CanLit for LittleCanadians

Spring is Canadian Children's Book Awards' Season

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Sun, 26 May 2013 02:21:00 +0000

If you ever have to wonder what you should read next (and I would probably say, "Really?"), consider looking at nominees and winners of the multitude of awards that are announced in the spring because this is definitely the season of youngCanLit book awards. Of course, this is not too unusual as many programs are run on a school year basis, with reading, voting and awards scheduled to be started and completed within the year.

Consider this list of nominees and winners which I have posted on CanLit for LittleCanadians: Awards blog since March 21, the beginning of the spring:

Overwhelming, isn't it? And there is still another month of spring left!

Last year, I started to put together a listing of book awards for which youngCanLit may be nominated. I'm still working on it but there always seems to be another book award that I haven't noticed, or one that normally doesn't include children's or YA books and then includes one on its short lists, or new awards are announced like the Burt Award for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Literature, or some are dropped or renamed. I will share it if I ever feel that it is complete.

In the mean while, check out these lists of nominees and winners and see how many titles reappear on multiple lists or which ones are unique to one list. Read the comments made by the juries or readers who make selections. And enjoy the wealth of outstanding literature, as always!

Allegra

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:57:00 +0000

by Shelley Hrdlitschka

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-4598-0197-4

268 pp.

Ages 12+

2013

Allegra is told by Mr. Rocchelli, the teacher whose music theory class she is desperate to drop, that her name comes from allegro which means "lively, with a happy air." (pg. 4) But Allegra is more the serious dance student who has always felt less inclined to join in those lively groupings and fun activities that many children enjoy.

Seventeen-year-old Allegra Whitford, daughter of two very accomplished musicians (Mom is the Deer Lake Symphony Orchestra's harpist and Dad is the bass player of the Celtic-rock group, Loose Ends), is entering her first year at the Deer Lake School for the Fine and Performing Arts. Already accomplished herself, in completing all levels in the National Music Academy, she is only interested in pursuing dance classes. But the school, and Mr. Rocchelli, insist that she get a balanced arts curriculum, so she is stuck taking his music theory class. However, after she takes the final exam early and aces it, Mr. Rocchelli gives her a special project: to expand a simple melody into a conductor's score and written for every instrument in the orchestra.

Allegra is especially eager to delve into this project with her father who has just returned from another tour. But her parents' relationship seems rather awkward since he's come home. Her mother seems more "prickly" and insists on continuing to get rides from another musician, Marcus, who drives a little red sports car. Dad looks tired and is thinking of one last tour, realizing the impact his touring has had on the family. Though they have a great time when Allegra invites new friends Spencer and Talia and a couple of others over for chili and to sit in on a Loose Ends rehearsal, Allegra begins to wonder about the steadfastness of everyone's relationships.

When Mom asks Dad to move out, Allegra is embarrassed to tell Spencer and Talia, and finds herself immersing herself in her music project and putting her dance on hold. Spencer is showing interest, even kissing her but, after a fiasco of a sleepover at Talia's, he tells Allegra that, "You put up a wall and don't let anyone in." (pg. 130) Returning to dance while working even harder on her music composition, Allegra finds herself becoming more distracted by Mr. Rocchelli, especially after he begins to collaborate with her on the music, scheduling late night sessions and even asking her to call him Noel. Though Mr. Rocchelli makes no advances towards her, Allegra is thrilled with the attention he gives her, convinced that they are in love.

Though I don't take any joy in Allegra's discomfort in social settings, it's refreshing for readers to recognize that not everyone aspires to popularity at all costs. However, Allegra's awkwardness in social situations has kept her shielded from sharing herself with others and from gaining the support that friendships can provide. Without the balance of others' views or input, Allegra's thoughts only feed themselves, both negatively and positively. While convincing herself that Spencer and the others are only interested in her because of her father - definitely a negative perspective - she also convinces herself that Mr. Rocchelli feels the same excitement about her as she does when with him. In the end, she does a disservice to everyone while never intending on doing anything but excelling at her craft.

Shelley Hrdlitschka could have made Mr. Rocchelli the "bad guy" by having him lead Allegra on but she charitably creates no good guys and bad guys, just characters who are human, trying to do the best they can. Their way of doing things, including their reactions and interpretations, may be right or they may be wrong, but they don't seem to have any hidden agendas. Allegra herself recognizes that she "should" be lively, or that she would at least benefit from being more extroverted, but it's not always possible to be what others want of us, no matter how beneficial. But, like her parents, her friends, Mr. Rocchelli and others, Allegra takes what she's been given and works with it. Sometimes it's flat but sometimes it's a superb orchestral piece with layers of harmonies and melodies that inspire and elevate.

Games of Survival: Traditional Inuit Games for Elementary Students

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:22:00 +0000

by Johnny Issaluk
Inhabit Media
978-1-927095-21-8
60 pp.
Ages 7+
2012

Anyone who reads this blog will know that I don't review a lot of non-fiction. I won't repeat my reasons here, as I did in an earlier post; suffice it to say that, Johnny Issaluk's Games of Survival: Traditional Inuit Games for Elementary Students is so unique in its topic and bold presentation that I'm delighted to review it here on CanLit for LittleCanadians.

As teachers, we know that whether we're teaching math or English or geography, if we can connect our students' learning to something relevant to them, then it will engage them. Games often don't need gimmicks to engage young people; they're just fun. But what if the games were relevant to your survival, as well as fun? Wouldn't most young people be intrigued? By presenting these games as purposeful play, as well as fun, Johnny Issaluk, Arctic Winter Games champion, will grab the attention of young readers as well as their teachers and parents.

Games of Survival presents a series of traditional Inuit games that were used to support skills in agility, strength and endurance - all key capabilities for surviving as an Inuit in the Arctic. For those of us who do not live within the Far North, we've only seen snippets of these games when reported on the news during the annual Arctic Winter Games, a circumpolar sports competition held every two years. Without understanding the rationale, rules or methodology, I know that what I saw requires incredible athleticism. Now, with Games of Survival, my understanding has increased substantially.

The agility games include several versions of the High Kick, in which a competitor kicks up at a target hanging from above. Enhanced by photographs from Ed Maruyama from different angles and of different ages of competitors, the text explains what skills are practised and developed, as well as their role in the traditional Inuit lifestyle in the Arctic. Similarly, Games of Survival includes games that match the strength of competitors as they pull against each other, and games of endurance that include the knuckle hop, that imitates the movement of a seal, and the muskox push in which shoulders are locked together.

Games of Survival works so well on so many levels. Johnny Issaluk is thrifty with his text, explaining well the purpose and mechanics of the games, without drowning the information in pages of dense text (the failing of many books of children's non-fiction). The photographs are bold and spatially intriguing (i.e., how do they do that?). And any reader, young or older, will be captivated and maybe even challenged to try the games included here. The subtitle, Traditional Inuit Games for Elementary Students, may suggest this book is a teacher resource but it's much more than that. Think of it as a photographic history and how-to book that shares the stories and talents of a culture with which we should all be more familiar.

Mother and Daughter Book Launch (Burlington, Ontario)

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:14:00 +0000

A wonderful new twist for a book launch!

Mother and Daughter authors

Sylvia McNicoll and J. M. Filipowicz

invite you to the launch of their new books

Dying to Go Viral
by Sylvia McNicoll
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
978-1554552719
232 pp.

Wardroids
by J. M. Filipowicz
Double Dragon eBooks
978-1771150941
165 pp.

June 9, 2013

2 p.m.

A Different Drummer Bookstore

513 Locust Street

Burlington, Ontario

(905) 639-0925

What you can expect to do:

• Listen to two unique perspectives on YA vs Sci Fi

• Enjoy Mars bars squares and refreshments

• Pick up autographed first editions of

Sylvia McNicoll's Dying to go Viral

and

J. M. Filipowicz's Wardroids

2013 Forest of Reading winners announced at Festival of Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Of course, the winners of the Ontario Library Association's Forest of Reading's book awards are listed on my CanLit for LittleCanadians: Awards page, but the news is too big not to share it on my main page. It's just too fantastic!

