Resources for Teachers Sigmund Brouwer, Rock and Roll Storyteller

$4.95 fall 2013 Vol. 36 no. 4

RECOMMENDED BOOKS + OPINIONS + PROFILES + NEWS + REVIEWS

Authors in the Classroom: Resources for Teachers Sigmund Brouwer, Rock and Roll Storyteller

Bookmark! Human Rights Remembering Claire Mackay 04 Reviews of over 40 new books

7125274 86123 “S , —Kirkus Reviews .”

ll Jane did was read aloud from an old book. She couldn’t AAreally be standing face to face with her namesake, Tudor England’s Lady Jane Grey—could she?

In her debut novel, Sue MacLeod “Without a misstep, Namesake successfully accomplishes a feat proceeds from a tantalizing many more experienced writers prologue to the satisfying struggle with: weaving an historical conclusion. Perfectly con- narrative smoothly into a contem- structed, this book is a gem.” porary storyline… It sounds like a — CANADIAN CHILDREN’S lot of ground to cover in one slim BOOK NEWS volume, and it is, but with sensitiv- ity and some well-placed humour, MacLeod pulls it off.”

— QUILL & QUIRE “In every way, this novel is STARRED REVIEW a triumph.… Highly Recommended.”

— CM MAGAZINE

“The historical details of the Tudor monarchy and everyday life in the “The history is true, the twists unique and 1500s are impressive.” the touches of humour and romance are —RESOURCE LINKS heart-warming.” —CANLIT FOR LITTLECANADIANS

Young Adult Fiction Ages 12+ Find the Namesake book trailer and discussion guide at 978-1-927485-29-3 Paperback www.pajamapress.ca/books.html#Namesake List Price: $14.95 232 Pages

[email protected] facebook.com/pajamapress @pajamapress1 pinterest.com/pajamapress CONTENTS THIS ISSUE booknews Fall 2013 Volume 36 No. 4 7 Seen at ... Editor Gillian O’Reilly Copy Editor and Proofreader Shannon Howe Barnes At The Word on the Street in Saskatoon on September 22, 2013, Design Perna Siegrist Design author and illustrator Ashley Spires greets some young fans. Advertising Michael Wile This informative magazine published quarterly by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre is available by yearly subscription. Single subscription — $24.95 plus sales tax (includes 2 issues of Best Books for Kids & Teens) Contact the CCBC for bulk subscriptions and for US or overseas subscription rates. Fall 2013 (October 2013) Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement 40010217 Published by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre ISSN 1705 — 7809 For change of address, subscriptions, or return of undeliverable copies, contact: The Canadian Children’s Book Centre 40 Orchard View Blvd., Suite 217 Toronto, ON M4R 1B9 Tel 416.975.0010 Fax 416.975.8970 Email [email protected] Website www.bookcentre.ca Review copies, catalogues and press releases should be sent to the Editor at: [email protected] or to Gillian O’Reilly c/o the above address. For advertising information, contact: Michael Wile at [email protected] or 416.531.1483 Photo courtesy: Paul McGrath, North Shore News Bob McNicoll

4 Opinion: Why the proposed 14 Canadian Classics for the changes to the Governor General’s Classroom Literary Award for Children’s Literature How one class explored the books and life of are good for illustrators author / illustrator Dayal Kaur Khalsa. Gillian O’Reilly explores how we judge picture books. 16 Remembering Claire Mackay (1930-2013) 6 News Roundup Peter Carver pays tribute to the Margaret TD Canadian Children’s Book Week 2014: Laurence of the children’s literature world. Read to Remember; Who is touring?; Joan Askwith, 1926-2013. 24 Bookmark! Books on Human Rights Looking for more human rights tools and COVER: Illustration from Once Upon a Seen at ... Northern Night, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault 7 resources? Here are 17 books that fit the bill. and written by Jean E. Pendziwol, published by A photographic look at book events. Groundwood Books / House of Anansi. 26 The Classroom Bookshelf Illustrations © 2013. Used with permission. 8 Keep Your Eye On ... Evan Munday Exploring the past with four fascinating For more information, visit www.houseofanansi.com. non-fiction books. Medium: pencil, gouache, watercolour and ink 10 Sigmund Brouwer: ABOUT THE Illustrator: Isabelle Arsenault is Rock and Roll Storyteller 28 Book Bits: Performing Arts an award-winning illustrator. She illustrated Migrant The prolific author wants his readers to The new Limelights series put performing by Maxine Trottier, a New York Times Best Illustrated know that “Stories are cool.” arts in the spotlight. Book and a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award, and Virginia Wolf by Kyo Maclear, winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award. For more 12 Authors and Illustrators in the 30 We Recommend information, visit: www.isabellearsenault.com Classroom: New Ways to Connect Reviews of the latest in fine Canadian books Virtual Visits, Live Appearances, Videos, for children and teens. Trailers and more – resources for getting authors and illustrators into the classroom. 44 Index of Reviews

FALL 2013 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 1 When all the world’s a stage. A new ongoing series of performing arts novels for ages 11–14

• 9.95 PB • $9.95 PB 9781459804135 $ 9781459804586 • $9.95 PB 9781459803824 Looking for performance action, drama and passion? Each book in the Orca Limelights series focuses on one performing art such as music, theater, dance, circus, magic, slam poetry or stand-up comedy. Watch for three new books each season, featuring ballet, theater directing and music for Fall 2013.

www.orcalimelights.com FROM THE EDITOR GILLIAN O’REILLY

Board of Directors Todd Kyle, President Daryl Novak, Vice-President Leigh Chalmers, Treasurer Pat Daley Lisa Doucet Sharon Jennings Naomi Levine Shar Levine Charles McCarragher Lynne Missen Felicia Quon Roland Stringer Staff Charlotte Teeple Executive Director Shannon Howe Barnes Program Coordinator Meghan Howe Library Coordinator Dawn Todd General Manager Claire Mackay passed away on August 11, 2013, after a long illness. Everyone who knew Claire probably has a story about her. My own concerns the time my then-8-year-old son Patrons came home from school and mentioned that an author had visited that day. “Who was it?” I asked. A look of concentration briefly passed over his face as he tried to remember — Kit Pearson Ian and Deb Wallace to be replaced almost immediately by a growing smile and incipient giggle. Trying to imagine who would provoke such an instant and physical response, I asked, Sponsors “Was it Claire Mackay?” “That’s it!” he exclaimed. Amazon.ca Friesens Claire evoked that response in kids — and often adults — but her many other fine HarperCollins Canada attributes are noted in Peter Carver’s thoughtful tribute on page 16. (Peter mentions Rawlinson Moving & Storage TD Bank Group his favourites of Claire’s books. Mine is her funny and moving chapter on her wartime childhood in Toronto in the award-winning Too Young to Fight, edited by Funders Priscilla Galloway.) Canada Council for the Arts Canadian Heritage (Canada Book Fund) Classroom visits are a vital way to connect kids with books, reading and Canadian Charles Baillie creators. In this issue, we look at different ways of getting authors and illustrators into Fleck Family Foundation the classroom and connected with young readers. As well, teacher and CCBN contributor Manitoba Department of Culture, Heritage and Tourism Nancy Rawlinson shows us her class’s experience with discovering the work and life of PEI Department of Education Dayal Kaur Khalsa. and Early Childhood Development Sigmund Brouwer is one author with a very active touring schedule in schools and other PEI Department of Tourism and Culture venues. Read more about him in the profile on page 10. Ontario Arts Council Ontario Arts Foundation The fall months bring a wonderful package of pleasures — the excitement of major awards, Toronto Public Library the inspiration of school visits and the delight of so many new books. You’ll find great Yukon Department of Education new recommendations in our review pages.

Our Thanks Happy reading. The work of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre is made possible through the generous support of our members, volunteers, sponsors, funders and the continuing assistance of the Canada Council for the Arts, Writing and Publishing Section, and the Public Readings Program.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada Book Fund program. Your feedback is important! Email comments TO [email protected]

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WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2013 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 3 OPINION Gillian O’Reilly Why the proposed changes to the Governor General’s Literary Award for Children’s Literature are good for illustrators

Viewing the illustrations as a completely separate function of a picture book has a long pedigree. The American Library Association’s Randolph Caldecott Medal, established in 1937, goes only to the illustrator of the winning book. The Cana- dian Library Association’s Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award, established in 1971, does the same. The original Governor General’s Literary Awards for Chil- dren’s Literature (given from 1949 to 1958) and the later Can- ada Council Children’s Literature Awards (instituted in 1975) were given to the author — going to fiction and non-fiction titles for older readers (Lost in the Barrens, The Nor’Westers, etc.). At that time, there were few picture books published in Canada and only a handful of illustrated books for older readers. With the blossoming of children’s literature, and especially children’s picture books, beginning in the late 1960s and slowly developing through the 1970s, there was increased recognition of the role of illustration. The Canada Coun- cil instituted a prize for illustration as one of its children’s book awards in 1977. For the next two years, there was one prize for English text, one for French text and one for illustration regardless of language. After 1979, illustration awards How do we judge a picture book? How do we were given in each language (leading to a certain amount of recognize the combination of text and illustration that inex- snickering from some journalists not involved in the chil- tricably meld to become a fabulous story? And, if we feel the dren’s book business about the apparent absurdity of having illustrators are not getting enough credit for their contribu- illustrations “in French” or “in English”). In 1987, the children’s tion, how do we rectify this? book awards were returned to the umbrella of the Governor These are the issues raised by the proposed changes to the General’s Literary Awards to stand equally with the other cat- Governor General’s Literary Awards in the children’s book egories. They maintained the structure of separate prizes for category. They are questions that draw diverse and fervent text and for illustration. responses and much discussion. Authors of picture books have rarely won the Governor One approach is to judge a book’s illustrations or a book’s General’s Literary Award in the text category (the exceptions text in and of themselves. An illustrator might win an award being Paul Yee for Ghost Train in 1996 and Rachna Gilmore for one book; an author might win an award for another. The for A Screaming Kind of Day in 1998). In 2008, a graphic nov- other approach is to judge a book as a whole with the award el for older readers was shortlisted for the text award. Many going to both author and illustrator. questioned how Mariko Tamaki, the author of Skim, could be

4 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA nominated while the illustrator, Jillian Tamaki, was not. thor and illustrator of a picture book or, for the older grades, Recently, the Canada Council, which administers the GGs, an illustrated non-fiction or fiction book. A couple, judging by has raised questions about the division between illustration their websites, recognize only the author. and text and asked for input. In a letter to the industry, Diane There are other awards that recognize only the illustrator. Miljours, Program Officer, Writing and Publishing, wrote: These include the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustra- tor’s Award, the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excel- In each of the other six GG categories the best books of the year lence in Illustration (given by the Atlantic Book Awards), the are honoured. The children’s literature categories only recog- Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award (given by IBBY Canada) and nize one aspect, either the text or the illustrations, instead of the Halifax Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Book Illustration honouring the book as a whole. That is why we want to make (last awarded in 2011). the children’s literary award for illustration more inclusive by As well as the various “tree” awards, there are other prizes honouring picture books as a whole — in other words, recog- that recognize both author and illustrator. These include the nizing both the writer and the illustrator of the best illustrated Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award (adminis- children’s book of the year. tered by the Ontario Arts Council and selected by a panel of We are therefore proposing to change the two children’s lit- children), the Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature erature categories so that they honour the best children’s Prize (BC Book Prize Program) and the CCBC’s Marilyn Baill- books as a whole: the Children’s Literature (Illustration) cat- lie Picture Book Award. egory will now be called Children’s Literature (Picture Books) But rather than a forensic accounting of how many awards and will honour the best illustrated children’s book, while the go to whom, our primary question is: how to do we recognize Children’s Literature (Text) category will be reserved for non- excellence in a picture book and evaluate the contribution of illustrated books. We believe that this change will address the the creators. Speaking personally, I feel the proposed change concerns expressed. to the Governor General’s Literary Award will help rather than damage the interests of illustrators. Miljours added that this change would not only better align A picture book is always a combination of the storytelling this award with the other categories, it would “also allow for a talents of both author and illustrator, whether those two roles better evaluation of the connection between the text and the are filled by one person or two.The Paperbag Princess is as illustrations.” much a Munsch/Martchenko creation as “A Hard Day’s Night” The proposed changes drew a lot of response. The Canada is a Lennon/McCartney effort. Council is sorting through and evaluating the feedback and Each creator tells a story in her or his own way, each con- will be announcing results in 2014. tributes unique elements to the tale — even when the author Some industry members have expressed concerns about and illustrator are the same person. Think of the mouse world whether graphic novels, non-fiction books or illustrated in Phoebe Gilman’s classic Something from Nothing. Never poetry collections would be included in the definition of pic- mentioned in the text, it forms an important story line in the ture books. These are legitimate questions given the growth illustrations, as well as adding humour and hope to a gentle in graphic novels for a multitude of ages and the interesting story that nevertheless depicts a lost world. diversity of approaches to non-fiction among Canadian Every award criteria that inextricably binds together illus- publishers. tration and text when considering a picture book is anoth- Others have seen this proposed change as a marginaliza- er step in helping readers to understand that both elements tion of the role of the illustrator. Some have suggested that, if the are fundamentally and equally necessary. I have no problem award is to go to two contributors, it should be doubled in value. with the fact that some awards, such as the Elizabeth Mrazik- I sympathize with the concerns of those who feel that Cleaver Award, established in memory of an innovative and illustrators’ contributions are too often seen as secondary. It truly pioneering illustrator in this country, are for illustrators is true that the role of illustrators is not always understood or only. However, to have one of the major prizes — and one of appreciated as well as it should be. Witness the still-too-fre- the richest in children’s literature — recognize the funda- quent description of a book as “by [an author]” and “illustrated mental connection between illustration and text is important. by [an illustrator].” (For the record, the CCBC has a longstand- It’s important in the marketing of the winning and shortlisted ing policy of using the terms “written by” and “illustrated by” books and in the marketing of Canadian picture books as a to accurately reflect the double contribution.) whole. It reminds every reader, every reviewer, every librar- In addition, book reviewers may not feel comfortable with ian and bookseller of the one-two punch of talent that comes discussing illustration beyond a sentence or two. It is fair to in a picture book. And it says that these books that enchant say that far more children’s reviewers have English or general and delight us do so because of the best combination of cre- Arts degrees than Fine Arts training and “reading” the pictures ative imaginations possible — telling our stories in words and can be a challenge. in pictures. And the more we are reminded of this, the more And it is true that children’s book illustration, like children’s we ourselves proselytize about this, and the more the public book writing, is a penurious profession and it would be nice if hears our message — the better it will be for all picture book the cash value of every award was higher. creators, including illustrators. There is a curious mixture of approaches in awards when it comes to recognizing the creators of a picture book. Many Gillian O’Reilly, Editor of Canadian Children’s Book News, studied Art History as part of the children’s choice (“tree”) awards recognize both the au- of her BA, a pursuit that became truly useful 18 years later when she began reviewing Canadian picture books.

