Library and Archives Canada
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca
This archived Web page remains online for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. This page will not be altered or updated. Web pages that are archived on the Internet are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats of this page on the Contact Us page.
Award-winning Books - English Titles
AMELIA FRANCES HOWARD-GIBBON AWARD (CANADIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION)
Kady MacDonald Denton’s charming watercolour illustrations are the highlight of this delightful collection of Mother Goose nursery rhymes and verses. There is something for everyone in this volume: Denton’s warm and expressive drawings have a magical quality that appeals to both babies and preschoolers alike. Parents and infants will love the combination of lullabies and familiar rhymes. There are bouncing rhymes, playtime pat-a-cake rhymes, and lullabies to help wind down at the end of a busy day. Toddlers will enjoy the action rhymes and lively songs, as they learn about the events of their day. The great selection of playground chants, tongue twisters and limericks will keep preschoolers giggling. This will be a favourite book, to be shared by all, as children discover age-old nursery rhymes and parents rediscover old familiar favourites. ANN CONNOR-BRIMER AWARD (THE NOVA SCOTIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION)
A year-end move to a small coastal village means a career change for Jesse’s artistic mom and an unwanted lifestyle change for nine-year-old Jesse. It is December and Jesse’s mom hopes to carve and sell 24 different Santas in the days leading up to Christmas. Jesse is not sure if he believes in Santa, but magic is in the air and, it seems, in the wooden Santas his mother carves. Jesse succumbs. In this special Christmas story, packaged with magnificent full-page illustrations of the wooden Santas, Jesse learns to value his family and friends and to trust in the goodness of others. ARTHUR ELLIS AWARDS CHILDREN’S FICTION
Mick’s mother had always insisted his father was innocent. Some day, he would be released from prison and they would finally be a family. Then, three days after Dan’s parole, Mick’s mother dies in an accident. Father and son, virtual strangers, are left to carry on. Mick tries to see the person his mother loved in Dan, this short-tempered man who drinks too much. But before he has the chance to get to know him, Dan takes Mick to his hometown, leaving him with relatives Mick didn’t even know existed. Mick’s mother used to say she would never return to Haverstock, and from the hostile welcome he receives from the townspeople and his relatives, Mick begins to understand why. No son of Dan Standish, the murderer, is welcome in Haverstock. Could his mother have been wrong? Was it really murder and not an accident as she always claimed? This man, this father of his, shunned and condemned by his own family, is he really a killer? Mick sets out to discover the truth and begins to unravel family lies, secrets and betrayal. Mystery fans will enjoy the many twists and turns that lead Mick to understand what really happened 15 years ago - what destroyed his family, before he was even born. BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR CHILDREN AWARD (CANADIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION)
Terrifying and mysterious dreams drove Stephen Fair’s older brother Marcus to run away, and now, they have come to haunt Stephen as well. Both Stephen’s father and Marcus have left "The Ark", the Fair family’s off-beat house at the edge of town. Something powerful is still present. Stephen’s mother seeks out healers of all types to try to uncover what is troubling Stephen, although she seems to be running from something herself. Despite unusual and difficult circumstances, Stephen discovers the joys and excitement of friendship with his new-found friend Virginia and her outgoing but troubled father, and with Domingo, his best friend. In this compelling young adult novel, Tim Wynne-Jones vividly portrays the challenges of self-discovery and growing up, and coming to grips with the past. ELIZABETH MRAZIK-CLEAVER CANADIAN PICTURE BOOK AWARD (INTERNATIONAL BOARD ON BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE - CANADA)
The world is full of wonderful adventures for a young boy and his dog, especially when home is Rainbow Bay, situated on an island in the Pacific Northwest. This lavishly illustrated picture-book transports the reader to a marvelous world where seashells are the "color of sunrise", a stream wanders like "a slow silver flame" and "a thousand frogs in green tuxedos bang their drums along the banks". Bold colours and brushstrokes fill every page as we follow the boy and his dog Scout through a day of discovery, drama and dreams. It’s low tide in the bay and the perfect time for exploring. Jellyfish, sea urchins and a shipwreck are just a few of the many things that the sea has left behind for the curious to discover. A walk through the reeds becomes a confrontation with pre-historic creatures. Then it’s time to rest under a shady maple and find cloud pictures in a bright blue sky. "Every day here is like a rainbow, changing and new" and this lovely book puts the magic of Rainbow Bay right at our fingertips! GEOFFREY BILSON AWARD FOR HISTORICAL FICTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE)