After two glorious days of great weather, words and winning, young readers in Ontario learned the results of their reading and voting for the Forest of Reading award programs, a readers' choice award. On May 15 and May 16, at the Festival of Trees event at Toronto's Harbourfront, young readers celebrated their reading accomplishments, shared the joy of reading great youngCanLit, played games for books, met numerous authors and illustrators, and enthusiastically learned their selections for the favourite books in each program. And authors, illustrators and publishers enjoyed the well-deserved and uproarious cheers and recognition from fans of fantastic youngCanLit.

It's impossible to name all those who made this reading program and the Festival of Trees such a success but I will try. And, though I've said it before, I'll say it again and again and again,
congratulations to:
• the readers on their amazing selections from exemplary lists of Canadian literature for young people;
• the countless volunteers and OLA staff (Meredith Tutching directing at the helm) who ensure that Ontario young people read the best titles and who help bring the Festival of Trees to fruition (pun intended);
• the authors and illustrators honoured with Forest of Reading nominations;
• the authors and illustrators who enjoyed the undeniable adoration of thousands of reading fans;
• the publishers who are recognizing the importance of publishing and promoting children's and YA literature in Canada; and
• the winners and honourees in each reading program.

Here are the winners and honour books for each reading program:

Blue Spruce

WINNER

Kate and Pippin: An Unlikely Love Story
by Martin Springett
Illustrated by Isobel Springett
Puffin Canada/Pengiun Group

HONOUR BOOKS

Splinters

by Kevin Sylvester
Tundra Books

Don't Laugh at Giraffe
by Rebecca Bender
Pajama Press

Silver Birch EXPRESS

WINNER

Margaret and the Moth Tree

by Brit Trogen & Kari Trogen
Kids Can Press

HONOUR BOOKS

Dalen & Gole: Scandal in Port Angus
by Mike Deas
Orca

Harry Houdini: The Legend of the World's Greatest Escape Artist
by Janice Weaver
Illustrated by Chris Lane
Abrams Books for Young Readers/ABRAMS

Silver Birch FICTION

WINNER

Making Bombs For Hitler

by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Scholastic Canada

HONOUR BOOKS

Missing
by Becky Citra
Orca Book Publisher

A Tinfoil Sky
by Cyndi Sand-Eveland
Tundra Books

Silver Birch NON-FICTION

WINNER

No Shelter Here: Making the World a Kinder Place for Dogs

by Rob Laidlaw

Pajama Press

HONOUR BOOKS

50 Underwear Questions: A Bare-All History
by Tanya Lloyd Kyi
Illustrated by Ross Kinnaird
Annick Press

Case Files: 40 Murders and Mysteries Solved by Science
by Larry Verstraete
Scholastic Canada

Le prix Peuplier

Lauréat

Le zoo de Yayaho
par Geneviève Lemieux
Illustré par Bruno St-Aubin
Bayard Canada Livres inc.

HONOUR BOOKS

Salto: L'ultime défi
par Pierre Labrie
Illustré par Tristan Demers
Boomerang éditeur jeunesse inc.

Prince Olivier et le dragon
par Caroline Merola
Les éditions Imagine

Le Prix Tamarac

Lauréat

Le mystère des jumelles Barnes
par Carole Tremblay
Bayard Canada Livres

HONOUR BOOKS

Hackerboy
par Julie Champagne
Bayard Canada Livres

Biodôme: Dans le sens du poil
par Frédéric Antoine
Illustré par Yohann Morin
Boomerang éditeur jeunesse

Le Prix Tamarac EXPRESS

Lauréat

Billy Stuart: 1. Les Zintrépides
par Alain M. Bergeron
Illustré par Sampar
Éditions Michel Quintin

HONOUR BOOKS

Du soccer extrême
par François Gravel
Illustré par Philippe Germain
Les éditions FouLire inc.

Ziiip Sur Terre!

par Johanne Mercier

Illustré par Gabrielle Grimard

Les éditions FouLire inc.

Red Maple Fiction

WINNER

The Vindico
by Wesley King
G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin Group

HONOUR BOOKS

This Dark Endeavour
by Kenneth Oppel
HarperCollins

The Vampire Stalker
by Allison Van Diepen
Point/Scholastic

Red Maple Non-Fiction

WINNER

Real Justice: Fourteen And Sentenced To Death
by Bill Swan
James Lorimer & Company

HONOUR BOOKs

Last Airlift: A Vietnamese Orphan's Rescue from War
by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Pajama Press

Running To Extremes: Ray Zahab's Amazing Ultramarathon Journey
by Steve Pitt with Ray Zahab
Puffin Canada/Penguin Group

White Pine FICTION

WINNER

Dark Inside
by Jeyn Roberts
Simon & Schuster BFYR/Simon & Schuster

HONOUR BOOKS

All Good Children
by Catherine Austen
Orca Book Publishers

Witchlanders
by Lena Coakley
Atheneum Books For Young Readers/Simon & Schuster

Thrilling news for all authors, illustrators and publishers!

Enjoyed all the more for being selected

by young Canadian readers!

Congratulations to everyone!

Book Launch: Outcast by Adrienne Kress (Toronto)

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:31:00 +0000

Get your best 1950's gear on

and head to

The Dominion Pub

500 Queen Street East

Toronto

on June 6, 2013

for 7 p.m.

to help launch

the newest young adult book

Outcast

Diversion Books

978-1-62681061-7

283 pp.

June, 2013

from

author Adrienne Kress

whose other books include

The Friday Society (Dial, 2012)

Alex and the Ironic Gentleman (Scholastic Canada, 2007)

Timothy and the Dragon's Gate (Scholastic Canada, 2010)

Outcast focuses on 16-year-old Riley Carver whose community has been living in fear for six years since "angels" starting coming down from the skies and taking people. When one shows up in her backyard, she shoots him with her mother's shotgun. But, instead of a dead body, she gets a really hot, living guy who thinks it's 1956. (Details courtesy of goodreads.com)

Dress up,

go to the Launch,

have some great Fun

and

get the Book!

Namesake

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:41:00 +0000

by Sue MacLeod

Pajama Press

978-1927485293

232 pp.

Ages 12+

May 1, 2013

In current-day Halifax, teen Jane Grey and fellow classmates in her Advanced Placement History are embarking on their research projects and it would seem obvious that she would focus on her Namesake, Lady Jane Grey.

Just a bit of a history lesson for those unfamiliar with the Nine Days Queen. In 1553, due to the machinations of her parents and the Duke of Northumberland, Lady Jane Grey was made heir to the King of England, Edward VI. She had already wed the son of the Duke of Northumberland, so when Edward VI passed, the Duke declared Lady Jane to be Queen of England, sure that he could control the throne through her. However, according to succession, Lady Jane's cousin Mary, King Edward VI's half-sister and King Henry VIII's daughter, would be next Queen. Imprisoned until the arrival of soon-to-be Queen Mary I, Lady Jane was hopeful of a pardon because becoming Queen had never been her intention. However, with her parents and the Duke playing the odds with her against Mary, and because her strong belief in her Protestant faith conflicted with Mary's Catholicism, a pardon was not granted and Lady Jane was executed.

In the twenty-first century, Jane discovers a small book called Booke of Prayre while unpacking her backpack of library books. Reading aloud from it, Jane is transported mysteriously to the environs of the Tower of London, eavesdropping on two women, Mistress Tilney and Mistress Ellen gossiping about "our lady." Repeated visits to 1553 has Jane making the acquaintance of Lady Jane Grey and learning of her fate, her hopes, her regrets and her position on her faith. Knowing what historically happened to Lady Jane, Jane wonders about her purpose in being sent back. Was she to help the Lady convert to Catholicism? Was she to help Lady Grey escape? Or was she there simply to provide her with companionship?