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2013 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 5 INDUSTRY News Roundup AWARDS, BOOK LAUNCHES, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND THE LATEST NEWS

TD Canadian Children’s Book Week 2014: Clara Dugas, storyteller Read to Remember (Pleasantville, NS) The 37th TD Canadian Children’s Book Claire Eamer, author Week will take place from May 3 to May (Whitehorse, YK) 10, 2014. In honour of the centenary of the Georgia Graham, author & illustrator beginning of World War I, the theme is (Lacombe, AB) Read to Remember. Sarah Harvey, author CCBC Program Coordinator Shannon (Victoria, BC) Howe Barnes explains “The message we re- Matt James, illustrator ally want to convey is that books can help (Toronto, ON) us to remember WWI, WWII and subse- quent wars, books can help us to honour Kathy Kacer, author those involved and books can help us to (Toronto, ON) recognize that wars are still happening in Karen Krossing, author other parts of the world today.” (Toronto, ON) Twenty-nine authors, illustrators and James Leck, author storytellers will be touring the country (Dartmouth, NS) — giving thousands of children and teens Danica Lorer, storyteller the important opportunity to meet “a real, Brian Deines (Langham, SK) live” creator of books and stories and also sharing stories with children’s book lovers be accessible to a younger viewer without it Kyo Maclear, author of all ages. being too graphic. It definitely keeps things (Toronto, ON) The Book Week Theme Guide (which interesting from my perspective. Sharon McKay, author will be available as a download from the “The image for the poster will convey (Cornwall, PE) Book Week website in March 2014) will a lighter feel while paying tribute to the Stephanie McLellan, author offer a collection of 70 annotated titles and soldiers and books written about them. (Newmarket, ON) activities, covering WWI, WWII and sub- A balancing act again!” Susan Mitchell, illustrator sequent wars Canada has been involved in. (Montreal, QC) Noted illustrator Brian Deines is creat- TD Canadian Children’s Book Week 2014: Monique Polak, author ing the image for the Book Week poster. Who is touring? Deines, whose beautiful realistic oil paint- (Montreal, QC) ings have appeared in A Bear in War, The The 29 authors, illustrators and storytell- David Poulsen, author Circle Game and many other acclaimed ers selected to tour during TD Canadian (Claresholm, AB) books, is looking forward to working on Children’s Book Week 2014 are: Richard Scarsbrook, author this challenging task. “It is quite an hon- Catherine Austen, author (Toronto, ON) our to have the opportunity to create an (Gatineau, QC) Marsha Skrypuch, author image for the Book Week poster. Having (Brantford, ON) just completed my second picture book Karen Bass, author on a war theme, The Road to Afghanistan (Hythe, AB) Kathy Stinson, author (A Bear in War was the first), the theme Helaine Becker, author (Rockwood, ON) for this year resonates deeply with me. (Toronto, ON) Patricia Storms, author & illustrator Although the final image is not yet worked Beverley Brenna, author (Toronto, ON) up I think this year’s poster will be a visual (Saskatoon, SK) Larry Verstraete, author departure from previous years. This is Jill Bryant, author (Winnipeg, MB) due to my visual style and the subject (Kingston, ON) Ian Wallace, author & illustrator matter involved.” (Brookline, MA) Deines explains,“The war-themed books Sean Cassidy, author & illustrator I have worked on have always been a bit (Mono, ON) Patti Warnock, storyteller of a balancing act of being faithful to the Anita Daher, author (Danville, QC) material and time and having the imagery (Winnipeg, MB) continued on page 8

6 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA EVENTS Seen at ... A PHOTOGRAPHIC LOOK AT CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK EVENTS Tim Bermingham Susan Tooke Launching Making Contact! Marconi Goes Wireless in Halifax, illustrator Richard Rudnicki and author Monica Kulling. Tim Bermingham Cheryl Chen Illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo and author Lisa Dalrymple share a laugh at the Skink on the Brink launch in Toronto.

RIGHT Kevin Sylvester examines the new Korean edition of Follow Your Money (co-authored with Michael Hlinka).

LEFT Entertaining fans at the fifth annual Telling Tales in Hamilton on September 15: (top to bottom) Meg Tilly, Kenneth Oppel and Eric Walters. Kevin Sylvester Tim Bermingham

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2013 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 7 Keep Your Eye On ... Evan Munday Apply for a Reading Interview by Holly Kent Interested in hosting an author, illustrator or storyteller? Information on who is touring in your area and how to apply can be found on the Book Week website. The deadline for applying is Jenna Wakani December 31, 2013. Also available on the Book Week site is Tell us about your newest book. information about the annual Book Week Dial M for Morna is the second book in The Dead Kid Detective Agency series. Writing Contest for Kids & Teens — open While our goth heroine, October Schwartz, and her five deadest friends try to to young authors in Grades 4 to 12. determine who killed dead Scottish girl Morna MacIsaac back in 1914, one of October’s few living friends finds herself the target of anonymous harassment at For further information, visit school. During the course of solving both mysteries, October and the Dead Kids www.bookweek.ca. encounter suffragettes, skating-rink parties, mystical telephones and more history surrounding their strange Ontario town than they’d bargained for. Joan Askwith, 1926-2013 Tell us about the process of writing / illustrating. Once I have a general idea Joan Askwith, co-founder of The Bookery, of what the central mystery will be, I start asking myself questions: Why would an Ottawa bookstore, died in Toronto on this character be in that house? How will they discover this clue? I write the July 9, 2013. A tireless advocate for books book’s main events on a big sheet of paper, then connect them in chronological for young people, Askwith and her col- order. The end result is a large, winding path through the key points of the novel. leagues Cynthia Baxter and Sheila Nelles Finally, I take all those points and enter them into a colour-coded spreadsheet. opened the children’s only bookstore in (Yes, I use a spreadsheet to plot my book.) Then the actual writing can begin. November of 1975. Following on the heels That has to be done in longhand first. of The Children’s Bookstore in Toronto and Books and More Books in Kingston, How did you first get published? I finished the first draft of the original Dead Ontario — both established the previous Kid Detective Agency book about five years before it was published. I’d been year — it was the third children’s book- working in book publishing for a while and figured I could get the manuscript in store operating in the country. (By 1978, the hands of children’s book editors without an agent. And I was (mostly) right. CCBN reported that there were 12 chil- But those editors didn’t care much for the book. Or some did, but they wanted dren’s bookstores in Canada.) changes I wasn’t willing to make. Askwith was one of the many energetic When I was just about to admit that maybe writing kids’ books wasn’t my bag, and determined women who helped enor- I ran into Michael Holmes from ECW Press, who said they were starting up a line mously in the growth and development of of children’s and YA books. ECW was something of a dream press, so this was children’s book in this country in the last promising news. I sent in the manuscript later that week. three decades of the twentieth century. Tell us about someone who inspired you to write. My mother and father kept Her son Mark managed the Silver Snail my brother and me supplied with a unhealthy dose of Marvel comics and vari- Comic Book Store in the early 1980s. As ous supernatural mysteries. My younger brother and I were always making com- he recalled at her memorial service, he was ics to impress each other. made aware of her reputation in the book Later, in my teen years, I’d attend the annual Fan Expo in Toronto, and spend world. “I met a major book rep and he said most of my time in “Artist Alley,” where all the smaller press and self-publishers ‘Askwith. That’s an unusual name. Are you are. I showed my work to the artists and was astounded by their generosity. Two related to Joan Askwith?’ ‘Yes. She’s my illustrators who have since become friends — Alana and Tyrone McCarthy — mother.’ ‘That woman knows our list better insisted, ‘Next year, you should make a comic and sell it in Artist Alley.’ This was than we do. She has Very. Strong. Opin- a thing I could do? I owe a lot of my career to the McCarthys. ions. She’s FIERCE.’” The Bookery stayed open until the end of What do you like about writing for kids/teens? June 1997. Part of Joan Askwith’s closing Writing for kids and teens is amazing because they are day entry in the store’s daily journal reads, brutally honest. I work as a publicist for adult authors “I will always believe that I have been in- at Coach House Books. It’s extremely rare for someone credibly lucky to have spent 21 years doing to speak so honestly about adult fiction — even in book a job I loved with extraordinary people in a reviews. But my readers have no qualms with giving you very happy place.” a no-holds-barred review. I’ve been given zero stars, I’ve been told my book is the most boring book ever, but I’ve also been sent really nice fan mail (something that Correction almost never happens to authors of adult fiction) and had In a review of Glenda Goetzen’s Miracle kids draw comics featuring my characters. The books Dogs in our Summer 2013 issue, the gang you read when you’re young really stick with you in ways of feral cats should have been identified books you read as an adult don’t. That’s both thrilling as The Pride. and terrifying to me. www.idontlikemundays.com

8 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA NEW FROM TUNDRA BOOKS

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Tundra Books www.tundrabooks.com tundrabooks.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/tundraBooks @tundraBooks PROFILE sigmund Brouwer

Sigmund Brouwer: Rock and Roll Storyteller by lian goodall

and his Justine McKeen environmental books are part of the Orca Echoes list. Middle grade readers can enjoy paint ball antics and skiing adventures in the Orca Currents series. And his Orca Sports books offer mysteries, action and challenges for his teen readers. As an accomplished storyteller, Brouwer often tours in the United States and Canada; he took 66 flights in five months this year. However, he tries to be home on the weekends with his two daughters and his wife of 17 years, Christian singer- songwriter Cindy Morgan. Whether they are at their home near Nashville, Tennessee, close to Morgan’s work, or at their house in Brouwer’s native hometown of Red Deer, Alberta, stories are part of the family’s cozy down-time routine. Savannah, 10, and Olivia, 13, and their parents often “sprawl around” the living room, reading on their “devices.” Brouwer, the eldest of six, remembers stories as a child. His parents, who emigrated from Holland in the 1950s, read to him Reba Baskett in their “thick Dutch accents.” Growing up, his favourite books When you talk to Sigmund Brouwer about his work, don’t talk were the Hardy Boys — and he often refers to the series when about his dozens of books, talk about his stories. The term discussing his work. By Grade 3, Brouwer knew he wanted to “story” is fundamental to this prolific author of more than 85 be a writer and had begun filling notebooks with stories. works for children and young people. “Stories are cool,” is the As Brouwer relates in his book for educators, Rock and Roll all-important message the author wants to deliver to his fans. Literacy, a Grade 7 teacher cruelly called his story the “the stu- Start one of his books at bedtime and you won’t be able to pidest thing he had ever read in all of his years of teaching.” sleep until you finish it! Quick-paced action, rather than long As a result, he didn’t write for a long time. Fortunately, in his descriptive passages, is at the forefront for this storyteller third year in commerce at Calvin College, Michigan, Brouw- (he prefers that term rather than author or writer). In most er’s creativity found the encouragement it needed. A writing Brouwer books, “kids get into danger” and independently get assignment received praise from a professor who said “he themselves out of trouble. There is minimal adult help “so you enjoyed the writing and the style and hoped he would see can imagine it’s you in the story,” Brouwer says. more of the same….” Today, Brouwer says, “Professor Oppe- Brouwer has 14 series and nearly three million books in walle helped renew what I really wanted to do.” print in English, Spanish, French, Finnish, German, Dutch The next stop was Carleton University’s journalism pro- and Latvian. From his first series, The Accidental Detective, gram and, after graduation, a job as editor of National Rac- through Dr. Drabble Genius Inventor, The Winds of Light and quetball magazine in Florida in 1988. All the time Brouwer was to his most recent, the Justine McKeen books, Brouwer has sending out stories and working on his craft. His first pub- written for ages 7 to 17 and explored an impressive breadth lished short story appeared in Western Producer magazine in of genres and settings. (He has also written picture books, 1985. His first book, The Mystery Tribe of Camp Blackeagle, non-fiction and a respectable number of works for adults.) was published by Scripture Press in 1990 as part of a four- His Merlin’s Immortals series is a YA fantasy set in medieval book contract. From the beginning, Brouwer was pitching Britain and The Winds of Light thrillers take place in post- series. “It goes back to the Hardy Boys books,” he chuckles. By apocalyptic America. Orca Sports books occur underwater in 2003, there were 17 titles in what evolved into The Accidental Florida (Absolute Pressure) and on rinks in the western Arctic Detective series. (Oil King Courage). Brouwer has either done everything and Brouwer’s writing is most often family or morally based, been everywhere, or he can imagine everything and every- and is successful with both secular and Christian presses, but where and knows how to write about it. he sometimes asks hard questions about faith. His adult work, Today, Brouwer’s main publishing home is Orca Book Pub- Broken Angel (WaterBrook Press), is set in the future where a lishers where his work is featured in four series. His Timber- Christian state has seceded from the rest of the United States. wolves hockey adventure series for beginning novel readers Brouwer says, “I tried to make a strong point about the dangers

10 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA of mixing personal faith with politics that impose religion on tine is based on Brouwer’s daughters, “mainly Olivia, who people.” The ruffled feathers in some Christian circles, was, always tells the truth, just not all at once.” Brouwer confesses, “my intent.” Devil’s Pass, published in 2012, was part of the new and Such prolific output requires commitment on the part very different Seven series penned by seven authors writing of the creator. Brouwer writes 1,000 words a day before he the tales of seven grandsons who each fulfill a request of their gives himself permission to stop. He writes first thing in the deceased grandfather. Brouwer admires his author colleagues morning, even when on the road. He believes that a recently and is grateful to author and series organizer Eric Walters for completed manuscript, Dead Man’s Switch (forthcoming with the invitation to create. This project allowed Brouwer to go “a Harvest House), “is the first one I’ve done entirely on an iPad, little deeper...” as he felt he could “work more on story struc- writing in airplanes, airports and Tim Hortons.” ture.” He also sees a future for his hero, 17-year-old Jim Webb, “Creativity is a mysterious process, and probably by defini- a guitar-playing kid who can fight back when needed. Webb tion, a journey of the unexpected,” Brouwer attests in Rock shows up in the sequel to Devil’s Pass (coming in 2014) and and Roll Literacy. He doesn’t use an outline, but begins his Brouwer is working on a third book where Webb pursues his writing day by thinking of “three or four problems that could music career. happen. I choose the one I want to work on.” For Brouwer, the Brouwer embraces new technology: “eBooks are just a bare bone of story creation process is: “Problem, it gets worse, way of delivering stories.” He enjoys being able to give away it gets solved.” eBooks at his website for kids rockandrollbooks.com. Despite Although the basics of story seem simple, many of Brou- the changes in the world since he was first published, Brouwer wer’s tales require research. He loves delving into non- believes “stories are still cool.” And as long as Brouwer is telling fiction, or “reading real stories.” Other parts of his research stories, whether it be on paper, through cyberspace or in a can be a little more hands-on. He learned to ride in order to school gym, audiences will be listening and rocking along to write about a horseback hero. His numerous hockey books the words. benefited from his experiences playing hockey and touring For adults: northern Canada with hockey legend Bryan Trottier. For his www.rockandroll-literacy.com recent novel, Devil’s Pass, Brouwer hiked on the Northwest www.story-diva.com Territories’ remote Canol Heritage Trail and a made hilarious For kids: video starring bears and bear poop. www.rockandrollbooks.com Although Brouwer admits that putting stories down on Devil’s Pass video: paper can be hard work, he still maintains that finding them http://orcabook.com/rockandroll-literacy/trailers.html can be a blast. He wants children to daydream and enjoy the storytelling process. “I know I keep drumming that point, but lian goodall is an author and heritage consultant living in Whitehorse, Yukon. for me it’s absolutely key that kids understand that they’re writing stories,” Brouwer insists. Recent titles At his Rock and Roll Literacy presentations, Brouwer by Sigmund Brouwer employs his newly acquired guitar skills to help students feel comfortable with the putting down on paper part. First on Justine McKeen his play list is his rendition of a Deep Purple tune. He wants and the Bird Nerd students to have fun with storytelling, as he has fun with (Orca Echoes) guitar playing. “I may not be good,” Brouwer admits, “but I’m illustrated by Dave Whamond enthusiastic.” Following that, his rendition of Black Sabbath’s Orca Book Publishers, 2013 Iron Man might get the gym rocking, but it’s not perfect—yet. He wants kids to know that just as he is a beginning guitar Justine McKeen, player, they are beginning writers. They shouldn’t compare Eat Your Beets themselves to people who have been writing for decades. His (Orca Echoes) third tune, Eye of the Tiger delivered en style de Brouwer is illustrated by Dave Whamond meant to re-enforce the author’s principle: “When kids hear Orca Book Publishers, 2013 music on the radio or on their iPods they need to realize that Fortress of Mist it has been polished, tweaked and tuned.” Brouwer tells his (Merlin’s Immortals, Book 2) audience that he rewrites up to five times, and a team of edi- WaterBrook Press, 2013 tors and copyeditors also helps on the journey to publication. References to boogers and gross stuff will probably come Devil’s Pass up in the presentation, as they do in a number of Brouwer’s (Seven the series) books. However, there have been some departures and dif- Orca Book Publishers, 2012 ferent influences. The birth of his daughters, “the greatest The Orphan King transformation” of his life, gave him the opening scene for (Merlin’s Immortals, Book 1) the futuristic thriller Broken Angel, when the female hero is WaterBrook Press, 2012 born, a tiny baby, already a fugitive from an oppressive government. A recent environmentally-based series for young Rock and Roll Literacy readers features sassy Justine McKeen, Queen of Green. Jus- Orca Book Publishers, 2011

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2013 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 11 FOCUS Resources for Teachers Authors & Illustrators in the Classroom New Ways to Connect by Gillian O’Reilly

