Previous Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People Winners and Finalists
2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988
2021
Winner:
Jordyn Taylor. The Paper Girl of Paris. New York: HarperTeen, 2020.
Finalists:
Heather Smith. Barry Squires, Full Tilt. Toronto: Penguin Teen Canada, 2020.
Kathy Kacer. The Brushmaker’s Daughter. Toronto: Second Story Press, 2020.
Nadine Neema. Journal of a Travelling Girl. Illustrated by Archie Beaverho. Victoria: Wandering Fox Books, 2020.
Heather Stemp. Under Amelia’s Wing. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing, 2020.
2020
Winner:
Tina Athaide. Orange for the Sunsets. New York: Katherine Tegen Books, 2019.
Finalists:
Virginia Frances Schwartz. Among the Fallen. New York: Holiday House, 2019.
Kit Pearson. Be My Love. Toronto: HarperTrophy Canada, 2019.
Lisa Harrington. The Big Dig. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing, 2019.
Harriet Zaidman. City on Strike. Markham, ON: Red Deer Press, 2019.
Monique Polak. Room for One More. Minneapolis, MN: Kar-Ben Publishing, 2019.
2019
Winner:
Christopher Paul Curtis. The Journey of Little Charlie. Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2018.
Finalists:
Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch. Don’t Tell the Enemy. Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2018.
Beryl Young. Miles to Go. Victoria: Wandering Fox Books, 2018.
Jacqueline Halsey. Piper. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing, 2018.
Kathy Kacer. The Sound of Freedom. Toronto: Annick Press, 2018.
2018
Winner:
Kevin Sands. The Assassin’s Curse. New York: Aladdin, 2017.
Finalists:
Heather Smith. The Agony of Bun O’Keefe. Toronto: Penguin Teen Canada, 2017.
Julie Lawson. A Blinding Light. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing, 2017.
Heather Camlot. Clutch. Markham, ON: Red Deer Press, 2017.
Uma Krishnaswami. Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh. New York: Tu Books/Lee & Low, 2017.
2017
Winner:
Kevin Sands. The Mark of the Plague. New York: Aladdin, 2016.
Finalists:
Kenneth Oppel. Every Hidden Thing. Toronto: HarperCollins Publishers, 2016.
Caroline Stellings. Freedom’s Just Another Word. Toronto: Second Story Press, 2016.
Ellen Schwartz. Heart of a Champion. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2016.
Arushi Raina. When Morning Comes. Vancouver: Tradewind Books, 2016.
2016
Winner:
Karen Bass. Uncertain Soldier. Toronto: Pajama Press, 2015.
Finalists:
Frieda Wishinsky. Avis Dolphin. Illustrated by Willow Dawson. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2015.
Gisela Tobien Sherman. The Farmerettes. Toronto: Second Story Press, 2015.
Sarah Henstra. Mad Miss Mimic. Toronto: Razorbill Canada, 2015.
Kelley Armstrong. The Unquiet Past. Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2015.
2015
Winner:
Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch. Dance of the Banished. Toronto: Pajama Press, 2014.
Finalists:
Patrick Bowman. Arrow Through the Axes. Vancouver: Ronsdale Press, 2014.
Caroline Pignat. The Gospel Truth. Markham, ON: Red Deer Press, 2014.
Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch. Underground Soldier. Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2014.
Caroline Pignat. Unspeakable. Toronto: Razorbill Canada, 2014.
2014
Winner:
Karen Bass. Graffiti Knight. Toronto: Pajama Press, 2013.
Finalists:
Don Cummer. Brothers at War. Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2013.
Julie Johnston. Little Red Lies. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2013.
Caroline Stellings. The Manager. Sydney, NS: Cape Breton University Press, 2013.
Philip Roy. Me & Mr. Bell. Sydney, NS: Cape Breton University Press, 2013.
2013
Winner:
Elizabeth Stewart. The Lynching of Louie Sam. Toronto: Annick Press, 2012.
Finalists:
Gillian Chan. A Call to Battle (I Am Canada). Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2012.
Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch. Making Bombs for Hitler. Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2012.
Amy McAuley. Violins of Autumn. New York: Walker Publishing Company, Inc., 2012.
Pat Bourke. Yesterday’s Dead. Toronto: Second Story Press, 2012.
2012
Winner:
Kate Cayley. The Hangman in the Mirror. Toronto: Annick Press, 2011.
Finalists:
Pamela Porter. I’ll Be Watching. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2011.
John Wilson. Shot at Dawn (I Am Canada). Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2011.