Dealing with her own tenuous situation at home, Jane is sympathetic to Lady Jane's dilemma, recognizing the similarity in the extent of their dire circumstances and inability to change them. Since the death of her father, Jane has come to recognize that her mother Analise works in one of three modes: Mode One is Single Mother as Hero; Mode Two is the Nothing mode; and Mode Three is Hell. Though a competent English professor, Analise harbours much anger related to her husband's death, and deals with it using alcohol which just exacerbates her mood swings and colours her interactions with Jane. Not surprising that Jane has concerns when her history group must meet at eachother's homes for study and editing sessions. And with best friend Megan hanging out with the tactless Crisco and wrapped up in a boyfriend situation, Jane is feeling more and more isolated and unable to find support. For Jane, slipping back into 1553 gives her an opportunity to exert some control.

While Namesake may be initially seen as a standard time-slip novel, with a contemporary character going back in time to learn something which she could apply to her own life, the book goes beyond this by Jane trying to take an active role in Lady Jane's situation, even to the point of altering history if need be. Jane educates Lady Jane on the vernacular and popular culture of her Halifax and Canada. And while Lady Jane does begin to try out some of her new vocabulary, she uses it as a foreign language, not dropping the occasional work into her own speech. Sue MacLeod has given Lady Jane a voice so authentic that her use of newly-acquired vocabulary provides for some much-needed humour. Her voice is true and melodic, never wavering from that of a sixteenth-century young woman.

I am especially pleased by the direction the author takes Jane's time slip, allowing for the two young women, just sixteen, to share their lives and their stories, and Jane anticipating bringing Lady Jane back with her. But, when Lady Jane does slip into Jane's time, it spurs a new relationship between Jane and her neighbour, the elderly woman she has nicknamed Mrs. Lynde (à la Green Gables), who surprisingly becomes her salvation.

The history is true, the twists unique and the touches of humour and romance are heart-warming. And Namesake still delivers an open ending that takes the reader to a more hopeful situation than Lady Jane's true horrific ending.

Brovko's Amazing Journey: Book Launch (Saskatoon)

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Fri, 10 May 2013 23:56:00 +0000

Coteau Books

and

Larry Warwaruk

author
of
Andrei and the Snow Walker (Coteau, 2002)

invite you to the book launch
of

Brovko's Amazing Journey

Brovko's Amazing Journey
by Larry Warwaruk
Coteau Books
9781550505542
168 pp.
Ages 7+
April 2013

The story of 12-year-old Andrei's companion Brovko, who is left behind when the family leaves Ukraine to start their new life in Canada. But Brovko finds a way to get himself reunited with his best friend.

on

Thursday, May 16, 2013

7:30 p.m. (CST)

at

McNally Robinson Booksellers
8th Street East
Saskatoon, SK

For more information on Brovko's Amazing Journey, go to Coteau Books here http://ow.ly/kSghg

********************************

This is a book launch that I wish I could attend. While my father came to Canada from Ukraine when he was in his twenties, he still had a photo of his dog, Marko, that he had left behind. Looking at Larry Warwaruk, I see a Ukrainian grandfather, one I never knew, and know that Brovko's Amazing Journey will be an amazing story imbued with the richness of Ukrainian traditions.

An Infidel in Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:57:00 +0000

by S. J. Laidlaw

Tundra Books

978-1-77049-304-9

311 pp.

Ages 12+

February, 2013

in·fi·del
noun \ˈin-fə-dəl, -fə-ˌdel\
1 : one who is not a Christian or who opposes Christianity
2 a : an unbeliever with respect to a particular religion b : one who acknowledges no religious belief
3 : a disbeliever in something specified or understood

Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infidel on May 8, 2013

Under this definition of infidel, just about anyone could be called an infidel. Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, atheists, agnostics - all could be considered infidels by another group. Yet the scathing judgement that is leveled against sixteen-year-old Emma as a Canadian teen forced to live in Islamabad, Pakistan is especially outrageous; she doesn't want to be there anymore than anyone else wants her there.

After her dad takes off with the family maid from their posting in Manila, Emma Grey's family (older brother Vince, younger sister Mandy and Mom) relocate to Pakistan for her mother's job, running the consular section of the Canadian embassy. Though embassy children are used to moving around a lot, the whole "make-new-friends and learn-to-fit-in" process required to make lifetolerable seems more problematic for Emma this time, probably because of her father's absence and mother's absorption in her work and obliviousness to her children's needs. Emma is resentful of her mother for forcing them to move (this was a weak effort to make Dad choose between his family and new partner), and for expecting more of Emma specifically, including mothering eight-year-old Mandy. Not surprising that Emma is brutally honest when asked by a new classmate, Mustapha Khan, how she is enjoying Pakistan.

"Well," I begin, feeling the familiar anger wakening like a beast inside me, "there's not a single mall, movie theater, or Caramel Frappuccino within a thousand miles, but there are huge poisonous reptiles, beggars on every street corner and all the atmosphere of a maximum-security penitentiary. I'm just surprised there's not more tourism." (pg. 21-22)

Ouch. Not the way to make friends and influence people apparently. Although she is quickly welcomed by Angie, a girl from the American compound, and introduced to her friends, Leeza, Jazzy and Tahira, Emma's candour and insistence on personal freedom place her at odds with several students, including Aisha, Mustapha's wealthy "promised" one, and Faarooq, protective and strict brother of Tahira.

All conflict is compounded when Mustapha continues to pay attention to Emma, much to Aisha's irritation, and Emma and Mustapha are thrown into a drama group with Faarooq and another boy Ali to produce a skit about conflict, first focusing on a racist American girl (hint?) and then on a Pakistani boy who likes a Canadian girl. And, although Emma enlists Angie's help to avoid being alone with Mustapha, knowing that she is attracted to him, she and Mustapha are repeatedly thrown together, sometimes because he chooses to be with her and sometimes because he wants to be kind. It all makes for much cultural and romantic confusion.

I can't imagine the transient lifestyle of foreign service families and the particular skills that the children must need to navigate new lives successfully. Couple that with divorced parents and living with a workaholic mother and in a tenuous political-religious situation, and you've got all the makings of a disaster. S. J. Laidlaw thankfully has given Emma the wicked sense of humour, common sense and heart to find a way to help Mandy and herself, as well as carve a niche for themselves in their new world. She finds a source of wisdom, recognizing the value in the kind and comforting Mr. Akbar, and has enough insight to recognize her own flaws and address them as she can.

S. J. Laidlaw could have imbued "An Infidel in Paradise" with the same resentment that is implied in the scathing indictment of "Infidel!" leveled against Emma but she does not. Instead, she plays with the idea that the safety of "inside", whether it be the compound, one's comfort zone or culture, and the danger of "outside" is not always the case. It has more to do with perception and broaching that transition with caution in an effort to make both territories manageable. Even Emma is able to find herself accepting her new life as "An Infidel in Paradise."

The Color of Silence

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:15:00 +0000

by Liane Shaw
Second Story Press
978-1-926920-93-1
269 pp.
Ages 13-17
2013

Does silence have a colour? Or does silence have different colours? If I'd been asked those questions, I might have initially given silence the colour black - a void, without filling, a black hole of nothingness but the potential for sound. But Liane Shaw shows us that The Color of Silence will vary with the listener, here specifically two teens: one whose world had been filled with laughter and song, and then terror, before she chooses not to speak; and one whose silence is involuntary as a result of a medical condition which has denied her a voice since birth. And just as she did in Fostergirls (Second Story Press, 2011), her novel which was reviewed here on December 5, 2011, Liane Shaw demonstrates that perspective is everything and nothing is the same for everyone.

Alternating chapters between Alexandra and Joanie, and the reminiscences and present situations of both seventeen-year-old girls, Liane Shaw has the two connecting first due to a court order, definitely involuntarily, and then emotionally and naturally through silence. Alexandra Taylor is court-ordered to provide 200 hours of community service after an accident in a borrowed car leads to the death of her best friend, the popular Cali Prescott. While both Alex and Cali had loved singing, Cali's talent seemed more innate and now Alex can't even bear to speak. With her dad, Alex is somewhat more forthcoming, although accepting the guilt for Cali's death and recognizing the futility of her words in preventing it have numbed Alex's desire for verbal communication. Unfortunately, Joanie is the one whose brain doesn't relay messages to her body and suffers through repeated bouts of severe respiratory distress, necessary feeding tubes, a lack of muscle control (except for her eyes) and no voice. And yet she is the one who works tirelessly to understand Alex and to connect with her.

