The Canadian Children’s Book Centre and Sylvan Learning Partnering to Present the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Toronto (December 7, 2015) – The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) and Sylvan Learning are thrilled to announce that they will be partnering to present the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award. Beginning in 2016, Sylvan Learning will be sponsoring the award, which the CCBC will continue to administer. Honouring excellence in teen/young adult fiction, the $5,000 prize is awarded annually to a Canadian author.

Sylvan Learning is the leading North American provider of personal learning for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. With its deep experience in education, strong relationships with schools and educators, and robust presence throughout Canada, Sylvan truly supports families through every stage of the academic journey, helping children to learn to read and taking advanced readers to the next level for over 35 years. “We are very excited to support Canadian authors and the advancement of Canadian literature. Our Sylvan centres work with students across this country every day, helping with reading and a variety of subjects to ensure personal success. This award and partnership help both of us showcase the importance of loving to read and honouring the writers bringing great books to our teens,” stated Amy Przywara, Chief Marketing Officer for Sylvan Learning.

The Amy Mathers Teen Book Award is one of eight Canadian children’s literature awards organized and administered by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1976 to encourage the reading, writing and illustrating of Canadian books for young readers. “The Book Centre is elated about this new partnership with Sylvan Learning—with all the wonderful work they do to advance literacy in Canada, we are very excited to be working with them. We think they are a great fit for helping us bring national recognition to the great Canadian authors writing for teen audiences,” says Charlotte Teeple, Executive Director at the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.

The Amy Mathers Teen Book Award was presented for the first time in Toronto on November 18, 2015 to Marthe Jocelyn for her novel What We Hide. The award was established after a year-long fundraising effort by CCBC volunteer Amy Mathers, who decided to honour her passion for reading and Canadian teen literature, while working around her physical limitations, through a campaign called Amy’s Marathon of Books. Mathers read and reviewed a Canadian teen book every day for a year in order to bring more visibility to Canadian authors and to raise funds for the new award. This exciting new partnership will allow the CCBC to present the award for more years to come.

About Sylvan Learning

With more than 35 years of experience and more than 650 locations throughout North America, Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of personal learning for students in Grades K-12. Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan’s proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™ technology on the iPad® for an engaging learning experience. Sylvan also leads the way with Sylvan EDGE—STEM and accelerated courses and Sylvan Prep —university and test prep courses. For more information, visit www.SylvanLearning.com or SylvanLearning.com/blog.

About the Canadian Children’s Book Centre:

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1976. We are dedicated to encouraging, promoting and supporting the reading, writing and illustrating of Canadian books for young readers. Our programs, publications, and resources help teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents select the very best for young readers. For more information, please visit www.bookcentre.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Camilia Kahrizi

Marketing and Website Coordinator

Canadian Children’s Book Centre

416.975.0010 ext. 221

camilia@bookcentre.ca

Amy Przywara

Chief Marketing Officer

Sylvan Learning

410.843.6434

amy.przywara@sylvanlearning.com

Une simple histoire d’amour, d’Angèle Delaunois

Une simple histoire d’amour, d’Angèle Delaunois,

Éd. Soulières, 2015

À partir de 16 ans

Voici un roman qui ne laissera personne indifférent. Dans Une simple histoire d’amour, Angèle Delaunois explore les nombreux méandres de l’amour. Il ne faut pas s’y méprendre, cette histoire d’amour n’a de simple que le titre. Je vous invite à écouter ce que l’auteure nous dit de cette touchante histoire et des raisons qui l’ont poussée à l’écrire.

La beauté du texte et la qualité de l’écriture d’Angèle Delaunois envoûtent et émeuvent malgré la dureté de certaines scènes. Des mots choisis avec soin, qui vont droit au but, sans censure, sans complaisance, nous font vivre toute une gamme d’émotions. De l’amour tendresse à l’amour passion, jusqu’à la rage, voici une lecture dont on sort bouleversé. Quatre rencontres marquantes, toujours troublantes, entre Noëlle, la jeune héroïne qui écrit cette longue lettre, et Erwan, son amour de toujours, son âme soeur. Ces moments forts nous amènent à nous questionner sur l’amour et toutes ses nuances, à se positionner face aux différents personnages et face à nos propres perceptions de tous ces gens qui nous entourent.

—Danièle Courchesne

Pour acheter: Les libraires | Amazon.ca

First Nation Communities Read: Call for Authors

Our friends at Southern Ontario Library Service (SOLS) are inviting all publishers to nominate an author and/or illustrator for this year’s First Nation Communities Read (FNCR) competition. FNCR is an annual reading program launched in 2003 by the First Nations public library community in Ontario. The selected and other recommended titles which are written and/or illustrated by an Indigenous creator encourage family literacy, intergenerational storytelling, and intergenerational information sharing.