Live visits, virtual visits, trailers, book talks and more... A small company only a few years old, Pajama Press has Meeting an author or illustrator in the classroom can be produced trailers for eight of the books on its growing list. life-changing for kids, hooking them on reading or, at the Polished and punchy, they make a reader want to pick very least, giving them a special memory they will recall for up the book immediately — offering the fun of the picture years. There are great programs in place to help teachers book Lumpito and the Painter from Spain or the tension and librarians discover talented creators and bring them and intrigue of the historical novel Graffiti Knight. Erin into their schools. Sometimes, however, it’s not possible to Woods, Publicist at Pajama Press, says they started doing have a writer or artist physically visit — but there are lots trailers for their sales reps and for librarians, but that they of ways to engage children and teens with the people who are being used in some classrooms. One teacher used create wonderful books. Over the last few years, authors, the trailer for Community Soup as an example for some illustrators and publishers have been working hard to create of her advanced students, allowing them to make trailers new opportunities for teachers and kids to discover more themselves as an alternative to reading response journals. about Canadian creators and their works. www.pajamapress.ca. Annick Press is a publisher that has put considerable Orca Book Publishers has taken a different route to foster resources into developing resources for linking authors and connections between teachers, students and their books. illustrators with classrooms. The company has worked hard over the years to develop Among the materials they have developed are video inter- sophisticated materials for teachers. Referring to Orca’s views with over 20 authors and illustrators, book trailers for extensive list of high-interest / low vocabulary titles, pub- over 40 books, and — more recently — interactive Book Talks lisher Andrew Wooldridge explains, “Especially with books for Smart, Promethean and Mimeo boards. The Book Talks for struggling readers, teachers wanted to know how to use offer a getting-started activity that draws students into the them in the classroom.” book, background information and short excerpts as well as Orca has also spent considerable resources in developing a brief profile of the author. its monthly subscription series Text2Reader for Grades 6 to Brigitte Waisberg, Marketing Manager, explains that the 8 English Language Arts teachers. “It’s a great program; we company had been looking for innovative ways to market are really proud of it,” says Wooldridge. their books. As she points out, no publisher has the money They recognize that teachers are trying to adapt to the to send a children’s book author on tour unless it is through changes coming in the education system, particularly in TD Canadian Children’s Book Week or other special pro- the US with the new Common Core standards. The Orca site grams (see below). The video interviews — developed with offers links to webinars for teachers, radio interviews with Book Shorts — offer viewers something “along the lines of authors and a wide range of teacher resources and lesson what you would see at a book festival.” plans. The company also offers downloadable MP3 audio- Waisberg says the Annick staff were introduced to Book books; these unabridged professionally read books can be Talks by a librarian in Keswick who had been doing inter- used by struggling readers — listening to the book while fol- active book talks for her own use. “We said, what if we pro- lowing along in the text. www.orcabook.com. vided ready-made [material]? We were thinking, how do we TeachingBooks.net is a US based site offering a wealth of make the lives of teachers and librarians easier and how do material to teachers. Founder Nick Glass has been an enthu- you get kids involved in the book?” siastic supporter of Canadian books and the site includes Waisberg adds, “We’ve had terrific response to the Book many fine Canadian authors. It offers “meet the author” Talks. We go to events like The Word on the Street and teachers movies, book readings and the very useful audio name pro- come up to us and say how fantastic they are.” nunciations where creators talk about their names. If you Annick is planning two more Book Talks for this year and have ever wondered just how to pronounce Jonathan Auxi- four more trailers, as well as themed videos on topics of par- er’s name or what Ruth Ohi’s last name means, you’ll find it ticular interest. www.annickpress.com. here. Visit www.TeachingBooks.net.

12 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA The Ontario-Writers-in-the-Schools Programs (administered by The Writers’ Union of Canada, for schools in Ontario) www.writersunion.ca/content/writers-schools Hackmatack Author Tours (administered by Hackmatack Award program, for schools in the Atlantic provinces) www.hackmatack.ca/en/host.html Writers in the Schools Program (administered by Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia, for schools in Nova Scotia) writers.ns.ca/programs/writers-schools-wits.html Artists in the Schools Program (administered by Manitoba Arts Council, for schools in Manitoba, covers all artistic disciplines including writing and illustration) artscouncil.mb.ca/arts-education/artists-in-the-schools SWG Author Readings Program (administered by Live! In your Classroom – Resources Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild, for schools and libraries in and Programs for Author and Illustrator Visits Saskatchewan) www.skwriter.com/programs-and-services Of course, a live visit from an author or illustrator is still a Taleblazers Festival (administered by Young Alberta Book special and memorable experience. Here are some of the Society, for schools in Alberta) www.yabs.ab.ca resources and programs that can help you get a creator into your classroom or library. On Tour (administered by BC Book Prizes, for schools and libraries in BC) www.bcbookprizes.ca/tour Authors Booking Service Writers in Electronic Residence (administered by the Established by authors Marsha Skrypuch and Valerie Sher- WEIR Foundation in alliance with the Canadian Education rard, Authors Booking Service makes it easier for teachers Association and OISE/UT, for students across Canada) and librarians to find excellent, experienced presenters. ABS www.wier.ca represents over 100 authors, illustrators and storytellers and its website offers valuable information on possible grants and subsidies, tips for getting the most out of a visit and more. Start by signing up for their weekly newsletter, which historical fiction and non-fiction is always informative and often entertaining. Visit www. for young readers authorsbooking.com.

Authors Who Skype Is it too far for an author to physically visit your school? A number of Canadian authors have followed the example of Arthur Slade (dubbed the Captain Kirk of Skyping by a fellow writer) and offer Skype visits. This is a great way to connect authors and illustrators with kids when travel costs are pro- hibitive. While the bulk of its list is American creators, the 978-1-897009-73-4 $11.95 978-1-927492-55-0 $11.95 Skype an Author Network includes many Canadian authors. Visit skypeanauthor.wikifoundry.com or simply check with the author you wish to have visit.

Programs for Author and Illustrator Visits to Schools The next TD Canadian Children’s Book Week takes place from May 3 to 10, 2014. This is an opportunity to welcome a talented author, illustrator and storyteller into the classroom, knowing their travel costs are entirely subsidized. In addition, a number of programs across the country offer opportunities throughout the year for partially or fully subsidized visits. TD Canadian Children’s Book Week (administered by 978-1-897009-99-4 $14.95 978-1-897009-72-7 $11.95 Canadian Children’s Book Centre, for schools and libraries 978-1-927492-47-5 $11.95 across Canada) www.bookweek.ca www.cbupress.ca

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2013 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 13 FOCUS dayal kaur Khalsa Canadian Classics for the Classroom The Books of Author / Illustrator Dayal Kaur Khalsa by Nancy Rawlinson

for beginning introduction to understanding metaphor and simile. What does she mean by “My Grandma sat like a flow- ering mountain in her big green garden chair”? In I Want a Dog, the illustrations enhance the story with details unmen- tioned in the text and prompted a student to make a connection to a science unit by stating that the character had created a series of strong and stable structures when designing an obstacle course. Finally, in Green Cat, the main character’s actions reminded the class of the cat in Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat. Soon it became clear to all of us that Khalsa’s illustrations were created with great care and the details they contained were intentional and were of consequence to the development of the story. We later discovered that Khalsa would create her paintings first, then write the story afterward. After appreciating how the illustrations complemented the text, this approach impressed the children, as they also had used the approach of creating a painting first then writing a story as a I have loved the work of Canadian author / illustrator Dayal way to think through the details of a writing project. Kaur Khalsa since the days that my own children begged me After reading the books aloud to the class and having them to read How Pizza Came to Our Town over and over again. As available for the students to choose to read during our class a teacher, I’ve read this book and others by her as part of my independent reading time, I asked the children to write a basic shared reading program over the years. But this year, with a reading response activity. This is a fairly standard classroom Grade 3 class, I decided to do an author study project with the task where each child chooses their favourite book, then students. writes a short summary of the plot and reflects and defends It’s easy to attract the attention of the class with Khalsa’s why they chose it as their favourite book. This seems simple books. The stories are funny and engaging. The brightly enough but, in Grade 3, writing a summary is a skill in itself coloured illustrations beg for a closer look. Some books have (different from the retell tasks of previous grades) and this was recurring characters and others have little “jokes” embedded a perfect opportunity for the students to practice. in the illustrations. Khalsa often wrote books based on her own The class took advantage of film adaptations of some of her childhood experiences and this translates to stories to which stories as well. The National Film Board of Canada adapted the children can easily make connections to themselves and two of Khalsa’s stories — I Want a Dog and The Snow Cat. other books they know. These became a wonderful opportunity to compare and con- Khalsa’s illustrations are wonderfully unsophisticated on trast the book and the movie with the children. It also served the surface. They were created using gouache paints on paper as a chance to understand and analyze these particular books and are typically executed in a brightly coloured folk art style. in more depth. However, they are deceptively simply because upon closer As we delved deeper and deeper into the body of work pro- inspection, these paintings hold many details that add to the duced by Khalsa, the class began to wonder more about the understanding and appreciation of the stories. For example, author herself. How did she get ideas for her books? Was the the cover of I Want a Dog is a humorous adaptation of a recurring character May based on Khalsa’s own life? Why was painting by the French artist Georges Seurat entitled, A Sunday she wearing a large white turban in her author photo? Afternoon on the Island of Grande Jatte. So we read the brief biographies on the book jackets. There Khalsa’s books provide a variety of opportunities for in- was a short biography in one of the grade level literacy collec- depth discussion. Many of her books are examples of the tions which we read and discussed in guided reading groups. genre of memoir. For example, Cowboy Dreams reflects on The students were visibly sad to learn that Khalsa had passed her experience of a “city girl” yearning to be a cowboy in the away in 1989. Clearly they wanted to know more. So the class 1950s. In Tales of a Gambling Grandma, her language allows generated a list of questions that they had about her life and

14 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA books and we resolved to find the answers. It wasn’t easy. Other Facts We Found Out About There isn’t a lot of information available. Then one day, came Dayal Kaur Khalsa the opportunity to reframe our project. The class decided to write their own biography of Dayal Kaur Khalsa. • Khalsa won the New York Times Best My classes have a tradition of creating “class books,” where Illustrated Book of the Year, twice. the content is generated by the students themselves, each being responsible for a part of the book. Of course, the chil- • She was a finalist for the Governor General’s dren had already completed a short “book report” on their Literary Award, twice. favourite books, so those went into the binder first. Then each student was responsible for finding the answer • She was born in Queens, New York on to one of the questions we generated as a class. Each wrote April 17, 1943. one of the questions on a large index card and then wrote the answers to the questions as we did the research. • She passed away in Vancouver on July 17, 1989, The students also did brightly coloured artwork to illustrate from cancer. She was 46 years old. the class book — using oil pastels to mimic the bold, intense colours that Khalsa used in her paintings. • In the last four years of her life as she battled So the children assembled their reports, biographical cancer, she managed to write and illustrate research questions and answers and their artwork. They seven books and write an eighth. inserted the papers into plastic sleeves and put them in an old red binder and students created the labels for the front cover • She came to Canada in 1973. and the spine. This then became an oft-chosen class book for • She wrote and illustrated 10 books (several the rest of the year during independent reading time. Everyone in Room 5 did their part to create the biography of were published posthumously). Dayal Kaur Khalsa. For us, it became more than a project about • She was born Marcia Schonfeld, into a her life and appreciation for her work. It became a memorable Jewish family. As an adult, she converted to the and dynamic shared learning experience. Sikh religion and changed her name to Nancy Rawlinson is an elementary teacher in the Toronto District School Board and has a background in science and math. Dayal Kaur Khalsa. • Kaur and Khalsa are Punjabi words. Kaur means “princess” and Khalsa means “pure”. Published Books • The character May was named after May Cutler, The Baabee Books series (1984) her publisher at Tundra Books. Tales of a Gambling Grandma (1986) I Want a Dog (1987) • She always painted the pictures first, then wrote My Family Vacation (1988) the story. Sleepers (1988) How Pizza Came to Our Town (1989) • Sheldon Cohen was her friend and made Julian (1989) the NFB films. He also illustrated Roch Carrier’s Cowboy Dreams (1990) The Hockey Sweater. The Snow Cat (1992) Green Cat (2002) • She took a lot of care in designing the endpapers for the hardcover version of her books. For example, she drew flying pizzas for How Pizza Came to Our Town. • She gave all her original art and manuscripts to the National Library of Canada in Ottawa. She never sold them because she wanted to give a gift to Canada because she loved her adopted country.

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2013 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 15 Remembering Claire Mackay (1930–2013) the Margaret Laurence of the children’s literature world by Peter Carver

Claire Mackay’s world was intense, colourful, witty, often they could be moulded together to convey compelling ideas irreverent and chock-full of lore about baseball, family, and vibrant stories and lifelike characters. the union movement, politics, literature, the struggles and Though first known as a writer of fiction for young readers, achievements of writers — hers and others’. her most interesting books to me were three works of non- Claire was a grand teller of stories — in print and orally. Her fiction. Paycheques and Picketlines made lively sense of the first published book, Mini-Bike Hero, launched her as a pub- history of unions in this country — a potentially dreary sub- lished author. She won major literary awards — including the ject given sparkling life. In The Toronto Story, she revealed Vicky Metcalf Award for a Body of Work. the colourful and quirky history of Canada’s largest city. In But Claire was much more than a storyteller. She was Touching All the Bases, she drew on her fanatical base- an activist, even as a child when she distributed ball knowledge, bringing out wonderfully obscure Communist pamphlets in the Toronto neigh- as well as better known anecdotes about the bourhood where her leftwing family lived. In game in a book still read by avid fans. 1977, she was one of the founders of the Cana- Claire undertook a number of tours during dian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustra- Canadian Children’s Book Week and through tors and Performers (CANSCAIP) which still other programs that introduced her to thou- thrives 36 years later. She served as the orga- sands of children. She spoke to conferences nization’s president, then secretary; she spent across the country. On many occasions, she several years on the grievance committee of paired with her longtime friend Jean Little The Writers’ Union of Canada, and she was the when Jean made presentations and appearances. first author to serve on the board of the Canadian Once, as keynote speaker at CANSCAIP’s Pack- Children’s Book Centre. aging Your Imagination conference, she recounted And through it all, Claire was a friend. You wanted to tell her her struggles as a writer and also as a recovering alcoholic about what was happening in your life. You’d always have her — a remarkable moment which told everyone in the room attention; she was a listener. She was also a one-woman clip- that you can overcome circumstances that seem destined to ping service; for years members of CANSCAIP received enve- defeat you, given the will and the strength. lopes from Claire containing copies of reviews of their latest Always, Claire was humble. Once, starting a Book Week publications, with encouraging, often jocular, notes penned tour, she wrote in her journal that she felt like an imposter at the bottom. To receive her congratulations on your newest calling herself an author — and shared that journal with the endeavour put steel in your spine. In Barbara Reid’s won- tour director when she returned. Always, Claire was generous. derful phrase, she was a “fairy godmother in running shoes.” The time she spent on the manuscripts she read while writer- She was the Margaret Laurence of the children’s literature in-residence for the Toronto Public Library demonstrated world. She understood the potential strength of the tribe of her respect for wannabes struggling to tell their stories and children’s writers and illustrators and performers when they find their readers. Always she had a wonderful, full-throated banded together to form a collective. As Barbara Greenwood sense of humour. To share a laugh with Claire was to live fully wrote me the week after Claire died: “Those of us who have in that moment and feel the glow for hours after. Always she been part of CANSCAIP from the early days thought of her cared about words, whether it was in her columns revealing as the guiding light, not in a gung-ho ‘let’s put on a show’ something of her life as wife, mother, and grandmother — or way (thank goodness) but as a steady beacon keeping us on in the books she read and recommended to friends, or in the course. Without Claire and her mother, Canada would have work of those she knew and whose work she supported. been without an element that made the growth of children’s After many tributes given during CANSCAIP’s mentor literature in the past three decades a warm and collegial affair dinner in her honour in 2006, Claire said to her audience: rather than a remote, impersonal business.” “I’m not dead yet.” Though Claire always had your back, she didn’t hesitate You certainly weren’t then, Claire. And in the legacy you’ve to let you know when you erred in your use of language or left, you’re still not. syntax. A stickler herself — she possessed a shelf of diction- Peter Carver, children’s editor at Red Deer Press, has worked in the Canadian children’s aries — she’d give you a jovial jab when you fell short. She book business since 1977 and was publications editor and tour director of Canadian placed real value on words and their meanings and the way Children’s Book Week at the Canadian Children’s Book Centre from 1982 to 1989.

16 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA TD Canadian Children’s Book Week brings the magic of books and reading to children all across Canada

Apply today! Invite an author, illustrator or storyteller into your classroom or library during TD Canadian Children’s Book Week 2014. May 3 to 10, 2014 www.bookweek.ca

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2013 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 17 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE AWARDS

TD BANK GROUP ANd tHE CANAdIAN CHILdren’s BOOK CENtRE ARE PLEASEd tO ANNOUNcE tHE FINALIStS OF tHE 2013 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award The TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award honours the most distinguished book of the year. Two $30,000 grand prizes are awarded, one for a book in English and one for a book in French.