Marianne Kohn can no longer attend classes at the school she loves, sit on a park bench and soak up the sunshine, or move freely about the streets of her neighborhood. It’s 1938 and Marianne is a young Jewish girl in Nazi Germany. Marianne shares an apartment with her mother in Berlin. Her father is in hiding from the Gestapo and returns only occasionally to visit his family. Marianne’s mother helps at a local orphanage and is busy readying a group of 60 children who will be taken out of the country and sent to live with families in England. Although Good-bye Marianne is a fictitious work, these "Kindertransportes" actually existed prior to World War II and managed to save the lives of thousands of Jewish youngsters by safely transporting them out of Europe. When one of the children scheduled for the trip falls ill with measles, Mrs. Kohn insists that Marianne takes the child’s place on the "Kindertransporte". This is a heart-wrenching story of love, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit set against a backdrop of terror and hatred in a world that’s ceased to make sense for Marianne. GOVERNOR GENERAL’S LITERARY AWARD/CHILDREN’S LITERATURE (THE CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS)
Phoebe Olcott’s heart is breaking and her loyalties are stretched two ways. Her quiet, scholarly father and her gentle cousin, Gideon chose opposite sides in the American Revolutionary War and now, in the fall of 1777, both are dead. In her grief, she returns to a childhood haunt (the hollow tree of the book’s title) and discovers a secret message which Gideon had hidden before his death. Deciding that she must deliver it for him, she sets out on a long and arduous journey (physically and emotionally) which takes her over 100 miles to Canada and a new life. History, adventure, romance, and interesting connections to Lunn’s other novels await readers of this fast-moving and intriguing story. GOVERNOR GENERAL’S LITERARY AWARD/CHILDREN’S LITERATURE (THE CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS)
Kady MacDonald Denton’s charming watercolour illustrations are the highlight of this delightful collection of Mother Goose nursery rhymes and verses. There is something for everyone in this volume: Denton’s warm and expressive drawings have a magical quality that appeals to both babies and preschoolers alike. Parents and infants will love the combination of lullabies and familiar rhymes. There are bouncing rhymes, playtime pat-a-cake rhymes, and lullabies to help wind down at the end of a busy day. Toddlers will enjoy the action rhymes and lively songs, as they learn about the events of their day. The great selection of playground chants, tongue twisters and limericks will keep preschoolers giggling. This will be a favourite book, to be shared by all, as children discover age-old nursery rhymes and parents rediscover old familiar favourites. INFORMATION BOOK AWARD (THE CHILDREN’S LITERATURE ROUNDTABLES OF CANADA)
This is an incredible book that focuses on Eros, the steward of the House of the Menander, on the day that Vesuvius erupted near Pompeii. For younger children, the story of Eros and his young daughter Silvia, on an ordinary work-day, gives knowledge of Pompeii in a way both interesting and satisfying to them. The illustrations are informative, detailed and gripping. Curious children will have plenty of questions. There are maps to set the location and detailed plans of the forum baths and the House of the Menander. Numerous photographs taken from the air and the ground will expand visual understanding. The photographs range from excavations in the 1920s and 1930s to the present-day city and include many restored artifacts, buildings, murals and preserved victim casts. The book presents textual material in clear, succinct sections. Older children and adults will learn from the accurate scientific explanation of Vesuvius erupting. For those with an interest in slaves, freedmen, gladiators, Roman food, the forum, theatres, or even graffiti, this work will bring the ancient world of Pompeii to life. The excavation and restoration of Pompeii continues today. MANITOBA YOUNG READER’S CHOICE AWARD (MANITOBA SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION)
Theo is a nine-year-old dreamer and bookworm who reads about magic and families to escape the drudgery of the wretched, impoverished existence she shares with her inattentive and irresponsible mom. While she watches a "real" family with four children and two doting parents on the ferry to Victoria, it seems fitting that - poof - she magically becomes a part of their life. She can’t believe her good fortune; everything seems perfect. Can it be real? Is she awake or dreaming? In the end, it is a ghost who, drifting quietly in and out of the story, helps Theo to accept reality and to make the most of her life. MR. CHRISTIE’S BOOK AWARD (CHRISTIE BROWN & CO.)
