Aboriginal Stories — New Voices, Many Voices JACQUELINE GUEST EMPOWERS and INSPIRES PLUS: LEADING KIDS to the CLASSICS

$4.95 FALL 2012 VOL. 35 NO. 4

RECOMMENDED BOOKS + OPINIONS + PROFILES + NEWS + REVIEWS Aboriginal Stories — new voices, many voices JACQUELINE GUEST EMPOWERS AND INSPIRES PLUS: LEADING KIDS TO THE CLASSICS

30+

7125274 86123 .ASO !S=N@O 2AREASO

!QPDKN )HHQOPN=PKN $ENA?PKNU !J@IKNA

If you love Canadian kids’ books, go to the source: bookcentre.ca

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre CONTENTS THISI ISSUE booknews Fall 2012 Volume 35 No. 4 7 Seen at... Fall brings a harvest of literary celebrations. Richard Scrimger (Ink Me) Editorr Gillian O’Reilly entertains his audience at the Telling Tales Festival held in Hamilton Copy Editor and Proofreaderr Shannon Howe Barnes Design Perna Siegrist Design in September. For more literary festivities, see page 7. Advertising Michael Wile Editorial Committee Peter Carver, Brenda Halliday, Merle Harris, Diane Kerner, Cora Lee, Carol McDougall, Liza Morrison, Shelley Stagg Peterson, Charlotte Teeple, Gail Winskill 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 2012 (November 2012) 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] am ngh or to Gillian O’Reilly c/o the above address. ingh For advertising information, contact: Michael Wile at [email protected] or 416.531.1483 Marty Spencer Tim Berm

4 Opinion: From Victor to Frankenstein 20 Bookmark! North of 60° Sandra O’Brien makes the case that Twenty books telling stories from our North. Canadian books can lead kids to the classics. 22 The Classroom Bookshelf: 6 News Roundup Finding the Strength to Face Daunting Betty Waterton (1923-2012); TVOParents Challenges Book Club; Meet Book Week illustrators Marthe and Nell Jocelyn; Book Week 24 Book Bits: Seven: the series – Writing Contest. an ambitious adventure, an intriguing success 7 Seen at ... Seven linked books by seven fi ne authors offer readers a new adventure. COVER: Illustration from Kaugjagjuk, illustrated by A photographic look at book events. Kim Smith and written by Marion Lewis, published by Inhabit Media, 2011. Used with permission. 8 Author Profi le: Jacqueline Guest: 26 We Recommend For more information, visit www.inhabitmedia.com. A Passion for Words Reviews of the latest in fi ne Canadian books MEDIUM: Digital. Sylvia McNicoll profi les award-winning for children and teens. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Kim Smith lives in Calgary, author Jacqueline Guest – a passionate Alberta, and illustrates for magazines, including booklover, an energetic and inspiring writer 40 Index of Reviews chickaDEE, educational publishers and game and a proud explorer of her Métis roots. developers as well as creating her own comics. Kaugjagjuk, the legend of a mistreated orphan, is the Focus: Aboriginal Stories – New fi rst children’s book she has illustrated. Authored by 10 Nunavut writer Marion Lewis, Kaugjagjukk is one voices, strong voices, diverse voices of the recommended titles on the First Nation In a remarkable variety of topics, genres Communities Read list. See page 12 for and voices, Aboriginal stores are being told more information. for eager readers.

FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 1

SEVEN "RICHLY DETAILED AND SATSIFYING" E —Kirkus Reviews for Between Heaven and Earth H

T SERIES "I HAD TO FORCE MYSELF TO TAKE A BREAK FOR FOOD AND GRANDSONS SLEEP ONCE IN A WHILE. I JUST JOURNEYS WANTED TO KEEP READING. THIS WAS AN EXCELLENT BOOK." AUTHORS —Sam D. (teen reviewer with bookhype, a YALSA’s Teens’ Top Ten review program) for Lost Cause AMAZING SERIES

ǀ ǀ

Also available as Seven (the series) bundle ǀ

ǀ Ages 10 and up and 10 Ages READ ONE. READ THEM ALL. 10.10.12

www. seventheseries .com FROM THE EDITOR GILLL IAN O’REILLY

Board of Directors Todd Kyle, President Felicia Quon, Vice-President Leigh Chalmers, Treasurer Sheila Barry Lisa Doucet Sharon Jennings Shar Levine Charles McCarragher Susan McLennan Daryl Novak Itah Sadu Roland Stringer Staff Charlotte Teeple Executive Director Shannon Howe Barnes Program Coordinator Meghan Howe Library Coordinator Holly Kent Sales and Marketing Manager Dawn Todd General Manager DISCOVERING STRONG NEW ABORIGINAL STORIES The last two and a half decades have seen a wonderful growth in literature and on screen Patrons by and about Aboriginal people (First Nations, Métis and Inuit). From plays to novels to television and movies, adult audiences have been able to read or view important depictions Marilyn Baillie Kit Pearson of past and present Aboriginal stories. In children’s literature, both fi ction and non-fi ction, The Peter and Eleanor Daniels Foundation we have similarly seen the increasing quantity and quality of exciting, intriguing, funny, sad, Tina Powell Ian and Deb Wallace informative and inspirational stories. In our Focus article, we look at the growth, strength and extraordinary variety of Aboriginal Sponsors stories today — and the organizations that are helping these books to reach readers. Amazon.ca Friesens In addition, our author profi le features Jacqueline Guest, the energetic and talented writer HarperCollins Canada who has explored her Métis roots in much of her fi ction. Penguin Group (Canada) Rawlinson Moving & Storage It’s always exciting for kids and teens to read books set in their own country. Our TD Bank Group Bookmarks! list features “North of 60°” books — both fi ction and non-fi ction — set in the Funders Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut. Canada Council for the Arts As booklovers, we all know how a certain literary work can entice you into new and Canadian Heritage (BPIDP) Charles Baillie unexpected reading — how discovering a book by one author can lead you to a different Fleck Family Foundation writer whose books you wouldn’t previously have thought of tackling. In our Opinion piece, Manitoba Department of Culture, reviewer and former teacher Sandra O’Brien examines the literary journey that happened Heritage and Tourism when her daughter read Kenneth Oppel’s This Dark Endeavourr and Shane Peacock’s PEI Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Sherlock Holmes series. PEI Department of Tourism and Culture The fall, of course, brings a wealth of new books to peruse and enjoy — as you will discover Ontario Arts Council in our review section. Ontario Arts Foundation Toronto Public Library Yukon Department of Education Happy reading!

Our Thanks 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, Writing and Publishing Section, and the Public Readings Program. Your feedback is important! EMAIL COMMENTS TO [email protected]

We acknowledge the ﬁ nancial support of the Government of Canada through the Book Publishing Industry Development Program (BPIDP) for this project. Like us! Facebook.com/KidsBookCentre

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 3 OPINION SANDNDRA O’BRIEN From Victor to Frankenstein: How Canadian books can lead kids to the classics

For the last two years, I have been the annotation writer for Best fi rst?” “Of course,” I replied, knowing I had over 500 other titles to Books for Kids & Teens. I have had the extreme pleasure of having keep me busy while she read that particular book. boxes of the latest Canadian literature delivered to my home to pe- My daughter is a voracious reader and can fl y through a book in ruse and write about. While I love to uncrate the picture books and less time than it takes her to clean her room — no surprise there — delve into those, my 13-year-old daughter dives into the boxes that and this book was no exception. Aft er reading it myself, I understood contain the young adult literature to see if her favourite authors have why it took her so little time to read, but what followed her reading published another sequel or to fi nd a yet unread author or new series of Th is Dark Endeavourr is what interested me the most. Upon com- that catches her fancy. For the two of us it’s like being in heaven — pleting the book, my daughter expressed interest in reading Mary boxes and boxes of brand new books to pore over, favourite authors Shelley’s Frankenstein to see if Oppel had indeed closely followed to enjoy again and new authors to discover. the Frankenstein mythos or if he had strayed from the tale. Th is is When the books arrived last November, we anxiously slit through something that had never happened before — she had never read a the packing tape that was between all those brand new books and us book that had interested her so deeply that she wanted to read the and began to clutter the fl oor of the offi ce with titles that sounded story that inspired the author to write that book. I thought, we might interesting. When my daughter came across Kenneth Oppel’s Th is just be onto something here. So aft er Christmas, when my husband Dark Endeavourr, she immediately read the reviews on the back and bought himself a Blackberry tablet, he downloaded Frankenstein for then fl ipped to the summary of the book on the inside of the jacket. our daughter and she was off to read her fi rst classic that was not be- I could see her eyes light up as she asked, “Oooh, can I read this one ing mandated by school.

4 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA While she found Mary Shelley’s story a more diffi cult read — the vocabulary and style of writing were challenging for her — she plod- ded her way through and fi nished it within a day or two. “What did you think?” I asked her and “Did you agree with the reviews of Th is Dark Endeavour?” She responded that yes, Oppel had stayed true to certain aspects of the original but he had also taken liberties in ... but what followed her other areas. “ She noted that Oppel has changed Elizabeth’s story from the Shel- reading of This Dark Endeavour ley version. In Frankenstein, Elizabeth was adopted by the Franken- stein family and was not a cousin to them as she is in Oppel’s story. is what interested me the most. She also recalled a dream that Elizabeth has in Th is Dark Endeavour where the monster is present on her wedding night — an excellent Upon completing the book, use of foreshadowing on Oppel’s part. As for Victor, she said that Oppel has created a character that can believably become Dr. Fran- my daughter expressed interest kenstein as the young Victor’s personality is the same as the older version and by creating a twin brother for Victor he has helped ex- in reading Mary Shelley’s plain his future obsession with life and death. As a parent and former teacher, I was thrilled that the challenging Frankenstein to see if Oppel vocabulary and style of writing did not dissuade her from continuing to read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Her curiosity was satisfi ed had indeed closely followed the and she and I had a literary conversation that was well beyond her 13 years. What more could I ask? Well, I could ask why this moment Frankenstein mythos or if he didn’t occur in my daughter’s English class and why the English curriculum doesn’t better address the curiosity my child obviously has had strayed from the tale. about literature? Th ere were so many teachable moments here and I ” hope I addressed a few of them, but I wish this was happening in her classroom. Two other authors my daughter has read are Shane Peacock and Th us it can be challenging for parents to know what is Canadian his series about the boy Sherlock Holmes and Y.S. Lee who wrote and what is not, what is a suitable book for their child and what is Th e Agency series about Mary Quinn. Peacock has won much ac- not. Surely, we should be looking to the ministry of education and claim for Th e Boy Sherlock Holmes series and is another source of our schools to help us out here, to promote good Canadian literature inspiration for my daughter. Until reading this series, she showed whenever the opportunity arises. no interest in reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes I recently read Nancie Atwell’s Th e Reading Zone, which is a book books but has now expressed an interest in doing so. And aft er read- about teaching children to become skilled, passionate, habitual, crit- ing the fi rst two books in The Agency series by Y.S. Lee (the third in ical readers. Atwell teaches at Th e Center for Teaching and Learning, the series is in her pile to read this summer), we discussed reading which is a K-8 demonstration school she founded in 1990, in Edge- more about women from this era. Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre comb, Maine. Th e program she runs sounds incredible and reading were titles that came to mind as they not only take place in Victorian the students’ responses to the books they read was inspiring. She England but were also written during that period. Lee studied Victo- states, “When we approach a text in an eff erent frame of mind we do rian literature and culture and was thus inspired to write this series. so to acquire information. We read ‘aesthetically’ for its own sake, Again, I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to see my daughter being for the pleasures and rewards of living vicariously inside someone inspired by these Canadian authors to seek out the literature that else’s literary world.” I would strongly recommend this book to any inspired them to write their stories. teacher who wishes to teach a literature program that will create life- Th is year my daughter, being in Grade 8, studied Th e Outsiders by long readers and so wish my daughter had experienced a program S.E. Hinton. I studied this when I was her age and yes, it’s well worth like the one Nancie runs. I think my husband and I have done a pret- reading, but it was published 45 years ago and, although the themes ty good job of raising children who love to read but I know both of might still be relevant today, it would be nice to see our children my children would have thrived in a program such as this. reading contemporary Canadian literature in Canadian schools. I hope I’ve given teachers, school librarians and the ministries Th ere is no shortage of it, a lot of it is extremely well written, and we of education something to think about. I have only touched the tip might just inspire a child to go on and read something else that au- of the iceberg here in listing some of the best Canadian literature thor has written, something else in that genre or the classic that book being published today, but these authors just happen to be some of was based upon. If Canadian ministries of education, teachers and our favourites at the moment. Th ere are many more out there, and school librarians do not promote Canadian literature, who is going I encourage all of you to seek them out and see if you can inspire a to? Yes, we have the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, but they can’t youngster to become passionate about Canadian literature. You may do it on their own. be surprised where that journey takes them!

And yes, we can leave it to parents to provide their children with Sandra O’Brien is a former teacher with an M.Ed. in Children’s Literature. Canadian books, but not every parent is as lucky as I am to have access to all this wonderful literature and not every bookstore labels Canadian literature with a little red maple leaf like our libraries do.

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 5 INDUSTRY News Roundup AWARDS, BOOK LAUNCHES, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND THE LATEST NEWS

Betty Waterton (1923-2012) Th e experts are authors, educators, Noted author Betty Waterton passed away academics, librarians, booksellers and on August 7, 2012, at the age of 88. At the publishers. Each expert off ers three book age of 50, Waterton wrote her fi rst chil- recommendations and, while there is oft en dren’s book, the award-winning A Salmon time for only one or two in the program it- for Simon. Her most recent book was self, all the recommended books are posted A Bumblebee Sweaterr published in 2007. on the website. Waterton was a gift ed writer of picture Commenting on the show’s evolution books and novels, creating vivid sto- over the last two years, Jackson says, “It ries with great simplicity and charm to turns out there’s a lot for adults to talk entrance young readers in North America about when it comes to kids’ books.” She and overseas. A Salmon for Simon was adds, “In my mind, story time is just as translated into French and Swedish and An interview with Marthe and Nell Jocelyn can much about nurturing the parent/child her picture book Plain Noodles has ap- be found at www.bookweek.ca. bond as it is about learning to read. If peared in French, Danish, Norwegian and children can associate the good feelings Swedish. In total, she authored 19 books, Barnes, the CCBC’s Program Coordinator, of being with a parent, sharing something including Pettranella and the entertain- explains, “We want to stress the impor- lovely, they might just go on to be readers ing Quincy Rumpel novels for middle tance of the arts in schools and how these later... Th e TVOParents Book Club gives us grade readers. Waterton delighted children programs can inspire young adults and an opportunity to hear from people who across the country with her presentations, fuel their creativity, and also show how know so much about this — authors, pub- but she also made a diff erence to her adult books can be the venue for exploring these lishers, educators, academics, retailers — colleagues. Writer Sheryl McFarlane, her- forms of art.” and to fi nd out what resonates with parents self the author of award-winning books, Famed for her fabric and paper collages, and kids. I hope our discussions inspire comments, “She was one of the fi rst kid’s Marthe Jocelyn has previously collabo- parents to read to their kids, introduce book writers to write about the West Coast rated with her daughter Nell on Ones and them to new books and ideas, and make in picture book form, and was a real inspi- Twos, a picture book for preschoolers. decisions about what to read a little easier.” ration for me.” To fi nd all the Book Club videos TVOParents Book Club and other resources for parents, visit Meet Book Week illustrators Scary books, books that teach empathy, http://tvoparents.tvo.org/article/ Marthe and Nell Jocelyn math and science books, fractured fairy tvoparents-book-club-welcome. Acclaimed author and illustrator Marthe tales — TVOParents Book Club is a valu- Jocelyn and rising artist Nell Jocelyn have able resource for parents and others to More Book Week News: Writing Contest teamed up to create the image for TD Ca- discover a diverse and high quality range Calling all writers in Grades 4 to 12! Th e nadian Children’s Book Week 2013. Th eir of books for their children. Launched in annual Book Week Writing Contest for art embraces the Book Week theme of January 2011, this series of web-based Kids & Teens is now open. Th is national “All the Bookshelf’s a Stage: Celebrating videos by Ontario’s public education contest is a much anticipated part of TD the Performing Arts.” Dragons, dancers, broadcaster introduces a wealth of books Canadian Children’s Book Week. Young musicians, musketeers, trapeze artists and around a particular theme in thoughtful writers are invited to send in a sample more spring from the pages of books in and lively discussions. of their best writing. Judging is done by their whimsical exploration of the theme. New Book Club videos are posted on the noted writers from across Canada and the Since 1977, the Canadian Children’s fi rst Friday of the month. In each, host and winner from each grade will receive a $250 Book Centre (CCBC) has toured author producer Cheryl Jackson interviews three gift certifi cate for the bookstore of his or and illustrators throughout the country experts about a particular topic and books her choice. Two honourable mentions from and created lively Book Week materials to related to it. Subjects have included bul- each grade category will also receive $50 put the spotlight on great books as well as lying, poetry books, disabilities, graphic gift certifi cates. the joy of reading. Th is year’s celebration novels and books for the budding activist, All entries must be postmarked by highlights the performing arts. Th e poster, to name a few. Th e two most recent videos February 1, 2013. Th e winners will be an- theme guide and activities will focus on cover heroes and villains and scary books nounced during TD Canadian Children’s books that showcase music, plays, dance, (why do kids like them and how scary is Book Week 2013. For further details and drama/theatre and singing. Shannon Howe too scary). entry forms, visit www.bookweek.ca.