Joanie, whose poor health and absence of real family would give her great reasons for bitterness, shows only acceptance and understanding, trying to learn more about Alex's reluctance to speak (she doesn't know anything about the court order) and still appreciating the silence she brings.

I rather like having someone here who understands about silence. (pg. 69)

Joanie's silence is coloured with the prisms of light, i.e., rainbows, that reflect from a stone necklace that has been hung above her hospital bed. The colours trigger her memories of happier times, staying at the group home, going out on school trips, and just being able to leave her hospital bed. So much of her day is quiet because of the dearth of visitors, essentially only her care staff. Until Alexandra. Joanie is delighted with Alex's visits, although Alex barely groans out a gasp or yes or no for her first visits. But Joanie takes it upon herself to get Alex speaking.

Finding the words in silence is one of the things I do best. (pg. 123)

Though the two girls seem to be voiceless, they are attentive to each other. For Alex, she is too distracted at the beginning to notice much about Joanie, spending much of her efforts anticipating others judging her for her past "crime" and her lack of skills. Similarly, Joanie worries about others' perceptions of her, even wishing that,

there was a magic mirror that could show him who I really am. I don't want either of us to keep on looking at the outside of me. (pg. 93)

When Joanie is given the opportunity to turn her eye movements into words using technology called the Eye Gaze (which they affectionately call the Wizard), the two girls are finally on the same page, with Alex realizing that she has something to offer Joanie i.e., the time and effort to ensure the Wizard is everything it can be. They are only limited by Joanie's health and consequently time to see what the Wizard can help her achieve.

Liane Shaw ensures that the readers see that voicelessness can be selective or involuntary but the consequences similarly disheartening. For each girl there is a degree of shame (justified or not, as much shame is) but understanding, appreciation and effort can mitigate the effects, if only temporarily. The Color of Silence is not a plot-driven novel of adventure, intriguing subplots or parables to teach us how to live. It's a story of two characters and how they develop and evolve into better functioning individuals, finding the colour in their lives.

Kamik An Inuit Puppy Story

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Fri, 03 May 2013 23:25:00 +0000

by Donald Uluadluak

Illustrated by Qin Leng

Inhabit Media

32 pp.

Ages 4-9

2012

Though Kamik An Inuit Puppy Story is based on an Inuit boy, his dog and his grandfather, the expectations of a young boy for his new pup and the wisdom that an older family member shares could be from any household.

Jake seems frustrated with his restless new puppy, Kamik, who is distracted by new sights, sounds and things upon which to chew. Jake's declarations that, "He never listens, no matter how loud I yell" or "Get back here!" or "Stop it" has his grandfather, Ataatasiaq, chuckling before sharing with Jake his reminiscences of raising puppies, with the help of his own grandmother and the other women. While sharing anecdotes with Jake about hunting with his dog team and the many times the dogs helped him out, his grandfather imparts the traditions of communicating with and appreciating one's dogs. From the naming of pups to cherishing them as if children, his grandfather makes it clear that Kamik will be what Jake makes of him by his relationship with the husky puppy.

Depending on the book cover, author Donald Uluadluak's name may be preceded by the qualifier, "Adapted from the memories of", sharing the credit of Kamik An Inuit Puppy Story with those who shared their wisdom of raising dogs with him. The idea that knowledge is continuously built upon from past generations, perhaps with each new generation taking what works and leaving behind what doesn't, is heartening. Whether used for raising pups or children or for guiding one's choices, experience is an invaluable teaching tool. Without taking over Jake's learning, his grandfather steers him with kindness and humility and good old-fashioned common sense to ensure that Kamik is treated well and appreciated wholly for his goodness. The illustrations by Qin Leng, artist of A Flock of Shoes (Sarah Tsiang, Annick Press, 2010 ) and Dear Baobab (Cheryl Foggo, Second Story Press, 2011), have the perfect light touch for a story that has as strong message about the right way to do something and with compassion to ensure that the reader, and Jake, never feel chastized.

Record Breaker

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:56:00 +0000

by Robin Stevenson
Orca Book Publishers
978-1-5546-9959-9
152 pp.
Ages 9-12
2013

Most of us would do anything to alleviate the sadness and despair of one we love. Children are inclined to do the same, although the means by which they are convinced they can do this may be rather unconventional. Take young Jack, for example, in Robin Stevenson's latest from Orca Book Publishers, Record Breaker. He is sure that breaking a world record will propel his mother from her overwhelming sadness following the death of his baby sister Annie, and he's willing to try just about anything.

Jack seems like a pretty good kid. When his dad tells him to get to the dinner table or help his mom or go to his dad's cousin's place, the Miller's, he does. Because he often gets sent to the Millers, Jack spends a lot of time with his second cousin, Allan, who likes to repeat his mom's and dad's comments, ("My mom said it'll be a miracle if she (Jack's mom) ever gets over that baby dying" pg. 23; "My dad always said Kennedy was soft" pg. 40). Regardless, Allan is willing to help Jack out in his record attempts, even painful ones like face-slapping.

While Jack's concern for his mother tends to overwhelm his daily activities, several key events have an impact on him and those around him. First, President John F. Kennedy is assassinated. Although they live in Ancaster, the possibility of bombings are a real concern, and Jack's dad returns to building a fallout shelter started before Annie's birth. Second, a new girl, Kate Levine, moves to a nearby neighbourhood, using a local treehouse that Jack had been using as an escape. Kate is an astute young girl, helping Jack see that there is something, other than a world record, that he can accomplish to help his mother. In fact, her mom believes Jack's mom needs someone to whom she can talk and Mrs. Levine volunteers to help. Together with Allan and Kate, Jack finds the means to add some light to his mother's life, and remind both his parents that they still have a son who has been burdened with dealing with his sister's death on his own.

In the context of 1963 southern Ontario, Robin Stevenson shares the grief and fears and innuendo of a time unknown to most young readers. But, by making the focus in Record Breaker a local one, with the grief related to the loss of a family member, the fears about a family who may be unable to rebuild itself, and others' gossip about issues of which they know very little, young readers will be able to emphasize. Even so, whether global or local, these issues can be devastating, and recovery may seem impossible. But, as Jack and Robin Stevenson demonstrate, with a little help and a different perspective perhaps from unlikely sources, there is hope.

When I Was Eight

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:28:00 +0000

by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton

Illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard

Annick Press

978-1-55451-490-8

32 pp.

Ages 6-9

February, 2013

The retelling of a story in a different format rarely amounts to anything distinctive. Whether in graphic format or picture book or movie, many stories are just abridged versions or subsets of the original or greater work. When I Was Eight is that one story that is not only distinctive, it is exceptional.

A picture book version of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's true story of her experiences at residential school, originally told in Fatty Legs (Annick, 2010), When I Was Eight is an even more powerful read due to its emphasis on concise, affective text coupled with Gabrielle Grimard's quietly unpretentious artwork.

Regardless of her father's reluctance to deliver her to the residential school, Olemaun's desire to read convinces him of the value of sending her away for additional schooling. There Olemaun is converted outwardly into Margaret, the girl with short hair who wears the required tunics and wool stockings and labours at her cleaning chores. But by making it clear that she believes she should be learning to read, Margaret incurs the wrath of one mean-spirited nun whose desire to humiliate and scare the young girl both torments and challenges her.

The stories of the residential schools are involved and harrowing, and Margaret's tale is not any different. What is unique is her passionate desire to learn to read which consequently points her towards the school. In fact, she learns to read in spite of the schooling and treatment she endures there. Without her strong character and sense of justice, Margaret may have taken nothing from the residential school experience except abuse and loss of self. Instead, Olemaun keeps with her the valuable learning both pre- and post-schooling, and uses it to help her reconfigure herself so that she is less a stranger at home than many other children from the school. While her return to Banks Island as an awkward local is addressed in A Stranger at Home (Annick, 2011), the sequel to Fatty Legs and When I Was Eight, Oleamun/Margaret's struggle and ability to manage her own life has her returning to her homeland as a reader, fulfilling her foremost desire.