Hannah first spies the silvery-grey cat out on the rocks one morning in August while beachcombing with her grandfather. The cat looks like a wisp of fog and proves to be as elusive as the mist. Hannah sets her heart on taming Fog Cat, although her grandfather cautions her that the cat might have other ideas. She begins leaving scraps of food for the animal in hopes of enticing it to come closer to the cottage shared by granddaughter and grandfather. Hannah’s perseverance is finally rewarded and Fog Cat becomes a member of the cozy household just as winter’s chill fills the air. This arrangement proves only temporary, however, as Hannah discovers the following spring. Fog Cat reasserts her independence and decides to go her own way, but not before leaving a delightful reminder of herself in Hannah’s care. Flowing prose and charming watercolour illustrations make this book about the trust and love needed to nurture relationships truly special. MR. CHRISTIE’S BOOK AWARD (CHRISTIE BROWN & CO.)
It was a beautiful afternoon - late September, and the sun was shining hot. Alan was walking home from school with his best friend Victor. They were pondering another new school year and wishing they didn’t have to spend it being intimidated by the Cougars - the school bullies. Oh well, it was just a wish, and when something suddenly flew up his nose, Alan soon forgot about it. He sneezed and sneezed. He blew hard and messy, but whatever was in his nose decided it wasn’t leaving. It was a tiny alien from Jupiter named Norbert. This feisty little alien wasn’t satisfied to be a quiet house guest, or should we say, nose guest. Much to Alan’s dismay, Norbert insists on speaking his opinion at the most awkward moments. Alan’s classmates, teachers and parents begin to wonder why he is constantly talking in that funny, squeaky voice. Through Norbert’s hilarious interventions, Alan solves problems with his friends, parents and the Cougars. MR. CHRISTIE’S BOOK AWARD (CHRISTIE BROWN & CO.)
Zack had spent his first seventeen years in the cosmopolitan city of Toronto. Being the son of a Jewish father and a black mother wasn’t much of an issue at his old high-school, where kids of every colour spoke various languages. Now, thanks to his parents’ dream of country living, here he is, stuck in a small town, at a new school, with no friends. Feeling resentful, Zack has difficulty concentrating on his studies. A curious discovery in his back yard motivates him to embark on a research project in an attempt to salvage his grades. He comes to learn about a former pioneer of the town, who was not only a farmer and veteran of both the American Revolution and the War of 1812, but was also a former African slave. With a new-found connection to his black roots, Zack secretly sets off to Mississippi to meet the grandfather his mother refuses to have contact with. Through his journey into the South and his meeting with his grandfather, Zack comes to a new understanding of the complexity of racism, and of how destructive it can be. MUNICIPAL CHAPTER OF TORONTO IODE BOOK AWARD (IMPERIAL ORDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE EMPIRE)
Hannah first spies the silvery-grey cat out on the rocks one morning in August while beachcombing with her grandfather. The cat looks like a wisp of fog and proves to be as elusive as the mist. Hannah sets her heart on taming Fog Cat, although her grandfather cautions her that the cat might have other ideas. She begins leaving scraps of food for the animal in hopes of enticing it to come closer to the cottage shared by granddaughter and grandfather. Hannah’s perseverance is finally rewarded and Fog Cat becomes a member of the cozy household just as winter’s chill fills the air. This arrangement proves only temporary, however, as Hannah discovers the following spring. Fog Cat reasserts her independence and decides to go her own way, but not before leaving a delightful reminder of herself in Hannah’s care. Flowing prose and charming watercolour illustrations make this book about the trust and love needed to nurture relationships truly special. NATIONAL CHAPTER OF CANADA IODE VIOLET DOWNEY BOOK AWARD (IMPERIAL ORDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE EMPIRE)
Fourteen-year-old Claire is full of questions when she and her mother Jane return to the little town of Smallwood, B.C., the place where her mother grew up yet hasn’t revisited in years. What was her mother like as a girl? What caused such a rift between her mother and Claire’s recently deceased grandfather? Whatever became of Claire’s father, a man whom her mother barely acknowledges exists and refuses to talk about? What begins as a summer vacation in the country away from the pressures of big-city life becomes a soul-searching journey for both mother and daughter. Secrets kept for too long are finally revealed and emotions run high. Claire begins to assert her independence and claim the family she’s always dreamed of, while Jane realizes that hiding from the past is impossible, though learning from it is imperative. This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel. Complex issues are presented, but not without an ample dose of humour, resulting in a well-written and intelligent story. R. ROSS ANNETT JUVENILE FICTION AWARD (WRITERS GUILD OF ALBERTA)