6 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA EVENTS Seen at... A PHOTOGRAPHIC LOOK AT CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK EVENTS m ha g Tim Bermin m ha g Word on the Street Lethbridge was the opportunity for Margaret Pokiak-Fenton and Christy Jordan- Fenton (co-authors of Fatty Legs) and Drew Hayden Taylor (The Night Wandererr) to get together. im Bermin T m d ha g nra Co

ew r d im Bermin T An At the Telling Tales Festival, book lovers young and old heard Erin Bow, Rita Cox, Lesley Livingston and many more authors, illustrators and storytellers.

Left above: Noted YA authors Don Aker Enjoying a moment at the Lane Anderson and Lesley Choyce talked with fans at Word on Award dinner was Eva Everything, author of the Street Halifax. What Does the Earth Sound Like? 159 Astound- ing Science Quizzes, shortlisted in the Juvenile Left: Adrienne Kress (The Friday Society) helped Category. The award went to Caitlyn Vernon’s Shane Peacock launch his ﬁ nal Boy Sherlock Nowhere Else on Earth: Standing Tall for the Holmes book, Becoming Holmes, at Small Print Great Bear Rainforest. Toronto’s scavenger hunt/mystery event.

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 7 PROFILE JACQCQUELINE GUEST Jacqueline Guest: A Passion for Words BY SYLVIA MCNICOLL

two daughters, Vanessa and Kristina, to provide for and as she likes to say, “Whining doesn’t put food on the table.” Th rough it all, she loved to lose herself in a book. When Vanessa began reading through the Sweet Valley High series, Guest was curious and read some herself. “Th ey’re all the same,” she told her daughter. But Vanessa explained that they provided easy instant escape from her academic and extracurricular activities and Guest pondered over patterning her own writing on the series.

Writing — the early struggle Vanessa joined Air Cadets around that time. Th at and the memory that Guest’s Welsh mother had become an Royal Air Force fl ight mechanic in World War II inspired Guest to write what she calls her practice book, Wish for Wings. In it, the main character, forbidden to fl y because her mother had died in a crash, accepts the off er of a plane ride and, when the pilot succumbs to a heart attack, must land the craft herself. Guest submitted her manuscript to an Edmonton agent, Joanne Kellock, who suggested that: a) she never read a Sweet Valley again, and b) she contact prolifi c author Mary Blakeslee for some coaching. Th at fi rst book never did get published, but Guest took Kellock’s advice on both counts. In the summer of 1986, she met Reading — a life-saving pastime Mary Blakeslee who became her mentor and good friend. Mary reg- “Reading was my salvation.” Jacqueline Guest, a self-educated ularly prodded her to write, saying “When are you starting your next author of 17 published novels, proclaims this with an energy that project?” convinces. A petite brunette from Bragg Creek, Alberta (think Heartland Ranch and log cabins), she missed the opportunity for a Publishing Success more formal education, but has buried herself in books all her life. Guest’s next project would surface only 10 years later. Inspired by a “Higher literacy levels allowed me to apply competently for jobs so I colleague’s daughter who played hockey on a boy’s team, and hearing could feed my family; increased my vocabulary so I could ace a face- how miserable the guys were to the girl, Guest wrote Hat Trick, her to-face interview and fostered the most important gift an author can fi rst book in the Lorimer Sports Stories series. In it, a hockey-playing possess: curiosity.” girl is torn between her aboriginal folk dancing and her sport, and Growing up in Turner Valley, Alberta, Guest owned only two between her proud-to-be-full-blooded Indian mom and her Métis- books — A Child’s Book of Bible Verse and Alice in Wonderlandd — in-the-closet dad. but she read those over and over until the Scholastic Book Club came Th is theme comes close to Jacqueline Guest’s own background. At to her school when she was nine. Th en her mom promised her and the age of 30, she discovered that she had Métis roots — information her two older brothers a book each for every month. In her hunger that fi lled in a lot of blanks in her family history. She remembered for stories, Guest traded doing all her brothers’ chores for their book her grandparents speaking in unfamiliar languages, likely Cree choices. She quickly amassed 10 books. While she was in Grade 5, and Michif, and remembered her dad shrugging off her questions. one of her brothers also provided Guest with her fi rst writing job: In those days, acknowledging Indian heritage did not increase job 25 cents for an essay. If he had re-copied it in his own handwriting, prospects or even good treatment. she might have continued her business. As it was, the teacher con- But Guest thought those Métis roots were cool and, in most of fronted her brother and then her mother. Still, Guest never returned her books, includes characters with a First Nations background. Her her advance. next two novels, Free Th roww and Triple Th reatt (fi rst released in 1999), Her disciplined work ethic carried her through the lean years of were about a basketball player uprooted from the reserve to live single mom-dom. It was many jobs later before she scored another with his mom and new white stepdad. Last year, these books were writing gig. Instead, she oft en juggled multiple jobs: waitress, forklift updated and reissued in time to tie for the 2012 American Indian driver, core photographer, lab worker, liquor store clerk, “leather elf” Youth Literature Award. for a shoemaker and — the last formal job before signing off to be a Says Lorimer’s Children’s Editor Carrie Gleason, “Th e thing I full time writer — the 3:00 to 8:00 pm shift at the post offi ce. Selling admire most about Jacquie is that she was one of the fi rst writers I postage in the evening allowed her to create during the day. She had know of to write about contemporary Aboriginal kids in a way that

8 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA you would see any other kid written about — like kids in situations The Future where they play basketball and are coming to terms with changing Guest is currently working on the plot outline for the third book in families. Th e issue here wasn’t that the kids were Aboriginal, although the series, tentatively called Th e Comic Book Warr, which brings the this certainty does present unique twists in the stories. She doesn’t Métis struggle up to 1943. And aft er that? She wants to slow down talk down to teens and I think that her readers, and Aboriginal kids and think about her books more, add dimensions, and evocative in particular, have a lot of respect for her for that.” imagery. Her primary goal in writing will always be to empower children by getting them to read. Spreading the Magic “I know that many kids out there are brilliant and are capable of Aft er that fi rst published novel, Guest wrote a book or two a year leading not just Canada in the future, but the world. Th ey cannot despite growing demand for her as a presenter and writing teacher. do this without all those complex literacy skills, but they won’t read Author Gail Sidonie Sobat, coordinator of YouthWrite, a provincial unless we give them fun and challenging novels to stimulate their arts summer camp, says: “Jacqueline Guest is an engaging speaker young minds. Th e trick is putting the right book into their hands to who speaks to kids as equals. She leaves her ego at the door, and, as a keep the juices fl owing. I’d like to write that perfect book — the one result, kids warm to her as she dives in to her storytelling with gusto that inspires and empowers; the one that shows them the magic.” and good humour.” For further information on Jacqueline Guest and her books, visit Guest doesn’t limit her teaching to kids. She wants to empower www.jacquelineguest.com. all Canadians, including “the moms who write when their babies are napping or between the time they make supper and take their Latebreaking News! kids to ballet.” Besides school and library visits, she works hard at Jacqueline Guest has won a 2012 Indspire Award for the Arts. mentoring and evaluating manuscripts for all ages. Given to 14 individuals each year, the Indspire Awards, formerly the On an ideal writing day, Guest gets up at 6:00 am and connects to National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, recognize Indigenous the Internet via dial up. As the email drops down, she drinks the tea professionals and youth who demonstrate outstanding career her husband has made, perhaps grabs an egg or some toast and then achievement. sits down to respond to teachers’ and librarians’ requests. Th en she Sylvia McNicoll is the author of crush. candy. corpse. (Lorimer) and the re-reads what she’s written the day before, edits and continues on. soon-to-be released Death Goes Viral (Fitzhenry & Whiteside). Th e fi rst step to creating a story is hammering down a fi rm outline, her roadmap. As she writes, she oft en consults this map to make sure her characters aren’t straying too far off course. She has no set word Selected Titles count or other measurement for deciding when it’s time to step away by Jacqueline Guest for a break; her goal is to write till the excitement is over. Once a fi rst draft is fi nished, she puts it aside for a week. “Th ese are just Outcasts of River Falls words coalescing,” she says. Th en she comes back to rewrite with COTEAU BOOKS, 2012 fresh ideas and a new perspective. Ghost Messages COTEAU BOOKS, 2011 Stepping Back in Time Lately, her genre of choice is historical fi ction. Because of limited War Games Internet access, Guest orders books from AbeBooks or the library to (SideStreets) do massive amounts of research. She admits researching is compul- LORIMER, 2008 sive and she fi nds it hard to stop and write. Belle of Batoche Her 2011 book Ghost Messages is a story of a strong-willed and (Orca Young Readers) capable young Irish girl, Ailish O’Connor, who chases a villain ORCA BOOK PUBLISHERS, 2004 across the ocean and foils a plot to sabotage the laying of the trans- atlantic telegraph cable. Th e book earned Guest a Silver Birch Award Lightning Rider nomination and a Gold Moonbeam Children’s Book Award. (SideStreets) Belle of Batoche began the trilogy closest to her heart. In it, she LORIMER, 2000 brings the reader back to 1885 during the Northwest Rebellion. As Free Throw with her contemporary novels, the everyday life and the problems (Sports Stories) of the main character shine. Th e story of 11-year-old Belle and her LORIMER, 2011 (© 1999) thwarted desire to be the church bell ringer reads almost like a Little House on the Prairie tale, even as Batoche is threatened. Triple Threat Th e second book, Outcasts of River Falls, continues the saga of the (Sports Stories) Métis, this time in 1901, when they are forced to live in shanty towns LORIMER, 2011 (© 1999) along the road allowances. Th e book originates in that disclosure Hat Trick about Guest’s grandfather Patrice and his hidden Métis roots. When (Sports Stories) the story begins, a fair-skinned Kathryn realizes she is Métis only LORIMER, 2010 (© 1997) aft er her father Patrice dies and she is sent to live with her darker skinned Aunt Belle. Details of warm family life and the addition of a mystery highwayman allow readers to learn about this shameful portion of Canadian history without a sense of bitterness or scolding.

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 9 FOCUS ABORORIGINAL STORIES Aboriginal Stories NEW VOICES, STRONG VOICES, DIVERSE VOICES BY GILLIAN O’REILLY

A glance at the 2012-2013 First Nation Communities Read (FNCR) Th e Life of Mohawk Lacrosse Champion Gaylord Powless. Ten noted poster of recommended titles reveals the breadth and strength of authors are profi led in the new book Great Writers from our First publishing by and about Aboriginal Canadians. Along with the Nations, part of the First Nations Series for Young Readers, pub- selected 2012-2013 title, Shannen and the Dream for a School, are lished by Second Story Press, which has also looked at sports fi gures, 35 other recommended books for young people, including fi ction musicians and other leaders. about contemporary urban kids and reserve kids; picture books with contemporary topics; historical fi ction; graphic novels; traditional Intriguing Contemporary Fiction tales; non-fi ction on contemporary topics — and a dash of fantasy. Th e recent growth of contemporary fi ction for and about First Nations In short, there is a remarkable variety of topics, genres and voices. and Métis kids has been remarkable and exciting. Th e range of books Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal publishers are espousing these covers young people in urban, rural and reserve settings. Appealing stories and putting them in the hands of eager readers. to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal readers, they feature young people competing on the hockey rink or the basketball court, facing Powerful Non-Fiction bullies at school, trying out for the school musical, coping with Shannen and the Dream for a School, written by Janet Wilson and blended families, enjoying family celebrations and drawing strength published by Second Story Press, is the moving and inspiring account from grandparents, other elders or community members. (And for of Shannen Koostachin and her classmates — and their long cam- a particularly contemporary twist, Drew Hayden Taylor’s Th e Night paign for a new school in their community of Attiwapiskat. Th is is Wandererr off ers a very intriguing First Nations vampire.) the book selected by the FNCR jury of experts for both First Nations Th e writers of these books include authors like Sylvia Olsen or communities and anyone interested in the vibrant and authentic sto- Jacqueline Guest who have a large body of work for young people, ries. Under the FNCR program, which is based in Ontario, the poster screenwriter Jordan Wheeler (who has also written fi ve books for is distributed to all public libraries across Ontario and to other prov- young people) or new voices like Lori Saigeon (Fight for Justice). All, inces who choose to participate. A wealth of materials can be found however, are off ering fresh stories that speaker to contemporary on the website about these and previously recommended books as children and teens. well as suggestions for ways to utilize the books and the program. Shannen and the Dream for a Schooll is one of many powerful non- Board Books and Graphic Novels fi ction books available to readers today. At the Heart of It, part of the Th e number of Canadian authored board books has been increasing 10-book series Th e Land is Our Storybook, is also a recommended in recent years and books that refl ect the lives of Aboriginal young- FNCR book. Craft ed by Yellowknife author Mindy Willett and pho- sters are part of the trend. Recent additions to the board book genre tographer Tessa McIntosh, with 10 co-authors from diff erent offi - are Richard Van Camp’s Welcome Song for Babyy and Margaret Man- cial language groups across the Northwest Territories, this excellent uel’s I See Me. Both off er lively photographs to capture the interest series explores modern life and culture — and its mixture of new of babies and toddlers. Sheree Fitch’s Kisses Kisses Baby-O!! is also and old — on the trapline, around the campfi re, in communities, at now available in Mi’kmaq and is used in Nova Scotia’s Read to Me! school, and on the land itself. program which delivers books to newborns and their parents. Strong non-fi ction that appeals to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Graphic novel series — an excellent way to get many young people readers alike can also be found in Lorimer’s Recordbooks series fea- reading — are multiplying in number, and, again, books that speak turing accessible sports biographies like Jordin Tootoo: Th e Highs to the Aboriginal experience are growing in number. Th e Rabbit and and Lows of the First Inuit Player in the NHL and Lacrosse Warrior: Bear Paws series, created by Chad Solomon and others from Little