Taking the Reins: Book Launch (Campbell River)

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:47:00 +0000

Coteau Books

proudly announces

the launch of

Taking the Reins
by Dayle Campbell Gaetz

Saturday, May 4th

at 1:30 pm

Campbell River Library
Campbell River, BC

Join

Coteau author Dayle Campbell Gaetz

and

Dundurn author Kristin Butcher

as they launch their new novels for teens.

Refreshments
Prizes
Books for sale

Everyone is welcome!

Danny, Who Fell in a Hole

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:07:00 +0000

Written by Cary Fagan
Illustrated by Milan Pavlovic
Groundwood Books
978-1-55498-311-7
116 pp.
Ages 7-11
2013

Danny, Who Fell in a Hole is about a boy named Danny who, you guessed it, fell in a hole. Yep. It's true. And the answers to the questions of why Danny fell in the hole, what happened when he fell in the hole, and how he gets out of the hole, are essentially the whole story of Danny, Who Fell in a Hole. Fortunately, with Cary Fagan's honest humour and Milan Pavlovic's quirky illustrations, the reader can be assured that Danny's story will be more farcical than tragic.

Danny's parents seem to be the new sort that decide to put their own needs ahead of those of their children, planning to temporarily part ways so that they might pursue their separate creative interests. Mom plans on moving to Banff to extend her cheesecake-baking talents, while Dad will be heading to New York City to explore opera singing. But, there are no worries about the kids, Danny and his older brother Doug (who would probably accept their decision more easily because of his musical creativity), as Mom and Dad have already decided about living arrangements, even giving their dog Thwack away to a nearby farm before springing their news on their children. Not surprising, Danny does not take the news well, grabbing his backpack and running off and unfortunately falling into a large hole on a construction site.

Mom and Dad may have been expecting Danny to find it difficult to accept their decision,

"Danny, we knew it would be a little harder for you. You're the level-headed one in the family. It's not your fault that you're not creative like the rest of us." (pg. 14)

but they could not have foreseen the character and maturity he demonstrates while trapped in that hole. Not only does he complete his math homework and write a family zombie story, he devises some shelter from the rain, plays a harmonica for a visiting mole, comes up with some imaginative definitions for a vocabulary assignment, and saves a life. Not bad for a child with no creativity!

Cary Fagan does not disappoint, taking Danny from the incredulous son of self-indulgent parents to the practical boy who takes inventory of his backpack's contents, always playing out in his mind what his parents would be thinking or saying.

Hey, Sheila, you don't suppose our son has run away?
No, not Danny. He's too sensible. Doesn't have the imagination. (pg. 43)

As imaginative as Danny, Cary Fagan conceives a chatty Mole with the casual demeanour of one who speaks his mind, without being catty or cagey.

"Hey, Darnit, you seem a little down in the dung." (pg. 73)

"Problem with ants, you eat a few dozen and you're hungry half an hour later." (pg. 79)

While young readers may connect with the shortcomings of Danny's parents', and delight in the boy's quest for some say in the direction his life was taking, Cary Fagan ensures that everyone is able to see the other perspective without giving in or up. With lightness and the clarity that comes from being stuck in a dark hole, both Danny and his parents are able find their way out of the void and come up for air, sharing it with those who might have sought to suck the life out of their lives.

So, if you ever fall into a hole, keep your head, share your thoughts, and keep working until you find your way above ground. Danny, Who Fell in a Hole did and everything worked out the better for it.

Hooogie in the Middle

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:19:00 +0000

by Stephanie McLellan

Illustrated by Dean Griffiths

Pajama Press

978-1-927485-28-6

32 pp.

Ages 3-7

On sale: April 26, 2013

"Too big. Too small. No room for me at all."

This is the plight of the middle child or, in the case of Hoogie, middle monster. Not as impressive as the first born, Pumpkin, to whom all things come first and whose firsts are always applauded. Not as adored as the baby of the family, Tweezle, whose needs are many and who is cherished to hold all memories of youth and cuteness. Hoogie tries to be responsible and capable like Pumpkin and then tries to be free and helpless like Tweezle. But, she is neither. She feels like the hole in the middle of a donut. Empty.

When the emptiness in Hoogie builds, it creates an explosion of emotions that has her parents finally directing their attention and love to their very pink, middle monster-child, helping her see that middles can be empowered to become the fulcrum upon which all others unify and balance.

Stephanie McLellan has taken a different spin on the middle child woes with Dean Griffith's adorable monster family, a family of greens, blues and pink, in which gender is insignificant but birth order seems to be everything. Though the reader can discern the genders of the characters by carefully placed pronouns and the girls' dresses, it is irrelevant. The family dynamics are played out according to how Mom and Dad interact with their "little monsters" and how their little ones consequently feel about themselves.

While Stephanie McLellan's text and Dean Griffith's illustrations ensure that Mom and Dad are seen as engaged parents who really try to be there for all their children, it's easy to understand how overwhelming it is to meet the needs of all of them, especially if their children may not be clear on what they need. When Hoogie finally finds her voice and demands the attention of her parents, they immediately tell her and, best of all, show her that she is "the sun in the middle of the solar system" and the "pearl in the middle of the oyster." Hoogie and her parents may not know it but current research (Salmon and Schumann, 2011) suggests that, as a middle monster, Hoogie is learning the skills and strategies that will help her navigate adulthood successfully. Stephanie McLellan and Dean Griffith probably didn't even realize how successful they'd been in delivering that little message to little monsters and their parents everywhere.

You've got to check the sweetest post by Hoogie at Pajama Press' blog, Pajama Party, called The Worst Parts of Being a Middle Child. Adorable!

References:
Li, Anita. (2012, September 6). Being middle child isn't so bad. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved at http://m.theglobeandmail.com/life/parenting/being-middle-child-isnt-so-bad/article2115052/?service=mobile on April 23, 2013.

Salmon, C. and Schumann, K. (2011) The Secret Power of Middle Children: How Middle-Borns Can Harness Their Unexpected and Remarkable Abilities. Hudson Street Press: New York.

International Day of the Dog: Puppies and Dogs Book List III

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:27:00 +0000

Last book list for International Day of the Dog. Picture books, chapter books, young adult books and now non-fiction. Plenty of reads for celebrating a wide variety of dogs and their adventures, misadventures, history and contributions to our lives. Send a photo of your pooch with a sample of your favourite dog read if I've missed it here. But remember: it must be #youngCanLit!

Non-Fiction

Animals that Changed the World
by Keltie Thomas
Annick Press
112 pp.
Ages 8-1
2004

Dog Crafts (Kids Can Do It series)
by Linda Hendry
Kids Can Press
40 pp.
Ages 7+
2002

Little Lions, Bull Baiters and Hunting Hounds: A History of Dog Breeds
by Jeff Crosby and Shelley Ann Jackson
Tundra Books
72 pp.
Ages 9+
2008

No Shelter Here: Making the World a Kinder Place for Dogs
by Rob Laidlaw
Pajama Press
64 pp.
Ages 9-12
2011

Sergeant Gander: A Canadian Hero
by Robyn Walker
Dundurn
176 pp.
Ages 9-12
2009

Talking Tails: The Incredible Connection between People and their Pets
by Ann Love and Jane Drake
Tundra Books
180 pp.
Ages 8-13
2010

Working Like a Dog: The Story of Working Dogs through History
by Gena Gorrell
Tundra Books
156 pp.
Ages 10-15
2003

Here's to celebrating

April 28's International Day of the Dog

with kindness, compassion, and youngCanLit.

Summer Days, Starry Nights: Book Launch Party (Toronto)

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:18:00 +0000

Join

Vikki VanSickle

author
of
Words That Start with B (Scholastic Canada, 2010)
Love is a Four-letter Word (Scholastic Canada, 2011)
Days That End in Y (Scholastic Canada, 2013)

for an evening of reading, music, talking and dance
on

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

7:00 p.m.
at

The Junction

at 3030 Dundas Street West

for the launch of her newest book

Summer Days, Starry Nights

Scholastic Canada
978-1443119917
240 pp.
Ages 10-14
Release June 1, 2013

The coming-of-age story from the summertime resort of Sandy Shores in 1962. Think of it like the movie "Dirty Dancing" without the "dirty", says Vikki VanSickle.