English-Language Finalists

Kids of Kabul: One Year in The Reluctant Journal The Stamp Collector Virginia Wolf Living Bravely Through Coal Harbour of Henry K. Larsen written by Jennifer Lanthier written by Kyo Maclear a Never-Ending War written by Polly Horvath written by Susin Nielsen illustrated by François Thisdale illustrated by written by Deborah Ellis Groundwood Books, 2012 Tundra Books, 2012 Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2012 Isabelle Arsenault Groundwood Books, 2012 978-1-55498-188-5 (pb) $14.95 978-1-77049-372-8 (hc) $19.99 978-1-55455-218-4 (hc) $18.95 Kids Can Press, 2012 978-1-55498-181-6 (hc) $15.95 978-1-55498-310-0 (eBook) $12.95 978-1-77049-373-5 (eBook) $10.99 978-1-55453-649-8 (hc) $18.95 978-1-55498-203-5 (eBook) $14.95

French-Language Finalists

À la recherche La clé à molette Jane, le renard & moi Mingan, mon village Tu me prends en photo du bout du monde written and illustrated by written by Fanny Britt poems by Inuit schoolchildren written by written by Michel Noël Élise Gravel illustrated by illustrated by Rogé Marie-Francine Hébert Éditions Hurtubise HMH, 2012 Éditions La courte échelle, 2012 Isabelle Arsenault Éditions de la Bagnole, 2012 illustrated by 978-2-89647-919-1 (pb) $12.95 978-2-89695-182-6 (hc) $14.95 Éditions La Pastèque, 2012 978-2-92334-276-4 (hc) $24.95 Jean-Luc Trudel 978-2-923841-32-8 (hc) $26.95 Éditions Les 400 coups, 2012 978-2-89540-524-5 (hc) $16.95

THE TD CANAdIAN CHILdren’s LItERAtURE AWARd IS AdMINIStEREd bY tHE CANAdIAN CHILdren’s Book CentRE. FOR MORE INFORMAtION ANd FOR JURY cOMMENtS, VISIt www.bookcentre.ca OR www.tdreads.com CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE AWARDS

Congratulations to the finalists of the 2013 Monica Hughes Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy Established in 2011, this award honours excellence in the science fiction and fantasy genre. The $5,000 prize, awarded annually to a Canadian author, is sponsored by HarperCollins Canada, in memory of the late Monica Hughes.

The Girl With Borrowed Wings Island of Doom: Rebel Heart written by Rinsai Rossetti The Hunchback Assignments IV (Dustlands) Dial Books (an imprint of written by Arthur Slade written by Moira Young Penguin Group), 2012 HarperCollins Publishers, 2012 Doubleday Canada, 2012 978-0-8037-3566-8 (hc) $19.00 978-1-55468-360-4 (hc) $18.99 978-0-385-67186-6 (hc) $19.95

Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards Seraphina Shadows Cast by Stars written by Rachel Hartman written by Catherine Knutsson The Monica Hughes Doubleday Canada, 2012 Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2012 Award for Science Fiction 978-0-385-66839-2 (hc) $21.00 978-1-4424-0-191-4 (hc) $19.99 and Fantasy 978-0-385-66840-8 (eBook) $10.99 978-1-4424-0-192-1 (pb) $11.99 is administered by 978-1-4424-0-193-8 (eBook) $9.99 the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.

For more information and for jury comments, visit www.bookcentre.ca CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE AWARDS

Congratulations to the finalists of the 2013 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction Established by the Fleck Family Foundation, this $10,000 prize recognizes exceptional non-fiction books for young people. The award honours Norma Fleck (1906-1998) who inspired a deep love of reading in her children.

Going Up! Elisha Otis’s Kate & Pippin: Kids of Kabul: Living Bravely Trip to the Top An Unlikely Love Story Through a Never-Ending War (Great Idea) written by Martin Springett written by Deborah Ellis written by Monica Kulling photographs by Isobel Springett Groundwood Books, 2012 illustrated by David Parkins Puffin Canada, 2012 978-1-55498-181-6 (hc) $15.95 Tundra Books, 2012 978-0-670-06-597-4 (hc) $19.00 978-1-55498-203-5 (eBook) $14.95 978-1-77049-240-0 (hc) $19.99 978-0-14-318-337-2 (eBook) $11.99 978-1-77049-516-6 (pb) $8.99

Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards

Real Justice: Fourteen and Rescuing the Children: Sentenced to Death – The Story The Story of the Kindertransport of Steven Truscott written by Deborah Hodges The Norma Fleck Award Tundra Books, 2012 for Canadian Children’s (Real Justice) Non-Fiction written by Bill Swan 978-1-77049-256-1 (hc) $19.99 is administered by James Lorimer, 2012 978-1-77049-366-7 (eBook) $11.99 the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. 978-1-4594-0-075-7 (hc) $18.95 978-1-4594-0-074-0 (pb) $12.95 For more information and for jury comments, 978-1-4594-0-076-4 (eBook) $9.95 visit www.bookcentre.ca CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE AWARDS

Congratulations to the finalists of the 2013 John Spray Mystery Award Established in 2011 to honour excellence in the mystery book genre and sponsored by John Spray, President of the Mantis Investigation Agency, this $5,000 prize is awarded annually to a Canadian author of an outstanding work of mystery writing for young people.

Becoming Holmes Breakaway Devil’s Pass (The Boy Sherlock Holmes) written by (Seven the series) written by Shane Peacock Michael Betcherman written by Tundra Books, 2012 Razorbill, 2012 Sigmund Brouwer 978-1-77049-232-5 (hc) $21.99 978-0-14-318-214-6 (pb) $14.99 Orca Book Publishers, 2012 978-1-77049-291-2 (eBook) $11.99 978-1-55469-938-4 (pb) $9.95

Canadian The Lynching of Neil Flambé and the Children’s Louie Sam Tokyo Treasure Book Centre written by (The Neil Flambé Capers) Awards Elizabeth Stewart written and illustrated by Annick Press, 2012 Kevin Sylvester The John Spray 978-1-55451-439-7 (hc) $21.95 Simon & Schuster Books for Mystery Award is administered by 978-1-55451-438-0 (pb) $12.95 Young Readers, 2012 the Canadian Children’s 978-1-4424-4-288-7 (hc) $14.99 Book Centre. 978-1-4424-4298-6 (eBook) $11.99 For more information and for jury comments, visit www.bookcentre.ca CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE AWARDS

Congratulations to the finalists of the 2013 Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award Established by Charles Baillie in the name of his wife, author Marilyn Baillie, this $20,000 prize, shared between author and illustrator, honours excellence in the picture book format for children aged three to eight.

Mr. King’s Things Mr. Zinger’s Hat The Stamp Collector written and illustrated by written by Cary Fagan written by Jennifer Lanthier Geneviève Côté illustrated by Dušan Petričić illustrated by François Thisdale Kids Can Press, 2012 Tundra Books, 2012 Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2012 978-1-55453-700-6 (hc) $18.95 978-1-77049-253-0 (hc) $19.99 978-1-55455-218-4 (hc) $18.95

Uncle Wally’s Old Brown Shoe Virginia Wolf Canadian written and illustrated by written by Kyo Maclear Children’s Wallace Edwards illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault Book Centre Orca Book Publishers, 2012 Kids Can Press, 2012 Awards 978-1-4598-0154-7 (hc) $19.95 978-1-55453-649-8 (hc) $18.95

The Marilyn Baille Picture Book Award is administered by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.

For more information and for jury comments, visit www.bookcentre.ca CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE AWARDS

Congratulations to the finalists of the 2013 Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People Established in 1988 in memory of historian and author Geoffrey Bilson, this $5,000 prize is awarded annually to the Canadian author of an outstanding work of historical fiction.

A Call to Battle The Lynching of Louie Sam Making Bombs for Hitler (I Am Canada) written by Elizabeth Stewart written by written by Gillian Chan Annick Press, 2012 Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch Scholastic Canada, 2012 978-1-55451-439-7 (hc) $21.95 Scholastic Canada, 2012 978-1-4431-0006-9 (hc) $14.99 978-1-55451-438-0 (pb) $12.95 978-1-4431-0730-3 (pb) $8.99 978-1-4431-1976-4 (eBook) $14.99 978-1-443-11931-3 (eBook) $8.99

Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards Violins of Autumn Yesterday’s Dead written by Amy McAuley written by Pat Bourke The Geoffrey Walker Publishing Company, Inc./ Second Story Press, 2012 Bilson Award for Bloomsbury Publishing, 2012 978-1-926920-32-0 (pb) $11.95 Historical Fiction for Young People is 978-0-8027-2299-7 (hc) $18.00 administered by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.

For more information and for jury comments, visit www.bookcentre.ca BOOKMARK Human Rights

“BOOKMARK!” highlights books for a variety of grade levels around a particular theme. According to a national survey by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, teachers across the country are looking for more human rights tools and resources — especially when teaching younger children. CCBC Library Coordinator Meghan Howe has compiled a list of excellent titles, many of them selected for Best Books for Kids & Teens over the last seven years.

JUNIOR NON-FICTION AND Books on FICTION FOR GRADES 4 TO 8 Emily Included written by Kathleen McDonnell (Second Story Press, 2011) Human Rights Born with severe cerebral palsy, Emily Eaton wanted to be a kid like everyone else. She and her family took her fight to go to PICTURE BOOKS FOR The Stamp Collector school with non-disabled children all the KINDERGARTEN & UP written by Jennifer Lanthier way to the Supreme Court. Emily’s battle illustrated by François Thisdale was long, hard and history-making. Emily Mimi’s Village: And How Basic (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2012) is a role model for children everywhere, Health Care Transformed It A city boy finds a stamp that unlocks his living with a disability or not. (CitizenKid) imagination; a country boy is captivated by written by Katie Smith Milway stories. One becomes a prison guard; the Factory Girl illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes other works in a factory. When the country written by Barbara Greenwood (Kids Can Press, 2012) boy is imprisoned for his stories, the letters (Kids Can Press, 2007) In a Kenyan village, Nurse Tela comes to sent to him intrigue the guard and a unique Greenwood recounts the plight of North discuss important facts about clean water, friendship begins. American working children during the handwashing and mosquito nets. Mimi and early 1900s, using a blend of fiction and her Ma join the village health committee This Child, Every Child: A Book non-fiction. The fictional story details the and, as Mimi listens to Nurse Tela talk, she About the World’s Children life of 12-year-old Emily Watson who leaves dreams of one day becoming a nurse or a (CitizenKid) school to work as a factory girl. The non- doctor so she, too, can help other villages written by David J. Smith fiction text discusses the historical aspects become healthy. illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong of Emily’s story. Includes archival photos. (Kids Can Press, 2011) Mom and Mum are Getting Married! Human Rights Activist written by Ken Setterington Not all children have access to clean air (Get Involved!) illustrated by Alice Priestley and water, adequate food, health care, edu- written by Ellen Rodger (Second Story Press, 2004) cation or other basic needs. Using statistics (Crabtree Publishing, 2010) and stories to explore how children live When Rosie finds out that her two mothers around the world, this book talks about the This clearly written book examines the are getting married, she has one worry … United Nations Convention on the Rights history of human rights, and how everyone will she get to be the flower girl? Here is a of the Child in child-friendly language and is entitled to basic human rights, regardless joyful celebration of love and family in a empowers young readers to ensure those of their age, race, religion, gender, abilities changing world. rights are respected. or political beliefs. Learn how activists have fought for a human rights declaration at the United Nations, and how activists often suffer for their beliefs.

24 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA Off to Class: Incredible and Ryan and Jimmy: And the Well in June Callwood: A Life of Action Unusual Schools Around the World African That Brought Them Together written by Anne Dublin written by Susan Hughes (CitizenKid) (Second Story Press, 2006) (Owlkids Books, 2011) written by Herb Shoveller This first ever biography of June Callwood, (Kids Can Press, 2006) Travel all over the world to discover incred- one of Canada’s most inspiring activists, is ible schools and the students who attend The true story of a six-year-old who built a filled with photographs and exciting details them. People have devised innovative ways well halfway around the world and his life- about her life. to allow kids to attend school — from changing friendship with a Ugandan boy. erecting temporary schools after natural Real Justice: Fourteen and disasters to building schools near dumps Sentenced to Death –The Story of to holding school classes on boats, in the SENIOR NON-FICTION Steven Truscott streets or in train stations. AND FICTION FOR GRADES 7 (Real Justice) AND UP written by Bill Swan Our Rights: How Kids Are (James Lorimer, 2012) Changing the World All You Get Is Me Steven Truscott was 14 when he was sen- written and illustrated by Janet Wilson written by Yvonne Prinz tenced to death for his classmate’s murder. (Second Story Press, 2013) (HarperCollins Canada, 2011) He maintained his innocence during his A girl who spoke out against her govern- Yanked from city life, 16-year-old Roar many years in prison and was eventually ment for the rights of aboriginal children, a is suddenly a farm girl, selling figs at cleared of all wrong doing — receiving an boy who walked across his country to raise the farmer’s market. Caught between a official apology and compensation. Teen awareness for homelessness, and a former troublemaking friend, falling in love and readers will want to check out the other child soldier who wants to make music not her father’s human-rights crusade on behalf books in the powerful Real Justice series. war. International stories of kids who are of Mexican farm workers, Roar will have to standing up for their rights. Young readers tackle it all. War Brothers: The Graphic Novel may also enjoy Wilson’s Shannen and the written by Sharon E. McKay and Daniel Lafrance Dream for a School and One Peace: True The Bite of the Mango Illustrated by Daniel Lafrance Stories of Young Activists. written by Mariatu Kamara with Susan McClelland (Annick Press, 2013) (Annick Press, 2008) Abducted and forced to become a child People Who Said No: Mariatu Kamara led a carefree childhood soldier, 14-year-old Jacob struggles to Courage Against Oppression in a small village in Sierra Leone. But, when maintain his sanity and the will to escape written by Laura Scandiffio she was 12, young rebels cut off her hands. the horrors inflicted on him, his friends (Annick Press, 2012) Discover her astounding journey from her and their victims. Striking artwork and a Seven fascinating profiles of people who, war-torn country to a new life in Canada — powerful text capture the essence of life despite the dangers, followed their moral and a role as a UNICEF Special Representa- as a child soldier. Adapted from the 2008 compass rather than obey the rules. Read tive for Children and Armed Conflict. award-winning novel War Brothers (Puffin about Sophie and Hans Scholl who distrib- Canada). uted anti-government pamphlets in Nazi Five Thousand Years of Slavery Germany, Rosa Parks who refused to give written by Marjorie Gann and Janet Willen up her seat on a bus, Helen Suzman who (Tundra Books, 2011) fought apartheid in South Africa and other This comprehensive history includes first- inspirational stories. hand accounts, maps, archival photos, an index and suggestions for further reading. It looks at slavery throughout history and discusses the situation in modern times. Much more than a reference work, it is an exploration of the worst — and the best — in human society.

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2013 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 25 REVIEWS ESPECIALLY FOR TEACHERS

The Classroom Bookshelf BY Sandra O’Brien

In this month’s Classroom Bookshelf we step back in time to take a peek at three historical non-fiction books that are filled with fascinating facts and one poignant historical biography. The books range from a history of the Middle Ages told through words, pictures and charts; stories of daring genius in the world of science; a book that looks at the history of just about everything from the first appearance of humans in 6,000,000 BCE to the 2011 Japanese earthquake; and a book about a Jewish family who fled to Shanghai to escape the cruel laws of Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party.