10 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA Spirit Bear Productions, explores history and culture using tradi- New from the North tional teachings and humour. Th ree titles from the series are fea- Established in 2007, Inhabit Media — based in Iqaluit, Nunavut — tured on the 2012-2013 FNCR recommended list. As well, several has been growing rapidly, with over 60 titles in print (including dif- titles in the 7 Generations series, by writer David Robertson and ferent language editions of many of their books). While the company artist Scott Henderson, appeared on the 2011-2012 FNCR list (for publishes a couple of adult books each year, the bulk of its list is for YA and adult readers). Th e 7 Generations books explore both his- children and teens. Inhabit Media publishes books in both English tory and culture, including the dark story of residential schools in versions and Inuktitut versions (and, in the coming year, in French). Canada, with drama and sensitivity. Publisher Neil Christopher says that they have occasionally published bilingual English/Inuktitut books but have found they are less Greater Awareness of Writers and Books well received than the single language books. Although the number of Aboriginal-themed books available for Inhabit’s list represents a careful balance between preserving and young readers has been increasing, observers point out there is also presenting traditional stories and adapting them for modern audi- a greater awareness of these books. Jeff Burnham is the president ences in both the North and in the rest of Canada. Many of the tradi- of GoodMinds, a wholesaler located on the Six Nations Reserve at tional stories they publish are the result of collaboration between an Brantford, Ontario, which has been distributing Aboriginal titles Inuit elder and storyteller and a young Nunavut writer or a southern since 2000 and now distributes both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal writer. “Ideally, we love it if a storyteller wants to tell their own story,” material. Th e company off ers valuable and authoritative annotations says Christopher, pointing to the work of Elisha Kilabuk, author of for many Aboriginal titles on its website and it is the offi cial whole- Th e Qalupalik. But, he points out, many of the elders have a diff erent saler for First Nation Communities Read. Burnham points to initia- storytelling style and the tales involve a great deal of implied knowl- tives in ministries of education across the country that have made edge. Th e collaboration with other writers helps make the stories as teachers more aware of the materials that do exist. He also notes the accessible as possible to a wide audience. increased visibility of noted First Nations and Métis authors such Other books refl ect modern Inuit children’s lives, drawing inspi- as David Bouchard, Larry Loyie, Giller Prize-winning adult author ration from the authors’ own experiences or interviews with elders. Joseph Boyden, and the literacy initiatives of former Ontario Lieu- Among them are Joy of Apex, a novel for intermediate readers and A tentant Governor James Bartleman. Walk on the Tundra, a picture book refl ecting the relationship of a Patty Lawlor, First Nations Consultant at the Southern Ontario grandmother and granddaughter as they collect traditional plants. Library Service, which administers the FNCR program, agrees that there is greater awareness of Aboriginal materials, both in Canada and abroad. In a presentation she prepared with GoodMinds’ Sheila Staats, she noted other trends. One is the range of bilingual texts NEW WRITING AWARD (e.g., English and Dogrib, English and Michif, English and Cree). A new literary award will help to foster writing by Examples range from Fox on the Ice / Mahkesis Miskwamihk E-Cipa- Aboriginal authors for young people. The recently tapitt by Tomson Highway, illustrated by Brian Deines to Julie Flett’s announced Burt Award for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Owls See Clearly at Night: A Michif Alphabet / Lii Yiiboo Nayaapiwak Literature will recognize excellence in Indigenous-authored lii Swer: L’Alfabet Di Michiff literature for youth and provide engaging and culturally- Another trend, Lawlor adds, is the number of books being illus- relevant books for young people across Canada. trated by major Aboriginal gallery artists such as Leonard Paul (Long The award will be given annually to three English-language Powwow Nights), Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas (Th e Little Humming- literary works for young adults (aged 12 through 18) bird), Leo Yerxa (Ancient Th underr) and others. by First Nations, Métis or Inuit authors or translators (if applicable). International Attention The award has been established by CODE, a Canadian International attention in the form of awards, “best of” lists and even charitable organization that supports literacy and learning, international rights sales has been increasing for works by Aboriginal along with philanthropist William Burt and the Literary authors. One example is Fatty Legs, written by Christy Jordan-Fenton Prizes Foundation and CODE’s partners – the Assembly and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton and illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes. of First Nations, Métis National Council, Inuit Tapiriit Th is book is the powerful memoir of residential school for one Inuit Kanatami, National Association of Friendship Centres, girl, appropriate for readers aged nine to adult. It was the 2011-2012 Association of Canadian Publishers, and the Canada FNCR title and has won or been shortlisted for many awards. Th e Council for the Arts. CODE has experience in publisher, Annick Press, has just sold Korean rights to both Fatty administering similar Burt Awards in Liberia, Tanzania, Legs and its sequel, A Stranger at Home. Th ese aren’t the only books Ghana and Ethiopia. fi nding international markets. Slovenian rights have been sold for Published books and unpublished manuscripts are Drew Hayden Taylor’s Th e Night Wandererr as have Czech rights to eligible for the award. The deadline for submissions for Th omas King’s A Coyote Solstice Tale — to name a few. the inaugural Burt Award for First Nations, Métis and Two recent titles named by IBBY Canada (the Canadian section Inuit Literature is May 1, 2013. Further information on of the International Board on Books for Young People) for the inter- the criteria can be found at www.codecan.org or by national Honour List are Th e Gift of the Stars / Ananagoog Meegi- contacting Catherine Belshaw, Literary Awards Ofﬁ cer, waewinan by Basil Johnston and Yamozha and His Beaver Wife / at [email protected]. Yamoózha Eyits’ o Wets’èkeè Tsà by Vital Th omas, translated by Mary Siemens and illustrated by Archie Beaulieu.

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 11 Inhabit Media recently created a 12-minute animated fi lm, Aboriginal and Aboriginal readers alike through words and pic- Amaqqut Nunaat: Th e Country of Wolves, based on a story by one tures. From non-fi ction to board books, from urban teen fi ction to of their authors, the late Mark Kalluak, and with illustrations by traditional tales, the range of titles off er a wide variety of opportuni- Toronto artist Ramón Pérez. Th e fi lm has won seven awards since its ties to engage with important stories. It is exciting to see the greater release last year and received many “offi cial selection” honours and awareness of these fi ne books and the diverse opportunities for them resulted in the formation of a new fi lm company to further pursue to reach a wide audience. this fi eld. For more information on First Nation Communities Read, visit www.sols.org. For GoodMinds, the offi cial wholesaler for First Reaching Readers Nation Communities Read, visit www.goodminds.com.

In many parts of the country, authors, illustrators and publishers are Gillian O’Reilly is editor of Canadian Children’s Book News. creating vibrant, authentic and powerful books that speak to non-

2012-2013 | First Nation Communities Read Recommended Titles

Selected Title Courage (Rabbit and Bear Paws: Sacred Seven) written by Tanya Leary and Chad Solomon, illustrated by Shannen and the Dream for a School Chad Solomon (Little Spirit Bear Productions) written by Janet Wilson (Second Story Press) A Different Game (Orca Young Readers) Also Recommended Titles written by Sylvia Olsen (Orca Book Publishers)

Angutiup ânguanga / Anguti’s Amulet Fight for Justice written by The Central Coast of Labrador Archaeology Partnership, written by Lori Saigeon (Coteau Books) illustrated by Cynthia Colosimo (Flanker Press) Free Throw (Sports Stories) At the Heart of It: Dene dzó t’áré (The Land is Our Storybook) written by Jacqueline Guest (Lorimer) written by Raymond Taniton and Mindy Willett, photographs by The Gift of the Stars — Anangoog Meegiwaewinan Tessa Macintosh (Fifth House/Fitzhenry & Whiteside) (Anishnaubaemowin) Bear Walker (Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws) written by Basil Johnston, illustrated by Adrian Nadjiwon written by Christopher Meyer and Chad Solomon, (Kegedonce Press) illustrated by Chad Solomon (Little Spirit Bear Productions) The Giving Tree: A Retelling of a Traditional Métis Story Belle of Batoche written and illustrated by Leah Dorion, translated by Norman Fleury written by Jacqueline Guest (Orca Book Publishers) (Gabriel Dumont Institute) Call of the Fiddle A Goal in Sightt (Sports Stories) written by Wilfred Burton and Anne Patton, illustrated by written by Jacqueline Guest (Lorimer) Sherry Farrell Racette, translated by Norman Fleury Grandpa’s Girls (Gabriel Dumont Institute) written by Nicola I. Campbell, illustrated by Kim LaFave The Canoe He Called Loo Taas (Groundwood Books) written by Amanda Reid-Stevens, illustrated by Michael Nicoll Hat Trick (Sports Stories) Yahgulanaas (McKellar & Martin Publishing) written by Jacqueline Guest (Lorimer) Christmas at Wapos Bay (From Many Peoples) How the Fox Got His Crossed Legs / Edànì Nògèeò Wegòòòò Degèe Adzà written by Jordan Wheeler and Dennis Jackson (Coteau Books) collected by Virginia Football, illustrated by James Wedzin, Christmas La Pouchinn translated by Rosa Mantla and Mary Siemens (Theytus Books) written by Deborah L. Delaronde, illustrated by Virginia McCoy I Am Raven (Theytus Books) written by David Bouchard, illustrated by Andy Everson (More Than Words Publishers)

12 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA Jordin Tootoo: The Highs and Lows in the Journey of the First Inuit to Play in the NHL by Melanie Florence (Lorimer) Kaugjagjuk written by Marion Lewis, illustrated by Kim Smith (Inhabit Media) The Legend of the Fog written by Qaunaq Mikkigak and Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Danny Christopher (Inhabit Media) The Little Hummingbird (Google: First Nation Communities Read) written and illustrated by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas Your go-to resource for (Greystone Books) Aboriginal books recommended by First Nation librarians Niiwin: Four Ojibwa Critter Tales written by Kathleen Coleclough, illustrated by David Benjoe (Kakwa Publishing) Don’t miss our top recommend for 2012-2013 The Orphan and the Polar Bear written by Sakiasi Qaunaq, illustrated by Eva Widermann (Inhabit Media) The Qalupalik written by Elisha Kilabuk, illustrated by Joy Ang (Inhabit Media) Raven’s Greatest Creation / Gaagaagi Ogichi-gikendaasowin written by David Bouchard, illustrated by Brigitte Lopez, music by Jana Mashonee (More Than Words Publishers) Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings written by Hélène Boudreau (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky) Relatives with Roots written and illustrated by Leah Dorion, translated by Rita Flamand (Gabriel Dumont Institute) THIS IS A TRTRUEUE STSTORYORY Respect (Rabbit and Bear Paws: Sacred Seven) SecondSecond StoryStory PressPress written by Tanya Leary and Chad Solomon, illustrated by ISBN:ISBN: 978-1-926920-30-6978-1-926920-30-6 Chad Solomon (Little Spirit Bear Productions) $14.95$14 95 Paperback - Ages 9 and up Rink Rivals (Sports Stories) BOOK BUZZ written by Jacqueline Guest (Lorimer) …a worthy tribute to that wonderful young woman who worked Seven Sacred Teachings / Niizhwaaswi gagiikwewin so hard for a school in her community… written by David Bouchard and Dr. Joseph Martin; Maurice Switzer, Anishinabek News illustrated by Kristy Cameron; music by Swampfox, translated by …an excellent teaching and learning resource…Shannen is Jason and Nancy Jones (More Than Words Publishers) an exemplary role model… PaperTigers Soccer Star! (Sports Stories) …a beautiful, powerful and timely book written by Jacqueline Guest (Lorimer) Shelagh Rogers: CBC1: The Next Chapter Taking Care of Mother Earth …informative and politically rousing… written by Leanne Flett Kruger, illustrated by Marie-Micheline Toronto Star Hamelin (Theytus Books) …will appeal to a wide range of readers Triple Threatt (Sports Stories) CM Magazine written by Jacqueline Guest (Lorimer) …a must-have book… A Walk on the Tundra Tinlids written by Rebecca Hainnu and Anna Ziegler, illustrated by Qin Leng (Inhabit Media) CURRICULUM LINKS Aboriginal issues, Children’s rights, First Nation schools, We Are All... Treaty People Social justice, Student activism, Student leadership written by Maurice Switzer, illustrated by Charley Hebert (Anishinabek Nation)

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 13 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE AWARDS

TD BANK GROUP AND THE CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE FINALISTS OF THE 2012 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award The TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award honours the most distinguished book of the year. Two $25,000 prizes are awarded, one for a book in English and one for a book in French.

ENGLISH-LANGUAGE FINALISTS

The Dragon Turn No Ordinary Day Off to Class: Incredible Seal Song Stones for My Father (The Boy Sherlock Holmes) written by Deborah Ellis and Unusual Schools written by Andrea Spalding written by Trilby Kent written by Shane Peacock Groundwood Books Around the World illustrated by Pascal Milelli Tundra Books Tundra Books 978-1-55498-134-2 (hc) $16.95 written by Susan Hughes Orca Book Publishers 978-1-77049-252-3 (hc) $21.99 978-1-77049-231-8 (hc) $21.99 978-1-55498-108-3 (pb) $12.95 Owlkids Books Inc. 978-1-55469-242-2 (hc) $19.95 978-1-77049-260-8 (ebook) $11.99 978-1-77049-273-8 (ebook) $11.99 978-1-55498-176-2 (ebook) $12.95 978-1-926818-85-6 (hc) $22.95 978-1-926818-86-3 (pb) $13.95 978-1-926818-87-0 (ebook) $12.95

FRENCH-LANGUAGE FINALISTS

Louis Émond Philippe Béha

L’amélanchier, Lapin-Chagrin Le monde de Théo Mots doux pour La saison des pluies conte de Jacques Ferron et les jours d’Elko written by Louis Émond endormir la nuit written by Mario Brassard adapted by Denis Côté written by Sylvie Nicolas illustrated by Philippe Béha written by Jacques Pasquet illustrated by Suana Verelst illustrated by Anne Sol illustrated Marion Arbona Éditions Hurtubise illustrated by Marion Arbona Soulières éditeur Éditions Planète rebelle Éditions du Phoenix 978-2-89647-439-4 (hc) $16.95 Éditions Planète rebelle 978-2-89607-127-2 (pb) $8.95 978-2-923735-16-0 (hc with CD ) $24.95 978-2-923521-21-3 (pb) $12.95 978-2-923735-25-2 (pb with CD) $21.95

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 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE AWARDS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FINALISTS OF THE 2012 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 ﬁ ction.

The Hangman in the Mirror I’ll Be Watching Shot at Dawn: World War I written by Kate Cayley written by Pamela Porter (I Am Canada) Annick Press Groundwood Books written by John Wilson 978-1-55451-357-4 (hc) $21.95 978-1-55498-095-6 (hc) $18.95 Scholastic Canada 978-1-55451-356-7 (pb) $12.95 978-1-55498-096-3 (pb) $12.95 978-0-545-98595-6 (hc) $14.99 978-1-55498-174-8 (ebook) $12.95 978-1-443-11929-0 (ebook) $14.99

THE GEOFFREY BILSON AWARD FOR HISTORICAL FICTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IS ADMINISTERED BY THE CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR JURY COMMENTS, VISIT WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA

This Dark Endeavour: The Whole Truth The Apprenticeship of written by Kit Pearson Victor Frankenstein HarperCollins Canada written by Kenneth Oppel 978-1-55468-852-4 (hc) $19.99 HarperCollins Canada 978-1-55468-853-1 (pb) $9.99 978-1-55468-339-0 (hc) $19.99 978-1-44340-920-9 (ebook) $15.99 978-1-55469-340-6 (pb) $12.99 978-1-44341-133-2 (ebook) $15.99 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE AWARDS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FINALISTS OF THE 2012 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.

Cinnamon Baby Picture a Tree Pussycat, Pussycat, written by Nicola Winstanley written and illustrated by Barbara Reid Where Have You Been? illustrated by Janice Nadeau North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada written by Dan Bar-el Kids Can Press 978-1-4431-0761-7 (hc) $19.99 illustrated by Rae Maté 978-1-55337-821-1 (hc) $18.95 Simply Read Books 978-1-897476-46-8 (hc) $18.95

THE MARILYN BAILLIE PICTURE BOOK AWARD IS ADMINISTERED BY THE CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR JURY COMMENTS, VISIT WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA

Small Saul Without You written and illustrated by written and illustrated by Ashley Spires Geneviève Côté Kids Can Press Kids Can Press 978-1-55453-503-3 (hc) $18.95 978-1-55453-620-7 (hc) $16.95 978-1-55453-959-8 (ebook) $11.99 978-1-55453-911-6 (ebook) $9.99 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE AWARDS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FINALISTS OF THE 2012 Monica Hughes Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy Established in 2011 with the ﬁ rst award being presented in 2012, this award honours excellence in the science ﬁ ction 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.

Dreamline Hunted Peter Nimble and written by Nicole Luiken written by Cheryl Rainﬁ eld His Fantastic Eyes Great Plains Teen Fiction WestSide Books / Fitzhenry & Whiteside written by Jonathan Auxier 978-1-926531-08-3 (pb) $14.95 978-1-934813-62-1 (hc) $16.95 Pufﬁ n Canada 978-0-670-06466-3 (hc) $20.00 978-0-14-317593-3 (pb) $9.50 978-0-14-318572-7 (ebook) $11.99

THE MONICA HUGHES AWARD FOR SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY IS ADMINISTERED BY THE CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR JURY COMMENTS, VISIT WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA

Tempestuous What Happened written by Lesley Livingston to Serenity? HarperCollins Canada written by PJ Sarah Collins 978-0-06-174006 (hc) $22.50 Red Deer Press 978-1-55468-455-7 (pb) $17.99 978-0-88995-453-3 (pb) $12.95 978-1-44340-536-2 (ebook) $13.99 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE AWARDS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FINALISTS OF THE 2012 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction Established by the Fleck Family Foundation, this $10,000 prize recognizes exceptional non-ﬁ ction books for young people. The Award honours Norma Fleck (1906-1998) who inspired a deep love of reading in her children.