Program Objectives:

Through title selections, other recommendations, and creators’ tours, in First Nation communities and beyond, First Nation Communities Read:

  • encourages family literacy, intergenerational storytelling, and intergenerational information sharing;
  • increases awareness of the relevance and importance of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit writing, illustration, and publishing;
  • promotes the publication, sharing, and understanding of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit voices and experiences;
  • increases awareness and sales of the titles it honours.

The creator(s) of the selected title will also be awarded the Periodical Marketers of Canada “Aboriginal Literature Award” with a cash prize of $5,000.00.

To download the nomination form, please click here. The submission deadline is January, 15, 2016.

For more information, please contact:

Nancy Cooper

First Nation Communities Read

Southern Ontario Library Service

1 Yonge Street, Suite 1504

Toronto, ON M5E 1E5

416-961-1669 ext. 5194 | 1-800-387-5765

ncooper@sols.org

History Contest for Schools

Attention, teachers!

Last year, we launched our Teachers’ Book Bank, a database of Canadian historical fiction and non-fiction books, and in the coming year we will be expanding it with more books. To celebrate, we are giving away history-themed author readings to classrooms across the country. Enter the contest by December 31, 2015 by clicking here!

Have Your Say – Consider a Written Submission to the First Strategy on Arts and Culture in Ontario

The Ontario Arts Council is inviting professional creators and people working in related fields to participate in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport‘s consultation to develop the first Ontario Culture Strategy.

If you weren’t able to attend a town hall meeting or if there wasn’t one in your community, you are encouraged to respond to the discussion paper by December 7, 2015. Further details on how to submit comments on the discussion paper are posted on the government’s online Environmental Registry.

The culture strategy developed through this process will set the government’s priorities and provide the plan to support the culture sector over the next five years.

Consultation Goals for the Culture Strategy:

  • Identify what Ontarians value about culture
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen culture in Ontario
  • Ensure that culture policies and programs reflect Ontario’s diverse populations and communities
  • Inspire and engage more youth to participate in Ontario’s culture

Background

Ontario currently supports four culture sectors: arts, cultural industries, cultural heritage (including community museums, built heritage, cultural heritage landscapes and archaeology) and public libraries. Over the years, demographic and technological changes have had a profound impact on the culture sector.

Supporting arts and culture in the province is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. This consultation is a unique opportunity for Ontario’s artists and other arts professionals to provide input for the Culture Strategy, which will guide government decision-making in the years ahead.

For more information:

Kirsten Gunter

Director of Communications

Ontario Arts Council

416-969-7403 | 1-800-387-0058, ext. 7403 | kgunter@arts.on.ca

Great Reads for the Holidays 2015

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) has compiled a list of great Canadian books, for kids of all ages, for the 2015 holiday season. The books featured in this list are starred selections from the Fall 2015 edition of Best Books for Kids & Teens. While the CCBC does not sell these items, they can be purchased directly from the online booksellers linked below each book, from your local bookseller or from a wholesaler. Alternatively, you can borrow these titles from your local library.

Interest Level (IL) is listed by age; Reading Level (RL) is listed by grade.

Binding Code:

BD Board | EB eBook | HC Hardcover | HC (jacket) Hardcover with jacket | HC (jacket & PLC) Hardcover with jacket and picture laminated to cover | LIB Reinforced library binding | PB Paperback

  Board Books Picture Books Beginning Readers & Early Chapter Books
  Junior & Intermediate Fiction Middle Years Fiction (Hi-Lo) Young Adult Fiction
  Teen Fiction (Hi-Lo) Folklore & Legends Health & Wellness
  History, Geography & Culture Science Magazines

Board Books

Goodnight, Canada

Written and illustrated by Andrea Beck

Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2015

$9.99 BD 978-1-4431-3346-3

30 pages, full-colour, 6 3/4″ x 6 3/4″

IL: Ages 2-4 RL: Grades 1-2

Canada | Bedtime | Geography | Imagination

This lovely board book inspires a sense of community as a young child, sitting at his window at bedtime, wonders about the other children in his country and the world at large. He bids goodnight to them all, and to Canada itself, province by province, territory by territory. Originally published in hardcover in 2012, by North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

More Blueberries!

Written by Susan Musgrave

Illustrated by Esperança Melo

Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2015

$9.95 BD 978-1-4598-0707-5

$9.95 EB 978-1-4598-0709-9

24 pages, full-colour, 7″ x 7″

IL: Ages 0-3 RL: Grade 1

Rhyme | Blueberries | Siblings | Joy

From playtime to bedtime, blueberries make everything oh, so sweet! These siblings can’t get enough of their favourite snack — and they aren’t the only ones! With playful rhyming text from award-winning poet Susan Musgrave and gorgeous illustrations by Esperança Melo, this exuberant board book will delight little ones and have everyone happily shouting, “More blueberries!”

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

Two by Two

Written and illustrated by Barbara Reid

Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2015

$9.99 BD 978-1-4431-3304-3

30 pages, full-colour, 7″ x 6″

IL: Ages 2-5 RL: Grade 1

Biblical Story | Noah’s Ark | Plasticine Art | Rhyme

The classic story of Noah’s ark told with fabulous Plasticine illustrations! Animals of every colour and kind make their way into the hold. Bees and boas, camels and cats, every pair finds a place in these pages. No ark has shown such colour and diversity of life as that of Barbara Reid! Originally published as a picture book in 1992, by North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada. This title is also available in French as Deux par deux.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

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Picture Books

And What If I Won’t?