Before the World Was Ready written by Claire Eamer illustrated by Sa Boothroyd Annick Press, 2013 978-1-55451-536-3 (hc) $24.95 978-1-55451-535-6 (pb) $14.95 for Grades 4 to 7

In this book you’ll meet eight great minds whose ideas changed the It’s a Feudal, Feudal World: A Different Medieval History world we live in today and discover that these ideas were not always written by Stephen Shapiro so readily accepted. From Copernicus’s sun-centered model of the illustrated by Ross Kinnaird universe in the 16th century to Rachel Carson’s warnings about Annick Press, 2013 the dangers of pesticides in the 20th century, people have come 978-1-55451-553-0 (hc) $24.95 up with ideas the world wasn’t ready to hear. Over time, however, 978-1-55451-552-3 (pb) $14.95 the musings of these people have paved the way for more modern for Grades 3 to 7 scientists to verify that their ideas were, in fact, solid theoretically. Non-fiction | History | Social Studies | Middle Ages | Infographics Other scientists discussed in the book include Alfred Wegener and his theory of continental drift, Ignaz Semmelweis and the idea that This is a history of the Middle Ages (the period between 500 CE and hand washing would stop the spread of germs, Charles Darwin’s 1500 CE). It was an age of kings and queens, knights and castles as theories on the origin of the species, George Cayley’s fantastical well as caliphs and khans, Silk Roads and synagogues. This book flying machines, Nikola Tesla’s obsession with electricity and differs from other books in that it uses infographics — images such Charles Babbage’s early computer designs. The book is also filled as charts, diagrams, pie charts or timelines that explain something with fun cartoons, interesting sidebars, an appendix listing other involving numbers or patterns. Topics covered include three of the important people mentioned in the book, suggestions for further faiths being practised at the time (Christianity, Islam and Judaism), reading and an extensive bibliography. the feudal system, the Crusades, the Black Death, the Silk Road, This would be a great book for science students in the junior and education, occupations and much more. intermediate grades to read when looking for an interesting scien- This book would appeal to visual learners or reluctant readers tist to study for a science fair or class project. Eamer gives students who are overwhelmed by pages filled with print and few illustra- plenty of information to get to know each individual and provides tions. However, it may still require adult explanation for those who them with the names of other people who also delved into the same are not aware of how to read infographics. The illustrations will area of science. The further reading and bibliography sections give keep kids chuckling; the print sections are kept brief but provide students plenty of other resources to seek out. These resources students with a good starting point for projects. It would also might also be collected by teachers to have on display for students appeal to those looking for a general information book about this in the classroom or library. period. I would recommend this book for students in Grades 3 to 5 and for teachers to use in conjunction with medieval studies.

26 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA A History of Just About Everything: 180 Events, Shanghai Escape People and Inventions That Changed the World written by Kathy Kacer written by Elizabeth MacLeod and Frieda Wishinsky Second Story Press, 2013 illustrated by Qin Leng 978-1-927583-10-4 (pb) $14.95 Kids Can Press, 2013 for Grades 4 to 10 978-1-55453-775-4 (hc) $21.95 Non-fiction | Citizenship | Social Justice | Courage | Prejudice | for Grades 3 to 6 The Holocaust | History — World War II Non-fiction | Social Studies | History | Science & Technology | Inventions In November 1938, on the eve of Kristallnacht (“the Night of The title of this book sums the contents up perfectly. There is Broken Glass”), Lily Toufar and her family fled from their home in everything in this book from the first appearance of humans six Vienna, Austria. They would take a train from Vienna to Genoa, million years ago to events that have happened in the 21st century. Italy and there they would board a boat to Shanghai, China — Important inventions and discoveries are discussed; people who a journey that took more than a month to complete. Once in have made significant contributions in the arts, architecture and Shanghai they lived in Frenchtown and although life was not easy, language, science, math and medicine, and history, politics and Lily and her family were together and safe from the Nazi persecu- religion are included; and events such as women winning the right tion of Jews still living in Europe. However, once Japan attacked to vote and the building of the first computer are also mentioned. Pearl Harbour, the Japanese presence in Shanghai became stronger A timeline is included at the back of the book to show readers what and Jewish refugees in Shanghai, like Lily and her family, were events were occurring during the same time periods. This allows moved into the Hongkew Ghetto where nearly a hundred thousand students to see that the Aztec Empire was at its peak at the same poor Chinese citizens already lived. The conditions in the ghetto time as Columbus reached the Americas or that Mozart was com- were gruelling — there was little food, poor sanitation and disease posing at the same time the French Revolution was occurring. was rampant. In 1945, the Hongkew Ghetto was liberated and Lily This book, however, doesn’t just discuss a number of historical and her family remained in Shanghai until 1948. With Commu- events, it also explains the “ripple effect” that these events, people nism on the rise, they decided to leave Shanghai but could only get and inventions had on history. For example, the ripple effect of the visas to South America. On their way to Venezuela, they stopped printing press was that books became more readily available to the in Toronto to visit family and never left the country of which they common man — who could then become educated and improve would eventually become citizens. his lot in life. After reading a few of the ripple effects to students, Over the years, I’ve reviewed many books by Kathy Kacer. teachers could then start asking students what they thought the I greatly admire the work she does and this story is no exception. “ripple effect” was, thus engaging those higher level thinking skills Kacer writes from the child’s perspective, which is often one of that encourage children to apply the knowledge of what they’ve innocence and confusion, and allows us as readers to feel empathy just learned. for the children whose stories she shares. Moving a family from one This book would be a valuable addition to every classroom country to another is a decision filled with many mixed emotions, library and would be appropriate to use with students in the junior but to do so amidst the uncertainty and terror of the Holocaust was and intermediate grades. a truly heart-wrenching choice for Lily’s family. Kacer manages to bring Lily’s story to life for us through the eyes of this child who survived the Holocaust. The photographs and pieces of memorabilia she has included in the pages of the book also deepen the connection the reader creates with Lily and her family. I hope teachers from the junior grades to high school are using Kacer’s books to support the history curriculum as they teach about the Holocaust and World War II. These are important stories to be shared and never forgotten. Sandra O’Brien is a former teacher with an M.Ed. in Children’s Literature.

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2013 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 27 REVIEWS BOOK BITS Orca Limelights series puts performing arts in the spotlight BY Rachel Seigel

After the success of last year’s wildly successful Seven series, Orca who wrote the play, thinks Briar’s production is cursed. As Briar Book Publishers has created a new ongoing series called Limelights. struggles to bring her production together and to execute her Each novel in this new performing arts series, aimed at readers ages vision, she learns important truths about herself, and about what 11 to 14, will focus on a different performing art such as music, makes a good director. dance, drama, poetry, magic or stand-up comedy. Readers will be Briar, like many fledgling directors, believes she knows it all. At treated to lots of action while gaining insight into the world of the start of the novel, she’s got a cocky edge to her, and has tunnel teenaged performers with big dreams. vision when it comes to her production. Oblivious to anything but Attitude features Cassie, a 15-year-old ballerina from Australia the way she wants the play to turn out, she’s bossy, controlling and who travels to Vancouver for a prestigious summer program. The closed-minded when it comes to suggestion. But, as author Karen competition is fierce, however, and Cassie finds it difficult to fit in. Krossing demonstrates, this does not a successful production make. A clique of girls, including the daughter of her host family, who There is more to being a successful director than simply calling have been at the school for a long time don’t want the new girls to the shots, and this is what Briar, and the readers learn as the novel take away their spotlight. At first Cassie tries to fit in, but when she progresses. While Briar initially believes that having the “right” realizes that some of the summer students are being threatened and people on her team will automatically bring her vision to life, sabotaged, including herself, Cassie finally speaks out — and finds she quickly learns that human beings are not game pieces to be out how far some girls will go to succeed. controlled and moved at will. They are people with feelings and In her new book, Robin Stevenson creates an authentic picture opinions as important as hers, and it’s not until she gets this of what it is like for young dancers participating in ballet programs. message that her play starts to succeed. Messages of teamwork, Cassie, like most girls in her position, is used to standing out. She’s perseverance and pressure are woven throughout the novel, as well among the best in her school in Australia, and is excited by the pos- as lots of behind-the-scenes detail about what it takes to get a sibility of being invited to stay in Vancouver beyond the summer, production to the stage. and earning a spot in the fall production of The Nutcracker. Fast-paced and full of drama, readers will be turning the pages, What ensues is no fairy tale, however, and the difficulties that anxious to see the results of Briar’s efforts and to discover how her Cassie encounters contribute to the realism of the novel. The world play, and her cast and crew, turn out in the end. of dance is extremely competitive and cut throat, and as Cassie Last in this season’s releases, Totally Unrelated by Tom Ryan learns, there is enormous pressure to succeed. Some girls, as the features 14-year-old Neil, who is one of the Family McClintock, author demonstrates, will do anything to eliminate competition, a Celtic ensemble made up of his father, mother and many siblings. and not all girls have the emotional strength to persevere. The girls Neil plays guitar with his family, even though he hates the music combat bullying, homesickness, and multiple physical and emo- they play, doesn’t dance and is sick of the costumes, the tours, and tional challenges, all of which are realistically and compellingly of constantly being reminded that he isn’t as talented as the rest portrayed. of his family. When his buddy Bert convinces him to form a rock The novel is engaging and rich with detail about the competitive band and enter the local talent contest, Neil finally starts to get world of aspiring dancers, and readers who are dancers, or who noticed. But when an important family gig conflicts with the talent have an interest in dance, will appreciate this fascinating behind- show, Neil knows whichever he chooses to do, he’ll be the-scenes look at ballet. letting somebody down. Cut the Lights, the second book in the Limelights series, moves Unlike the previous two books in the series, Totally Unrelated away from dance and into the world of an aspiring theatre director. takes place outside of a school setting and looks at fame from a Sixteen-year-old Briar isn’t enthusiastic about acting, but what she completely different angle. While Cassie and Briar are struggling really wants to do is direct. Enrolled at a Performing Arts High to succeed in highly competitive environments, Neil has already School in the drama program, Briar has a vision for the one-act experienced the fame that comes with being part of a family play she’s been chosen to direct in her school’s Drama Fringe Fes- ensemble such as Cape Breton’s Rankin Family. tival. Unfortunately, not everybody shares her vision. Her leading For most of his life, the ensemble has come first, and Neil is lady is difficult, to say the least; her leading man has a crush on frustrated that his family seems unable to see him as an individual the leading lady; her stage manager is clueless; and her best friend, with interests outside of theirs. Possibly the most relatable character

28 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA Cut the Lights Totally Unrelated Attitude (Orca Limelights) (Orca Limelights) (Orca Limelights) written by Karen Krossing written by Tom Ryan written by Robin Stevenson Orca Book Publishers, 2013 Orca Book Publishers, 2013 Orca Book Publishers, 2013 978-1-45980-413-5 (pb) $9.95 978-1-45980-458-6 (pb) $9.95 978-1-45980-382-4 (pb) $9.95 for Grades 6 to 9 for Grades 6 to 9 for Grades 6 to 9

of the three books, he is neither full of confidence, nor is he certain maintain a wide appeal. Overall, a strong effort from Orca, of his talent. Neil enjoys playing guitar, and dreams of being a rock and worth recommending to reluctant or struggling readers star, but believing in your talent is difficult when nobody notices. looking for a more contemporary read. When Neil forms the band with his friend, he gradually starts to transform. His confidence grows, his skills improve, and he starts Rachel Seigel is Sales & Selection Strategist at Edu-Reference Publishers Direct in to think that all of those years of practice might be worth some- Toronto and a regular contributor to Canadian Children’s Book News. thing after all. Any reader who has ever taken lessons in anything — whether it be artistic or not — will appreciate Neil’s struggles and will completely understand the personal and family pressure he feels to perfect his craft. Readers will also appreciate the conflict he feels between family obligation and personal interests, and the author resolves the situation in a satisfying and realistic manner. While none of the three books are related to one another, this innovative series offers something for all kinds of readers whether they are directly involved in the performing arts or not. They are short, fast-paced and well executed — stories perfect for fans of performing arts-focused television shows such as Glee. While only one of the three books so far features a male character, hopefully future books will offer an even balance of male and female characters to

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2013 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 29 REVIEWS RECOMMENDED BOOKS We Recommend NEW AND NOTED BOOKS FOR TODDLERS TO TEENS

I Dare You Not to Yawn with the very busy task of putting ten children to bed on Christmas written by Hélène Boudreau Eve. There is definitely a lot of “stirring” within this household illustrated by Serge Bloch with high jinx amongst the siblings abounding, right down to the Candlewick Press, 2013 predictable ploy of stalling for time by requesting a glass of water. 978-0-7636-5070-4 (hc) $18.00 When St. Nick and his eight reindeer finally visit at midnight, the for Toddler to Kindergarten entire family acts as silent witnesses while the “jolly old elf” fills Picture Book | Humour their stockings with gifts before rising up the chimney and flying away. Yawns are sneaky and dangerous, always creeping up and pouncing Reid has the extraordinary gift of beckoning readers into the on us when our attention is elsewhere and they are least expected. special environments she creates with her powers of observa- And then before we know it, we are wearing our jammies in bed, tion, understanding of personalities and an uncommon sense of in the dark, and wondering just exactly how we got there. From humour. Here we are invited into the home of a family of mice looking away when others yawn, to turning our backs on all things located inside a fallen log. One never tires of examining this home’s snuggly, to avoiding sleepy-time books and songs, the boy narrator charming interior — created from found items — as well as the in Boudreau’s new book shows us how to keep those pesky yawns unique expressions and dispositions of each character. Not only at bay. Most importantly, he says, we must never EVER think about does photographer Ian Crysler masterfully highlight the numerous “droopy-eyed baby orangutans” stretching “their long arms out details and textures within Reid’s artwork, but he also succeeds for a hug.” Because if we do... (mmm... mm...)... we will certainly... in capturing the cozy ambience of the candlelit abode on a very (rawr... rawr...)... start to... (YAWWRRRR....)... And then you know special winter’s night. The results are festive and simply enchanting. what happens! Senta Ross is a former elementary teacher and teacher-librarian in Kitchener, Ontario. From the title of the book to the simple and engaging writing, with a strong narrative voice and much natural humour, this is a story that demands to be read aloud. Readers will easily sympathize On a Snowy Night with the narrator’s desire to keep playing rather than go to bed. The written by Jean Little repetitive elements in the text serve a dual purpose, inviting readers illustrated by Brian Deines and listeners to actively participate in those parts of the story while North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada, 2013 also challenging them to avoid any such participation at all costs. 978-1-4431-1359-5 (hc) $19.99 Bloch’s illustrations, hand-drawn in ink and digitally coloured, are for Preschool to Grade 1 a wonderful complement to the text. They are funny and expressive, as well as spare in detail and rich in genuineness. Picture Book | Belonging | Responsibility | Pets Ken Kilback is a writer and primary teacher in Vancouver. Brandon is overjoyed when he is presented with the gift of a rabbit named Rosa on his fifth birthday. However, as time passes, his focus shifts gradually from caring for his pet to spending more The Night Before Christmas and more time with his friends, with the result that Rosa hungers written by Clement C. Moore for companionship as well as for food. One stormy Christmas Eve, illustrated by Barbara Reid Rosa is taken outside to play in the snow, only to be left alone when North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada, 2013 the boy returns to the house to answer the telephone. Abandoned 978-1-4431-2471-3 (hc) $19.99 in the frigid darkness, the rabbit grows frightened and disoriented. for all ages Fortunately, a cadre of caring forest creatures keep her warm and Picture Book | Christmas | Plasticine Art fed, and eventually guide her back home where a grateful and repentant Brandon lovingly lifts her into his arms... just like old It is rare for children, let alone adults, not to have been introduced times. “His arms were warm and she snuggled close. He did not to Clement C. Moore’s The Night Before Christmas. In fact, many need to tell her who loved Rosa Rabbit. She knew.” can probably quote a few passages by memory, most notably the Little has written a compelling tale which will resonate with phrase “Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” That is young readers. The emotions of happiness, sadness, concern and where Barbara Reid’s inspired rendition of this beloved poem really relief may be experienced as Rosa’s challenges arise, both inside and comes to life. It just so happens that St. Nick and the family he visits outside her home. Children may even reflect upon how they care for are .... all mice! their own pets. Accompanying Moore’s iconic text are Reid’s captivating Plas- ticine illustrations, which depict a mother and father mouse faced