Beyond Bullets: Biomimicry: Inventions Loon A Photo Journal of Afghanistan Inspired by Nature written by Susan Vande Griek written by Rafal Gerszak with Dawn Hunter written by Dora Lee illustrated by Karen Reczuch photos by Rafal Gerszak illustrated by Margot Thompson Groundwood Books Annick Press Kids Can Press 978-1-55498-077-2 (hc) $18.95 978-1-55451-293-5 (hc) $19.95 978-1-55453-467-8 (hc) $19.95

THE NORMA FLECK AWARD FOR CANADIAN CHILDREN’S NON-FICTION IS ADMINISTERED BY THE CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR JURY COMMENTS, VISIT WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA Off to Class: Incredible Scribbling Women: and Unusual Schools True Tales from Around the World Astonishing Lives written by Susan Hughes written by Marthe Jocelyn Owlkids Books Inc. Tundra Books 978-1-926818-85-6 (hc) $22.95 978-0-88776-952-8 (hc) $21.99 978-1-926818-86-3 (pb) $13.95 978-1-77049-230-1 (ebook) $11.99 978-1-926818-87-0 (ebook) $12.95 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE AWARDS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FINALISTS OF THE 2012 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.

The Case of the Charlie’s Key The Dragon Turn Missing Deed written by Rob Mills (The Boy Sherlock Holmes) (Teaspoon Detectives) Orca Book Publishers written by Shane Peacock written by Ellen Schwartz 978-1-55469-872-1 (pb) $9.95 Tundra Books Tundra Books 978-1-77049-231-8 (hc) $21.99 978-0-88776-959-7 (hc) $17.99 978-1-77049-273-8 (ebook) $11.99 978-1-77049-267-7 (ebook) $10.99

THE JOHN SPRAY MYSTERY AWARD IS ADMINISTERED BY THE CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR JURY COMMENTS, VISIT WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA

Held True Blue written by Edeet Ravel written by Deborah Ellis Annick Press Pajama Press 978-1-55451-283-6 (hc) $21.95 978-0-9869495-3-1 (hc) $19.95 978-1-55451-282-9 (pb) $12.95 978-0-9869495-0-0 (pb) $14.95 978-1-927485-05-7 (ebook) $14.95 BOOKMARK EXPLP ORING CANADA NORTH OF 60°

“ BOOKMARK!” HIGHLIGHTS BOOKS FOR A VARIETY OF JUNIOR NON-FICTION AND GRADE LEVELS AROUND A PARTICULAR THEME. FICTION FOR GRADES 4 TO 8 CCBC Library Coordinator Meghan Howe offers an exciting range of titles Arctic Adventures: Tales from the exploring Canada north of 60°. Lives of Inuit Artists written by Raquel Rivera illustrated by Jirina Marton (Groundwood Books, 2007) Missuk’s Snow Geese Th rough stories and biographies, Rivera written by Anne Renaud provides readers with sophisticated and illustrated by Geneviève Côté innovative tributes to four Inuit artists. North (Simply Read Books, 2008) A photo of the artist and his or her work In the far North, Missuk dreams of carv- accompanies each biography. Author’s ing snow geese out of soapstone. Her father note, map, glossary and further reading list promises to teach her when he returns from included. See also Rivera’s novel Tuk and hunting, but a fi erce storm strikes. Missuk’s the Whale, illustrated by Mary Jane Gerber, of 60° special snow geese guide him home. the story of a meeting between the Inuit of Baffi n Island and European whalers in the PICTURE BOOKS FOR Uumajut: early 1600s. KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 3 Learn About Arctic Wildlife! written by Simon Awa, Anna Ziegler and Arctic Giants Alego Stephanie McDonald written by Neil Christopher written and illustrated by Ningeokuluk Teevee illustrated by Romi Caron iIllustrated by Eva Widermann translated by Nina Manning-Toonoo translated by Leah Otak (Inhabit Media, 2011) (Groundwood Books, 2009) (Inhabit Media, 2010) In ancient times, giants ruled the Arctic. Alego visits the shore with her grandmother Th is beautifully illustrated book takes Inuit stories of these creatures have been to collect clams for supper and spies tide readers from the tundra to the sea and ice, carried down from generation to genera- pools teeming with assorted sea creatures. describing a wide variety of Arctic animals. tion. Th is book is the only full-length Th is authentic introduction to an Inuit Th is rare look at the Canadian North, writ- volume to chronicle these frightening child’s world is written in Inuktitut and ten in both English and Inuktitut, showcases legends of the North. Based on Inuit oral English and features artwork rendered with a fascinating ecosystem. Young readers will tradition and extensive research, it features coloured pencils. also like Uumajut, Volume Two. chilling Gothic illustrations.

Children of the Yukon A Walk on the Tundra The Cremation of Sam McGee written and illustrated by Ted Harrison written by Rebecca Hainnu and Anne Ziegler written by Robert W. Service (Tundra Books, 1984) illustrated by Qin Leng illustrated by Ted Harrison In bold style and brilliant colour, Harrison (Inhabit Media, 2011) (Kids Can Press, 2006) presents the beauty of the Yukon, focussing Walking with her grandmother, Inuujaq Service’s poem is brought to life in the on children and their participation within learns about the uses and properties of the vibrant colours of Harrison’s art. Pierre the community. Also by Harrison is A tundra’s colourful fl owers, mosses, shrubs Berton introduces the poem that has Northern Alphabet. Both of these Canadian and lichens. Th is informative story also entertained millions, and Harrison, who classics will introduce young readers to includes a fi eld guide with photographs and lived for many years in the North, applies Canada’s far north. scientifi c information about plants found his own unique artistic perspective to a throughout the Arctic ecosystem. Canadian classic. I is for Inuksuk: An Arctic Celebration written and illustrated by Mary Wallace (Maple Tree Press, 2009) An acrostic of seven key words (inuksuk, nanuq, umiaq, kamik, siku, umimmat, kunik) introduces readers to aspects of Inuit culture, language and traditions. Th e meanings of diff erent inuksuit (plural of inuksuk) and an Inuktitut pronunciation guide are included. Also by Wallace is Inuksuk Journey: An Artist at the Top of the World.

20 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 Going Places capture the Arctic spirit. Stories include Lost in the Barrens (Orca Young Readers) “Th e Reindeer Herder and the Moon” and written by Farley Mowat written by Fran Hurcomb “Th e Raven and the Whale.” Originally (Emblem Editions, 2009) (Orca Book Publishers, 2008) published as Th e Bear Says North: Tales Awasin, a Cree boy, and Jamie, an orphan Twelve-year-old Jess and her friends have from Northern Lands. living with his uncle, the trapper Angus been playing hockey with the boys in Fort Macnair, set out on an adventure that proves Desperation, Northwest Territories, since Proud to be Inuvialuit longer and more dangerous than they they were six years old. Th ey’d like to start (Land is Our Storybook) could have imagined. Mowat has created a girls’ team in their community, but is tiny written by James Pokiak and Mindy Willett a memorable tale of daring and adventure Fort Desperation ready for it? photography by Tessa Macintosh that was fi rst published in 1956. (Fifth House Publishers, 2010) The Inuit Thought of It: Pokiak is proud to be Inuvialuit. Th is story On Thin Ice Amazing Arctic Innovations is about his family and community and the written by Jamie Bastedo (We Thought of It) importance of keeping traditions and teach- (Red Deer Press, 2006) written by Alootook Ipellie ing them to the young in an ever-changing A mysterious giant bear is haunting Ashley’s with David MacDonald world. Other books in this excellent series dreams. She struggles to fi nd her true home (Annick Press, 2007) include Th e Delta is My Home and We Feel in a fast-changing Arctic where culture, Explore more than 40 ideas crucial to Inuit Good Out Here. climate and landscape seem to be crumbling survival. From items familiar to us today to around her. Readers will also like Bastedo’s inventive concepts that shaped their lives, Stones, Bones and Stitches: Sila’s Revenge. celebrate the creativity of a remarkably Storytelling Through Inuit Art resourceful people. Timeline, maps, further (A Lord Museum Book) The Middle of Everywhere written by Shelley Falconer and Shawna White reading list, Inuit symbol chart and index written by Monique Polak (Tundra Books, 2007) included. (Orca Book Publishers, 2009) Falconer and White, curators for the McMi- Noah Th orpe is spending a term in Quebec’s Joy of Apex chael Canadian Art Collection, share pieces far North, where his dad teaches. Noah written by Napatsi Folger created by six Inuit artists: Oviloo Tunnillie, thinks the Inuit have a strange way of illustrated by Ann Kronheimer Joe Talirunili, Jessie Oonark, Lukta Qiatsuk, looking at things, but he realizes they can (Inhabit Media, 2011) David Ruben Piqtoukun and Kenojuak teach him a few things, too. Joy is 10 years old, living in Apex, Nunavut, Ashevak. Bibliographies of each artist are and loving life. As she notices her parents included. The Pole increasingly fi ghting, Joy’s perfect life be- written by Eric Walters comes complicated. Navigating her parents’ SENIOR NON-FICTION AND (Pufﬁ n Canada, 2008) separation and its eff ect on her family, Joy FICTION FOR GRADES 7 AND UP Fourteen-year-old Danny embarks on learns valuable lessons about how to cope the adventure of a lifetime as the youngest when life gets tough. Arctic Thunder crew member aboard a ship on a race to written by Robert Feagan the North Pole. Th e beloved character of Little Book of Northern Tales: (Dundurn Press, 2010) Captain Bartlett from Trapped in Ice is back The Bear Says North When his dad is transferred to Inuvik, in this action-packed adventure. retold by Bob Barton lacrosse-loving Mike Watson fi nds the illustrated by Jirina Marton transition tough, especially with classmate (Groundwood Books, 2006) Joseph Kiktorak threatening him. As Mike Th e master storyteller retells 10 favourite makes friends, they introduce him to tradi- folk and fairy tales from Scandinavia, Russia tional Arctic Sports, and an Inuvik lacrosse and Canada’s far North. Marton’s paintings team — with unusual skills — is born.

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 21 REVIEWS ESPEP CIALLY FOR TEACHERS The Classroom Bookshelf FINDING THE STRENGTH TO FACE DAUNTING CHALLENGES BY SANDRA O’BRIEN

RICK: The Rick Hansen Story Th e fi rst two books being discussed in this issue’s column are from written by Dennis Foon Canadian playwrights. One is the story of Rick Hansen written Playwrights Canada Press, 2011 by Canada’s acclaimed playwright Dennis Foon and the second is 978-1-77091-037-9 (pb) $16.95 a collection of six plays from Canada’s acclaimed Green Th umb 978-1-77091-039-3 (ebook) $16.95 Th eatre in Vancouver which was co-founded by Foon. Both books for Grades 5 and up contain plays that will educate and empower young people who read, act in or view these performances. Plays | Rick Hansen | Spinal Cord Injuries | In Rick: Th e Rick Hansen Storyy by Dennis Foon, Act One begins Optimism | Perserverance with Rick in high school, a fi t and athletic teenage boy who loves to fi sh, play basketball and hang out with his buddies. We also meet Don, a new kid in school who likes to play guitar and Barry who, THE GREEN THUMB COLLECTION: according to Rick, is a bit thick but a lot of fun. When the boys go Plays for Children, Youth, and away for a few days to fi sh, an accident occurs and Rick is thrown Young Adults from the back of a pick-up truck. Th e fi rst act ends as Rick is rushed edited by Green Thumb Theatre to hospital and into the operating room. Playwrights Canada Press, 2011 Th e second act deals with the emotion and devastation that 978-1-77091-024-9 (pb) $24.95 both Rick and Don deal with following the accident. Rick must for Grades 7 and up learn to deal with his spinal cord injury and the impact that will have on his life and Don must deal with the guilt he feels. With the Plays | Addiction | Isolation | Self-Esteem | help of friends, family and teachers, Rick becomes more hopeful Rape | Environment and optimistic as he learns to accept and appreciate the possibilities for his future and he urges Don to forgive himself and become everything he can be. In the epilogue, Don tells us how both their REAL JUSTICE: Fourteen and lives turned out and we learn that Rick wouldn’t change a thing Sentenced to Death – The Story given the chance. Th is play will resonate with young people due to the fact that of Steven Truscott (Real Justice) Rick Hansen’s accident occurred in his teen years and this is the written by Bill Swan time period that Dennis Foon has chosen to write about. Teens Lorimer, 2012 will be able to see how Rick’s choices at the time led to the outcomes 978-1-45940-075-7 (hc) $18.95 he experienced. Yes, his choice to ride in the back of a truck led to 978-1-45940-074-0 (pb) $12.95 a life-changing accident, but more importantly his choice to move 978-1-45940-076-4 (ebook) $9.95 forward from there and embrace the challenges he faced is the more for Grades 8 and up important message kids can take away from this play. It sends out a Non-Fiction | Murder | Investigation | positive message to kids and encourages them to make a diff erence. Judicial System | Wrongful Convictions Th e Green Th umb Collection: Plays for Children, Youth, and Young Adults, edited by Green Th umb Th eatre, is a collection of six plays by Canadian playwrights Jamie Norris, Michele Riml, Michael P. Northey and Meghan Gardiner. Th e plays deal with REAL JUSTICE: Young, Innocent characters struggling with addiction, isolation, low self-esteem, and In Prison – The Story rape and concern for the environment. Th ey are written for young of Robert Baltovich (Real Justice) audiences from primary school right through to high school written by Jeff Mitchell and students will see themselves in the characters in these plays. Lorimer, 2012 Anyone who’s ever been bullied, felt out of place, dealt with addic- 978-1-45940-079-5 (hc) $18.95 tion or rape or been concerned about the unnecessary cutting down 978-1-45940-078-8 (pb) $12.95 of trees will connect with these characters and possibly fi nd the 978-1-45940-080-1 (ebBook) $9.95 courage to change or act upon something they didn’t think they for Grades 8 and up could. Th is is an excellent collection of plays to be read aloud, acted Non-Fiction | Murder | Investigation | out, viewed and discussed. What I particularly liked about this col- Judicial System | Wrongful Convictions lection is that a play like Tree Boy could be integrated into a social

22 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA New fantasy worlds from Coteau Books

Is Eliza really a studies class just as easily as an English or Drama class. Or the play great Sorceress – Crankedd could be used in a health class when discussing addiction. Th e possibilities are endless for teachers willing to branch out and or has someone embrace the arts in all areas of the curriculum. made a terrible Th e next two books are from the Real Justice series and tell the mistake? true stories of Steven Truscott and Robert Baltovich. Th ey take readers through the events that led these two young men to be “Egan has created a accused and eventually imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. unique fantasy landscape, Both books are written at a Grade 4 to 5 reading level but the con- a chilling villain, and char tent is defi nitely intended for young adults. acters you will be think Th e fi rst book in the series is Real Justice: Fourteen and ing about long after the Sentenced to Death – Th e Story of Steven Truscott. Truscott was a book is ﬁnished. I am al typical teenager living in rural Ontario in the 1950s. One evening ready impatient for the he gave his 12-year-old classmate, Lynne Harper, a lift to a nearby sequel” 9781550505146 highway on his bicycle and ended up being the last person to see — Lena Coakley, Ages 10 and up her alive. He was eventually arrested and convicted for her murder author of Witchlanders and sentenced to hang. Although his sentence was changed to life $12.95 in prison, Steven spent many years in jail for a murder he didn’t commit. He was granted parole in 1969 but was not acquitted until 2007. It took 47 years before his name was offi cially cleared and The fate of he received an apology and compensation for the mistake. Shadonia lies Th e second book is Real Justice: Young, Innocent and In Prison – Th e Story of Robert Baltovich. It is a similar story to that of with Tobin Steven Truscott but Robert was older and was accused of killing Tobin must be loyal to the his girlfriend, Elizabeth Bain in the early 1990s. Rob was arrested, Forenzian Empire, but he convicted and sent to prison for life all the while maintaining his cares more about the an innocence. It took eight long years before Rob hired new lawyers cient and suppressed who believed in his innocence and were able to get him acquitted. world of Shadonia. When Th ey also made a strong case that the real murderer was the infa- his grandmother dies, she mous serial killer Paul Bernardo, but that was never proven. Rob leaves him a wooden has started a lawsuit, hoping the courts will award him payment ﬂute with powers Tobin for a wrongful conviction, but that will not give him back the years he lost or the girl he loved. barely understands. Both of these books show how the justice system can get things 9781550505160 wrong and how innocent people can be sentenced to prison for crimes they did not commit. Th ey are quick and simple reads but Ages 12 and up will keep reluctant young adult readers fl ipping the pages to see $12.95 how the stories turn out. Both books contain a glossary of legal terms used in the book and the Robert Baltovich story also includes a timeline and “Where are they now?” section that explains where they key characters in the story have ended up. Th ese books could www.coteaubooks.com be used in English classrooms to encourage reluctant readers as they are considered high interest books written at a lower reading level, but they could also be used in courses that discuss the legal or judicial system. Th ey would make good material for debate and discussion.

