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English Awards

		BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR CHILDREN AWARD (CANADIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION) FOR BEST TEXT LAST CHANCE BAY ANNE LAUREL CARTER TORONTO: PENGUIN CANADA, 2004. 169 P. ISBN 0143016636 AGES 12 AND UP
Last Chance Bay Source

Life is hard for everyone in Last Chance Bay, a coal mining village in Cape Breton during the Second World War. Men are expected to work long and dangerous shifts in the mine while women have the bare necessities to keep food on the table and to care for their children. Despite the grim reality of her surroundings, young Meg Christie has a passion for the famous aviatrix Amelia Earhart; she dreams of flying a plane just like her heroine ever since she encountered another famous aviatrix, Beryl Markham, who landed accidentally near Last Chance Bay.

While the Second World War is raging abroad, miners are in demand and their working conditions seem to improve. Life in Last Chance Bay is changing slowly, but soldiers are also in demand and young people choose a fate other than coal mining. Meg's dream is almost impossible to reach, but her determination is very strong.

Anne Laurel Carter has written several historical novels including Elizabeth: Bless this House -- Our Canadian Girl Series, The Girl on Evangeline Beach and Under a Prairie Sky. She weaves historical events and fictionalization with a rare talent. Her characters are endearing and reflect the reality of the time.

-JP