30 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA Deines’ oil on linen illustrations invite us to enter Rosa’s world. the metro station but the crowd and Dylan’s mother are oblivious Not only are his domestic and wilderness scenes beautifully ren- and rush on though he yearns to stay and listen. Later he and his dered, but his masterful use of light and shadow contribute greatly mother realize that the music and musician were very special. to the tenor of the story. In lyrical language, Stinson imagines Dylan and his mother’s Senta Ross experience, creating a striking contrast between a child’s openness and wonder and the inattention of busy adults. Petričić’s flowing cartoon-style illustrations juxtapose colour and black and white Mr. Flux to strengthen the story line and work effectively with the text. The written by Kyo Maclear true story of the concert in the metro station and a postscript from illustrated by Matte Stephens Joshua Bell with links to some of his music online round out the Kids Can Press, 2013 book. 978-1-55453-781-5 (hc) $18.95 This compelling story has a clear message for young and old, and for Kindergarten to Grade 3 features an inspiring young talent as a role model. It also provides the possibility of an enriched read aloud experience thanks to Picture Book | Creativity | Change | Play | Art the links provided for musical accompaniment. The Man with the Martin’s neighbourhood is exactly as it should be, and everyone Violin captures the reader’s imagination just as the violinist’s music in it, including Martin himself, live their lives in ways that neither enthralls its young protagonist. This story reminds us that there is invite nor welcome change. One day, Mr. Flux arrives. He calls much in life to appreciate, if we can just pay attention. himself an artist, but he does not paint, draw, sculpt or do anything Robin Sales is a Montreal librarian enjoying a leave with her young son. else Martin would expect. Instead, Mr. Flux loves changing things and mixing things up, such as filling his tuba with tennis balls and spinning toy rabbits on his record player. Once Upon a Northern Night Surprisingly, Martin finds himself getting to know Mr. Flux. written by Jean E. Pendziwol Gradually, changes start creeping into Martin’s life, but he is okay illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault with that as long as they are little changes (toast instead of Crazy Groundwood Books, 2013 Crackles for breakfast) and not big changes (riding his new bike, 978-1-55498-138-0 (hc) $17.95 which is “too new and scary”). But then other people start mixing for Kindergarten to Grade 2 things up too. What will happen to Martin’s neighbourhood? Are Picture Book | Winter | Northern Lights the big changes inevitable? Mr. Flux is based in part on George Maciunas, a trained graphic Once upon a northern night / while you lay sleeping, / wrapped in designer who was a founding member of the art movement known a downy blanket, / I painted you a picture. / It started with one tiny as Fluxus. Maclear’s narrative — the language concise, engaging flake... and revealing depth of character — and Stephens’ illustrations — While a child lies sleeping in his bed, a meditative journey begins beautifully rendered in gouache and expressing much playfulness as a parent describes, in a lullaby, the wonders of a northern winter and humour — both capture the essence of what Fluxus artists night. Through vivid prose, we are transported to a frigid landscape were trying to do, and convey the movement’s ideas in ways that where our senses are engaged. Using our imaginations we wander are accessible to younger readers and listeners. Mr. Flux never through snow-covered forests. We feel the chill in the air. We hear forces change on anyone, but only lives and models change and also the wind blow through the trees. We notice a variety of nocturnal invites people to look at the world in new and unusual ways. People creatures employing survival tactics. We taste frozen apples, and in the story do not change because they have to, but because they we witness the darkness of the evening gradually giving way to the desire to. morning light. Ken Kilback Pendziwol keeps her promise and does, indeed, paint a vivid poetic portrait of the secretive goings-on in the northern wilds as the rest of the world sleeps. Her vocabulary is to be savoured for its The Man with the Violin expressive, yet subtle, imagery. Equally subtle are Arsenault’s sen- written by Kathy Stinson sitively rendered pencil, gouache, watercolour and ink illustrations. illustrated by Dušan Petricic Although black, white and grey are dominant in the early scenes, Annick Press, 2013 shards of colour are ever so gradually introduced, culminating in a 978-1-55451-565-3 (hc) $19.95 muted frosty landscape which is silently observed by the child from for Kindergarten to Grade 3 his bedroom window in the morning. Those of any age who long to experience or, perhaps, to relive the Picture Book | Music | Values | Current Events beauty of a northern winter night will be enchanted by this book. The Man with the Violin is fiction based on violinist Joshua Bell’s Once upon a northern night / melodies of / green and / pink and / real incognito concert in a Washington DC metro station. For 43 orange / sang across the sky. Ah yes... the northern lights. minutes, the pre-eminent violinist played extraordinary music on Senta Ross a Stradivarius as adults passed by unaware, though the children accompanying them wanted to stop. In Stinson’s version, Dylan is mesmerized by the man playing his violin. Incredible music fills

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Just So Stories, Volume 1 Muthini means “suffering” and the young boy knows his written by Rudyard Kipling mother’s choice of name is because of his misshapen hands. Born illustrated by Ian Wallace with two fingers on one hand and nubs on the other, Muthini is Groundwood Books, 2013 embarrassed in the market, bullied at school or playing, but is never 978-1-55498-212-7 (hc) $19.95 uncomfortable around his Nyanaya, who declares he has a larger for Kindergarten to Grade 4 heart and bigger brain to compensate. How does a boy called Muthini come to declare “My Name is Folk Tales | Creation Stories Blessing?” Readers learn Muthini’s grandmother is “too old and has too little” to keep him with her and they travel a long distance Wallace’s sumptuous edition of the Just So Stories introduces a on foot to a school where she hoped he would be fed, clothed and new generation to the magic of Rudyard Kipling’s classic. This educated, as is his right. The director agrees to a placement only if volume comprises the first six stories; these extraordinary how-to Muthini changes his name to Barak. Barak means “blessing” and tales “explain” — amongst other wonders — how the elephant got the story becomes reality as the boy realizes his new name ensures his long trunk, the camel his hump, the leopard his spots and the his future. Perhaps the most moving line of the story is when his kangaroo his ability to jump. grandmother says of his new name “That is all I have ever seen.” Kipling’s stories use language beautifully and the rhythm per- Walters concludes with an important photo essay about the real fectly captures the feeling of tales being told at bedtime, as they Barak. Children love true stories, and Walters has shared a personal were told to his daughter Josephine over a century ago. As Wallace success story. The font size is difficult for sharing the book in a notes in a fine afterword, “They are simply remarkable — magical story circle but not a problem when using projection technology. and mythic; replete with stunning word play, vocabulary, wit, poetry and prose; global in their reach; and, as important for an Ellen Donogh is a teacher/librarian at both Queenston School and Luxton School in Winnipeg. artist, ripe with visual images.” The illustrations, created using watercolour, pencil crayon, pastel pencil and chalk, add a delicious richness to Kipling’s stories — The Road to Afghanistan both in their global landscapes and the magical transformations written by Linda Granfield that are at their heart. In the soft yellows and grays, you can feel the illustrated by Brian Deines heat of the African High Veldt in “How the Leopard Got His Spots”, North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada, 2013 and, in the shimmering blues and greens, the shivery depths of the 978-1-44311-356-4 (hc) $19.99 oceans in “How the Whale Got His Throat” (which Wallace has set for Grades 2 to 8 in Newfoundland). You can feel how intensely uncomfortable and itchy are those cake crumbs rubbed into the rhinoceros’s skin or Picture Book | Soldiers | Family History | watch in wonder as the greedy crocodile grasps the far-too curious Sacrifice | Courage elephant’s child’s little stub of a nose and pulls and pulls until he As a soldier poignantly recollects her time in Afghanistan, she not has the “really truly trunk same as all Elephants today.” only recalls the beauty of its mountains and fields of wildflowers, Wallace has playfully incorporated characters and artefacts from but the ugliness that the war brought to the Afghan people and one story into the illustrations of another — so we see the leopard their country. She tells readers that the army didn’t just go to and the Ethiopian wandering through “The Elephant’s Child” or Afghanistan to fight, but to remove explosives, make roads safer the python slithering through “The Sing-Song of Old Man Kan- for travel, build bridges and schools, dig wells and bring security to garoo.” Wallace’s illustrations are every bit as magical as Kipling’s places that had none for years. She recounts the story of her great- stories and this reviewer can hardly wait for the next volume of tales! grandfather, John William Peterson, who, as a young man left his Jeffrey Canton teaches in the Children’s Studies program at York University. home in Alberta to fight in the Great War and returned home with only one arm. Unable to run the family farm, he opened a grocery store and courageously learned there was still much he could do — My Name is Blessing he could stock shelves, hold his sweetheart’s hand and cradle their written by Eric Walters babies. The soldier often thought of her great-grandfather while in illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes Afghanistan and wondered if he faced the same fears as she did. Tundra Books, 2013 Those fears often resurface now that she is home after being injured 978-1-77049-301-8 (hc) $19.99 in an explosion. She now searches for the courage, as her great- for Grades 1 to 4 grandfather did, to journey on into her new life. Picture Book | Africa | Family | Orphans Granfield’s moving narrative is accompanied by Deines’ striking images in a story that honours the many Canadian soldiers who Perfect for children as young as six or seven, this is a moving story have fought in numerous wars in countries far from home. This beautifully illustrated to promote the understanding of sustainable picture book will help young readers connect with soldiers past and development and human rights. Children need to be fed, clothed, present and help them realize the challenges these men and women educated and loved — rights many are denied. Multi-talented face as they return home with physical injuries or suffering from and award-winning author Eric Walters and illustrator Eugenie the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Used to facilitate class Fernandes combine talents to tell us about Muthini, being raised discussions about war and soldiers or as a resource for Remem- by his Nyanaya (grandmother) in a small house alongside his eight brance Day services, this touching picture book will make an excel- orphaned cousins. lent addition to any library or junior/intermediate classroom. Sandra O’Brien

32 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA Make History Every Child’s Favourite Subject!

Copernicus Darwin Enter a medieval world unlike any you’ve seen before. ages 9–12 Tesla 48 pages sample chapter at Semmelweis www.annickpress.com Eight fascinating tales of scientists and inventors ahead of their time.

ages 9–12 128 pages sample chapter at www.annickpress.com

CLAIRE EAMER ART BY SA BOOTHROYD

annick press www.annickpress.com | available from your favourite bookstore

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Raven Brings the Light two of his classmates, each with a vested interest in the outcome. written by Roy Henry Vickers and Norris, the protagonist of Narrow Escape, is unpopular with his Robert Budd peers. An only child of the pompous local cannery owner, Norris illustrated by Roy Henry Vickers cheats, bullies and is not above some retaliatory manipulation. Harbour Publishing, 2013 Accidentally ruining his teacher’s prize cactus entrusted to his 978-1-55017-593-6 (hc) $19.95 care, he schemes to place suspicion on other classmates. Playing on for Kindergarten to adult Graeme’s scientific ambitions and his own father’s determination to win the lobster at auction, he uses the capture of this massive Picture Book | First Nations | Creation Stories | First Nations Art creature to gain Graeme’s unenthusiastic co-operation in diverting A boy named Weget is born at a time when darkness covers all the blame for the lost cactus. Norris’s character is well drawn with land. Destined to bring light to the Earth, Weget is presented with many subtle indications that he is too easily judged. Despite his several gifts, one being a raven’s skin which grants him the power to unsympathetic qualities, readers recognize his quick intelligence, fly or to change appearance. Transformed into the bird, the youth his vulnerability as an outsider and his sadness and embarrassment ascends into the sky in search of the Chief of the Heavens, who jeal- over the image his father projects. Surprisingly, it is Norris’s astute ously guards the sun. Through sheer genius, our wily protagonist observation and quick thinking, that resolves the situation to the finds a way to trick the Chief and thus delivers light to the entire satisfaction of all (including the lobster!) making him an unex- world. While on his epic journey, Weget also creates numerous pected hero. islands as well as the wealth of salmon, berries and trees in the area Word-loving, altruistic Ferguson, protagonist of Spit Feathers, is known today as the Haida Gwaii. Norris’s polar opposite. Wild-life funeral officiator extraordinaire This compelling British Columbian Northwest Coast legend, and the only boy in a family of eight sisters, his main pleasure is having been passed orally from generation to generation for visiting his beloved grandfather at the Sunset Manor for retirees. thousands of years, was first told to First Nations artist Roy Henry Their bond goes beyond their similar appearance, dress-sense Vickers in 1975 by Chester Bolton, Chief of the Ravens. Together and the notebooks they carry, but also extends to a love of fishing with historian Robert Budd, Vickers now shares this inspirational stories from the past. Sensing his grandfather’s loss of purpose, Fer- story in a stunning publication which underlines our crucial guson anxiously ponders a legacy his grandfather could leave that relationship with the natural environment. While either reading or would represent his life as a lobsterman. For Ferguson, the lobster’s hearing this beautifully narrated legend, one is enlightened about capture provides an opportunity for his grandfather to achieve his the ways of the Salmon People on the West Coast of long ago. place in history. Ferguson is a loveable, quirky, original character Vickers is a renowned carver, painter and printmaker. His orig- and at the denouement, his slightly tetchy grandfather shows a inal illustrations are screen-printed, with a portion of them being resilience and perspicacity that delights and surprises his grandson. superimposed by a traditional raven created by a layer of glossy Each book may satisfactorily be read as a standalone but, by ink. The integration between traditional Native and contemporary reading all three, layers of nuance and subtlety are revealed styles is both remarkable and powerful. through the understanding of identical situations and dialogue as Senta Ross seen from different perspectives. Kerrin’s strength is in her richly crafted characters whose personalities gently unfold, with the reader party to their inner thoughts and feelings. There is also a A Narrow Escape gentle, satisfying plot, a rich atmosphere of maritime fishing life (The Lobster Chronicles, Book 2) and realistic dialogue complete with whimsical signature phrases. written by Jessica Scott Kerrin The format, enhanced by striking jacket designs and tiny charming illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong illustrations by Shelagh Armstrong, is attractive and inviting. Kids Can Press, 2013 Ingenious, rich fare that will leave readers pondering long after the 978-1-55453-642-9 (hc) $16.95 covers are closed. for Grades 2 to 5 Aileen Wortley is a retired children’s librarian in Toronto.

Spit Feathers (The Lobster Chronicles, Book 3) written by Jessica Scott Kerrin illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong Kids Can Press, 2013 978-1-55453-708-2 (hc) $16.95 for Grades 2 to 5

Fiction | Fishing | Lobster-Fishing | Nova Scotia Welcome back to Lower Narrow Spit, Nova Scotia, where the capture of a mammoth lobster continues to generate excitement. Two new titles complete the trilogy begun with Lower the Trap wherein events unfold through the eyes of Graeme, aspiring marine biologist. Now the same events are viewed from the perspective of

34 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA Odd Duck Big Top Otto written by Cecil Castellucci (Elephants Never Forget, Book 2) illustrated by Sara Varon written and illustrated by Bill Slavin First Second / Roaring Brook Press, 2013 Kids Can Press, 2013 978-1-59643-557-5 (hc) $18.50 978-1-55453-806-5 (hc) $16.95 for Grades 3 to 6 978-1-55453-807-2 (pb) $7.95 for Grades 3 to 6 Fiction | Graphic Novel | Friendship | Being Yourself Graphic Novels | Adventure | Humour Theodora the duck lives a structured, predictable and happy life. Preferring her own company, she keeps to In their continuing search to find their monkey pal Georgie, Otto, herself and her routine — until an unruly duck named Chad moves an elephant, and Crackers, a parrot, find their missing friend’s face in next door. Despite Theodora’s initial reluctance, she and Chad plastered on a circus poster. The discovery sends the two chasing become the best of friends and share many interests while enjoying after Punkratz and Pinky’s Flying Circus — through a series of each other’s company. A wayward comment overheard on the street mishaps as the trail takes them to Georgia, then to Alabama. There, pulls their friendship apart, however, and Theodora and Chad must the two meet an escaped panther who reveals the circus’s darker come to terms with the new realization it brings. side as a front for smuggling and selling exotic animals. After an Written by Cecil Castellucci and quirkily illustrated by Sara imprisonment cut short by Otto’s explosive peanut allergy, the two Varon, Odd Duck is a touching, short, graphic novel about two find the circus but Georgie is nowhere to be found. Crackers insists ducks that aren’t quite like the other ducks. While it is their dif- that they free all the animals. Wearing a clown costume and riding ferences that bring them together in the first place, Theodora and a mini-tricycle, Otto sets into motion a series of chaotic collisions Chad both find themselves unwilling to accept the label of “odd with the circus performers leading to the collapse of the circus and duck” when it comes their way. its criminal practices. Story and richly detailed illustration come together to create a In this second book in the Elephants Never Forget series, Slavin most enjoyable reading experience suitable for children and adults. continues his raucous, gag-packed style — influenced by early Though recommended for elementary aged children, one is never Disney animation and classic Warner Brothers cartoons — giving too old to hear it is okay to be different. the story and art a retro feel while maintaining a clear and readable Amy Mathers is a member of the Ontario Library Association and specializes style. Slavin delivers physical comedy in droves with a strong sense in bibliotherapy. of movement and scale. He uses Otto’s lumbering size as an advantage for laughs whether the character is climbing giant monkey LEMONY SNICKET? IS BACK! The second book in the bestselling series ALL THE WRONG QUESTIONS From the author of the depressingly popular A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