Written by Maureen Fergus

Illustrated by Qin Leng

Toronto: Owlkids Books, 2015

$17.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-77147-065-0

32 pages, full-colour, 10 1/4″ x 9 1/4″

IL: Ages 5-8 RL: Grades 2-3

Imagination | Humour | Family | Love | Acceptance

When his mother asks Benny to put his plate in the sink, Benny asks her what she would do if he said, “no!” His “what ifs?” continue as he dreams up ever-naughtier behaviour. His mother sends Benny off to the zoo, sells him to the circus and, to Benny’s delight, even shoots him into outer space as punishment for his imagined behaviour!

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

Butterfly Park

Written and illustrated by Elly MacKay

Philadelphia, PA: Running Press Kids, 2015

$21.00 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-0-7624-5339-9

36 pages, full-colour, 8 3/4″ x 11 1/4″

IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-2

Butterflies | Green Space | Community | Nature | Inspiration

When a little girl moves to a new town, she finds a place called Butterfly Park. But when she opens the gate, there are no butterflies. Determined to lure the butterflies in, she inspires her entire town to help. Soon the butterflies — and the girl — feel right at home. Luminous paper-cut illustrations and an enchanting story encourage community, friendship and wonderment at the beauty of everyday life.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

The Duck Says

Written by Troy Wilson

Illustrated by Mike Boldt

Toronto: North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada, 2015

$16.99 HC 978-1-4431-2869-8

29 pages, full-colour, 10 1/4″ x 10 1/4″

IL: Ages 3-6 RL: Grades 1-2

Animals | Farms | Bees | Humour | Verse

Uh oh… why are the bees chasing the duck? Follow the duck in this madcap romp around the farmyard, which will have kids delighting in his clueless antics and witty wordplay. Bouncing rhymes are perfectly paired with colourful, exuberant illustrations full of visual gags that will have readers laughing along and anticipating what will happen next. This title is also available in French as Les cancans du canard.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

Frankenstink! Garbage Gone Bad

Written and illustrated by Ron Lightburn

Toronto: Tundra Books, 2015

$19.99 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-77049-694-1

32 pages, full-colour, 8 3/8″ x 11 1/2″

IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3

Imagination | Garbage | Monsters | Composting | Recycling | Environment

A boy who ignores the growing pile of trash under his bed is awakened one night as the garbage transforms and mutates into a greedy, disgusting monster, devouring everything in its path! Is it just a dream? The monster that feeds on “a mountainous salad of plastic and goo” is a hilarious example of what could happen if we don’t compost and recycle!

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

I Don’t Want to Be a Frog

Written by Dev Petty

Illustrated by Mike Boldt

New York: Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2015

$23.99 LIB 978-0-375-97334-5

$19.99 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-0-385-37866-6

28 pages, full-colour, 10 1/4″ x 10 1/4″

IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-2

Identity | Self-Acceptance | Frogs | Animals | Curiosity | Humour

Frogs are wet and slimy. Little frog wants to be something cute and warm. A cat or a rabbit perhaps? But when a hungry wolf tells little frog he eats all those animals, but not frogs, little frog decides that being himself may not be so bad. Young readers will identify with little frog’s humorous attempts to be something different!

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

In a Cloud of Dust

Written by Alma Fullerton

Illustrated by Brian Deines

Toronto: Pajama Press, 2015

$19.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-927485-62-0

32 pages, full-colour, 9 1/4″ x 10 1/4″

IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3

Tanzania | Africa | Bicycles | Rural Communities | Sharing | Compassion | Bicycle Donation

In a Tanzanian village school, Anna does her homework at lunch because it will be dark by the time she gets home. When the bicycle library truck comes by, Anna is late — all the bikes are gone. She hides her disappointment, however, and cheers on her friends as they learn to ride. But her kindhearted classmates find a way to share so they can all get home.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

Little Miss, Big Sis

Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2015

$21.99 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-0-06-230203-8

$11.99 EB 978-0-06-239993-9

40 pages, full-colour, 9 3/8″ x 9 3/8″

IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3

Siblings | Babies | Family | Love

In the perfect follow-up to Plant a Kiss, Little Miss learns her mother is going to have a baby! She and her family celebrate the momentous arrival of a new baby and Little Miss experiences all the wonders of becoming a big sis — from drool wiping and cuddling to chasing, sharing and playing!