Sandra O’Brien is a former teacher with an M.Ed. in Children’s Literature.

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 23 REVIEWS BOOK BITS Seven: the series – an ambitious adventure results in intriguing success BY GILLIAN O’REILLY

Between Heaven Lost Cause Jump Cut Ink Me Close to the Heel and Earth written by John Wilson written by Ted Staunton written by Richard Scrimger written by Norah McClintock written by Eric Walters 978-1-55469-944-5 978-1-55469-947-6 978-1-45980-016-8 978-1-55469-950-6 978-1-55469-941-4

Seven boys all carrying out tasks left to them by one grandfather, as a European holiday and a bit of romance. Th roughout these two seven stories told by seven authors, seven books published on the stories, the brothers keep in contact by texting — and their com- same day (October 10, 2012) — it’s an ambitious plan hatched by ments infl uence each other’s actions. author Eric Walters, executed by him and six other noted authors Another pair of cousins, brothers Spencer and Bunny, have a along with Orca Book Publishers. And, like the adventures of the diff erent kind of relationship. Destined for fi lm school, Ted Staun- seven cousins, it proves an intriguing success. ton’s Spencer is constantly watching movies and is not particularly Th e premise of the Seven series is that, on his death, a grandfa- interested in the world around him. He does, however, keep an ther leaves his seven grandsons (all aged 15 to 17) tasks to fulfi ll for eye out for 15-year-old Bunny. Bunny (aka Bernard) is strong with him. Six of them meet in his lawyer’s offi ce to view a video where lightning fast refl exes, but has many learning disabilities. His story, he talks to the boys and briefl y describes their tasks. Th e seventh craft ed by Richard Scrimger, is told in his own unique spelling and cousin, whom none of the others are aware of, sees the video when style. (“By now Nikki was frowning like the way evry 1 does at me. he returns from a month at a camp for troubled teens. All are given Not meen but tired you no?... Guys do that even if they all reddy no the funds, airplane tickets, guides (where needed) and other means Im a dummy. Not Spencer but evry 1 els.”) to accomplish their jobs, but each is to do it on his own without Spencer is asked to fi nd his grandfather’s favourite movie star — a parents. 90-something actress — and fi lm himself giving her a kiss. Bunny is Walters wrote the initial scene in the lawyer’s offi ce but each writer asked to get a tattoo — the one his grandfather’s fl ying squad shared. describes it from his or her character’s point of view — responsible, Spencer’s task looks dull but ends up as a rollicking trip to northern resentful, cocky, absent-minded, puzzled, aloof — depending both Ontario with the aging star, her granddaughter, a Chihuahua and on their personality and their own relationship with the adventur- a criminal bakery owner with several unsavoury characters in hot ous, gregarious and successful man. From there, each writer takes pursuit. In the meantime, Bunny gets the wrong tattoo, one that off on their own tale. identifi es him as a gang member and a killer, and he gets caught Twins Steve and DJ have an uneasy relationship. Steve (created by up in a gun/drug exchange without realizing it. His text and phone Eric Walters) is the ever responsible, older (by 15 minutes), athletic exchanges with Spencer propel the plots of both books — and lend and confi dent one who is asked to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and an underlying soberness to the funny elements of Staunton’s tale. scatter his grandfather’s ashes — a task he expects to accomplish Th e other cousins are all only children. Although Shane Peacock’s easily. DJ (created by John Wilson) is resentful of his older brother Adam describes himself as the very ordinary child of high achieving but also relies on him. He goes to Spain to fi nd the journal his grandparents and the terrifi ed-of-fl ying grandchild of a WWII pilot/hero, father kept as a young fi ghter with the Mackenzie Papineau Battalion he also has an abrasiveness and cockiness that make him not always in the Spanish Civil War and gets a sobering lesson in history as well likeable, but certainly very human. He is asked to deal with unfi n-

24 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA IN OUR NEXT ISSUE... Devil’s Pass Last Message written by Sigmund Brouwer written by Shane Peacock 978-1-55469-938-4 978-1-55469-935-3 Funny Business A discussion among writers who ished business (some of which his grandfather is ashamed of) from inject humour into funny books,ooks the old man’s WWII days fl ying over France. He wants to look like a hero himself, but can he? action-packed tales and eveneve Norah McClintock’s Rennie, the grandson unknown to his tragic stories. cousins, is grappling with his mother’s horrible death and his own anger and self-blame, while being constantly at loggerheads with Plus his military father. He must take a journal to Iceland, where his grandfather’s plane crashed in 1942. In doing so, he uncovers long A proﬁ le of proliﬁ c and versatile ago secrets — and very recent secrets which a killer defi nitely does author Cary Fagan; booksoks on music; not want him to know. Getting away alive will mean marshalling his anger, his stubbornness and his considerable survival skills. and reviews of over 30 new titles Sigmund Brouwer’s Webb, a talented musician eking out a living that barely keeps him off the streets, is estranged from his mother and stepfather. He is asked to hike part of the western Arctic’s Canol Trail, on which his grandfather worked as a teen, to bring closure to a long ago tragedy. Th e dangers include a grizzly bear, unfriendly For more information, visit tourists and a violent resident of the North, but none are as terrifying as Webb’s stepfather, a truly evil man. Making it through his task www.bookcentre.ca will give Webb the strength to deal with the rest of his life. We all have known and loved series written by one author where we follow characters through diff erent adventures. Several authors have experimented successfully with a series of books covering the same story as told by diff erent characters. Ted Staunton did it in charming Monkey Mountain series for younger readers and Jessica Scott Kerrin recently introduced readers to the characters of her new Kids’ Stuff series Th e Lobster Chronicles. Th e fun for authors such as Staunton and Kerrin is in fi nding diff erent voices, sometimes diff erent writing styles and giving us intriguing insights into diff erent points fo view. But no matter what surprises the changes in viewpoint off er, Look for the Kids’ Stuff section in our the same author is in control — whether the story is told in the fi rst NEW 2013 Library Supplies Catalogue. person present tense by a very active boy or in the third person past Call to request your s0OSTERS s0UPPETS FREE copy today! tense by a tough but thoughtful girl. s$ISPLAYS s"OOKMARKS Th e Seven series takes more risks in this regard. Here we have s&URNITURE s3HELVING seven authors — each with their own style, their own tone and, of s"OOK4RUCKS s!ND-ORE course, their own very diff erent tasks and plots. A reader expecting a certain familiarity from book to book will be surprised by how varied they are. Th is, however, is also what makes the series intriguing. Like looking through a kaleidoscope, the shift in perspective from book to book off ers diff erent (and not always positive) views of the grandfather and the past, as well as a diff erent and exciting adventure, mystery or journey of discovery for the seven protagonists. One happy eff ect of the series, of course, is that it may encourage readers familiar with one author to discover six other excellent writers and their books. Every reader will doubtless have his or her own favourite among the seven titles, but all will fi nd an intriguing package of books to savour. Kudos to Orca and the seven authors Call: 1.800.268.2123 Fax: 1.800.871.2397 for taking on this fascinating challenge and rising to the occasion. Order Online: WWWCARRMCLEANCA Gillian O’Reilly is editor of Canadian Children’s Book News.

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 25 REVIEWS RECOCOMMENDED BOOKS We Recommend NEW AND NOTED BOOKS FOR TODDLERS TO TEENS

Birthday Suit Th eir respect for the way Abby sees the “two heavy eggs” she written by Olive Senior has found is a signifi cant part of what makes this book so valuable. illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes It is obvious that Abby has to bring the eggs inside, make them a Annick Press, 2012 nest out of sweaters and sit on that nest until the little birds hatch. 978-1-55451-369-7 (hc) $19.95 Th ey are never described as imaginary and are only ever referred 978-1-55451-368-0 (pb) $8.95 to as stones by those who may not share Abby’s understanding — for Preschool to Kindergarten certainly never by the narrator. Neither is Abby’s perspective ever minimized by Leng’s Picture Book | Free Verse | Nakedness | Growing Up | Humour | Caribbean illustrations. Instead, the light sketches in marker shed light on “Johnny likes to run around / naked.” So begins this charming tale Abby’s wondrous reality as the stone hatchlings follow her around about an “almost” four-year-old who refuses to be contained by the house or sing on her windowsill. clothes. “Ha-ha, sea. It’s me!” Johnny cries, thinking the sea cannot Refreshingly, Abby’s whimsical view of the world doesn’t change recognize him in the swimming trunks he shuffl es off when his over the course of the story. Instead, her growth occurs when she mother turns her back. Frustrated by Johnny’s ability to slip out realizes that, of course, even stone hatchlings must be set free. of any manner of clothing, his mother fi nds overalls that fasten Th is book will appeal to all four- to eight-year-old stone-loving with “evil metal monsters.” It is a talk with his father, however, that children and will speak to the hearts of their parents. As Abby’s makes Johnny consider the benefi ts of joining the attired world. mother and father watched her sit on her nest during dinner, I’m so Written in free verse, Senior’s text reads like a sing-song conver- glad we’ve been known to go back home and get that special stone sation sprinkled with repetition, onomatopoeia, lists and diff erent that just hadd to join us up at the cottage. types of rhyme (e.g., internal and oblique). Use of the present tense Lisa Dalrymple is a writer based in Fergus, Ontario. Her ﬁ rst picture book, If It’s No and colloquial “you” adds to the story’s immediacy. From the Trouble... A Big Polar Bear (Tuckamore Books), is being published in October 2012. control of language demonstrated in this text, it is no surprise that Senior is an acclaimed poet and writer (she won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize). Martin on the Moon Fernandes’s paintings explode with movement and energy, not written by Martine Audet only animating the text but enriching it by playing Johnny’s drama illustrated by Luc Melanson against a backdrop of busy, bustling Caribbean life. Flora and translated by Sarah Quinn fauna, which participate as much in the daily workings of island Owlkids Books, 2012 life as people, wander outside the frame of the picture and into 978-1-92697-316-6 (hc) $16.95 the white space surrounding the text. Fernandes’s warm palette is for Preschool to Grade 2 dominated by yellows and blues. Th e anthropomorphism, subjec- tive perspective and recurring motifs make her art distinctive. Picture Book | Imagination | Daydreaming | School Th is delightful book will elicit giggles from three- to six-year- Martin spends a lot of time in his own little world — a world where olds and knowing smiles from parents. he attempts to catch butterfl y giggles with his camera and where Aliki Tryphonopoulos is a children’s librarian currently living in Kamsack, Saskatchewan. his mother’s smile is a big, wide river. But not today. Today is the fi rst day of school and he will listen to his teacher — his teacher whose hair is the colour of his cat and whose face reminds him of The Stone Hatchlings his mother’s smile, which reminds him of the river, which reminds written by Sarah Tsiang him of the rain... illustrated by Qin Leng Martine Audet’s words, translated by Sarah Quinn, lead us Annick Press, 2012 through the poetry in Martin’s mind until the teacher calls, “Where 978-1-55451-433-5 (hc) $19.95 are you, Martin? On the moon?” Martin learns that sharing his 978-1-55451-432-8 (pb) $9.95 imagination is an important way of reaching out and an exciting for Preschool to Grade 2 way to make new friends. Nominated for the 2011 Prix TD de littérature canadienne pour Picture Book | Imagination l’enfance et la jeunesse, Audet’s story is beautifully matched with Young children’s fascination for stones has long been a governing Luc Melanson’s dream-like illustrations. Both prose and visuals aspect of life around our house. My husband and I have grown to fl ow from page to page, mirroring Martin’s stream of consciousness respect this even if we don’t always understand it the way Sarah and Melanson’s digital illustrations fi ttingly provide the ethereal Tsiang and Qin Leng obviously do. landscape through which Martin’s story drift s. In reading Martin on the Moon, young readers aged four to eight

26 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA will experience fi rst-hand how poetry can “paint pictures in your text is rich and imaginative, creating a satisfying bedtime story mind and make music in your heart” and how imagination can with a wise and comforting message that both preschool and bring new friends together. primary age children will enjoy, each fi nding diff erent aspects to

Lisa Dalrymple intrigue them. Th e pleasing text is beautifully complemented by Kyrsten Brook- er’s artwork, a combination of collage and oil in sumptuous colours. Crazy About Soccer! Double-page spreads convey the vastness of Tadeo’s journey, written by Loris Lesynski whimsical details keep the reader hunting for intriguing minutiae illustrated by Gerry Rasmussen and world map endpapers off er subject matter for discussion. Annick Press, 2012 Winner of the 2012 Independent Publisher Book Award, this 978-1-55451-422-9 (hc) $22.95 book is an attractive and enticing read-aloud that should be 978-1-55451-421-2 (pb) $12.95 popular with both children and adults. for Preschool to Grade 4 Aileen Wortley is a retired children’s librarian in Toronto.

Picture Book | Poetry | Soccer From soccer’s curious past to its possible future, from a player’s Mr. Zinger’s Hat skill level to a player’s health and physical requirements, and written by Cary Fagan from a player’s hopes and dreams to a player’s fears and worries, illustrated by Dušan Petriˇci´c no aspect of the game or its participants is left untouched in this Tundra Books, 2012 wonderful poetry collection. In “How Soccer Started,” Lesynski 978-1-77049-253-0 (hc) $19.99 posits that having a mammoth in net was not good for the game for Kindergarten to Grade 3 because no one could ever score a goal, while in “Did Shakespeare Picture Book | Creativity Play Soccer” she imagines that anything could be a soccer ball, including a “chopped-off head, or piggy bladder.” And of course, no “Don’t disturb Mr. Zinger. He’s making up stories. He’s working.” collection of soccer poetry would be complete without the revela- Th ese cautionary words are spoken by a mother to her son, Leo, as tion of Humpty’s real reason for sitting on the wall — he’d been he plays ball in the courtyard where Mr. Zinger, a renowned writer, red-carded! walks and muses. One aft ernoon, the youngster’s ball accidentally Rasmussen’s illustrations are consistently playful and endearing. knocks Mr. Zinger’s hat off his head. When Leo returns the hat, Lesynski’s poems vary in length and form, nearly every one having the elderly storyteller examines the inside of it to see what made it a rhyming element to it. From the manic energy of “First-Touch fl y off . “I can see it now,” he declares. “It’s a story. A story trying Chant” to the bootcamp chant of “Pick Up Th ose Knees” to the to get out.” building frustration of “No Favourites,” these poems demand to And so Mr. Zinger begins with “Once upon a time there was be read aloud — their rhythm natural and bouncy, their beat strong a man...” As the tale unfolds, Leo’s interjections and suggestions and their humour fun and engaging. Th e magic and quietness of gradually transform the narrative. Without his knowing, Mr. “Moon Ball,” in which the moon slips down to earth at night to Zinger has adroitly encouraged the lad to contribute the signifi cant become a soccer ball for a while, closes the collection in a details. Th e man becomes a boy, a boy who is bored... and rich... charming way. and lonely... until he makes friends with another boy named Leo.