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balloons, flying off cliffs, crashing through walls or collapsing Still at War circus tents. Otto’s explosive allergy to peanuts is used often in this written by Jean Booker installment but, as Otto’s signature gag, it’s certain to get continued Scholastic Canada, 2013 laughs from readers. 978-1-4431-1383-0 (pb) $6.99 Slavin has a knack for conveying emotion and humour in the 978-1-4431-2458-4 (eBook) $6.99 facial expressions of the animal characters but his send-ups of the for Grades 4 to 7 human characters resemble caricatures from MAD Magazine. Fiction | Post-WWII Britain | Courage In addition to being a catalogue of slapstick humour, Big Top Otto brims with puns, references to popular culture and general word Still at War is the continuation of a teen’s WWII story begun in play that will satisfy more sophisticated readers. Booker’s 2011 book Keeping Secrets (when the protagonist Ellen Scott Robins is a Toronto children’s librarian and the co-author of helped a German soldier escape after a bombing raid in her A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kids Comics. British village). The troubles of post-war Britain’s broken and suffering economy are many and Ellen is challenged to preserve her unemployed How to Curse in Hieroglyphics family. The citizens of Morpeth are upset: the POWs still being (The Wiggins Weird, Book 1) held in Britain are taking odd jobs needed by villagers. The winter written by Lesley Livingston and Jonathan Llyr is severe. Medals of past and current heroes have been lost or Puffin Canada, 2013 perhaps stolen. 978-0-14-318424-9 (pb) $14.99 Ellen’s world is also rocked when she discovers the German for Grades 3 to 7 soldier has been captured and returned to her village. Avoiding contact seems impossible, as Carl is determined to speak to her. Fiction | Humour | Monsters and Mummies Why? The answer solves one mystery for Ellen, but there are other Cheryl and Tweed, cousins who are more like challenges to face. A typical teenager, she doesn’t quite understand sisters, are overjoyed when their grandfather offers them the job her complex feelings of growing up and agonizes over conflicts with of programming for the Starlight Paradise Drive-in movie theatre. her best friend. But it is her relationship with her parents that is Obsessed with B movies and all varieties of monster madness, the ultimate test of her maturity. they can’t wait to get started. But when a travelling carnival show Booker draws on her own experience to portray the reality of rolls into town they may have some competition. As the feisty the time and her use of British vernacular adds both flavour and twosome do some investigating, they discover that the carnival’s authenticity. The story stands well on its own, although readers head honcho, Colonel Winchester P.Q. Dudley, is indeed a bit of will enjoy discovering Keeping Secrets as well. This is a treasure for a con man. When their friend Artie appears to have been taken students who love historical fiction and, ultimately, an ending that by the Egyptian mummy that is the carnival’s feature attraction, allows for another story about Ellen and her family. they realize that they are dealing with a real-life case of monster Ellen Donogh mayhem and they know that a daring rescue is in order. When it then becomes apparent that even the mummy has been the victim of Dudley’s duplicity, they and their friends make up their minds Pieces of the Past: The Holocaust to help right an ancient wrong. Diary of Rose Rabinowitz Sprightly and full of fun, this is a delightful romp featuring (Dear Canada) a pair of plucky heroines whose breezy and witty banter gives written by Carol Matas the book a style all of its own. Livingston once again displays an Scholastic Canada, 2013 inimitable flair for dialogue, and she and co-author Jonathan Llyr 978-1-4431-1307-6 (hc) $16.99 have created a lighthearted adventure with a dash of Egyptian lore 978-1-4431-2456-0 (eBook) $16.99 to capture the imaginations of their young audience. The “action for Grades 4 to 7 sequences” that the girls enact throughout the story add a certain freshness and illustrate Cheryl and Tweed’s offbeat and enter- Fiction | Immigration | The Holocaust prising spirit. An orphan of the Holocaust, Rose Rabinowitz has immigrated The groundwork is laid for a rollicking new middle grade series to Canada searching for a new beginning. Rose is traumatized by — although readers of this volume may be disappointed that they her experiences in Poland and has difficulty trusting anyone and will have to wait for future instalments to find out what really hap- adjusting to her Canadian life. When her current guardian presents pened to Cheryl and Tweed’s parents (the story of what supposedly her with a diary, she puts aside her reservations and begins to write. transpired is told here but nothing further is revealed). Her entries alternate between her daily struggles and recounting Lisa Doucet is Co-Manager of Woozles in Halifax. her harrowing past. In clear and simple prose Rose writes about her problematic foster-sister, bullies at school, her trouble accepting friendship and her struggles to trust again. She also chronicles her life in Poland under the Nazis and what happened to the members of her family. It is through recounting their stories and putting their names to paper that Rose can begin to move forward. The diary is a testa-

36 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA ment to both her family as well as to Rose’s own will to survive. Dying to Go Viral In Pieces of the Past, her third book for the Dear Canada series, written by Sylvia McNicoll Matas deftly weaves the grim realities of the Holocaust with the Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2013 hopes and dreams of a young girl rebuilding her life. Through 978-1-55455-271-9 (pb) $12.95 Rose’s eyes young readers are given a candid glimpse into the life for Grades 6 to 9 inside the Warsaw Ghetto as well as the hardships faced by an Fiction | Second Chances | Family orphan displaced by war. Although the story is poignant and often heart-breaking, readers will be buoyed by Rose’s strength and When 14-year-old Jade loses her life in a skate- tenacity. boarding stunt gone wrong, she meets her long-deceased mother Drawing on the story of a war orphan is a unique way to link the in a Japanese garden and begs for a chance to return to earth to try story of the Holocaust to Canada. A wonderful resource for stu- and repair the relationship between her father and her brother. Her dents, the inclusion of documents, maps and photos is a powerful mother reluctantly sends her back, but only for a week, and under reminder of what happened and that Canada itself was culpable in the stipulation that she’s not allowed to tell anyone what’s going on. closing its borders to so many Jewish refugees. How much can be achieved in a week? As Jade discovers, quite a lot. Tracey Schindler is a teacher who currently works at Ajax Public Library in Ajax, Ontario. But when the time comes to die once again, will she be able to let go, or will she try to cheat fate and stay? Award-winning author Sylvia McNicoll gently explores themes Fortuna: A Felix Taylor Adventure of family, friendship and making the most out of life. Ever since written by Nicholas Maes her mom died years ago, Jade’s family has been fractured. She, her Dundurn Press, 2013 father and her brother have been existing, but not really living. 978-1-45970-561-6 (pb) $10.99 Ironically, it takes dying for her to realize how important it is to for Grades 7 to 10 make the most out of life. Determined to maximize her second chance, Jade creates an Fiction | Time Travel | Ancient Rome | Plague | intention list of things she wants to experience and accomplish Technology before her week is up, including skydiving, getting her father a One year has passed since Felix Taylor travelled back in time to girlfriend, and most importantly, repairing the fractured relation- Ancient Rome and saved his world from a deadly plague (as told ship between her father and her brother. As in real life, not all of in Maes’s 2009 book Laughing Wolf). Life in the 23rd century her actions have the planned result, but Jade is made all the more has mostly returned to normal. But now there is a new problem. likeable for her stumbles. Someone has discovered the time machine and is trying to bring Sensitive, appealing and extremely thought-provoking, this back the plague and eliminate the cure from history. Even worse is novel will have readers eagerly following Jade through her week, that the stranger is actually close to Felix. With his friend Carolyn’s and fervently hoping that things can work out differently the help, Felix must return to the world of Julius Caesar, as well as a second time around. Highly recommended. later time divided by religion, to stop the reemergence of the plague Rachel Seigel before the world turns to dust. In the second Felix Taylor adventure, Maes challenges readers to consider how history and religion impact and influence our lives. Namesake A blend of history and fantasy, this novel is fast-paced, thought- written by Sue MacLeod provoking and filled with interesting historical quotes and detail. Pajama Press, 2013 Does history truly repeat itself? Why do people need to experi- 978-1-927485-29-3 (pb) $14.95 ence emotion? Why is religion responsible for starting wars? These for Grades 6 to 9 are all questions that are explored in the novel, and Maes does an Fiction | Time Travel | Self-esteem | excellent job of leading readers to come up with their own answers. Lady Jane Grey, 1537-1554 He also cautions readers against relying too heavily on technology by presenting a bleak but eerily possible future that sees books and Jane Grey is a student in Nova Scotia preparing a history project knowledge as outdated and unimportant. on her namesake, Lady Jane Grey, who was the queen of England Drawing on his history background, Maes brings historical for nine days in 1553, a political pawn in the intrigues of the Tudor settings and characters vividly to life, and has created a novel that era. Jane discovers Lady Jane’s Booke of Prayre mixed in with her will excite even the most easily-bored middle school reader. research books from the library and it carries her back to Lady Jane Rachel Seigel is Sales & Selection Strategist at Edu-Reference Publishers Direct during the last few months of her life. The two teenagers become in Toronto. friends and confidants, helping each other through everything that happens in both of their lives. MacLeod uses words sparingly and lovingly in Namesake, revealing just enough to carry the reader through the difficult lives of both Janes, just enough to capture the imagination and draw us into the story. Her descriptions of high school ring completely true as do the times when Lady Jane is trying out modern language.

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The abuse suffered by both girls is also treated gently, realistic a senior who feels the seat behind the drums is practically his without being harrowing. birthright, makes it clear her seat choice is unacceptable. When The modern Jane is strong and inventive, carrying on an active Meredith suddenly becomes a target for gum terrorism, she inner life and finding a way to improve her own life — even when questions her motivations for taking the seat and whether hanging her attempts to change 16th century events fail. on to it is worth the danger it puts her in. Without a misstep, Namesake proceeds from a tantalizing Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “No one can make you feel inferior prologue to the satisfying conclusion. Perfectly constructed, this without your consent.” When Meredith Polk becomes the target of book is a gem. bullying over a simple seat choice, she decides not to crumble in the Willow Moonbeam is a math professor and librarian. face of peer pressure. Supported by her friends Dean and Rebecca as well as her close relationship with her Aunt Sancy, Meredith faces the consequences of her actions with feistiness and growing Little Red Lies confidence — even after learning information about her family written by Julie Johnston history that challenges what she believes about herself. Her unique Tundra Books, 2013 ways of dealing with the gum attacks are both humorous and 978-1-77049-313-1 (hc) $21.99 inspiring. 978-1-77049-314-8 (eBook) $11.99 Once again, author Beth Goobie provides pre-teen and teen for Grades 6 and up readers with a compelling story about bullying that features many positive female role models. Meredith’s journey of self-discovery is Fiction | Post-WWII Canada | Family met with an unsatisfying but realistic ending and makes her aware Sibling relationships in YA literature often depend upon clichés that things are often more complicated than they seem. The Throne such as jealousy, hero worship and feuds. Award-winning author is an enjoyable recreational read. Julie Johnston’s refreshing take on the older brother / sister Amy Mathers dynamic is one of the many questions she explores in this post- Second World War novel, Little Red Lies. Set in small town Ontario, theatre-obsessed Rachel cannot wait The Night Wanderer: for her older brother, Jamie, to return from the front so things A Graphic Novel can get back to normal. But Jamie returns withdrawn and sullen, written by Drew Hayden Taylor questioning a mysterious bombing that killed one of his comrades illustrated by Michael Wyatt and mourning the death of his best friend from childhood. Yet, it is adapted by Alison Kooistra Rachel he chooses to confide in through his stack of candid “Letters Annick Press, 2013 not sent,” because she has the ability to bring out the truth in him. 978-1-55451-573-8 (hc) $24.95 Although there is so much melodrama with a heavy cast of char- 978-1-55451-572-1 (pb) $14.95 acters and situations that make one wonder sometimes where the for Grades 7 and up novel is going, it is in this hullabaloo that the novel finds its heart. Graphic Novel | First Nations | Vampires | Horror | Coming of Age | Her relegation to the role of child and her penchant for drama Myths and Legends makes Rachel the observer and collaborator; even her tendency to overact puts her on the sidelines for the school play. This also More than 300 years after leaving Canada, Pierre L’Errant returns means that she’s always in cahoots with her brother, helping him to Otter Lake to die. He has come back to reclaim his Anishinaabe navigate the needs of their overbearing mother and disengaged roots after three centuries of life as a vampire. As Pierre’s preparing father, proving that they are more grown up than some of the adults to put his life in order, 16-year-old Tiffany Hunter’s life seems to in their lives and moving beyond the drama to have an authentic be falling apart. Life on the reserve is one struggle after another relationship. — fights with her father; anger at her mother for abandoning the Melanie Fishbane is a freelance writer in Toronto and a graduate of the Vermont College family for a new life off reserve; failing marks at school; and a white of Fine Arts MFA program. boyfriend who seems uncommitted and might even be cheating on her. Tiffany thinks about ending it all. Chance brings the troubled teen and the vampire together. Perhaps Pierre can go to his death The Throne helping Tiffany to find her way back to life. written by Beth Goobie In this excellent adaptation, Kooistra beautifully evokes the Red Deer Press, 2013 world created by Taylor in his compelling “Native gothic” YA 978-0-88995-496-0 (pb) $12.95 novel, published in 2007. What stands out in this graphic treatment for Grades 7 to 10 is both a sense of the very different world view of First Nations peoples, and the fact that being a teen can be filled with difficul- Fiction | Bullying | Power | Self-Confidence | ties no matter who you are and what race or culture you come Coming of Age from. Tiffany’s fraught interactions with her friends and her tense Fifteen-year-old Meredith Polk is ready for tenth grade. Knowing relationship with her boyfriend offer readers a sense of connection the most coveted seat in her homeroom is up for grabs this year, with teen life in almost any community in North America, while she arrives at school early to claim it — parking her butt behind the the way that Kooistra integrates First Nations culture is very subtle. drum set on the third riser in the music room. Seymour Molyneux, For example, Tiffany’s Granny Ruth frequently uses Ojibwa but,

38 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA other than bolding the words in the speech bubbles, Kooistra draws The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B no more attention to this difference than necessary. written by Teresa Toten The graphic format allow readers to see the havoc that Pierre has Doubleday Canada, 2013 caused in his lifetime of vampirism, but doesn’t overdo the horror 978-0-385-67834-6 (pb) $14.95 element. Wyatt’s illustrations offer a real sense of life on the reserve for Grades 8 to 12 and, importantly, are replete with symbols and artifacts that are Fiction | Mental Illness | Humour key elements of First Nations culture and traditions. His visual telling of Pierre’s story is especially moving. This is a very different The moment Robyn walks into Adam’s OCD kind of vampire novel — satisfyingly layered, subtle and rich with support group, he falls head over heels in love with her, and he the evocations of First Nations life and well worth experiencing in vows to do whatever it takes to improve for her. Determined as he this new graphic format. is to get to a better place with this disorder, he soon finds himself Jeffrey Canton struggling to balance the demands of his complicated home life, his burgeoning relationship with Robyn and his efforts to help his mother who has begun receiving vicious hate letters. As things Sorrow’s Knot start spiralling out of control, Adam is gradually forced to face the written by Erin Bow painful truth: he is getting worse, not better. And he needs help. Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic Inc.), 2013 Grappling with uncertainty, he is also surprised to realize that 978-0-545-16666-9 (hc) $19.99 the ragtag collection of oddball characters that make up his OCD 978-0-545-57800-4 (eBook) $19.99 group have become his friends and a source of unexpected support. for Grades 7 and up Ultimately, however, despite all his best efforts, Adam has to make several heartbreaking decisions to help the people that he loves. Fiction | Fantasy This latest gem from Teresa Toten is a moving depiction of one Award-winning author Erin Bow’s sophomore novel, Sorrow’s Knot, boy’s valiant attempt to wrestle with the effects of Obsessive- is steeped in the oral storytelling tradition. Fans of Plain Kate will Compulsive Disorder, yet it still manages to showcase her delightful appreciate how Bow weaves many aboriginal and indigenous belief humour. It is at once touching and tender, and, at times, riotously systems to craft the Shadowed People’s matrilineal traditions and funny. Despite his OCD, Adam is a typical and highly relatable the village of Westmost. teen boy whose relationships with his mom and his father and his The main protagonist, Otter, comes from a long line of binders, father’s new family are genuinely heartwarming. Peopled with a people like her mother, Willow, who learn the sacred knots that range of unforgettable characters, readers will root for Adam with protect the village from the dead. Confident in her future, Otter his kind heart and his sometimes unconventional efforts to help spends her time playing with her best friends, Kendal and Cricket his fellow groupmates (their “field trip” to Adam’s former church is (one of the few boys in Westmost). But when the old binder, highly entertaining!). In this book, Toten has managed to provide Tamarak, dies, Willow’s power turns against her and she breaks an astute look at several very serious contemporary issues while with tradition by cutting Otter off, forbidding her to be a binder. artfully weaving in a hint of mystery and a poignant tale of first Things continue to unravel when Willow adopts another girl from love, all of which is perfectly balanced with moments of utter a neighbouring village, ignoring her sacred duty, so the three hilarity. It is a tremendous and noteworthy achievement. friends seek the help of the legendary Mad Spider. Lisa Doucet Rich in symbolism, Bow weaves together the ambiance of oral storytelling with the Shadowed People’s beliefs about the life cycle. For example, the novel opens with Willow unbinding her power to Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl give birth, showing the strong link these people have with life and written by Emily Pohl-Weary death. And when Tamarak dies, Bow describes how the funeral Razorbill, 2013 knot should have been tied so that when Willow breaks with tradi- 978-0-670-06640-7 (hc) $18.99 tion, we understand that something bad is coming. Readers who for Grades 8 and up love strong female protagonists will enjoy this intricately woven story. Fiction | Fantasy | Werewolves Melanie Fishbane With a reputation for being a loner, uber-talented bass player and songwriter Sam Lee is not exactly what most people expect when they think of high-profile rock stars. Passionate about her music and her indie rock band, she is intense but introverted, eschewing all the wild parties in favour of night-time bike rides in the park and time spent alone in her apartment above an old pickle factory. But everything about her world changes the night that she is attacked by a vicious dog in Central Park. Although her physical injuries heal quickly, the attack leaves her feeling and behaving strangely. Eventually she is confronted with the undeni- able — albeit unbelievable — truth: that she is now a werewolf. As she struggles to accept and understand her altered reality she must