This is both a tender novel and a suspenseful mystery story. Anita Horrocks has successfully woven common teenage problems - and some not so common ones - into an intriguing and heartwarming tale. Fourteen-year-old Hannah was a typical teenager until the day of her school science fair. It seems as though a science project is the cause of Hannah’s suddenly destructive behavior and terrible anger. To older sister Kelly, Hannah’s unusual behavior is a mystery, one that she is determined to solve. Kelly must find out Hannah’s secret before it’s too late, even if it means snooping in her secret box! This is an insightful look at the challenges facing modern-day teenagers and their families. RED CEDAR BOOK AWARD FICTION
Theo is a nine-year-old dreamer and bookworm who reads about magic and families to escape the drudgery of the wretched, impoverished existence she shares with her inattentive and irresponsible mom. While she watches a "real" family with four children and two doting parents on the ferry to Victoria, it seems fitting that - poof - she magically becomes a part of their life. She can’t believe her good fortune; everything seems perfect. Can it be real? Is she awake or dreaming? In the end, it is a ghost who, drifting quietly in and out of the story, helps Theo to accept reality and to make the most of her life. RED CEDAR BOOK AWARD NON-FICTION
History comes alive in this keepsake album about Anastasia, the family clown and fourth daughter of Russia’s last Tsar. The book begins with her birth on June 18, 1901, and, through the judicious use of family photos, letters and other memorabilia, follows her life to its untimely and violent end on July 16, 1918. The story of a happy-go-lucky childhood, presented against a backdrop of growing political unrest, from which the Tsar’s children seem surprisingly immune, will entrance readers of all ages. A beautifully designed book, Anastasia’s Album will be at home on the coffee table, in the classroom, or in a child’s hands. RED MAPLE AWARD (ONTARIO LIBRARY ASSOCIATION)
Fourteen-year-old Claire is full of questions when she and her mother Jane return to the little town of Smallwood, B.C., the place where her mother grew up yet hasn’t revisited in years. What was her mother like as a girl? What caused such a rift between her mother and Claire’s recently deceased grandfather? Whatever became of Claire’s father, a man whom her mother barely acknowledges exists and refuses to talk about? What begins as a summer vacation in the country away from the pressures of big-city life becomes a soul-searching journey for both mother and daughter. Secrets kept for too long are finally revealed and emotions run high. Claire begins to assert her independence and claim the family she’s always dreamed of, while Jane realizes that hiding from the past is impossible, though learning from it is imperative. This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel. Complex issues are presented, but not without an ample dose of humour, resulting in a well-written and intelligent story. RUTH SCHWARTZ CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD PICTURE BOOK CATEGORY
This is a traditional Russian folk tale beautifully told by Celia Barker Lottridge. "Long ago in the city of Novgorod there lived a young man called Sadko who was poor in everything but music." The story begins with Sadko playing his harp at weddings and feasts and singing of the forests and lakes that surround his village. Then one day when Sadko is playing his music on the shore of a beautiful lake, the waters begin to gush and swirl. Before Sadko’s eyes a giant man arises from the waters. It is the Tsar of the Sea, the ruler of the oceans and the seas. He is very pleased with Sadko’s music and wants to thank him by giving him a great treasure. Dumbfounded, Sadko takes the treasure and makes the promise to return to the water to entertain the Tsar in his palace under the sea. However, as the years pass Sadko fails to keep his promise. Then, one stormy night when Sadko is traveling by ship, the time comes for him to fulfill the promise he made years before. Harvey Chan’s dark and mysterious illustrations are the perfect complement to this mystical folk-tale. His swirling use of colour and artistic style make readers feel as if they are under the seas, swirling with the mermaids! RUTH SCHWARTZ CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD YOUNG ADULT/MIDDLE READER CATEGORY
