly lending a voice to discrimination and disability while simultaneously weaving a believable tale of grief, family, hope and healing, Groth has penned an emotionally satisfying read. "

Canadian Children's Book News

"The novel deals realistically with very difficult situations…Readers will learn a great deal about coping with grief, dealing with psychological problems, working with special needs adults, and facing responsibilities in life."

Resource Links

"[Groth] portrays all his characters as multifaceted and flawed individuals, while still capturing the undeniable transformative power of helping others."

The Globe and Mail

"Munro vs. the Coyote is an engaging read—one in which teenagers facing loss, personal anguish, or negative self-talk may find familiarity and comfort."

Quill & Quire

"A great tale about friendship and open-mindedness, and accepting differences in others."

Susin Nielsen, award-winning author of <i>Optimists Die First</i>

"Groth introduces readers to a sympathetic main character who is trying to move through trauma and to a sparkling supporting cast that gives voice to disability…[Munro's] first-person narration is strong (both sassy and heart-wrenching) and the thoughtful handling of trauma and difference, both genuine and relevant. Characters that will steal readers' hearts with their humor and resilience, smooth writing, and a satisfying and hopeful ending make this a book to enjoy both emotionally and critically."

Kirkus Reviews

"Groth's novel is an unassuming look at survivor's guilt. Munro is a likable character, and all the new friends he makes are quirky and well-drawn supporters in his journey to recovery. A welcome addition to realistic-fiction collections."

Booklist

"Engrossing, entertaining and uplifting…This book will strike a chord and shift perspectives for many readers while it entertains them. Highly Recommended."

CM Magazine

"Exceptionally fine; Groth writes with knowledge, compassion, maturity of vision and piercing humour. His characters, created with warmth and depth—from major to minor—are idiosyncratic and lively. It is Groth's deft evocation of Munro's self-aware narration and the voices in his head that powerfully propels the novel."

Vancouver Sun

"Groth offers readers a thoughtful and ultimately uplifting story about grief and healing, as well as difference and acceptance…[He] skillfully illustrates the personal challenges each person faces in dealing with trauma and loss, and reminds readers that while the journey to healing isn't ever easy or straightforward, time and refocused energy can lessen the pain."

Amy Mathers Teen Book Award Jury