Kenneth Oppel. This Dark Endeavour: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein. Toronto: HarperCollins Publishers, 2011.
Kit Pearson. The Whole Truth. Toronto: HarperCollins Publishers, 2011.
2011
Winner:
Valerie Sherrard. The Glory Wind. Markham, ON: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2010.
Finalists:
Jean Little. Exiles from the War: The War Guests Diary of Charlotte Mary Twiss (Dear Canada). Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2010.
Marthe Jocelyn. Folly. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2010.
Martha Brooks. Queen of Hearts. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2010.
Caroline Pignat. Wild Geese. Markham, ON: Red Deer Press, 2010.
2010
Winner:
Shane Peacock. Vanishing Girl: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Third Case. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2009.
Finalists:
Laura Best. Bitter, Sweet. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing, 2009.
John Wilson. Crusade. Toronto: Key Porter Books, 2009.
Barbara Haworth-Attard. Haunted. Toronto: HarperTrophyCanada, 2009.
Nancy Hartry. Watching Jimmy. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2009.
2009
Winner:
John Ibbitson. The Landing. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2008.
Finalists:
Jack Mitchell. The Ancient Ocean Blues. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2008.
Melanie Little. The Apprentice’s Masterpiece: A Story of Medieval Spain. Toronto: Annick Press, 2008.
Shenaaz Nanji. Child of Dandelions. Toronto: Second Story Press, 2008.
Caroline Pignat. Greener Grass: The Famine Years. Calgary: Red Deer Press, 2008.
2008
Winner:
Christopher Paul Curtis. Elijah of Buxton. Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2007.
Finalists:
John Wilson. The Alchemist’s Dream. Toronto: Key Porter Books, 2007.
Shane Peacock. Eye of the Crow: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His First Case. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2007.
Henry T. Aubin. Rise of the Golden Cobra. Toronto: Annick Press, 2007.
Shannon Cowan. Tin Angel. Montreal: Lobster Press, 2007.
2007
Winner:
Eva Wiseman. Kanada. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2006.
Finalists:
Connie Brummel Crook. Meyers’ Rebellion. Markham, ON: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2006.
Janet Lunn. A Rebel’s Daughter: The 1837 Rebellion Diary of Arabella Stevenson. Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2006.
Penny Draper. Terror at Turtle Mountain. Regina: Coteau Books, 2006.
John Wilson. Where Soldiers Lie. Toronto: Key Porter Books, 2006.
2006
Winner:
Pamela Porter. The Crazy Man. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2005.
Finalists:
Maxine Trottier. The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon. Markham, ON: Scholastic Canada, 2005.
Barbara Haworth-Attard. Forget-Me-Not. Toronto: HarperTrophyCanada, 2005.
John Wilson. Fours Steps to Death. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2005.
Carol Matas. Turned Away: The World War II Diary of Devorah Bernstein. Markham, ON: Scholastic Canada, 2005.
2005
Winner:
Michel Noël. Good for Nothing. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2004.
Finalists:
Karleen Bradford. Angeline. Toronto: HarperTrophyCanada, 2004.
Sharon E. McKay. Esther. Toronto: Penguin Group (Canada, 2004.
Anne Laurel Carter. Last Chance Bay. Toronto: Penguin Group (Canada, 2004.
Carol Matas. Play Ball! Toronto: Key Porter Books, 2004.
2004
Winner:
Brian Doyle. Boy O’Boy. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2003.
Kevin Major. Ann and Seamus. Art by David Blackwood. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2003.
Jean Little. Brothers Far From Home: The World War I Diary of Eliza Bates. Markham, ON: Scholastic Canada, 2003.
Priscilla Galloway. The Courtesan’s Daughter. Toronto: Penguin Canada, 2003.
Ted Stenhouse. A Dirty Deed. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2003.
2003
Winner:
Joan Clark. The Word for Home. Toronto: Penguin Books, 2002.
Finalists:
Deborah Ellis. A Company of Fools. Markham, ON: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2002.
Irene N. Watts. Finding Sophie. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2002.
Barbara Haworth-Attard. Irish Chain. Toronto: HarperCollins Canada, 2002.
Linda Holeman. Search of the Moon King’s Daughter. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2002.
2002
Winner:
Virginia Frances Schwartz. If I Just Had Two Wings. Toronto: Stoddart Kids, 2001.
Finalists:
Brian Doyle. Mary Ann Alice. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2001.
Connie Colker Steiner. Shoes for Amélie. Montreal: Lobster Press, 2001.
Maxine Trottier. Under a Shooting Star. Toronto: Stoddart Kids, 2001.