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

Peace is an Offering

Written by Annette LeBox

Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015

$18.99 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-0-8037-4091-4

34 pages, full-colour, 7 1/4″ x 9 1/4″

IL: Ages 3-5 RL: Grades 1-2

Peace | Friendship | Community | Mindfulness | Caring

A lyrical, comforting poem, with tender illustrations, about finding peace in a myriad of ways. Join this group of neighbourhood children as they find love in everyday things — in sunlight shining through the leaves and cookies shared with friends — and learn that peace is all around, even in tragedy, if you just look for it.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

Sidewalk Flowers

Storyline by JonArno Lawson

Illustrated by Sydney Smith

Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2015

$16.95 HC 978-1-55498-431-2

$14.95 EB 978-1-55498-432-9

28 pages, full-colour, 9″ x 9″

IL: Ages 5-8 RL: —

Family | Nature | Urban Landscapes | Kindness | Generosity

In this wordless picture book, a little girl collects wildflowers while walking with her distracted father who spends much of the time on his cell phone. Each flower she picks becomes a gift — for a dead bird, a man sleeping on a bench, a dog — and whether the gift is acknowledged or ignored, both giver and recipient are transformed by their encounter.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

Sometimes We Think You Are a Monkey

Written by Johanna Skibsrud and Sarah Blacker

Illustrated by Julie Morstad

Toronto: Puffin Canada, 2015

$19.99 BD 978-0-670-06712-1

$10.99 EB 978-0-14-319441-5

32 pages, full-colour, 10 1/4″ x 8 1/4″

IL: Ages 1-4 RL: Grades 1-2

Babies | Animals | Love

Your little arms and legs move just like you are a baby monkey climbing a tree. But you are not a monkey. Your nose twitches and your mouth moves as though you are a bunny sniffing the garden air. But you are not a bunny. Moving from animal to animal, this charming story for the very youngest bibliophiles leads to a sweet surprise.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

Song for a Summer Night: A Lullaby

Written by Robert Heidbreder

Illustrated by Qin Leng

Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2015

$17.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-55498-493-0

$14.95 EB 978-1-55498-494-7

32 pages, full-colour, 9 3/4″ x 9″

IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-2

Summer | Night | Animals | Curiosity | Natural World | Verse

As night falls on a soft summer evening, neighbourhood children are drawn out of their houses by the sights and sounds of the world after dark. First the fireflies come sparkling past, followed by raccoons, skunks, cats and owls. A sweet interplay between our everyday domestic world and one that is just a little bit wilder.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

This Is Sadie

Written by Sara O’Leary

Illustrated by Julie Morstad

Toronto: Tundra Books, 2015

$19.99 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-77049-532-6

32 pages, full-colour, 7″ x 10″

IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3

Imagination | Whimsy | Stories | Make-Believe

Sadie has a big imagination. She has had adventures in wonderland and visited the world of fairy tales. She whispers to her dresses and talks to birds in the treetops. She has wings that take her anywhere and always bring her home again. She likes to make things, but, more than anything, Sadie likes stories, because you can make them from nothing at all.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

Where Are My Books?

Written and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2015

$19.99 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-4424-6741-5

$14.99 EB 978-1-4424-6742-2

32 pages, full-colour, 10 1/4″ x 10 1/4″

IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3

Books | Love of Reading | Mystery | Squirrels | Creative Thinking | Humour

Spencer loves to read. But one morning, his favourite book goes missing, and in its place is a tulip. Spencer searches everywhere, but he can’t find his book. The next morning, another book is missing, a bolt in its place. What is happening to Spencer’s books? When he finds out, Spencer devises a surprising solution that will delight readers (and librarians) everywhere.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

You and Me

Written by Susan Verde

Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2015

$16.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-4197-1197-8

32 pages, full-colour, 8 1/4″ x 8 1/4″

IL: Ages 3-8 RL: Grades 2-3

Friendship | Best Friends | Fate | Verse | Serendipity

A cat muses about the what-ifs in life: What if he’d slept late that one special morning? What if he hadn’t missed his train on that fateful day? Then he might never have met his favourite person in the world! It must have been “serendipity, perfect timing, all the stars aligning!” A loving ode to how fate brought two friends together.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

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Beginning Readers & Early Chapter Books

Jasper John Dooley: You’re in Trouble

(Jasper John Dooley, Book 4)

Written by Caroline Adderson

Illustrated by Ben Clanton

Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2015

$16.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-55453-808-9

$5.99 EB 978-1-77138-422-3

122 pages, b&w, 5 1/2″ x 7 1/4″

IL: Ages 7-10 RL: Grades 2-3

Family | Humour | Mischief | Individuality | Imagination

After soccer practice, Jasper accidentally chooses the wrong drink from the vending machine. It’s fizzy and syrupy and tastes so good, but Jasper knows it’s so Bad. All week, Jasper can’t stop himself from stealing sips of the Bad drink and doing more and more Bad things. Will Jasper’s secret drink be discovered? Will he be Bad for the rest of his life?

