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Award-Winning English Titles SILVER BIRCH AWARD 1999
This is a wonderful story based on the true account of the Karluk expedition, an Arctic exploration mission, led by Captain Robert Bartlett in July 1913. The Karluk, a ship with a crew of 36 and two children, leaves Vancouver with the objective of reaching Herschel Island in the Arctic. The story is told from the viewpoint of one of the children, 13-year-old Helen. The children, on board against the Captain's wishes, are accompanying their mother, the ship's seamstress. Helen is shy and loves books, while her brother Michael, age nine, loves to climb the rigging on the ship, and to visit the dogs that are on board in preparation for future sled trips. Before long, the ship meets ice on the way to the Arctic. The weather is much colder than usual for the time of year and, before the ship reaches its destination, it is trapped in the ice! It can't go forwards or backwards. Each day, the ice grows thicker and the ship floats further from shore. The children are caught in the dangerous mission. How will Captain Bartlett save the crew if the ship can't be safely freed? The readers are completely drawn into the story as the suspense builds, and through Helen's account in her diary of her fears and concerns. Helen and Michael become an integral part of the crew, helping in unimaginable ways to increase everyone's chance for survival. Will they survive? Young readers won't want to miss this gripping Arctic adventure story. SILVER BIRCH AWARD 1999
Funny You Should Ask what's so compelling about this book. It's chock-full of silly questions for which you just have to find the answers, such as, "What did we use before toilet paper?", "Why do people close their eyes when they kiss?" and "If dogs are colour-blind, how do guide dogs know when to stop or go at a traffic light?" There are 115 and a half wacky questions in this book, divided into 16 categories such as clothes, animals, sports, superstitions and the opposite sex. A fun, light read that's great for parties and get-togethers, to be enjoyed by readers of a wide age range. So, "Why is tennis scoring so weird?" SILVER BIRCH AWARD 2000
Gabi's Dresser is a poignant story based on true events that occurred in Czechoslovakia during World War II. Gabi's mother stored all her special dishes and silver in the dresser. Gabi was a young Jewish girl who carefully set the table every Sabbath with the special dishes. Her life was full with school, helping her parents on their farm, observing her Jewish faith, and playing with her best friend, Nina. Nina was Catholic, so each girl was learning about the other's religion. The girls attended a mixed Christian-Jewish school. Gradually over a few years, Gabi's world changed. Word arrived from German relatives about restrictions placed on the Jews there, some classmates taunted Gabi, beat up a Jewish boy, and worst of all - Nina began to act strangely. When they were alone nothing was different, but Nina's parents were worried that they would have trouble, because Nina was friends with a Jew. Gabi's father and mother explained why all these events were occurring, but they could not explain away Gabi's hurt at Nina's behaviour. The war, and restrictions on Jews in particular, affected more and more of their lives, until only thoughts of survival remained. And the dresser was to play a very important part of their existence. This chapter book is written in simple, understandable text, though the topics covered are complex. Descriptive words that convey Gabi's confusion, hurt and disbelief create the poignancy of this tale. A short, concise history of the war in Czechoslovakia, and photos taken during that era give background. SILVER BIRCH AWARD 2000
If You Could Wear My Sneakers, you would understand that someone's shoe size may not be the same as yours, that favourite sneaker colours vary from person to person, as does the way you tie your laces. Sheree Fitch has created 15 delightfully lyrical poems that correspond with 15 Articles from the Convention for the Rights of the Child. Children have many rights, including the right to an education, to privacy, and to play. Fitch has included a handy answer key so that children and adults can pair each poem with an Article. Her poems are enhanced by Darcia Labrosse's large, vivid watercolours of many different animals. If You Could Wear My Sneakers will provide an enjoyable way for children to learn more about their rights, as set out in the Convention, in this very special picture book. VICKY METCALF AWARD
Awards 1987 - Queen's Fellowship 1990 - Atlantic Provinces Booksellers' Choice Award for Sleeping Dragons All Around. 1992 - Mr. Christie's Book Award (for best English book age 8 and under) for There Were Monkeys in My Kitchen! 1995 - Ann Connor-Brimer Award for Mabel Murple. 2000 - The Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award (Non-Fiction) for If You Could Wear My Sneakers! 2000 - Silver Birch Award (Ontario Library Association) for the best Canadian Children's Book, as chosen by Ontario students, grades 4 to 6. Non-Fiction award, for If You Could Wear My Sneakers! YOUNG ADULT CANADIAN BOOK AWARD
In her impressive debut novel, Katherine Holubitsky writes with a remarkable understanding of her main character, Pamela Collins. Pam grieves for her mother (who commited suicide) in addition to growing through all the usual turmoil and conflicts of a 14-year-old. The narrative is beautiful in its simplicity, yet completely engaging.
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