Ken Kilback is a writer and kindergarten teacher in Vancouver. As they part at the story’s conclusion, Leo asks Mr. Zinger if he will write about Leo and the rich boy. “No,” the old man replies. “Th at’s not my story, that’s your story. But maybe another story Tadeo’s Search for Circles will try and get out of my hat. Th ere’s no end of them, you know.” written by Marion Brooker Mr. Zinger’s Hat is a marvelous story, beautifully craft ed by illustrations by Kyrsten Brooker Cary Fagan. Th e distinctive personalities of the two protagonists, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2011 as well as the humour and poignancy of their situation, are expertly 978-1-55455-173-6 (hc) $18.95 depicted in a most charming manner. Th e exchange between for Preschool to Grade 3 the elderly author and the boy is so vivid, that it feels as if one is eavesdropping on a real conversation. Th is is exceptional writing! Picture Book | Fantasy | Shapes Dušan Petričić’s delightful watercolour illustrations provide From his home in Central America, Tadeo hunts for the perfect the perfect accompaniment to the text. Two distinct styles are circle but bubblegum rings pop, sandcastles wash away and even interwoven throughout. Th e sombre tonality depicted in the scenes goodnight yawns aren’t exact. At bedtime, with circles still on between Mr. Zinger and Leo is juxtaposed against the bright, car- his mind, Tadeo embarks on a magical journey. Elegant giraff es toon-like approach used to illustrate the story they create together. in Africa, minarets and bazaars in Istanbul, the London Eye and Readers and listeners alike will be captivated and inspired by Arctic bears all off er possibilities. Only aft er skimming home Mr. Zinger’s Hat, which not only recognizes the power of words across wondrous scenes and fi nally falling into the safety of his and the imagination, but celebrates a budding friendship spanning mother’s arms does Tadeo recognize his perfect circle. generations. Combining the pragmatic with the illusory, this gentle read Senta Ross is a former elementary teacher and teacher-librarian in Kitchener, Ontario. will engage children as both onlooker and participant. Th e poetic

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 27 Wishes was disengaged for this part of the book. With that exception, how- written by Jean Little ever, he was 110% enthralled with Bye, Bye, Butterfl ies!! He clapped illustrated by Geneviève Coté his hands with delight during the story and was charmed with the North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada, 2012 artwork, pointing out happily, for example, the multicultural aspect 978-1-4431-0772-3 (hc) $19.99 of Hudon-Verrelli’s images. for Kindergarten to Grade 1 Bye, Bye, Butterfl ies!! is a highly successful book for young children. Th rough word and text, it serves as an invitation to wonder Picture Book | Hopes and Dreams | Wishes at our natural world.

“If wishes were horses, then poor folks would ride. If wishes were lian goodall is a Canadian children’s literature devotee, friendships, I’d be by your side.” Th us begins Wishes, an enter- and has been reviewing books since 1983. taining romp celebrating the dreams and desires of young people. Told as a rhyming story, one enters the realm of children to explore their favourite whims. From puppies to pancakes, time travel to Driftwood Dragons trampolines, and sundaes to circuses, readers are taken on an and other seaside poems exhilarating journey. written by Tyne Brown Wishes was inspired by Jean Little’s grandmother, who told her, illustrated by Tamara Thiebaux Heikalo “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride” whenever the young Nimbus Publishing, 2012 Jean asked for a puppy. Utilizing an altered version of this saying 978-1-55109-893-7 (pb) $12.95 as her opening, Little has created a text which is fun to read aloud: for Kindergarten to Grade 4 “If wishes were ice cream, our cones would be doubles. If wishes were soapsuds, we’d blow shining bubbles.” Picture Book | Poetry | Seashore Geneviève Coté’s exuberant mixed media artwork portrays chil- From fi nding the perfect pebble to discovering a wondrous dren from a variety of racial backgrounds having the time of their undersea fair to hauling in a fresh rainbow with a fi shing net, so lives. Readers will be attracted to the energy and detail on every page. much can be seen and experienced at the seaside — and author In reality, most children understand that not every wish can be Tyne Brown captures the magic to be found there in all its myriad granted. However, in between its covers, Wishes invites readers to ways. Her comparison of a silvery moon gliding across a mid- temporarily enter a world where dreams do, in fact, come true. night sky to a moon snail gliding on silvery sands creates in us a Senta Ross sense of awe. In another poem, we wonder whether a starfi sh ever wishes upon a star and whether a star ever wishes upon a starfi sh. Th roughout the collection, the reader is challenged to ignore all the Bye, Bye, Butterflies! distractions that normally confound our lives and, instead, to see (A Tell-Me-More Storybook) if we “could hear the sunrise / As it spreads above the sea.” written by Andrew Larsen Th e poems in this collection vary in length and structure, most illustrated by Jacqueline Hudon-Verrelli rhyming while others are haiku or shape poems, the verses lyrical Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2012 and playful, or quiet and refl ective. In “Osprey,” when Brown 978-1-55455-220-7 (hc) $18.95 describes the bird as “fl oating over the ocean like a kite” even for Preschool to Grade 4 as it suddenly “plummets into the sea,” the poem is in the shape of a kite. In “Shape Shift ers,” the many cloud-actions are fun to Picture Book | Nature | Life Cycle | Butterﬂ ies read aloud, the lines set up as layers of banked clouds about to be At the beginning of Bye, Bye, Butterfl ies!, a father invites his young blown free. In “My Friend Is Gone,” the combination of simple but son to listen quietly and observe as they walk down the street. powerful words, with the quiet restlessness in Heikalo’s beautiful Charlie doesn’t forget the amazing thing he sees — a class releasing watercolour painting, is particularly poignant. butterfl ies as they cry, “Bye, bye butterfl ies.” When it is his turn to Ken Kilback go to school, Charlie, his classmates and their teacher experience the full cycle of butterfl y metamorphosis. At the same time Charlie, too, changes and matures. The Stamp Collector Th e exciting, imaginative mood set by Toronto author Andrew written by Jennifer Lanthier Larsen (Th e Imaginary Garden) blooms through the artwork of illustrated by François Thisdale Calgary illustrator Jacqueline Hudon-Verrelli. Some of the caterpil- Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2012 lars and butterfl ies are realistic looking, while others are fanciful. 978-1-55455-218-4 (hc) $18.95 Still others are pencil outlines, with no colour or with minimal for Grades 2 and up black-and-white fi ll. Children, aware that these insects are the artist’s creations, can make their own drawings using the Picture Book | Human Rights “How to Draw a Butterfl y” instructions at the back of the book. In China, a poor city boy who loves stamps becomes a prison guard Th ese two pages of information that fi nish the “Tell-Me-More to support his family. His life intersects with that of a poor country Storybook” are also crammed with butterfl y facts for kids and boy who loves words. Hired as a factory worker, the rural lad is instructions on how to draw Charlie. While these pages are impor- jailed for writing about the pollution caused by his employer. Strict tant, they are also very cluttered and my fi ve-year-old test reader prison rules forbid the guard and the prisoner from conversing.

28 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA ew books fall n 2012

Baby Look Shanda LaRamee-Jones and Toes in my Nose Carol McDougall Time Flies When Sheree Fitch, illustrated by You’re Chasing Spies Sydney Smith Babies love to look at faces Apples and Butterﬂies Allison Maher Shauntay Grant, This 25th anniversary edition and this accordion-style book features beautiful photos of illustrated by Tamara Thiebaux- Andrew and his best of the children’s classic is Heikalo friend, both thirteen, illustrated by the award- babies on each side. uncover a top-secret as- winning Sydney Smith. A lyrical poem from 9781551099378 Shauntay Grant about a fam- sassination plot. $8.95 | 0-2 9781551099392 ily’s autumn vacation to PEI. 9781551099293 $19.95 | 3-9 9781551099354 $12.95 | 12+ $19.95 | 4-9

From the author-illustrator The Secret of the Village Fool team who brought us Lily and the Written by Rebecca Upjohn Paper Man Illustrated by Renné Benoit TheTh true story of Anton – an unlikely hero of the Holocaust, he saved the Zeigers, a Jewish family, and two orphaned girls by hiding them in his own home and preventing their capture.

TheTh book includes a special section of photogo raphs ana d details the Zeiger family’s search for Anton after the war, and their quest to see him recognized for the bravery thaat saved their lives.

“P“Powweerful and deeply moving.” —Kirkus Reviiews

For Ages 7 and up ISBN 978-1-926920-75-7 $18.95

www.secondstorypress.ca FFind out more at www.socialjusticestories.com

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 29 REVIEWS RECOCOMMENDED BOOKS

Unbeknownst to them, the writer’s story is spreading across the Indeed, much of the gentle humour in this book arises from the land, generating hope among working people. Years pass, and the diff erences between what Jasper and the reader understand. Jasper guard becomes intrigued when letters for the prisoner begin to cannot fathom, for example, why a classmate thinks he is poor arrive from distant countries. Besides being fascinated by the beau- when he brings his beloved collection of scented dryer lint for Show tiful stamps on these envelopes, he learns of the writer’s past and and Tell. Confl ict arises when the birth of his friend Ori’s colicky they become silent friends. When the prisoner dies as a result of the sister eclipses Jasper’s star status. Jasper’s subsequent quest for harsh jail conditions, the guard leaves his employment, devoting his own “pretty purple” sibling causes a funny, touching chain of himself courageously to the memory of the author. events during which Jasper discovers that a baby sibling is more With great sensitivity, Lanthier has written a stirring account than an attention-getting accessory. about the dire circumstances of these young men. Her words settle Jasper’s good-heartedness, hilarious logic and unique outlook deeply and unforgettably into our souls. Here is her description of will attract youngsters to this promising new series. Th ey will also their growing friendship: “Each day, the writer grows weaker. Yet, enjoy Clanton’s expressive, childlike, black-and-white drawings. in whispers, he tells the guard a new story. And the story fi lls the Parents will appreciate the real issue that underlies the humour guard’s soul until he wonders if he will burst. He marvels at the (i.e., Jasper’s unhappiness at his family’s size). words that soar and swoop and thrill and break his heart.” In Middle of Nowhere, 12-year-old Curtis fi nds himself aban- Th isdale’s alluring illustrations blend traditional drawing and doned when his mother fails to return from her shift work. It is not painting with digital imagery. His expressive artwork is poignant in the fi rst time Curtis’s mother has left him, but he believes that she its beauty. Detailed Chinese landscapes are creatively blended with will keep her promise to never leave him again. Capable beyond his dreamy, imaginative vistas. years, Curtis cares for his fi ve-year-old brother, Artie, until money In an aft erword entitled “Freedom to Write, Freedom to Read,” and food run out. Help comes in the unlikely form of proud Mrs. Lanthier explains that she was inspired to write this book by two Burt, who, like Curtis, needs help to remain independent. What imprisoned Chinese writers. She describes the punitive realities begins as a barter of laundry and board for errand-running ends facing writers in countries where no laws protect freedom of speech with the trio fl eeing their fears (foster and old age homes) and or expression, and discusses PEN International, an organization holing up in a remote cabin. Although cabin life causes a posi- which helps and brings hope to imprisoned writers. In fact, tive transformation in Curtis and Mrs. Burt, and strengthens new a portion of this book’s proceeds will support PEN Canada’s familial bonds, practical needs eventually impinge. Mrs. Burt, initiatives. however, is not as willing as Curtis to leave their Neverland. Th e Stamp Collectorr is a profound book about freedom and Th is coming-of-age novel would be heartrending if not balanced friendship, which will move and enlighten all who read it. by Curtis’s humorous observations of Artie’s behaviour. Curtis’s

Senta Ross extraordinary empathy, attentiveness to his brother, courage and loyalty make him an appealing narrator. Although the novel wraps up a little abruptly, it is near perfect. Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week Adderson introduces readers to sensitive protagonists whose (Jasper John Dooley, Book 1) poetic moments linger aft er the books are read. written by Caroline Adderson Aliki Tryphonopoulos illustrated by Ben Clanton Kids Can Press, 2012 978-1-55453-578-1 (hc), $16.95 The Horse Road for Grades 1 to 4 written by Troon Harrison Bloomsbury Books for Young Readers, 2012 Fiction | Humour | School | Baby Siblings 978-1-59990-846-5 (hc) $18.00 for Grades 4 to 7 Middle of Nowhere written by Caroline Adderson Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horses | Central Asia | Groundwood Books, 2012 Arranged Marriages 978-1-55498-131-1 (hc) $16.95 Th is is the fi rst of a trilogy of historical novels, 978-1-55498-132-8 (pb) $9.95 set in diff erent time periods, each one about a girl and her love of 978-1-55498-202-8 (ebook) $9.95 horses. Th e Horse Roadd is set in central Asia some 2,000 years ago for Grades 5 to 8 and author Troon Harrison provides readers with a feeling for what Fiction | Abandonment | Coming of Age | it was like to be alive in a time and place completely diff erent to Interdependence | Intergenerational Friendship their own. Fourteen-year-old Kallisto is passionate about one thing: horses. While award-winning author Caroline Adderson’s latest As the story begins, she is racing her mother’s prized stallion off erings appear disparate — an easy reader in a humorous series through the obstacle course when she sees, in the distance, the and a stand-alone dramatic novel — they share loving familial approaching Chinese Army. As she, her mother and her friend relationships and sensitive, kind and unusual protagonists. rush back to the city to move their horses to safety, a leopard attack In Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week, the eponymous protago- leaves Kallisto’s mother and the stallion badly wounded. nist is perhaps the only child in his class who fails to understand For girls at this time, marriages are arranged to best suit the that being the week’s “star” is an extended homework assignment.

30 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA family’s status. Kallisto has been promised to Arash, the son of Nobody Knows the Royal Falconer. Arash has his own problems: his father had written by Shelley Tanaka promised a golden horse harness to a prince, but lost it instead in based on the ﬁ lm by Hirokazu Kore-eda a drunken bet. As a result, the family’s reputation with the Royal Groundwood Books, 2012 Family is now in drastic need of help. As the Chinese tighten their 978-1-55498-140-3 (hc) $16.95 grip on the city, Arash seizes Swan, Kallisto’s beloved pure white 978-1-55498-118-2 (pb) $9.95 mare. Th e beautiful horse will be sacrifi ced in an attempt to per- 978-1-55498-305-6 (ebook) $9.95 suade the gods to favour the defenders of the city and to put Arash’s for Grades 4 to 7 family back in good standing with the Royal Family. Swan’s capture Fiction | Family | Child Abandonment | Absent Parents | begins the heroic journey of Kallisto as she attempts to win back Child Neglect | Children’s Rights her horse — by striking a bargain with Arash to locate the golden harness in exchange for Swan’s life. Everything seems to be going well for the Fukushima family Troon Harrison has created a wonderful story that enables the when they move into a bigger apartment in a nice neighbourhood reader to feel the character’s passion for horses. Harrison’s writing in Tokyo. Mother is certainly pleased, but warns 10-year-old Kyoko, will keep young readers engaged as they follow the path of Kallisto eight-year-old Shigeru and four-year-old Yuki that they can’t go and her determination to save her beloved horses. Th e book can out — not even onto the balcony — and they have to be very quiet also be used as an opportunity to further research the time period because the landlord does not allow children. And where would the of the story and to further explore the world of horses. children go anyway? Mother doesn’t let them go to school.

Delia Cipollone Antonacci is a professor in the Library and Information Technician Twelve-year-old Akira is concerned from the start. Th ough he’s Program at Seneca College. used to being in charge — he does the shopping and cooking and looks aft er his siblings while his mother works — he can tell that something is not right. Mother is coming home later and later, Wicket Season (Sports Stories) sometimes smelling of alcohol, and fi nally confesses to Akira that written by Gabrielle Prendergast she’s in love. One day she disappears, leaving only an envelope of Lorimer, 2012 money and a note telling him to look aft er the others. 978-1-4594-0021-4 (hc) $16.95 During the month that she’s gone, Akira manages — until 978-1-4594-0020-7 (pb) $9.95 mother returns, presents in hand. But right away she leaves again 978-1-4594-0022-1 (ebook) $7.95 and this time she doesn’t return. Months pass and, eventually, for Grades 4 to 7 the money runs out. But Akira and his siblings are resilient and imaginative and they cope. Surprisingly, nobody notices what’s Fiction | Sport | Cricket happening to them — not even when tragedy strikes. Harry, a young Canadian of West Indian origins, has always Based on Kore-eda’s award-winning adult fi lm, Nobody Knows loved cricket and stands out as a sports hero at home in Winnipeg. has become, in the hands of a master storyteller, an amazing chil- However, when he relocates to Little Jamaica, Toronto, his cricket dren’s book because Tanaka always tells the story from the point of skills seem just average. Even girls play better! Down but not out, view of her young characters. In 144 pages of spare but oft en lyrical Harry is determined to gain a place on the school team. Hoping prose, her narrative packs a powerful punch as she weaves us into to earn brownie points, he undertakes to teach cricket to small the daily lives of her characters — never sentimentalizing their children. Soon this group becomes an involvement for its own story. Despite the fact that they’ve been abandoned by their mother sake rather than a means to an end. (whose own tragic story is hinted at), Tanaka never portrays them Wicket Season is a fast-paced read, with believable, likeable as helpless victims — her characters are intrepid survivors who characters, a plot with just the right amount of tension, a realistic somehow will fi nd a way to carry on. setting and a satisfying lesson learned. Th e excitement of cricket Th is is not an easy novel, but it is one that could be used to is captured through Harry’s observations and a glossary translates talk not only about issues around child neglect, abuse or abandon- the idiosyncratic terminology involved such as “Out for a duck!” ment, but also about homelessness, discrimination and poverty. and “Juicy full toss!” Nobody knows because nobody wants to know is the message that Th is title will serve as an introduction to beginners and give a Tanaka leaves her readers. Now we, her readers, know. Are we brave sense of inclusion to existing players, particularly the ethnic groups enough, Tanaka seems to be asking, to do something about it? with whom cricket is popular. It will also fi ll a subject gap in sports Jeffrey Canton teaches in the Children’s Studies Program at York University. collections. With its high interest, readability and appeal to a variety of readers, this book will be popular with sports fans and those who just love a good story.