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

Princess Pistachio and the Pest

Written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay

Translated by Jacob Homel

Toronto: Pajama Press, 2015

$12.95 HC 978-1-927485-73-6

44 pages, full-colour, 5 3/4″ x 8 1/2″

IL: Ages 5-8 RL: Grades 1-2

Siblings | Responsibility | Adventure | Imagination

Pistachio Shoelace had big plans for the first day of summer, but instead she is stuck with taking her baby sister, Penny, to the park. However, between witches, wardens and watermelon thefts, Pistachio’s day keeping Penny out of trouble turns into quite the adventure! This title is also available in French as Les malheurs de princesse Pistache.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

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Junior & Intermediate Fiction

The Case of the Missing Moonstone

(The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency, Book 1)

Written by Jordan Stratford

Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

New York: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2015

$23.99 LIB 978-0-385-75441-5

$19.99 HC (jacket) 978-0-385-75440-8

$11.99 EB 978-0-385-75442-2

219 pages, b&w, 5 1/2″ x 8″

IL: Ages 8-11 RL: Grades 4-5

Historical Fiction | Mystery | Science | Adventure | Friendship | Intrigue

Lady Ada Byron, 11, is an awkward, mildly rude genius. Mary Godwin, 14, is an adventurous, kind romantic. Together they form the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency — a secret constabulary for the apprehension of clever criminals. Their first case involves a stolen heirloom, a false confession and an array of fishy suspects. But it’s no match for the deductive powers and bold hearts of Ada and Mary.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

Fight for the Future

(MetaWars, Book 1)

Written by Jeff Norton

London, UK: Orchard Books, 2015

$10.99 PB 978-1-40831-459-3

$6.99 EB 978-1-40831-654-2

370 pages, 5 1/8″ x 7 3/4″

IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 5-6

Virtual Reality | Dystopia | Adventure | Science Fiction | Fantasy

In an unforgiving future, Jonah Delacroix lives most of his life inside the Metasphere, a global virtual world where everyone is represented by an avatar. When he discovers the avatar of his dead father and assumes his online identity, a series of events are unleashed that compel Jonah to take sides in a brutal real-world battle between the Millennials and the Guardians to control the Metasphere.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

The Incredible Space Raiders from Space!

Written by Wesley King

New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2015

$17.99 HC (jacket) 978-1-4814-2319-9

$11.99 EB 978-1-4814-2321-2

293 pages, 5 3/4″ x 8 1/2″

IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grades 3-4

Fantasy | Science Fiction | Action | Adventure | Outer Space | Mystery

Jonah finds himself on a spaceship — the Fantastic Flying Squirrel — joined to the ranks of the Incredible Space Raiders, a crew of kids with one mission: to venture into the Dark Zone and save the universe from the Entirely Evil Things! But Space Raiders are disappearing, and Jonah realizes that to get to the Dark Zone alive, he must figure out what’s going on.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

Something Wiki

Written by Suzanne Sutherland

Toronto: Dundurn, 2015

$12.99 PB 978-1-4597-2821-9

$8.99 EB 978-1-4597-2823-3

156 pages, 5″ x 8″

IL: Ages 9-14 RL: Grades 5-6

Family | Friendship | Coming of Age | Loyalty | Identity

Twelve-year-old Jo Waller has one deep, dark secret: she edits Wikipedia for fun. When her 24-year-old brother moves back home with his pregnant girlfriend, Jo’s whole world is thrown into chaos. Faced with impending aunt-hood, major friendship turbulence, an unrequited crush and a bad haircut, it’s looking like Jo will be lucky to make it out of the year alive.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

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Middle Years Fiction (Hi-Lo)

Rock the Boat

(Orca Limelights)

Written by Sigmund Brouwer

Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2015

$9.95 PB 978-1-4598-0455-5

$9.95 EB 978-1-4598-0457-9

119 pages, 4 3/4″ x 7 1/4″

IL: Ages 11-14 RL: Grades 5-6

Music Industry | Friendship | Scams | Justice | Resolve | Character

Webb believes that if you want to reach your dreams, you have to live life loud and have no regrets. But when a shady music producer steals one of his songs, Webb learns how hard it is for a kid alone in Nashville to get justice. With the help of an unlikely ally, Webb finds that he has what it takes to succeed: talent, determination and good friends.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

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Young Adult Fiction

Blank

Written by Trina St. Jean

Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2015

$12.95 PB 978-1-4598-0807-2

$12.95 EB 978-1-4598-0809-6

301 pages, 5 1/2″ x 8 1/4″

IL: Ages 12-15 RL: Grades 7-8

Amnesia | Memories | Identity | Emotions | Friendship

Jessica doesn’t remember anything about the accident that put her in a coma. She doesn’t recognize her family and friends. Her moods range from confusion and sadness, to fear and rage. Returning to school is a nightmare. When a new friend presents an alternative to staying in her old life, Jessica must confront the reality of what it means to leave her past behind.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

A Book of Spirits and Thieves

Written by Morgan Rhodes

New York: Razorbill, 2015

$24.99 HC (jacket) 978-1-59514-759-2

$12.99 EB 978-0-69-814814-7

359 pages, 6 1/4″ x 9 1/4″

IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8

Fantasy | Magic | Siblings | Secrets | Mystery

Toronto teens Crystal and Becca are working at their mother’s book shop, The Speckled Muse, when a package arrives. Inside is a mysterious leather-bound book, and, when Becca tries to read it, she triggers an ancient magic — her spirit is sent to an ancient world and she falls into a coma. Crys vows to save her… but from what? Nothing has prepared them for what’s in store.

Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers

Delusion Road

Written by Don Aker

Toronto: HarperTrophy Canada, 2015

$15.99 PB 978-1-44342-416-5

$11.99 EB 978-1-44342-418-9

399 pages, 5 1/2″ x 8 1/4″

IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grades 9-10

Thriller | Bullying | High School | Family | Social Justice | Murder | Violence Against Women

Willa Jaffrey is beautiful, rich, dating the perfect guy and determined to have a fabulous senior year. Enter Keegan Fraser, a handsome new student who wants no part of the games everyone plays at Willa’s school. Despite a rocky start, Keegan and Willa become close, even as Willa’s carefully constructed universe begins to fall apart. Keegan’s past holds dark secrets — and they’re catching up to him.

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Empire of Night

(Age of Legends, Book 2)

Written by Kelley Armstrong

Toronto: Doubleday Canada, 2015

$19.99 HC (jacket) 978-0-385-67201-6

$10.99 EB 978-0-385-67202-3

424 pages, 5 3/4″ x 8 1/2″

IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8

Fantasy | Romance | Adventure | Siblings | Magic

Moria and Ashyn were the Keeper and Seeker of Edgewood. Now, they are all but prisoners in court, hoping the Emperor will decide to help the children of Edgewood, hostages of the treacherous Alvar Kitsune. Finally, the Emperor sends the girls on a mission to rescue the children — accompanied by Prince Tyrus — and the journey proves more perilous than any of them could have imagined.

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Mad Miss Mimic

Written by Sarah Henstra

Toronto: Razorbill Canada, 2015

$16.00 PB 978-0-14-319236-7

$10.99 EB 978-0-14-319238-1

259 pages, 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″

IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8

Victorian Era | Mystery | London, England | Romance | Sexual Awakening | Intrigue | Voices

It’s London, 1872, and 17-year-old heiress Leonora (Leo) Somerville is plagued by an unrelenting stutter that vanishes only when she imitates other people’s voices. Courted by handsome Francis Thornfax, she can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. The Black Glove opium gang is bombing London, and Leo suspects that Mr. Thornfax, her brother-in-law, and his assistant Tom are involved. Leo investigates, only to discover the one thing she most desperately desires: her voice.

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Say You Will

Written by Eric Walters

Toronto: Doubleday Canada, 2015

$14.95 PB 978-0-385-68478-1

$9.99 EB 978-0-385-68479-8

184 pages, 5 1/2″ x 8 1/4″

IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8

High School | Fitting In | Prom | Friendship | Social Relationships | Humour

Sam is not exactly a regular guy: his IQ is stratospheric, his social skills are low, and his dating history? Well, there is no history. But Sam is determined to finally fit in and find a prom date! Promposals are sweeping Sam’s school, and Sam thinks he has what he needs to ask a special girl to the prom — and an unforgettable way to do it.

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The Truth Commission

Written by Susan Juby

Toronto: Razorbill Canada, 2015

$21.00 HC (jacket) 978-0-670-06759-6

$10.99 EB 978-0-14-319445-3

309 pages, 5 5/8″ x 8 1/2″

IL: Ages 13 and up RL: Grades 7-8

Family | Friendship | Truth | Secrets | Humour | Self-Discovery | Coming of Age

Open secrets are the heart of gossip — the things that no one is brave or clueless enough to ask. Except for Normandy Pale and her friends Dusk and Neil, juniors at Green Pastures Academy of Art and Applied Design — they are the Truth Commission. But Normandy’s passion for uncovering the truth is not entirely heartfelt. Even for a Truth Commissioner, there are some lines that cannot be crossed.

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We Are All Made of Molecules

Written by Susin Nielsen

Toronto: Tundra Books, 2015

$19.99 HC (jacket) 978-1-77049-779-5

$10.99 EB 978-1-77049-781-8

248 pages, 5 5/8″ x 8 1/2″

IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8

High School | Blended Families | Bullying | Fitting In | Humour | Homosexuality | Acceptance

Thirteen-year-old Stewart is academically brilliant but socially “ungifted.” Fourteen-year-old Ashley is the “It” girl of Grade 9, but her marks stink. When Stewart and his dad move in with Ashley and her mom, their worlds collide. They are complete opposites. And yet, no matter their differences, they share one thing in common: they — like the rest of us — are all made of molecules.

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Teen Fiction (Hi-Lo)

Off the Rim

(Orca Sports)

Written by Sonya Spreen Bates

Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2015

$9.95 PB 978-1-4598-0888-1

$9.95 EB 978-1-4598-0890-4

157 pages, 4 1/4″ x 7″

IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 3-4

Basketball | Sports | Cyber Bullying | Mystery

Dylan’s wish comes true when he makes the starting lineup for the first game of the playoffs. But just when he should be focusing on basketball, Dylan and his girlfriend Jenna are nearly run off the road. Then Jenna starts receiving cyber threats telling her to “keep quiet.” Jenna isn’t sure what she knows, but together they have to figure it out fast.