Featuring a musical performance by Miranda Mulholland,
a reading by Vikki VanSickle,
a 1960's dance party, and
books on sale by Mabel's Fables!

This is an all ages event.

International Day of the Dog: Puppies and Dogs Book List II

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:47:00 +0000

Still prepping for International Day of the Dog on April 28, 2013? Want more than just picture books? Here's a selection of novels, early readers, middle-grade fiction, and young adult, with important canine characters.

Fiction and YA

Arctic Storm (A Canadian Flyer Adventure #16)
by Frieda Wishinsky
Illustrated by Patricia Ann Lewis MacDougall
Owlkids Books
96 pp.
Ages 6-9
2011

Barry, Boyhound
by Andy Spearman
Alfred A. Knopf/Random House Canada
230 pp.
Ages 9-12
2005

Bringing Up Beauty
by Sylvia McNicoll
Stoddart Kids
204 pp.
Ages 10-13
1994

Beauty Returns
by Sylvia McNicoll
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
195 pp.
Ages 12-14
2006

A Different Kind of Beauty
by Sylvia McNicoll
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
208 pp.
Ages 13-15
2008

Berta: A Remarkable Dog
by Celia Barker Lottridge
Illustrated by Elsa Myotte
Groundwood Books
99 pp.
Ages 7-9
2002

Birdie For Now
by Jean Little
Illustrated by Renné Benoit
Orca Book Publishers
154 pp.
Ages 8-11
2002

Black Dog Dream Dog
by Michelle Superle
Illustrated by Millie Balance
Tradewind Books
141 pp.
Ages 9-10
2010

The Carved Box
by Gillian Chan
Kids Can Press
232 pp.
Ages 10-14
2001

Dancing Through the Snow
by Jean Little
Scholastic Canada
248 pp.
Ages 9-12
2007

Different Dragons
by Jean Little
Puffin
112 pp.
Ages 8+
2007 (reissue)

Dog Days
by Becky Citra
Orca Book Publishers
93 pp.
Ages 7-11
2003

Dog House Blues
by Jacqueline Pearce
Orca Book Publishers
176 pp.
Ages 8-12
2005

Dog Lost
by Ingrid Lee
Scholastic
197 pp.
Ages 9-12
2008

Dog Tracks
by Ruby Slipperjack
Fifth House
225 pp.
Ages 12+
2008

Dog Walker
by Karen Spafford-Fitz
Orca Book Publishers
110 pp.
Ages 11-14
2006

The Dog Who Wouldn't Be
by Farley Mowat
Random House Canada
226 pp.
Ages 12+
1984

Einstein Dog
by Craig Spruce
Thistledown Press
258 pp.
Ages 11-14
2009

Elixir
by Eric Walters
Penguin
192 pp.
Ages 8-12
2005

The Graveyard Hounds
by Vi Hughes
Tradewind Books
167 pp.
Ages 9-11
2008

Hubcaps and Puppies
by Rosemary Nelson
Napoleon
172 pp.
Ages 9-11
2002

Junkyard Dog
by Monique Polak
Orca Book Publishers
107 pp.
Ages 11-14
2009

Last Chance (A Robyn Hunter Mystery)
by Norah McClintock
Scholastic Canada
228 pp.
Ages 12-15
2006

Last Chance for Paris
by Sylvia McNicoll
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
204 pp.
Ages 12-15
2008

Lost and Found
by Jean Little
Illustrated by Leoung O'Young
Viking Kestrel
82 pp.
Ages 8-10
1985

Lucky Baldwin's Vow
by Morley Callaghan
Stoddart
181 pp.
Ages 9-12
1995 (re-issue)

Lucky's Mountain
by Dianne Maycock
Orca Book Publishers
112 pp.
Ages 8-11
2007

The Mummy Lives (Sam, Dog Detective series)
by Mary Labatt
Kids Can Press
114 pp.
Ages 8-10
2002

Nix Minus One
by Jill MacLean
Pajama Press
296 pp.
Ages 12+
February, 2013

Nobody's Dog
by Ria Voros
Scholastic Canada
150 pp.
Ages 8-12
2012

No Pets Allowed
by Irene N. Watts
Illustrated by Kathryn E. Shoemaker
Tradewind Books
112 pp.
Ages 7-9
2010

Piper
by Natale Ghent
Illustrated by Cindy Ghent
Orca Book Publishers
176 pp.
Ages 9-13
2000

The Prairie Dogs
by Glenda Goertzen
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
164 pp.
Ages 8-12
2005

City Dogs
by Glenda Goertzen
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
133 pp.
Ages 8-12
2007

Miracle Dogs
by Glenda Goertzen
Hazeldell Productions
142 pp.
Ages 8-12
2012

Prince for a Princess
by Eric Walters
Illustrated by David Parkins
Orca Book Publishers
64 pp.
Ages 7-9
2012

Puppy Love
by Frauke Scheunemann
Groundwood Books/House of Anansi
312 pp.
Ages 9-12
2012

Rescue Pup
by Jean Little
Orca Book Publishers
101 pp.
Ages 8-10
2004

Forward, Shakespeare!
by Jean Little
Illustrated by Hanne Lore Koehler
Orca Book Publishers
100 pp.
Ages 7-9
2005

Sea Dog
by Dayle Campbell Gaetz
Illustrated by Amy Meissner
Orca Book Publishers
62 pp.
Ages 6-8
2006

Shimmerdogs
by Diane Linden
Thistledown Press
134 pp.
Ages 9-13
2008

Shu-Li and Diego
by Paul Yee
Illustrated by Shaoli Wang
Tradewind Books
84 pp.
Ages 7-10
2009

Snitch
by Norah McClintock
Orca Book Publishers
100 pp.
Ages 12-16
2005

Swindle
by Gordon Korman
Scholastic Canada
252 pp.
Ages 8-12
2008

Zoobreak
by Gordon Korman
Scholastic Canada
230 pp.
Ages 9-12
2009

Framed
by Gordon Korman
Scholastic Canada
34 pp.
Ages 10-12
2010

Showoff
by Gordon Korman
Scholastic Canada
248 pp.
Ages 10-12
2012

Hideout
by Gordon Korman
Scholastic Canada
256 pp.
Ages 8-12
January 2013

What's a Daring Detective Like Me Doing in the Dog House?
by Linda Bailey
Kids Can Press
185 pp.
Ages 8-11
1997

Non-fiction titles will be listed tomorrow. But, at 48 picture books and today's 49 novels, I think we've made an excellent start at our dogs and puppies' #youngCanLit booklist!

International Day of the Dog: Puppies and Dogs Book List I

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 20:32:00 +0000

Every dog will have its day and so the last Sunday of April has been designated as International Day of the Dog. On April 28, 2013, share your favourite canine youngCanLit read with a little one, be he/she furry or not, or just enjoy one for yourself. Woof! Woof!

Picture Books

C’mere, Boy!
by Sharon Jennings
Illustrated by Ashley Spires
Kids Can Press
32 pp.
Ages 4-6
2010

Dirty Dog Boogie

by Loris Lesynski
Annick Press
32 pp.
Ages 4-7
1999

Dog Breath

by Carolyn Beck

Illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan

Fitzhenry & Whiteside

32 pp.

Ages 6-8

2011

A Dog Came Too

by Ainslie Mason

Illustrated by Ann Blades

Groundwood Books

32 pp.