Aileen Wortley

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 31 REVIEWS RECOCOMMENDED BOOKS

A Tinfoil Sky parts of his body aff ectionately as “wobblies”) and going into a written by Cyndi Sand-Eveland “robot-voice” whenever the topic of his brother comes up. Tundra Books, 2012 Two things keep Henry afl oat: wrestling and his trivia skills. 978-1-77049-277-6 (hc) $19.99 His hopes for anonymity at school are quickly dashed when he 978-1-77049-294-3 (ebook) $10.99 befriends Farley, who not only gets him involved in the school’s for Grades 6 to 9 quiz team, Reach for the Top, but also comes up with a scheme to get tickets to an upcoming wrestling match in Seattle. Like the Fiction | Family | Homelessness and Poverty adults in Henry’s life, who don’t always show the best examples of Sand-Eveland’s second novel tells the gritty story of 12-year-old coping, his friends are also multi-dimensional and endearingly Mel Tulley who wants, more than anything else, a place she can human with imperfect lives of their own. call home. Mel and her chain-smoking, alcoholic mother Cecily As Henry slowly comes to terms with what happened, Nielsen have lived a semi-nomadic life, moving 11 times in the past four makes the reader understand that things don’t happen in a vacuum years. Now, fl eeing Cecily’s latest deadbeat boyfriend, Cecily tells and that we cannot change the past. But maybe — with trivia, Mel it is time to go home to Gladys, Cecily’s mother and Mel’s homemade curry and watching the little guy win once in a while — grandmother. Th e word home exerts a powerful pull on Mel, but we can make the present just a little bit better.

Gladys wants nothing to do with her delinquent daughter and Mel’s With over 16 years in children’s literature, Melanie Fishbane is a freelance writer in hopes are crushed. Instead of fi nding a home, Mel and Cecily end Toronto, currently doing her MFA at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. up stranded in their broken-down Pinto on the outskirts of town. Mel’s life is changed forever when Cecily is arrested and sent to jail for shoplift ing and Mel is ordered to live with Gladys in the The Encyclopedia of Me dilapidated apartment where all the windows are covered with written by Karen Rivers tinfoil. Mel asks for and is given a library card — “a ticket into Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic Inc., 2012 the world she longed for” — and despite the odds, she begins to 978-0-545-31028-4 (hc) $18.99 create a life and a home for herself. for Grades 5 to 9 A Tinfoil Skyy is a messy, heart-wrenching story. Sand-Eveland does an admirable job of not fl inching from the harsh realities of Fiction | Family | Friendship | Growing Up Mel’s life. Her vivid, descriptive prose clearly depicts a precarious “Th is is nott a regular encyclopedia. It’s better.” world where love, family and home are elusive propositions. Yet the So says Tink Aaron-Martin, the nearly 13-year-old, and almost- story never descends into bleakness and Mel fi nds many friends constantly grounded protagonist of this book (which does, in many among the supporting cast of characters. Young readers will root ways, live up to Tink’s bold assertion). Readers are introduced to for the resilient and practical Mel as she cautiously begins to build a Tink and her varied assortment of friends and family members life, holding onto her hopes and dreams despite her circumstances. in a unique fashion: through a series of encyclopedia entries that Tackling a challenging topic, Sand-Eveland deft ly weaves hope take us on an alphabetical journey through her life. In this way, amidst the hurt and the story has the ring of authenticity to which she describes her changing relationship with her BFF, Freddie young readers will respond. Blue Anderson, her chaotic household with her two older brothers Tracey Schindler is a teacher who currently works at the Ajax Public Library. Lex and Seb and how Seb’s autism aff ects the entire family, her discovery of a new-found interest in skateboarding and her crazy, mixed-up feelings about the new boy who moved in next door. The Reluctant Journal As Tink’s encyclopedia takes shape, we follow her as she embarks of Henry K. Larsen on a summer of oft en zany adventures accompanied by surprising written by Susin Nielsen realizations and a healthy dose of self-discovery. Tundra Books, 2012 Th is is a warm and witty account of the trials and tribulations 978-1-77049-372-8 (hc) $19.99 of growing up. Th e format of the novel is clever and entertaining, 978-1-77049-373-5 (ebook) $10.99 if a little meandering at times. It is comedic and laugh-out-loud for Grades 6 to 9 funny in parts while also managing to be astute and candid in its observations. Tink is an irresistible protagonist, and Rivers has Fiction | Death | Bullying | Friendship | Community perfectly captured her voice and all of the anxiety and tumultu- Seasoned screenwriter and author Susin Nielsen has already penned ousness of being 12-almost-13. Although the encyclopedia format two exemplary middle grade novels that tackle abandonment issues occasionally causes the plot to lag, Tink’s feisty character and and bullying with a depth of frank honesty and wit that will appeal humorous narration will keep readers hooked until “Zoo,” the fi nal to young readers. With Th e Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen, entry in this delightful book. she has added a third. Lisa Doucet is Co-Manager of Woozles in Halifax. Suff ering from post-traumatic stress, and on the advice of his therapist, 13-year-old Henry reluctantly starts a journal recounting how he and his father are adjusting to a move to a new town aft er his brother Jesse’s violent actions turned their former community against them. Henry covers his pain by overeating (referring to

32 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA The Imposter Th e characters are compelling and convincing, and the novel written by Gary Blackwood is tautly written, and full of mystery and drama. Readers know Red Deer Press, 2012 that everything will inevitably blow up, but they will be on the edge 978-0-88995-478-6 (pb) $12.95 of their seats waiting to see what happens when it does. Highly for Grades 6 to 9 recommended for tween and early teen readers.

Fiction | Family | Theatre Rachel Seigel is Selection Manager at S&B Books in Mississauga. Fourteen-year-old Ryan White is a pretty good actor, but when he messes up an audition for Les Miserables, he Violins of Autumn comes into contact with a man named Burton, who off ers him the written by Amy McAuley most challenging role of his life. Burton is a private investigator and Walker Publishing Inc./Bloomsbury Publishing, 2012 wants Ryan to impersonate the long-lost son of a dying millionaire. 978-0-8027-2299-7 (hc) $18.00 Suddenly, Ryan fi nds himself having to improvise complicated for Grades 7 to 11 lies to keep up his complicated ruse. He knows that discovery is inevitable, but can he fi nd a way to make a graceful exit before it’s Fiction | World War II | Spies | Courage too late? Betty Sweeney, an American-born girl who Th is new novel by Nova Scotia author Gary Blackwood is a fi nds herself living in London with relatives when war is declared fast-paced and thought-provoking work that will immediately suck in Europe, longs to fi nd a meaningful way to contribute to the readers into the story and have them rooting for its protagonist. war eff ort. So she lies about her age, joins the Special Operations Ryan is used to immersing himself in the character he’s playing and Executive, assumes the name of Adele Blanchard and soon fi nds becoming somebody else. At fi rst blush, this job seems like a win- herself parachuting out of a plane into the middle of Nazi-occupied win situation. He makes a lot of money, and it’s a victimless crime. France. Th ere she becomes part of the Resistance movement, a Unfortunately for Ryan, it’s not the role itself that’s the problem, courier who bicycles tremendous distances to covertly receive and but his conscience. As Ryan gets to know his “family,” he feels deliver important messages and supplies. She narrowly avoids increasingly guilty and nervous, and the author challenges readers capture on numerous occasions and faces terrifying danger daily. to consider whether or not a lie can ever really be harmless. Family She also helps rescue a downed pilot, assists in forming plans to plays an important role in this story and, as Ryan gets deeper into sabotage a factory and performs weapons training for new recruits, his role, it becomes more than a job to him, and he fi nds himself all the while growing in confi dence in her role as a spy. Yet in the wishing that it were true. midst of all the danger and the never-ending horrors of war, she

ENEMYNEMY TERRITERRITORORYY

Sharon E. McKay Author of Thunder over Kandahar

a novel by ELIZABETH STEWART

Racism, murder, and Can bitter enemies injustice wreak havoc become friends? What in a frontier town. Based if their lives depend on it? on a true story. ages 9–12 ages 12+ 200 pages 288 pages sample chapter at book trailer & sample chapter at www.annickpress.com www.annickpress.com

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

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 33 REVIEWS RECOCOMMENDED BOOKS

also forges new friendships, is moved by countless small acts of As the book closes, Victor’s father explains, during a thunder- kindness and falls in love. storm, the new science of electricity, leaving the reader to look McAuley’s wartime novel has an almost cinematic quality that forward to Oppel’s next outing with a frisson of anticipation transports readers into the heart of Paris in the months leading up and dread. to D-Day and the Allies’ invasion. It is an intriguing and action- Mary Anne Cree is the Junior School Librarian at The Bishop Strachan School. packed tale that conveys a sense of what daily life had become for the people of France under German occupation. It portrays (albeit somewhat romantically) the bravery of ordinary men and women The Lynching of Louie Sam who worked in myriad ways to support the Resistance as they written by Elizabeth Stewart sought to hasten their liberation. Th e story is told in the fi rst person Annick Press, 2012 in present tense, creating a sense of immediacy and increased 978-1-55451-439-7 (hc) $21.95 urgency. It is at once a thrilling spy story, a dramatic coming-of-age 978-1-55451-438-0 (pb) $12.95 tale and a story that is as much about love and friendship as it is for Grades 7 and up about the hardships of war. Fiction | Native Peoples | Mystery | Racism | History | Lisa Doucet Justice | Decision-Making Th e Lynching of Louie Sam is a work of fi ction based on a true event: Such Wicked Intent: the only lynching in Canadian recorded history. Th e story is told The Apprenticeship of Victor by George Gillies, who is 15 years old in 1884 when Louie Sam — a Frankenstein 14-year-old First Nations boy — is unlawfully hung for a murder he written by Kenneth Oppel didn’t commit. George and his siblings are the ones who discovered HarperCollins Publishers, 2012 the body of James Bell, the White man for whose murder Louie 971-1-55468-342-0 (hc) $19.99 Sam is framed. Also, it is George and his best friend, Pete, who for Grades 7 and up secretly follow the lynch mob of men from Nooksack, their town in reviewed from uncorrected proof the Washington Territory, into Canada, where the boys watch the men brutally kill Louie Sam. Fiction | Supernatural | Frankenstein Even before Louie Sam is dead, George has serious doubts Young Victor Frankenstein’s twin brother, Konrad, is dead, about his guilt. Aft er the killing, the men of the town enter into a despite Victor’s eff orts (described in Book One of this series) to fi nd poisonous pact of secrecy. In the face of that pact and with his own the Elixir of Life. In Book Two, we join the Frankenstein family, regrets about being a silent bystander, George discovers that his deep in grief, three weeks aft er Konrad’s death. quest for the truth about who murdered Mr. Bell is lonely, dan- As the story opens, Victor and his father are destroying the gerous and very unpopular business. It quickly becomes undeniable Dark Library hidden in the family home — burning the books that that the ‘evidence’ against Louie Sam is all a sham. George fi nds a led Victor so astray. Nothing but one small, red book survives the surprising ally in his father, and together they confi rm they aren’t fi re — or is it a book? Although he tells himself to walk away from the only ones in town who believe in Louie Sam’s innocence. But the mysterious metal “book,” Victor’s deep curiosity propels him they are some of the only ones who are not paralyzed by the fear ever forward. Within it are directions to make a “spirit board,” a that telling the truth could backfi re. conduit to the spirit world. Victor, of course, eagerly tries to contact Th e Lynching of Louie Sam is a chilling, captivating novel about the dead Konrad. Where the fi rst book explored the mysteries an innocent scapegoat, a searing injustice and the far-reaching of alchemy, our characters are now delving into the world of the damage secrets and lies do. Stewart’s research is thorough and supernatural. Victor, his cousin Elizabeth and their friend, Henry her writing exposes the dark, disturbing power of racism, mob Clerval, embark on both a perilous journey to the other side and mentality and intimidation. Th is brilliant, well-plotted novel brings the creation of new life on this side. As in previous novels, Oppel the responsibilities of witnesses to violence into specifi c relief, and creates an imaginary animal that is central to the plot — a butterfl y shows the redemptive, freeing power of truth — whatever the cost spirit, who feeds from the living and nourishes the dead. Like his of that freedom. Stewart’s concise aft erword shares what history other creations, this strange animal is both beautiful tells us about Louie Sam’s lynching and its aft ermath. Th is is a novel and gruesome. that will stay with readers long aft er the last page is turned. Th e story moves at a brisk pace, particularly during the climactic Enrolled in the Humber College Creative Writing Program, Christina Minaki is working on battle scenes. Oppel is a master of the plot, writing with confi dence her second novel. and clarity. Th e vocabulary is challenging and the characters are well drawn. At the centre of the story is Victor, a complex character, arrogant, driven and imbued with a compulsion to play god. We see it in his relentless pursuit of a way to bring his brother back to life, and his equally relentless desire for the grieving Elizabeth. Oppel pulls no punches in his depiction of Victor, a Frankenstein for modern times, an action hero who is unafraid to explore the dark- ness and to fi ght to the death if necessary. But whether he is fi ghting for good or evil is not always clear to the brilliant and complicated young man.

34 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA EsE ttabblished byy COODE – a Caanan did an chahariritaabble organnizzation thaat suuppports literacy anand leearnininng – in collaboration wiitth philaantn hrh oppisst Willliaiam (Bill) Burt annd the LiL teraryy Prizes Founddatioi n, TheTh Burrt AAward fof r FFirst NaN tiions, Métis andd Innuit Literaturre wiill be giivev n annnualllyl to Enngllish-langguau gege lititerary works forr Yooung Adults byb First Natioonnss, MéM tis oro Inun it autthoh rss. In total, $25,000 inn prizzes will be awwara ded d to thrhreee winningg titless.

Eligi ible manusscrcripi ts and boooksk musu t be submiittt eded by 1 May 22013.

FoF r furtther detat ils, go to: wwww.w codecaann.org/get--ini vvolved/bburt-t award-canan daa

In partnership with:

Congratulations to the 2011 Lane Anderson Award Juvenile Category Winner and Finalists!