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Folktales, Legends & Myths

The Dreaded Ogress of the Tundra

Gathered and retold by Neil Christopher

Illustrated by Larry MacDougall

Iqaluit: Inhabit Media, 2015

$16.95 HC 978-1-927095-79-9

54 pages, full-colour, 8 3/4″ x 8 3/4″

IL: Ages 7-10 RL: Grades 2-4

Inuit Mythology | Legends | Arctic | Storytelling | Monsters

This spine-tingling book introduces young readers to the amautalik — the dreaded ogress of the tundra, a creature who carries away children on her back. This revised and expanded edition, originally published as Stories of the Amautalik, includes two hair-raising tales that bring this creature to life in wonderfully creepy detail! New illustrations and additional content make this a must-have for young readers intrigued with the dark and dreaded beings of Inuit mythology!

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Health & Wellness

Foodprints: The Story of What We Eat

Written by Paula Ayer

Toronto: Annick Press, 2015

$26.95 HC 978-1-55451-719-0

$16.95 PB 978-1-55451-718-3

206 pages, full-colour, 6 1/2″ x 9″

IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 5-6

Food | Nutrition | Health | Environment

What do you think of when you think about food? Society’s obsession with food means we are constantly bombarded with messages about what and what not to eat. This entertaining and highly informative book provides the big picture about food — its history, science, marketing, economics, production and more. An indispensable guide for savvy teens to separate food myths from reality.

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History, Geography & Culture

The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle

(CitizenKid)

Written by Jude Isabella

Illustrated by Simone Shin

Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2015

$19.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-77138-023-2

$18.99 EB 978-1-77138-444-5

32 pages, full-colour, 9 1/4″ x 12 1/4″

IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grade 4

Bicycles | Global Awareness | Burkina Faso | Sharing | Generosity | Transportation

This is the story of how one ordinary bicycle — and a child’s desire to make a difference — can change lives across the world. When Leo outgrows his beloved bicycle, he donates it to an organization that sends bikes to faraway countries. In Burkina Faso, Leo’s bicycle helps a girl haul goods to market and then becomes a makeshift ambulance — proving that an ordinary bicycle can be truly extraordinary!

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Science

Be a Beach Detective: Solving the Mysteries of Seas, Sands, and Surf

Written and illustrated by Peggy Kochanoff

Halifax: Nimbus Publishing, 2015

$14.95 PB 978-1-77108-267-9

48 pages, full-colour, 8″ x 8 3/4″

IL: Ages 4-10 RL: Grades 2-3

Sea Life | Seashore Biology | Natural World | Beaches

Can anything eat prickly sea urchins? Can dead jellyfish still sting you? Why does water squirt up when you walk along the beach? Biologist and artist Peggy Kochanoff answers these and many more questions in this illustrated guide to solving beach mysteries. An entertaining and enlightening look at life by the ocean, perfect for beachcombers of any age.

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Head Lice

(Disgusting Critters)

Written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

Toronto: Tundra Books, 2015

$12.99 HC 978-1-77049-661-3

32 pages, full-colour, 6 1/4″ x 8 1/2″

IL: Ages 6-9 RL: Grades 2-3

Head Lice | Humour | Insects

Head lice — they are very tiny and they are disgusting! This amusing and informative text investigates everything about head lice, including habitats (human heads only, dogs are gross); anatomy (their bodies are slightly see-through, so they can always see what they ate for lunch) and how they move (swinging from hair to hair like mini-Tarzans)! Factual and fun, this title is also available in French as Le pou.

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Power Up! A Visual Exploration of Energy

Written by Shaker Paleja

Illustrated by Glenda Tse

Toronto: Annick Press, 2015

$24.95 LIB 978-1-55451-727-5

$12.95 PB 978-1-55451-726-8

52 pages, full-colour, 8 1/2″ x 11″

IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-5

Energy | Renewable Energy | Fossil Fuels | Energy Conservation

It’s impossible to imagine our lives without energy, but how often do we think about where it comes from? This infographic approach makes learning about energy accessible and fun. Each bright, dynamic spread illustrates cool facts about energy use with colourful charts, diagrams and maps. Readers will learn about the global implications of energy use and how energy affects their own lives, every day!

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The Queen’s Shadow: A Story About How Animals See

Written and illustrated by Cybèle Young

Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2015

$18.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-894786-60-7

$19.99 EB 978-1-77138-439-1

40 pages, full-colour, 11 1/4″ x 9 1/4″

IL: Ages 5-11 RL: Grades 3-4

Animals | Eyesight | Visual Perception | Mystery | Human Eye

During the royal revelry of the Queen’s Ball, an audacious crime has been committed — the Queen’s shadow has been stolen! Mantis Shrimp, the Royal Detective, questions the guests, including Sir Chameleon, Captain Shark, Lancehead Snake, Dragonfly, Colossal Squid and Dr. Pigeon. Each explains its own version of events based on its unique eyesight, while the detailed artwork illustrates the ballroom as viewed by that animal.