Ages 5-8

1992

Doggerel
by Sheila Dalton
Illustrated by Kim LaFave
Doubleday Canada
30 pp.
Ages 5-7
1996

Doggy Bag

by Sean L. Moore

Benjamin Brown Books
32 pp.
Ages 3-6
2009

Duncan: A Brave Rescue
by Liam O'Donnell
Illustrated by Robert Hynes
Soundprints
32 pp.
Ages 4-8
2004

Ginger Leads the Way
by Liam O'Donnell
Illustrated by Cathy Diefendorf
Soundprints
32 pp.
Ages 4-8
2004

Pepper: A Snowy Search
by Liam O'Donnell
Illustrated by Cathy Diefendorf
Soundprints
32 pp.
Age 4-8
2004

Tracker on the Job
by Liam O'Donnell
Illustrated by Robert Hynes
Soundprints
32 pp.
Ages 4-8
2004

Winston in the City
by Liam O'Donnell
Illustrated by Dan Hatala
Soundprints
32 pp.
Ages 4-8
2005

Farley and the Lost Bone
by Lynn Johnston and Beth Cruickshank
Andrew McNeel Publishing
32 pp.
Ages 4-8
2011

Farley Follows His Nose

by Lynn Johnston and Beth Cruickshank

HarperCollins
32 pp.
Ages 4-7

2009

The French Fry King

by Rogé

Tundra

32 pp.

Ages 4-7

2012

Hank and Fergus
by Susin Nielsen-Fernlund
Illustrated by Louise-Andrée LaLiberté
Orca Book Publishers
32 pp.
Ages 3-7
2003

How Dog Became a Friend
by Paul O'Neill
Illustrated by Cynthia Colosimo
Pennywell Books/Flanker Press
32 pp.
Ages 6-8
2007

Kamik, An Inuit Puppy Story
by Donald Uluadluak
Illustrated by Qin Leng
Inhabit Media
32 pp.
Ages 4-9
2012

The Lighthouse Dog
by Betty Waterton
Illustrated by Dean Griffiths
32 pp.
Ages 3-7
1997

Little Dog Moon
by Maxine Trotttier
Illustrated by Laura Fernandez and Rick Jacobson
Stoddart Kids
24 pp.
Ages 5-9
2006

The Littlest Sled Dog
by Michael Kusugak
Illustrated by Vladyana Krykorka
Orca
32 pp.
Ages 4-7
2003

Lumpito and the Artist from Spain

by Monica Kulling

Illustrated by Dean Griffiths

Pajama Press
32 pp.

Ages 5+

2012

Merci Mister Dash!
by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Esperança Melo
Tundra
32 pp.
Ages 3-6
2011

Mister Dash and the Cupcake Calamity
by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Esperança Melo
Tundra
32 pp.
Ages 3-6
2013

Mister Got to Go and Arnie
by Lois Simmie
Illustrated by Cynthia Nugent
32 pp.
Ages 7+
2001

Moon and Star: A Christmas Story
by Robin Muller
North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada
32 pp.
Ages 4-8
2005

Pierre Le Poof

by Andrea Beck

Orca Book Publishers

32 pp.

Ages 4-8
2009

Pierre's Friends

by Andrea Beck

Orca Book Publishers

32 pp.

Ages 4-8

2010

Pierre in the Air

by Andrea Beck

Orca Book Publishers

32 pp.

Ages 4-8

2011

Pup and Hound
by Susan Hood
Illustrated by Linda Hendry
Kids Can Press
32 pp.
Ages 4-6
2004

Pup and Hound Hatch an Egg
by Susan Hood
Illustrated by Linda Hendry
Kids Can Press
32 pp.
Ages 4-6
2007

Pup and Hound Move In
by Susan Hood
Illustrated by Linda Hendry
Kids Can Press
32 pp.
Ages 4-6
2004

Pup and Hound Play Copycats
by Susan Hood
Illustrated by Linda Hendry
Kids Can Press
32 pp.
Ages 4-6
2007

Puppies on Board
by Sarah N. Harvey
Illustrated by Rose Cowles
Orca Book Publishers
32 pp.
Ages 4-8
2005

Safe and Sound
by Barbara Nichol
Illustrated by Anja Reichel
Tundra
32 pp.
Ages 5-8
2003

Sally Dog Little
by Bill Richardson
Illustrated by Céline Malépart
Annick Press
24 pp.
Ages 6-9
2002

Sally Dog Little Undercover Agent
by Bill Richardson
Illustrated by Céline Malépart
Annick Press
24 pp.
Ages 6-9
2003

A Sled Dog for Moshi

by Jeanne Bushey

Illustrated by Germaine Arnatauyok

Fitzhenry & Whiteside

40 pp.

Ages 4-7

2005

Stanley at Sea

by Linda Bailey

Illustrated by Bill Slavin

Kids Can Press

32 pp.

Ages 4-8

2008

Stanley's Beauty Contest
by Linda Bailey
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
Kids Can Press
32 pp.
Ages 4-8
2009

Stanley's Little Sister

by Linda Bailey

Illustrated by Bill Slavin

Kids Can Press

32 pp.

Ages 4-8
2010

Stanley's Party

by Linda Bailey

Illustrated by Bill Slavin

Kids Can Press
32 pp.
Ages 5-8
2003

Stanley's Wild Ride

by Linda Bailey

Illustrated by Bill Slavin

Kids Can Press

32 pp.

Ages 4-8

2006

This is the Dog

by Sherri McFarlane
Illustrated by Chrissie Wysotski
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
32 pp.
Ages 3-7
2002

Up Dog
by Hazel Hutchins
Illustrated by Fanny
Annick Press
26 pp.
Ages 2-5
2012

A Very Unusual Dog
by Dorothy Joan Harris
Illustrated by Kim LaFave
North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada
32 pp.
Ages 4-8
2004

The Waiting Dog

by Carolyn Beck

Illustrated by Andrea Beck

Kids Can Press

32 pp.

Ages 7+

2003

Wellington's Rainy Day

by Carolyn Beck
Illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan
Orca Book Publishers
32 pp.
Ages 4-7
2011

Where Does Your Dog Sleep?
by Jean Freeman
Illustrated by Val Lawton
Your Nickel's Worth Publishing
32 pp.
Ages 4-7
2008

Tomorrow I'll present a list of fictional novels for both younger readers and young adults, all with a strong dog character.

What Happened to Ivy

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:17:00 +0000

by Kathy Stinson
Second Story Press
978-1-926920-81-8
146 pp.
Ages 14-17
2012

What Happened to Ivy is just as easily a question as it is a statement about the narrative within the covers of Kathy Stinson's newest book, selected as one of two Honour Books for the 2013 Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book of the Year.

Ivy is the eleven-year-old sister of David, and the center of their family's world. Ivy has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair-bound, and her needs for costly meds, equipment, physio and other therapy, as well as for constant attention to dangerous seizures, behaviour and general care infuses every moment of their lives. David, fifteen, doesn't resent Ivy or the effects her needs have on his life; but he doesn't appreciate his parents' treatment of him as a lackey rather than a son.

Unless they need me to do something, it's like I'm not even here. (pg. 27)

David is delighted when an old friend of his mother's moves in, with her daughter Hannah, to the house across the street from them. He's even more encouraged when Hannah seems to want to spend time with him, especially since he begins thinking about her in terms beyond just friendship. When Hannah is invited to accompany the family to the cottage, David is hopeful that she will add some lightness to the sombre atmosphere of his family's anticipation of Ivy's next operation. And if he gets a bit of alone time with her, all the better.

Similarly, Hannah seems to enjoy being around the Burkes, particularly since she has no siblings and her dad who left when she was 7 gives the impression that he is oblivious to her. In fact, Hannah notes how impressed she is by the familiar affection and concern they all have for Ivy, specifically remarking what a wonderful father Mr. Burke is to his daughter.

But the visit to the cottage changes everything. Ivy has a severe seizure while in the water in her father's arms (her way of swimming) and all attempts to revive her are unsuccessful. Then the questions begin.

Kathy Stinson depicts the tragedy of Ivy's death in the context of speculation as to its nature. Shockingly, even Ivy's dad begins to question what happened to her and his role in her death. Could he have done something to change the results? Was he negligent? Was he consciously thinking about Ivy's life? When he gives voice to his questions, sharing them with his wife, and David overhears, an additional layer of emotion washes over their grief. Each begins to question their feelings for Ivy.

