Scarborough is the debut novel by Canadian writer Catherine Hernandez, published in 2017.Hannah Sung, "Review: David Chariandy's Brother and Catherine Hernandez's Scarborough bring a community to life". The Globe and Mail, October 6, 2017. Set in the Toronto district of Scarborough, the novel centres on the coming-of-age of three young children living in the low-income Galloway Road neighbourhood — Bing, a boy struggling with his sexual identity; Laura, a girl who longs for stability as she is continually being shuffled back and forth between her mother's and her father's separate homes; and Sylvie, a girl whose family is living in a homeless shelter — as well as Hina, a community literacy worker dedicated to serving as a supportive oasis of guidance for underprivileged children in her community.Sadaf Ahsan, "Scarberia redacted". National Post, May 6, 2017.
Awards The novel was a shortlisted finalist for the 2017 Toronto Book Awards,"Jen Agg, Catherine Hernandez nominated for Toronto Book Awards". CBC Books, October 2, 2017. the 2018 Trillium Book Award for English Prose,Deborah Dundas, "Toronto's Cherie Dimaline, Catherine Hernandez are among Trillium Book Award nominees". Toronto Star, May 24, 2018. and the 2018 Edmund White Award."Catherine Hernandez, Kai Cheng Thom up for Triangle Awards". Quill & Quire, March 12, 2018.
The novel was subsequently selected for the 2022 edition of Canada Reads, where it was defended by Malia Baker."Meet the Canada Reads 2022 contenders". CBC Books, January 26, 2022.
Film adaptation
The novel was adapted by Shasha Nakhai and Rich Williamson into the theatrical film Scarborough, which premiered at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival.Radheyan Simonpillai, "Scarborough is a new look for TIFF – and Canadian film". Now, September 8, 2021.
Hernandez wrote the screenplay,Amber Dowling, "‘Scarborough’ Gives Ground-Breaking Voice to Ignored Toronto Community". Variety, September 10, 2021. and won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 10th Canadian Screen Awards in 2022."Night Raiders, Scarborough emerge victorious at 5th night of Canadian Screen Awards". CBC News, April 8, 2022. The film also won the award for Best Picture, Nakhai and Williamson won Best Director, and Liam Diaz won Best Actor for his portrayal of Bing.Jenna Benchetrit, "Scarborough wins 3 Canadian Screen Awards, including best motion picture". CBC News, April 10, 2022.
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