FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 24, 2010: The shortlist for The National Chapter of Canada IODE Violet Downey Book Award ($3,000) has been selected from among submitted books published in Canada in 2009. The Award is offered annually for the best young children’s English language book containing at least 500 words of text. The winner will be announced at IODE Canada’s 110th Annual Meeting in Toronto, Ontario, on May 28, 2010. The four Canadian authors shortlisted for this award are listed below.

Charlie: A Home Child’s Life
Written by Beryl Young
Key Porter Books

The Hunchback Assignments
Written by Arthur Slade
HarperCollins Publishers

Wanting Mor
Written by Rukhsana Khan
Groundwood Books

Vanishing Girl
Written by Shane Peacock
Tundra Books

IODE Canada is celebrating it’s 110th Anniversary as Canada’s premiere women’s charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals through education support, community service and citizenship programs. For a list of past winners or for more information about IODE, please visit www.iode.ca. For further information, please contact Anne Mason, Chair of The National Chapter of Canada IODE Violet Downey Book Award Committee at 416-487-4416 or iodeadmin@bellnet.ca.