At 146 pages, What Happened to Ivy is relatively short for a young adult novel and I suspect that it's because Kathy Stinson does not feel the need to wrap the story in layers upon layers of descriptive text and subplots to enhance the primary storyline. Its bare bones are strong enough to support a complex examination of humanity and the connections that are strained when a much-loved child with physical challenges dies. Without criticizing or defending any attitudes, Kathy Stinson allows compassion to steer the questions and the telling of What Happened to Ivy.

Seraphina

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:19:00 +0000

by Rachel Hartman

Doubleday Canada

978-0-385-66839-2

480 pp.

Ages 14+

2012

Having seen the book trailer for Seraphina last year, I hadn't been convinced that it wasn't just another fantasy involving just another supernatural creature i.e., dragons. But when Seraphina won the 2013 William C. Morris Award for a debut author; was selected as a 2013 Best YALSA Fiction and a 2013 ALA Notable Children's Book for Older Readers; and nominated for the 2012 Governor General's Children's Literature Award, the 2013 Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize, and the 2013 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Book Award, I knew I'd missed something. And that is why I revisited, thankfully, Rachel Hartman's debut novel, Seraphina.

Seraphina Dombegh is a young woman who is the music mistress at Castle Orison, the residence of the royal family of Goredd: Queen Lavonda, her son Prince Rufus, her daughter Princess Dionne and granddaughter Princess Glisselda, and Glisselda's cousin and fiancé Prince Lucian Kiggs, Captain of the Queen's Guard. On the threshold of celebrations commemorating the 40th anniversary of the treaty between Goredd and dragonkind, Prince Rufus is murdered and his head removed, a trait of a dragon kill. And, while the treaty may have been agreed upon by Queen Lavonda and Ardmagar Comonot, there are many including Glisselda's governess Lady Corongi who still hold animosity towards the dragons, and others like the Sons of St. Ogdo who torment the saarantrai (dragons in human form) and quig (a dragon subspecies that cannot transform).

Although Seraphina is held in high esteem by her student Princess Glisselda and consequently Kiggs, she knows she must never reveal her true heritage and nature. Seraphina's mother Linn had been a saarantras who'd fallen in love with a human, Claude Dombegh, and had died giving birth to her daughter. But, as a dragon, Linn left her daughter with a mind-pearl, memories by which Seraphina would know of her mother's life. Luckily, Linn had a brother, Orma, who is dedicated to helping Seraphina with her half-dragon nature, her physically-debilitating memories and visions, and musical training.

So, while Seraphina spends much effort hiding the silver scales on her wrist and waist, and tending a virtual garden of grotesques that infuse her visions, she becomes integral in helping her uncle Orma deal with the suspected appearance of his father Imlann (who may be leading a coup against the Ardmagar), and in liaising with Kiggs in his investigations. As both royalty and Captain of the Queen's guard, Kiggs is investigating Prince Rufus' murder and a sighting of a rogue dragon (i.e., in flying form) and dealing with escalating conflicts between saars and humans, undoubtedly associated with Treaty Day. Oh, and did I mention that Seraphina falls in love with Kiggs?

Surprisingly, I haven't gone into details about the multiple subplots and characters in town, in the castle, in Seraphina's head, in a dragon-fighting knights' camp, and in the legends and saintly beliefs. Seraphina, the book, is a hearty tale of secrets, fears and emotions and the consequences of the conflicts between them. It may be a story with dragons, princesses and princes, knights and earls, but Seraphina is no fairy tale. The realms of Seraphina go beyond any medieval settings, both real and imagined, and appropriately Rachel Hartman has created a vernacular to accompany them. The glossary of new vocabulary, as well as the five pages listing the characters, is necessitated by the complexity of the story and appreciated by the reader. With a sequel, Dracomachia, due out in February 2014, I will certainly be refreshing my memory of the Porphyrian language and philosophers and Goreddi saints, as war draws near and Kiggs and Seraphina continue to support Glisselda, albeit with unspoken love.

In the Tree House: Book Launch (Toronto)

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:36:00 +0000

Join

Andrew Larsen

author of
The Imaginary Garden (Kids Can Press, 2009)
Bye, Bye, Butterflies (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2012)
The Luck of Jude (Lorimer, 2011)

Sunday, April 28, 2013

from

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
at

Story Planet and Intergalactic

1165 Bloor Street West, Toronto

for the launch of his newest picture book

In the Tree House

Written by Andrew Larsen
Illustrated by Dušan Petričić
Kids Can Press
978-1-554536-35-9
32 pp.
Ages3-9
April 1, 2013

A story about two brothers.

The Silent Summer of Kyle McGinley: Book Launch & Celebration (Ottawa)

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:35:00 +0000

Award-winning author

Jan Andrews

When Apples Grew Noses and White Horses Flew: The Tales of Ti-Jean (Groundwood, 2011)

The Auction (Groundwood, 2007)

Rude Stories (Tundra, 2007)

Dear Canada: Winter of Peril: The Newfoundland Diary of Sophie Loveridge (Scholastic Canada, 2005)

The Very Last First Time (Groundwood, 1987)

celebrates the publication of her first young adult novel

The Silent Summer of Kyle McGinley

Great Plains Teen Fiction

978-1-92653-168-7

200 pp.

Ages 12-15

March 1, 2013

Join her on

Saturday May 4, 2013

at 2:00 p.m.

480 Westminister Avenue

Ottawa, Ontario

Whatever Doesn't Kill You

noreply@blogger.com (Helen K) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 04:05:00 +0000

by Elizabeth Wennick

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-4598-0083-0

202 pp.

Ages 12+

2013

Most of us know the old saying, "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger." But, youngCanLit author Kari-Lynn Winters (Gift Days, 2012; Jeffrey and Sloth, 2008) was quoted at the Blue Spruce 10th Year anniversary exhibit at the Canadian National Exhibition in 2012 declaring that, "What doesn't kill you makes a good story." In Elizabeth Wennick's Whatever Doesn't Kill You, both maxims are equally accurate.

The only life Jenna, now almost 16, can truly remember began several days after her birth, with the murder of her father at his convenience store. Everything that would become her life is dependent on that moment. It changes her mother, her older brother Simon (now 32), and her older sister Emily (now 23). How things might have turned out if her father had not been murdered is left to Jenna's imagination. But when she learns that the man who murdered him, Travis Bingham, has been released from prison and is currently in a half-way house, she is determined to know why her father had to die and to let Travis Bingham know what he has done to her family.

Jenna's family certainly does not resemble the families she enjoys watching in the old sitcoms like The Cosby Show and Family Ties. Jenna's mom is in a nursing home, after years of odd behaviour that culminated in a near suicide. She doesn't even recognize all her children when they visit. Simon had to return home to take care of them and now manages the crummy apartment building in which they live. Emily flits from boyfriend to boyfriend, having had a son when in her teens, still rarely keeping a job and doing drugs. And Jenna considers herself one of the "sore thumbs" that make up her group of overweight friend Katie, French vampire girl Marie-Claire and Griffin.

But when Jenna feels unsupported by her friends in her need to continue focusing on her dad's murder, she finds herself keeping company with Ashley, popular girl on the outs with the in-crowd. Bringing Ashley into her world allows Jenna to see her family in a different light, even asking some questions she never thought to ask before. With a change in perspective and a little investigative work stemming from old yearbooks, plus her climactic visit with Travis Bingham, Jenna learns a lot more about Whatever Doesn't Kill You.

Though the title and cover may suggest a violent story, Whatever Doesn't Kill You is best described as haunting. The ghosts that are around, though, are the virtual ones of guilt, fear, and the unknown. Elizabeth Wennick does not need to create paranormal circumstances to instill a sense of foreboding or darkness; real life is generally dark enough, especially for a family plagued by tragedy. Although the reader will appreciate the outlook at story's ending, Elizabeth Wennick never goes for the easy route of tying up all storylines and going for the happily-ever-after. She keeps things real. And the reality of Whatever Doesn't Kill You is that we sometimes construct the lives we think we deserve, punishing ourselves for the lives we don't have.