Winner

Finalist Finalist

Lane Anderson Award

Celebrating the best science writing in Canada NowhereNoN whhere ElseElse on EEaEarthrtth By Caitlyn Vernon TotallyToT tally HumanHHuman ORCA BOOK PUBLISHERS WhatWhat DoesDoes ththehe By Cynthia Pratt Nicolson Earth Sound Like? KIDS CAN PRESS By Eva Everything ECW PRESS www.laneandersonaward.ca

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 35 REVIEWS RECOCOMMENDED BOOKS

Starling — he’s pretty sure that he’s gay but he’s not entirely sure. He hasn’t written by Lesley Livingston had much experience with girls up to this point, unlike his buddies Harper Collins Canada, 2012 who can’t seem to talk about anything else, so he’s determined that 978-0-06206-307-6 (hc) $19.99 he’s going to give it one more go and see if he can eradicate these 978-1-44340-764-9 (pb) $17.99 gay vibes he’s terrifi ed will mean the end of his friendships with for Grades 8 to 12 Kierce and Jay. And things look pretty bleak when he’s busted for underage drinking and faces a summer washing dishes at a new Fiction | Fantasy restaurant in town. But working at Th e Sandbar changes everything When Mason Starling and the other members of Gosforth Acad- — he discovers that he sucks at washing dishes but might have the emy’s fencing team fi nd themselves trapped in the gymnasium by a makings of a sous chef in him; his boss, Denise, has a pretty posi- fi erce storm, they are uneasy. When vile and vicious creatures pour tive coming-out story of her own and hasn’t let her sexuality stop into the building and attack them, their uneasiness quickly gives her from coming back to Deep Cove; and there’s Lisa, a hip New way to terror. Th en a blond-haired, battle-ready stranger who calls Yorker, funky and stunningly beautiful, who really likes him! himself the Fennrys Wolf enters the fray. By morning, all signs of Ryan’s debut novel sensitively grapples with Danny’s emotional the creatures and of the Fennrys Wolf have vanished. struggles about his sexuality but what makes the novel work is that Trying to forget what has happened, Mason fi nds herself unable Danny’s coming out is just one of the novel’s many threads — the to stop thinking about the Fennrys Wolf. When he comes looking need for a certain type of education to become fi nancially suc- for her, the two are drawn to one another. He is, however, truly a cessful, alternative career choices, teenage friendships and relation- man of mystery as he remembers nothing about himself except his ships (straight ones, not gay) and family dynamics amongst others. name. While Mason tries to help him put together the pieces of his Ryan has an engaging writing style and nicely captures the angst past, her family members are working towards their own goal of of being a teenager — and the excitement. It is a little troubling fulfi lling an ancient prophecy, one that will mean the catastrophic that a novel about a teenager grappling with his sexuality positions demise of the world as we know it. Unbeknownst to Mason, she and that desire entirely in Hollywood hunks and never brings Danny’s the Fennrys Wolf are at the heart of their plans. growing awareness of his being gay into the world he inhabits in In this fi rst book in her latest series, Lesley Livingston picks up Deep Cove itself — Ryan steers entirely clear of any uncomfortable the story of one of the most enigmatic and intriguing characters desires that Danny might have with the two teenage boys that he from Wondrous Strange and its sequels. Here, the Fennrys Wolf’s spends much of his time with. But what really stands out is Deep vulnerability and integrity cast him in a very diff erent light. Cove itself — Ryan’s portrait of rural Nova Scotia doesn’t avoid the Livingston gives him a starring role and his amnesia provides the issues of the limitations of small-town life in the Maritimes but he perfect opportunity for him to come into his own as a complex and makes it equally clear that it’s a world that not everyone wants to richly multi-faceted protagonist. Once again, while the book is set escape from. Way to go, Tom Ryan! in modern-day New York City, the story revolves around elements Jeffrey Canton of Norse mythology that are masterfully woven into the tale and set the stage for the books to come. With its broad assortment of diverse characters, the dramatic tension that always lingers Hemlock tantalizingly just below the surface and the mythic storyline that written by Kathleen Peacock marches inexorably towards its startling conclusion, this may be Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, 2012 Livingston’s strongest work to date. 978-0-06204-865-3 (hc) $19.99 Lisa Doucet for Grades 9 and up

Fiction | Werewolves | Murder | Mystery Way to Go Ever since her best friend Amy was killed by a written by Tom Ryan white werewolf, life hasn’t been the same for Mackenzie (Mac). Orca Book Publishers, 2012 Amy’s boyfriend Jason has distanced himself from Mac and her 978-1-4598-0077-9 (pb) $12.95 friend Kyle; an extremist group of werewolf hunters called the for Grades 7 to 12 Trackers has taken over town; and Mac’s dreams are haunted by Amy, who is as unwilling as ever to divulge her secrets. And with Fiction | LBGTQ-positive | Coming Out | Nova Scotia | lupine syndrome — the werewolf virus — on the rise, secrets Friendship | Relationships may prove deadly to anyone who investigates further into Amy’s Tom Ryan’s Way to Go is a LBGTQ novel with an interesting twist. murder, just as Mac has decided to do. As the narrator’s 13-year-old sister says, “I didn’t think gay people At the core of this urban fantasy is a well-constructed mystery. lived in places like Deep Cove.” Th at’s Deep Cove, Nova Scotia. Complete with politics, illicit love aff airs and betrayal, the And Way to Go’s exploration of growing up gay in small-town Nova circuitous unwinding to the truth adds to the suspense already Scotia is part of the charm of this upbeat coming-out teen novel. created by a consistently ominous atmosphere. Th e setting of the It’s the summer of 1994 and school’s out, but that doesn’t mean town Hemlock doesn’t feel as developed as it could’ve been, but much for 17-year-old Danny and his ‘posse.’ Th ere’s not a whole lot the novel doesn’t suff er for it. to do in Deep Cove other than cruise the rural roads, hang out at Because very little is shown about Mac’s life prior to the murder, Th e Spot and talk about getting laid. Th at’s the problem for Danny we don’t see her as anything but anxious, angry or alarmed, which

36 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA Doon’t have the time to look for recently puublished books by Canadian authors, illustrators and/or publishers for your school library? Save time!time!Save

• preview and order from CanLit books are: current online book lists • reviewed by educators • order the whole list or • sourced from a variety of individual book titles publishers • receive free teacher notes • content and age appropriate and MARC records for grades k-12 • receive discounts up to 25%225%

1-888-656-9906 Save money! [email protected] www.canlitforkids.com

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 37 REVIEWS RECOCOMMENDED BOOKS

supports the tense atmosphere almost too much. Th e love triangle This is Not a Test is dealt with in a refreshingly straightforward manner, while written by Courtney Summers allowing the focus to tighten on the characters of Kyle and Jason. St. Martin’s Grifﬁ n, 2012 In fact, all side characters who play an important role show growth 978-0-312-65674-4 (pb) $10.99 realistically. Th ere’s room for more detail on the origins of lupine for Grades 9 and up syndrome in the following books, and with the ending literally Fiction | Zombies | Apocalypse | Abuse left open in a new direction, readers will be willing to follow Mac through the rest of the trilogy. Six months ago, Sloane Price’s world collapsed.

Yahong Chi is an Ottawa-based reviewer and blogger. Since then, she’s had a hard time fi nding reasons to keep going, and now seems like the perfect time to exit. But then the world ends, and she fi nds herself barricaded inside the high school with Cape Town fi ve other students while the dead outside pound on the doors. As written by Brenda Hammond the days crawl by, the group struggles with the loss of their families, Great Plains Teen Fiction, 2012 to make peace with each other, and to survive the horrors outside. 978-1-926-531-18-2 (pb) $14.95 When the barricades fall, Sloane is forced to make a choice. But has for Grades 9 and up everything she’s witnessed given her a reason to hold on? Jonathan Maberry, a New York Times bestselling and Bram Fiction | South Africa | Apartheid | Ballet Stoker Award-winning author once said “Th e best zombie stories It’s 1989, and South Africa is on the brink of are NOT about the zombies” and this point is perfectly proven in dramatic, political change when Renee Pretorius leaves her Karoo this chilling new YA novel from Courtney Summers. farm and her strict Afrikaans parents to pursue her dream of Zombies are frightening, but they are hardly as frightening as the studying ballet at the University of Cape Town. As Renee is plunged reality that Sloane Price is living. Sloane and her older sister have into the tumultuous life of a city fi ghting for freedom, she starts suff ered years of emotional and physical abuse at the hands of their to comprehend the apartheid system’s horrendous impact and the father, but they always had each other — until her sister abandons racial prejudice. However, it’s only when Renee falls in love with a her. Sloane’s anguish is tangible, and throughout the novel she student activist that she’s forced to make the most heart-breaking straddles the line between the need to live and the desire to die. decision of her life. Th e strength of this novel is in the examination of how humans In her fi rst young adult novel, Brenda Hammond beautifully react when pushed to the brink. Emotions are heightened, and depicts the growth of a naïve 17-year-old girl, who has never eventually, the primal need to survive strips away their humanity, doubted the Afrikaans values of her family, into a young woman and causes animalistic responses. who questions everything she’s ever held dear. Hammond portrays Th e writing is taut and atmospheric, and the pacing perfectly the parallel tensions within Renee’s heart/mind and the city in evokes a feeling of oppressiveness and terror. Regardless of whether which she lives perfectly, demonstrating how the main character’s you enjoy zombie novels or not, this is a gripping and tense novel personal experience refl ects the political landscape of the time. that is worth reading and discussing. Highly recommended. Th is authorial decision creates a character in Renee who is believ- Rachel Seigel able and imparts a literary feel to the novel. Although it begins slowly in comparison with other YA novels because of Hammond’s lush descriptions, the pace improves the Surviving the Hindenburg further into the political and romance storylines the reader gets. written by Larry Verstraete Cape Town’s themes and writing style will appeal to teen girls and illustrated by David Geister adult readers of historical YA and would also make a great discus- Sleeping Bear Press, 2012 sion point for English and History courses covering the South 978-1-58536-787-0 (hc) $18.95 African Apartheid laws and the resistance to them or the theme for Grades 2 to 5 of racial segregation. Non-ﬁ ction | Disasters | Hindenburg | Child Workers Melissa Montovani writes about young adult ﬁ ction on YABookShelf.com and has an MA in English Literature. She lives and works in Montreal. Veteran non-fi ction author Larry Verstraete says he loves “larger-than-life stories.” His latest book, Surviving the Hindenburgg, recounts one part of the dramatic true story of the 1937 zeppelin crash. In that year, 14-year-old Werner Franz was the Hindenburg’s cabin boy — with a job that took him into the sky, away from his family and even Germany. Now the last surviving crew member of the ship, he was one of 62 people who survived the fi ery crash at Lakehurst Naval Base in New Jersey. Th e famous disaster killed 35 of the passengers and crew travelling that day. Verstraete’s writing style emphasizes non-fi ction and may help readers realize that the story is about real people and events. Interestingly, rather than fi ctionalizing speech, Verstraete seems

38 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA to include Werner’s recollections verbatim from interviews. For example, the seconds aft er Werner escaped the fi ery wreck are Drop in described this way: “My mind didn’t start working again until I was on the ground,” Werner said later. “Th en I started running.” An almost mythical element is brought to the story through the for a look compelling paintings of historic illustrator David Geister. At fi rst the Zeppelin glides through cool blue-grey skies, colours that soon contrast with the throbbing yellows and reds of the Hindenburg CCBC Collections Across the Country in fl ames. Drop in for a look at the titles in the Centre’s library Two pages at the back of the book, “Aft er the Hindenburg collections at the national ofﬁ ce in Toronto or at one of Disaster,” tell more about Werner and other survivors, as well as the four regional locations. Phone ahead for hours the memorials and investigation to the as-yet-undetermined cause and availability. of the crash. For young readers, Surviving the Hindenburgg takes them to times when children were employed, oft en in dangerous conditions. Th ey might also appreciate the fact that grandparents In Toronto and great-grandparents have amazing stories to discover. Canadian Children’s Book Centre lian goodall 40 Orchard View Blvd., Suite 217 Toronto ON M4R 1B9 416 975-0010 x222 It’s Not All Black and White: Contact: Meghan Howe Multiracial Youth Speak Out [email protected] written by St. Stephen’s Community House Annick Press, 2012 In Vancouver 978-1-55451 -380-2 (pb) $12.95 Education Library for Grades 7 and up University of British Columbia Faculty of Education (Scarfe Building) Juvenile Literature | Racially Mixed People | 2125 Main Mall Self Esteem | Prejudice Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 With heartfelt passion, a group of young people — members of 604 822-0940 St. Stephen’s Community House in Toronto — speak of their Contact: Jo-Anne Naslund mixed-race backgrounds. In words that are fresh and vibrant each [email protected] writer describes obstacles encountered in their daily life that result from being of multiple cultures. Unique multiracial experiences In Edmonton including Vietnamese, Japanese, Latin American, Native American, Herbert T. Coutts Education Library Caribbean and Irish are powerfully presented through poetry, Education South testimonials and artwork. University of Alberta Contributions discuss mixed-race relationships, prejudice Edmonton AB T6G 2G5 and stereotyping, as well as the recognition of unique strengths. 780 942-1429 Invaluable suggestions for parental/child dialogue are included and Contact: Dr. Merrill Distad interviews with older adults provide perspective and an awareness [email protected] that race relations are slowly improving. Th e layout with useful sidebars, signifi cant artwork and a diff erent script per entry creates In Winnipeg readability and a harmonious whole. Elizabeth Dafoe Library Th e experiences and observations are always poignant, University of Manitoba oft en tragic. Yet, as a whole the book is uplift ing and optimistic, 25 Chancellors Circle culminating in the recognition that a diverse inheritance does Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 enrich many of the writers’ lives, simultaneously creating a well of 204 474-9977 self-worth despite incomplete societal understanding. Contact: Donna Masson Th is book carries a compelling message for all, irrespective of [email protected] cultural make-up. Certainly mixed-race youth struggling to fi nd their niche in society will fi nd validation in the experiences and In Halifax thoughts of others who have walked this way before. Mount Saint Vincent University Library 166 Bedford Highway Aileen Wortley Halifax NS B3M 2J6 902 457-6108 Contact: Terrence Paris [email protected]

WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA FALL 2012 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS 39 REVIEWS IN THIS ISSUE c i´ c o riˇ son so nson nso e t el a n P Mela Mel Me M š u uc Kyrsten Brooker Kyrsten D Luc Lu L from Tadeo’s Search for Circles, page 27 from Mr. Zinger’s Hat, page 27 from Martin on the Moon, page 26

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen 22 26 Susin Nielsen THE CLASSROOM BOOKSHELF WE RECOMMEND The Stamp Collector Rick: The Rick Hansen Story Birthday Suit Jennifer Lanthier, François Thisdale Dennis Foon Olive Senior, Eugenie Fernandes Starling The Green Thumb Collection: Bye, Bye, Butterﬂ ies! Lesley Livingston Plays for Children, Youth, and Young Adults Andrew Larsen, Jacqueline Hudon-Verrelli The Stone Hatchlings Green Thumb Theatre (ed.) Cape Town Sarah Tsiang, Qin Leng Real Justice: Fourteen and Sentenced to Death – Brenda Hammond Such Wicked Intent: The Apprenticeship The Story of Steven Truscott (Real Justice) Crazy About Soccer! of Victor Frankenstien Bill Swan Loris Lesynski, Gerry Rasmussen Kenneth Oppel Real Justice: Young, Innocent and In Prison – Driftwood Dragons and other seaside poems Surviving the Hindenburg The Story of Robert Baltovich (Real Justice) Tyne Brown, Tamara Thiebaux Heikalo Larry Verstraete, David Geister Jeff Mitchell The Encyclopedia of Me Tadeo’s Search for Circles Karen Rivers Marion Brooker, Kyrsten Brooker 24 Hemlock This is Not a Test BOOK BITS Kathleen Peacock Courtney Summers A Tinfoil Sky Between Heaven and Earth (Seven) The Horse Road Cyndi Sand-Eveland Eric Walters Troon Harrison Violins of Autumn Close to the Heel (Seven) The Imposter Amy McAuley Nora McClintock Gary Blackwood Way to Go Devil’s Pass (Seven) It’s Not All Black and White: Tom Ryan Sigmund Brouwer Multiracial Youth Speak Out St. Stephen’s Community House Wicket Season (Sports Stories) Ink Me (Seven) Gabrielle Prendergast Richard Scrimger Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week (Jasper John Dooley, Book 1) Wishes Jump Cut (Seven) Caroline Adderson, Ben Clanton Jean Little, Geneviève Coté Ted Staunton The Lynching of Louie Sam Last Message (Seven) Elizabeth Stewart Shane Peacock Martin on the Moon Lost Cause (Seven) Martine Audet, Luc Melanson, Sarah Quinn (trans.) John Wilson Middle of Nowhere Caroline Adderson R eviews from Mr. Zinger’s Hat Canadian Children’s Book News Cary Fagan, Dušan Petriciˇ ´c are indexed in the Children’s Literature Nobody Knows Comprehensive Database, Gale Online Shelley Tanaka Databases and EBSCO Publishing. Visit www.bookcentre.ca

40 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK NEWS FALL 2012 WWW.BOOKCENTRE.CA Celebrate Diversity! These award-winning books have characters and stories that reﬂ ect today’s schools! American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner! Winner! Honorable Mention

Jorrdidn T ootoo: Freeeee Throwow Thee highshighs andandlo lowsws inin thethe journeyjourney Triple Threat JacquelineJac Guest of the ﬁ rst Inuit to play in the NHL Jacqueline Guest 978-1-55277-686-5 | $9.95 Melanie Florence 978-1-55277-690-2 | $9.95 978-1-55277-529-5 | $9.95 More First Nations-themed books on www.lorimer.ca

Hook Up WWGar Games Lacrosse WiWarrior: TheTh LifLife of f MohawkM Tecumseh:cumseh: Diplomat and Kim Firmston Jacqueline Guest Lacrosse Champion Gaylord Powless Warrior in the War of 1812 978-1-4594-0029-0 | $9.95 978-1-55277-035-1 | $9.95 Wendy A. Lewis Irene Ternier Gordon 978-1-55277-001-6 | $9.95 978-1-55277-430-4 | $9.95

www.lorimer.ca T he Canadian Children’s Book Centre Suite 217, 40 Orchard View Blvd. Toronto, Ontario M4R 1B9