Jedidiah and his best friend, Tadashi live in neighboring villages on the coast of British Columbia, near Prince Rupert. The Second World War has started and Jed’s British-born father is fighting in England, and his Tsimshian mother is working and living as a cook at the new army camp. Jed is visiting his mother at the camp when some of the men bring in an injured eagle. The Tsmishian people believe that after death people can become eagles, and Naani believes that the spirit of her husband, Jed’s grandfather, is in the eagle. The boys who help to care for the bird, hate to see the proud eagle in captivity. Numerous incidents happen to show the changes the war, and the army camp have brought to Jed and Tadashi’s world. Tadashi’s job working in the army kitchen becomes his family’s only source of income after his father and the other fishermen of his village are prohibited from fishing because they are of Japanese origin. Tadashi, though only fourteen, quickly becomes knowledgeable about discrimination and governmental power over people. Jed encounters discrimination as well, but has trouble believing and comprehending all that is happening. Rich in symbolism, this thought-provoking book expands young adults’ knowledge of history within a gripping story. THE SHEILA A. EGOFF CHILDREN’S PRIZE (THE WEST COAST BOOK PRIZE SOCIETY)
Katelyn and Matthew are visiting their grandparents on the West Coast. One day, while exploring the beach, they become lost in the fog - until they are rescued by a family of squatters who make their home on the beach. The family generously welcomes the children into their home and explains how they live off the land and the sea and rely on each other for love and support. This is a touching story about the importance of family life and one that is both beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written. Ron Lightburn’s realistic drawings show an amazing attention to detail, while his expressive style successfully captures the sense of warmth and family love felt amongst the characters. Sandra Lightburn chooses her words carefully as she tenderly describes the squatter families’ unusual lifestyle and their homes on the West Coast beach. TINY TORGI AWARD WINNER (1998) (CANADIAN NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND)
It will be a surprise to young children who are just learning to read that there are adults who do not know how. In this story, Jeremiah is a man of many accomplishments. Dignified and elderly, he is a farmer with children and grandchildren of his own. He can build a split-rail fence, make maple syrup, whistle through his teeth - but he can’t read and he wants to learn! Young children and the young at heart will enjoy this enchanting celebration of reading, life-long learning, friendship and family values. Available in grade 2 print/braille from the CNIB Library in Toronto. VICKY METCALF AWARD (CANADIAN AUTHORS ASSOCIATION)
Having lived in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Alberta and, most recently, Newfoundland, Joan Clark brings an intimate knowledge of many parts of Canada to her writing. Her writing is also influenced by wide and varied interests, both in life and in her choice of reading material. Even as a child her tastes were diverse; she enjoyed Dickens, Alcott, and Mark Twain as well as The Book of Knowledge and Nancy Drew. She has written several novels for children, young adults and adults. Many of her poems and short stories have been published in literary and popular magazines. In 1974 she co-founded the Calgary-based literary magazine Dandelion. She is past president of the Writers’ Guild of Alberta and the Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador and has been a member of CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers) and the Writers’ Union of Canada. In 1991-92 she was part of the Canada-Scotland Writers-in-Residence Exchange. In 1995 she was a juror for the Governor General’s Literary Awards for English fiction. Even with all these activities, her writing is a full-time occupation. She writes every day, without interruption, preparing several drafts of works-in-progress and sometimes takes several years to bring a novel to completion. She is constantly revising her texts - even after publication! YOUNG ADULT CANADIAN BOOK AWARD (CANADIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION)
Fourteen-year-old Claire is full of questions when she and her mother Jane return to the little town of Smallwood, B.C., the place where her mother grew up yet hasn’t revisited in years. What was her mother like as a girl? What caused such a rift between her mother and Claire’s recently deceased grandfather? Whatever became of Claire’s father, a man whom her mother barely acknowledges exists and refuses to talk about? What begins as a summer vacation in the country away from the pressures of big-city life becomes a soul-searching journey for both mother and daughter. Secrets kept for too long are finally revealed and emotions run high. Claire begins to assert her independence and claim the family she’s always dreamed of, while Jane realizes that hiding from the past is impossible, though learning from it is imperative. This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel. Complex issues are presented, but not without an ample dose of humour, resulting in a well-written and intelligent story.   
|