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figure out who she can trust, and she becomes determined to help The Fall a group of girls who have suffered similar fates. Suddenly, in spite written by Colleen Nelson of her reclusive tendencies, Sam finds herself very much in the Great Plains Teen Fiction, 2013 spotlight. 978-1-926531-65-6 (pb) $14.95 This new entry in the paranormal genre is fresh and fun with for Grades 9 and up just enough social commentary to be thought-provoking. Sam is a Fiction | Grief | Skateboarding | Gangs highly appealing character whose attempts to figure out what has happened to her and then to come to terms with the situation feel When a young teen plunges to his death right genuine and believable. She is an independent, smart and capable in front of his brother and his friends, the lives of three boys are young woman who does the best she can to make sense of her irrevocably changed. Each of the boys copes with the trauma new self and yet to somehow hold on to her normal life. The love in different ways. Taz, the dead boy’s brother, turns to alcohol; triangle that develops, while somewhat predictable, is nonetheless Corey finds new companionship in a gang; and the youngest, Ben, compelling, and readers will be anxious for a sequel in which we escapes into the world of trick skateboarding. As the web of lies of will learn more about the werewolf subculture, the girls who have what really happened that night begins to grow, Ben must find the been partially turned and how Sam will manage her two very com- strength to break through and convince everyone at school that he’s plicated and distinctly separate lives. not to blame. The question is, does he believe it? Lisa Doucet In her second novel for young adults, Nelson masterfully explores the ways in which boys cope with tragedy and grief. Taking place over eight days, the chapters alternate among the three boys, M in the Abstract allowing readers to gain deeper insight into the background influ- written by Douglas Davey ences which shape their choices. Ben, the only character to actually Red Deer Press, 2013 narrate his own story, has the strongest support system of the three, 978-0-88995-487-8 (pb) $12.95 but as Nelson demonstrates, all three of the boys cling to the belief for Grades 9 and up that men can and should manage on their own. The novel is perfectly paced, and the seriousness of the issues Fiction | Secrets such as abuse, bullying and alcoholism are offset by lighter action Mariposa (Mary for short) is haunted by myste- scenes describing Ben’s skateboarding tricks. Covering ground rious dark shadows. This secret has forced her to keep herself cut seldom seen in YA literature, this novel is one that will generate off from the world around her at any cost. But when events begin discussion and is a necessary addition to any high school to crack open her self-imposed armour, Mary starts to question the classroom shelf. thing that has burdened her for so long. As things in her life start Rachel Seigel to change, she must learn how to harness the shadows and find the strength to break free and live her life. Davey’s first book presents readers with a sad, but hopeful, Audacious portrait of a teen struggling with issues of loneliness, isolation and written by Gabrielle Prendergast mental illness. Ever since her father left 10 years before, Mary has Orca Book Publishers, 2013 seen the shadows. Mary lives in terror of people knowing that she’s 978-1-4598-0530-9 336 (hc) $19.95 crazy, and keeps people at a distance no matter how much she longs for Grades 9 and up to have friends and even a boyfriend. Fiction | Verse | Family | Courage The strength of this novel lies in its characters, and the skillful way in which Davey portrays Mary’s relationship with the people Raphaelle and her family have moved to a around her — from her mother’s well-meaning but failed efforts to new city, a chance for a fresh start. Rebranding draw her out, to her confusion at attracting the attention of two herself as Ella, she believes that here things will be different. She different boys, and her easy acceptance by Cammy and Krystin. will make friends, be a decent student, she will not make waves. With each encounter, readers witness Mary’s growing stresses, and But Ella, for all her good intentions, cannot deny her passionate, they will feel as though they are brought to the edge right along rebellious spirit. She makes a bold and powerful statement via an with Mary. art project and then must deal with the dramatic repercussions. Also interesting is the author’s choice to be deliberately ambig- Faced with suspension and legal charges, she still stands firm, uous in parts of the novel. Mary herself feels ambiguous and refusing to back down. Meanwhile, she also falls in love with Samir, unknowing, and it certainly leaves room for readers to draw their a Muslim whose religious beliefs are radically different from her own conclusions about what those answers are. own. And things unravel at home as her mother’s illness can no Original and timely, teens looking for a contemporary, literary longer be ignored. With courage, integrity and more than a little read will find much to enjoy with this novel. audacity, Ella faces all of these crises, discovering within herself a Rachel Seigel strength and beauty that she never knew, and hardly dared to hope, she actually possessed. This stunning, potent novel-in-verse delivers a rivetting story and a character who is independent yet unsure, brave yet vulnerable, and so utterly true to herself. Readers will revel in every carefully- chosen word and image. Prendergast has created a magnificent

40 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA portrait of high school life, of first love, of a family in crisis. Legends, Icons & Rebels: She raises challenging, intriguing questions about religion, women Music That Changed the World in society, art and self-expression. She takes on so many things written by Robbie Robertson, Jim Guerinot, in this book and yet the reader never feels overwhelmed, it never Sebastian Robertson and Jared Levine once feels like too much. The poetry format is used to brilliant Tundra Books, 2013 effect, compelling readers to slow down and savour each exquisitely 978-1-77049-571-5 (hc with CDs) $35.00 crafted poem, and to enter more deeply into Ella’s mind and heart. 978-1-77049-573-9 (eBook) $35.00 for Grades 4 and up Lisa Doucet Non-fiction | Music | Biography As the primary songwriter for The Band, one of Canada’s most Lily and Taylor celebrated acts, Robbie Robertson knows great music. He, his son written by Elise Moser Sebastian, and music industry veterans Jim Guerinot and Jared Groundwood Books, 2013 Levine have created a comprehensive introduction to some of the 978-1-55498-335-3 (hc) $16.95 greatest musical legends from 1925 to 1970. Focusing mostly on for Grades 9 and up singer-songwriters, this book covers everyone from Louis Fiction | Social Issues | Physical and Emotional Abuse Armstrong to Buddy Holly to Joni Mitchell. Each musician’s page provides interesting biographical informa- In her YA novel, Lily and Taylor, Elise tion, as well as important moments in their career. The write-ups Moser explores the complicated tragic cycles could be more detailed, but the breadth and selection of artists of domestic abuse. makes up for it. You won’t learn everything there is to know about Reeling from her sister’s brutal murder, Taylor moves in with her Bob Dylan or Little Richard, but you’ll definitely be inspired to grandmother and step-grandfather, Douglas. Maintaining a long go look up some of their music. To help in this cause, the book distance relationship with her controlling and jealous boyfriend, includes two CDs, featuring a classic song from each artist. Each Devon, Taylor treads lightly, keeping her new friendship with the page also includes a recommended playlist for further listening. charming and calming girl, Lily, a secret. However it doesn’t work, The authors may have sacrificed some content for the artwork — and when Devon arrives unexpectedly with his friend Conor, they the book is beautifully designed, with a host of talented illustrators kidnap the two girls, taking them to an isolated cabin where they giving every artist’s page a unique and incredibly detailed look. You have to work past their issues and escape. can almost hear the music just by looking at the pages. The book is Lily has secrets, too. Indeed, her calm demeanour is a defense even designed to look like an old vinyl record cover. mechanism against her difficult family situation. Questioning the Legends, Icons & Rebels is fun not just for kids but for adults as likelihood that her father’s drunkenness lead to the car accident well (it would be a perfect coffee-table book) and it’s sure to turn that left her mother with a severe brain injury, Lily also has to any reader on to great music that they never knew they loved. watch out for her mother’s string of abusive boyfriends. The story is told from two points of view. From the moment Ian Usher studies music production in Toronto. when Taylor observes her sister’s autopsy to the emotional epiphany between the two girls on the last page, Moser keeps the tension tight, playing off her characters’ relationships, such as how Taylor’s Hooked: When Addiction Hits Home strained conversations with Devon and home life are contrasted edited by Chloe Shantz-Hilkes with Decode against her blossoming friendship with Lily. While sensitive readers Annick Press, 2013 should be aware that there are descriptions of physical and emo- 978-1-55451-475-5 (hc) $21.95 tional abuse and rape, this intensely raw novel is one of healing, 978-1-55451-474-8 (pb) $12.95 true friendship and survival. for Grades 7 and up Melanie Fishbane Non-fiction | Addiction | Family | Relationships | Gambling | Drugs | Conflict Resolution | Self-Esteem Hooked deals with teens who have a family member with an addiction. Each of the first ten chapters consists of a real teen’s story told in the first person about what it was like to live with an addict and how they coped. Most of the stories involve parents, but one is about a sibling. Alcohol is the most common addiction described, but there are also stories with drugs, gambling, work and food-related addictions. The last two chapters are comprised of a Common Questions section where a professor of social work answers questions teens have about addiction, and an Advice and Help section which lists resources teens can access in both Canada and the United States if they need help. The first person accounts in this book are very powerful. Each teen’s story is unique, but there are also common threads that run

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2013 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 41 throughout. Teens often found themselves having to grow up fast and take on additional responsibilities. They also often felt con- flicting emotions about their addicted family member, loving them and yet feeling angry and disgusted with them at the same time. Any teen who is going through a similar situation when reading this will be comforted to find that they are not alone. The book is very short, and each chapter is broken down into additional small chunks making the information easily digestible for even reluctant readers. This is a solid resource for teens dealing with addiction. Recommended. Arwen Rudolph is the Rural Branch Supervisor at Palliser Regional Library in Saskatchewan. New Editions Ann Walsh’s intriguing Moses, Me and Murder, the first in her series of Barkerville novels set during British Columbia’s Gold Rush, has been re-issued by Dundurn Press. Breakwater Books has released a new edition of the classic A Wonderful Fine Day for a Sculpin Named Sam, written by Al Pittman and illustrated by Shawn O’Hagan. It is good to see that Made You Look: How Advertising Works and Why You Should Know (Annick Press) has been revised and updated for the digital age. Written by Shari Graydon, the new edition of this important and award-winning book features illustrations by Michelle Lamoreaux.

Check out the newest releases from Peanut Butter Press!

Anita Daher will be touring with her book in theTD Canadian Children’s Book Week 2014!

2012 Chocolate Lily Award Itty Bitty Bits Winner! By Anita Daher ISBN 978-1-927735-01-5 Would Someone Please Answer the Parrot! No one to help clean her room means no way Yen Whose Trees Are These? By Beryl Young can come for a sleepover. What will Molly do? By Erna Michalow ISBN 978-1-927735-00-8 ISBN 978-0-9865329-7-9 Sometimes answers come in itty bitty packages. A rollicking tale about an outrageous Whose Trees Are These? is a children’s picture talking parrot, Guapo, who comes to stay book with an underlying message of with a family and wins a permanent place conservation and sharing. Colour illustrations in their home and in their hearts. enliven this gentle, heartwarming story. Winnipeg’s Peanut Butter Press is known Charles, author for producing children’s picture books –Norma exclusively— a somewhat rare and welcome characteristic for a publisher. To view book content and to order direct from the —CM: Canadian Review of Materials publisher, visit us at www. peanutbutterpress.ca

42 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA In our Drop in next issue ... for a look CCBC Collections Across the Country Lights, camera, action! Drop in for a look at the titles in the Centre’s library Books into film. collections at the national office in Toronto or at one of the four regional locations. Phone ahead for hours Taking Kevin Major’s Hold Fast and availability. and other Canadian books to the silver screen In Toronto Canadian Children’s Book Centre 40 Orchard View Blvd., Suite 217 Toronto ON M4R 1B9 Plus 416 975-0010 x 222 A profile of author Contact: Meghan Howe David Poulsen and reviews of [email protected] over 30 new books In Vancouver Education Library University of British Columbia Faculty of Education (Scarfe Building) For more information, visit 2125 Main Mall www.bookcentre.ca Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 604 822-0940 Contact: Jo-Anne Naslund [email protected] In Edmonton Looking for ... Herbert T. Coutts Education Library Education South authoritative University of Alberta Edmonton AB T6G 2G5 reading lists? 780 942-1429 Contact: Dr. Merrill Distad Black History Month titles, [email protected] World War II books, In Winnipeg Elizabeth Dafoe Library Space books, LGBTQ titles University of Manitoba and more 25 Chancellors Circle Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Visit 204 474-9977 Contact: Donna Masson www.bookcentre.ca/resources/ [email protected] teacher_librarians_parents In Halifax Click on Mount Saint Vincent University Library resources for librarians or 166 Bedford Highway resources for teacher Halifax NS B3M 2J6 902 457-6108 Contact: Terrence Paris For more information, visit [email protected] www.bookcentre.ca

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from My Name is Blessing, page 32 from The Man with the Violin, page 31 from Just So Stories, Volume 1, page 32

26 30 THE CLASSROOM BOOKSHELF WE RECOMMEND Before the World Was Ready Audacious Namesake Claire Eamer, Sa Boothroyd Gabrielle Prendergast Sue MacLeod A History of Just About Everything: 180 Events, Big Top Otto The Night Before Christmas People and Inventions That Changed the World (Elephants Never Forget, Book 2) Clement C. Moore, Barbara Reid Elizabeth MacLeod, Frieda Wishinsky, Qin Leng Bill Slavin A Narrow Escape It’s a Feudal, Feudal World: Dying to Go Viral (The Lobster Chronicles, Book 2) A Different Medieval History Sylvia McNicoll Jessica Scott Kerrin, Shelagh Armstrong Stephen Shapiro, Ross Kinnaird The Fall The Night Wanderer: A Graphic Novel Shanghai Escape Colleen Nelson Drew Hayden Taylor, Michael Wyatt, Alison Kathy Kacer Kooistra Fortuna: A Felix Taylor Adventure Nicholas Maes Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl Emily Pohl-Weary 28 Hooked: When Addiction Hits Home BOOK BITS Chloe Shantz-Hilkes (ed.), Decode Odd Duck Cecil Castellucci, Sara Varon Attitude (Orca Limelights) How to Curse in Hieroglyphics Robin Stevenson (The Wiggins Weird, Book 1) On a Snowy Night Lesley Livingston, Jonathan Llyr Jean Little, Brian Deines Cut the Lights (Orca Limelights) Karen Krossing I Dare You Not to Yawn Once Upon a Northern Night Hélène Boudreau, Serge Bloch Jean E. Pendziwol, Isabelle Arsenault Totally Unrelated (Orca Limelights) Tom Ryan Just So Stories, Volume I Pieces of the Past: The Holocaust Diary of Rudyard Kipling, Ian Wallace Rose Rabinowitz (Dear Canada) Carol Matas Legends, Icons & Rebels: Music That Changed the World Raven Brings the Light Robbie Robertson, Jim Guerinot, Sebastian Roy Henry Vickers, Robert Budd Robertson, Jared Levine The Road to Afghanistan Lily and Taylor Linda Granfield, Brian Deines Elise Moser Sorrow’s Knot Little Red Lies Erin Bow Julie Johnston Spit Feathers M in the Abstract (The Lobster Chronicles, Book 3) Reviews from Douglas Davey Jessica Scott Kerrin, Shelagh Armstrong Canadian Children’s Book News The Man with the Violin Still at War are indexed in the Children’s Literature Kathy Stinson, Dušan Petricic Jean Booker Comprehensive Database, Gale Online Mr. Flux The Throne Databases and EBSCO Publishing. Kyo Maclear, Matte Stephens Beth Goobie Visit www.bookcentre.ca My Name is Blessing The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B Eric Walters, Eugenie Fernandes Teresa Toten

44 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2013 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA .ASO .” !S=N@O 2AREASO

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