Carol Matas. The War Within. Markham, ON: Scholastic Canada, 2001.
2001
Winner:
Sharon E. McKay. Charlie Wilcox. Toronto: Stoddart Kids, 2000.
Finalists:
Troon Harrison. A Bushel of Light. Toronto: Stoddart Kids, 2000.
James Heneghan. The Grave. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2000.
Carol Matas. In My Enemy’s House. Markham, ON: Scholastic Canada, 1999.
Barbara Haworth-Attard. Love-Lies-Bleeding. Montreal: Roussan Publishers, 1999.
2000 – Award Deferred
1999
Winner:
Iain Lawrence. The Wreckers. New York: Delacorte Press, 1998.
Finalists:
Joan Weir. The Brideship. Toronto: Stoddart Kids, 1998.
Ann Walsh. The Doctor’s Apprentice. Vancouver: Beach Holme Publishing, 1998.
Susan Vande Griek. A Gift for Ampato with illustrations by Mary Jane Gerber. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 1999.
Carol Matas. Greater Than Angels. Markham,ON: Scholastic Canada, 1998.
Eric Walters. The Hydrofoil Mystery. Toronto: Pengion Books Canada, 1999.
Bernice Thurman Hunter. Janey’s Choice. Markham, ON: Scholastic Canada, 1998.
Julie Johnston. The Only Outcast. Toronto: Tundra Books, 1998.
Kathy Kacer. The Secret of Gabi’s Dresser. Toronto: Second Story Press, 1999.
Judy Coburn. The Shacklands. Toronto: Second Story Press, 1998.
1998
Winner:
Irene N. Watts. Good-Bye Marianne. Toronto: Tundra Books, 1998.
Finalists:
John Wilson. Across Frozen Seas. Vancouver: Beach Holme Publishing, 1997.
Elaine Breault Hammond. Beyond the Waterfall. Charlottetown: Ragweed Press, 1997.
Sharon Stewart. The Dark Tower. Richmond Hill, ON: Scholastic Canada, 1998.
Carol Matas. The Garden. Richmond Hill, ON: Scholastic Canada, 1997.
Dayle Campbell Gaetz. Living Freight. Montreal: Roussan Publishers, 1998.
Janet McNaughton. Make or Break Spring. St. John’s: Tuckamore Books, 1998.
Connie Brummel Crook. Nellie’s Quest. Toronto: Stoddart Kids, 1998.
Bill Freeman. Prairie Fire! Toronto: James Lorimer, 1998.
Eric Walters. War of the Eagles. Vitoria: Orca Book Publishers, 1998.
James Heneghan. Wish Me Luck. New York: Frances Foster Books, 1997.
1997
Winner:
Janet McNaughton. To Dance at the Palais Royale. St. John’s: Tuckamore Books, 1996.
Finalists:
Carol Matas. After the War. Richmond Hill, ON: Scholastic Canada, 1996.
Jean Little. The Belonging Place. Toronto: Viking, 1997.
Dayle Campbell Gaetz. The Golden Rose. Vancouver: Pacific Educational Press, 1996.
Janet Lunn. The Hollow Tree. Toronto: Alfred A. Knopf Canada, 1997.
Barbara Haworth-Attard. Home Child. Montreal: Roussan, 1996.
Linda Holeman. Promise Song. Toronto: Tundra Books, 1997.
Monica Hughes. The Seven Magpies. HarperCollins Publishers, 1996.
Karleen Bradford. Shadows On a Sword. Toronto: HarperCollins Publishers, 1996.
Susan E. Merritt. The Stone Orchard. St. Catharines, ON: Vanwell Publishing, 1996.
Alison Acheson. Thunder Ice. Regina: Coteau Books, 1996.
Celia Barker Lottridge. Wings to Fly. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 1997.
1996
Winner:
Marianne Brandis. Rebellion: A Novel of Upper Canada with illustrations by Gerard Brender à Brandis. Erin, ON: Porcupine’s Quill, 1996.
Finalists:
Bernice Thurman Hunter. Amy’s Promise. Richmond Hill, ON: Scholastic Canada, 1995.
Eva Wiseman. A Place Not Home. Toronto: Stoddart Publishing, 1996.
Judith Silverthorne. The Secret of Sentinel Rock. Toronto: Second Story Press, 1996.
Barbara K. Nickel. The Secret Wish of Nannerl Mozart. Toronto: Second Story Press, 1996.
Martha Attema. A Time to Choose. Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 1995.
Constance Horne. Trapped by Coal. Illustrated by Linda Heslop. Vancouver: Pacific Educational Press, 1994.
1995
Winner:
Joan Clark. The Dream Carvers. Toronto: Viking 1995.
Finalists:
Carol Matas. The Burning Time. Toronto: HarperCollins, 1994.
Jean Booker. Ellen’s Secret. Richmond Hill, ON: Scholastic Canada, 1994.
Jean Little. His Banner Over Me. Toronto, Viking, 1995.
Sharon Gibson Palmero. The Lie That Had To Be. Saskatoon, SK: Thistledown Press, 1995.
Connie Brummel Crook. Nellie L. Toronto: Stoddart Publishing, 1994.
Lillian Boraks-Nemetz. The Old Brown Suitcase: A Teenager’s Story of War and Peace. Brentwood Bay, BC: Ben-Simon Publications, 1994.
Dorothy Perkyns. Signal Across the Sea. Hantsport, NS: Lancelot Press, 1994.
Hazel Hutchins. Within a Painted Past. Toronto: Annick Press, 1994.
1994
Winner:
Kit Pearson. The Lights Go On Again. Toronto: Viking Kestrel, 1993.
Finalists:
Carol Matas. Daniel’s Story. Richmond Hill, ON: Scholastic Canada, 1993.
John Ibbitson. The Night Hazel Come To Town. Don Mills, ON: Maxwell Macmillan Canada, 1993.
Margaret Bunel Edwards. The Ocean Between. Illustrated by Linda Potts. North York, ON: Napoleon Publishing, 1993.
David Richards. Soldier Boys. Saskatoon, SK: Thistledown Press, 1993.
1993
Winner:
Celia Barker Lottridge. Ticket to Curlew. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 1992.
Finalists:
John Ibbitson. 1812: Jeremy and the General. Don Mills, ON: Maxwell Macmillan Canada, 1991.
Ainslie Manson. A Dog Came Too. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 1992.
Joyce Barkhouse. Yesterday’s Children. Hantsport, NS: Lancelot Press, 1994.
1992 – No Award
1991
Winner:
Marianne Brandis. The Sign of the Scales with original wood engravings by G. Brender à Brandis. Erin, ON: Porcupine’s Quill, 1990.
Finalists:
Jan Hudson. Dawn Rider. Toronto: HarperCollins, 1990.
Catherine Lalonde and Louise Burchell. Eliza’s Best Wednesday. Illustrated by Carol Sargent. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 1990.
Lyn Cook. The Hiding Place. Toronto: Lester & Orpen Dennys, 1990.
Barbara Smucker. Incredible Jumbo. Markham, ON: Viking Kestrel, 1990.
Elona Malterre. The Last Wolf of Ireland. New York: Clarion Books, 1990.
Joyce Barkhouse. Pit Pony. Illustrated by Henry Van der Linde. Toronto: Gage Educational Publishing Company, 1990.
Barbara Greenwood. Spy in the Shadows. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 1990.
1990
Winner:
Kit Pearson. The Sky is Falling. Markham, ON: Viking Kestrel, 1989.
Finalists:
Kevin Major. Blood Red Ochre. Toronto: Doubleday Canada, 1989.
Carol Matas. Jesper. Toronto: Lester & Orpen Dennys, 1989.
Peter Cumming. Mogul and Me. Illustrated by P. John Burden. Charlottetown: Ragweed Press, 1989.
Constance Horne. Nykola and Granny. Toronto: Gage Educational Publishing Company, 1989.
Paul Yee. Tales From Gold Mountain. Illustrated by Simon Ng. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 1989.
1989
Winner:
Martyn Godfrey. Mystery in the Frozen Lands. Toronto: James Lorimer, 1988.
Finalists:
Ann Blades. Moses, Me and Murder. Vancouver: Pacific Educational Press, 1988.
Dorothy Perkyns. Rachel’s Revolution. Hantsport, NS: Lancelot Press, 1988.
Robert Sutherland. Son of the Hounds. Richmond Hill, ON: Scholastic -TAB Publications, 1988.
1988
Winner:
Carol Matas. Lisa. Toronto: Lester & Orpen Dennys, 1987.
Finalists:
Bill Freeman. Danger on the Tracks. Toronto: James Lorimer, 1987.
Margaret Maloney. The Goodman of Ballengeich. Illustrated by Lazlo Gal. Toronto: Methuen, 1987.
Bernice Thurman Hunter. Lamplighter. Richmond Hill, ON: Scholastic-TAB, 1987.
Mary Razzell. Salmonberry Wine. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 1987.
Myra Paperny. Take A Giant Step. Toronto: Overlea House, 1987.