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The Spider

(Disgusting Critters)

Written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

Toronto: Tundra Books, 2015

$12.99 HC 978-1-77049-664-4

32 pages, full-colour, 6 1/4″ x 8 1/2″

IL: Ages 6-9 RL: Grades 2-3

Spiders | Humour

As part of a series about disgusting creatures, this book examines the spider. It covers such topics as the spider’s habitats (everywhere but outer space), the silk it spins (it can trap prey and makes a nifty bowtie) and its parenting practices (female spiders carry their eggs in a silk purse). This humorous text will catch young readers in its web! This title is also available in French as L’araignée.

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Trash Talk: Moving Toward a Zero-Waste World

(Orca Footprints)

Written by Michelle Mulder

Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2015

$19.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-4598-0692-4

$19.95 EB 978-1-4598-0694-8

48 pages, full-colour, 8 3/8″ x 9 3/4″

IL: Ages 8-13 RL: Grades 4-5

Garbage | Waste | Recycling | Reusing | Environmentalism | Creative Thinking | Global Community

Humans have always generated garbage. Our landfills are overflowing, but with some creative thinking, stuff we once threw away can become a collection of valuable resources. This fascinating text digs deep into the history of garbage, from Minoan trash pits to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and uncovers some of the many innovative ways people all over the world are dealing with waste.

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Magazine

OWL

Toronto: Owlkids

www.owlkids.com/OWL

$5.25/issue

$34.95 one-year subscription (10 issues)

ISSN 0382-6627

IL: Ages 9-13

Science | Technology | Pop Culture | Natural World | Activities

Emphasizing science, technology, engineering, art and math, this is an informative and inspiring magazine for preteens, promoting hands-on building and fostering imagination. Every issue includes regular instalments of “Max Finder Mystery” and “Alex and Charlie” comics, The Weird Zone and Curious Connections. Also included are thought-provoking puzzles, quizzes and activities as well as the latest in books, movies, tech and video games!

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Fall Edition of Best Books for Kids & Teens 2015 — Your guide for the holidays!

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre Presents the Fall Edition of Best Books for Kids & Teens 2015

TorontoNovember 23, 2015 – The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is excited to announce the release of the Fall 2015 edition of Best Books for Kids & Teens, the CCBC’s semi-annual selection guide to the best Canadian books for children and young adults. This highly-regarded publication makes an excellent book-buying guide for the holidays—it features 205 of the best titles from the last publishing season, for readers from toddler to teen.

All of the titles in Best Books for Kids & Teens have been handpicked by expert committees of educators, booksellers, and school and public librarians from across Canada. The selected materials include picture books, junior/intermediate fiction, graphic novels, and powerful teen fiction, in addition to a wide array of non-fiction, magazines and audio/video resources.

Best Books for Kids & Teens is a wonderful resource for parents and educators looking for great Canadian children’s books. CCBC members will receive this issue as part of their membership package, as well subscribers to Canadian Children’s Book News.

Best Books for Kids & Teens can be purchased at select bookstores or online at www.bookcentre.ca. From now until December 15, the Fall 2015 issue can be purchased online for only $4.00.

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1976. We are dedicated to encouraging, promoting and supporting the reading, writing, illustrating and publishing of Canadian books for young readers. Our programs, publications, and resources help teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents select the very best for young readers. For more information, visit www.bookcentre.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Camilia Kahrizi

Marketing and Website Coordinator

Canadian Children’s Book Centre

416 975-0010 ext. 221

camilia@bookcentre.ca

CCBC Contest: Enter to Win 21 Books!

To celebrate the inaugural Amy Mathers Teen Book Award, which will be awarded for the first time on November 18 (click here to see the nominees), we are giving away 21 teen books to one lucky entrant. The contest will run from Tuesday, November 17 until Thursday, November 19 at midnight. The winning book will also be included in the prize. The contest is open to Canadian residents only.

The contest is now closed and the winner has been notified. Thank you to everyone who participated.

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Writers’ Trust Announces $50,000 Fellowship

The Writers’ Trust of Canada announced today a new, three-year program to award $150,000 to Canadian writers in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary. Intended to free writers substantially from financial concerns and provide a window in which they can work with as much creative freedom as possible, the Writers’ Trust Fellowship will annually award one writer $50,000. Three Fellows will be named over three years, concluding in Canada’s sesquicentennial. The inaugural Fellow will be announced at this year’s Writers’ Trust Gala at The Ritz-Carlton in Toronto on November 25.

Created to identify and support the leading Canadian writers of their generation, this unrestricted Fellowship will be awarded to a writer who has demonstrated exceptional creative ability and outstanding promise in their publications to date. It is envisioned that the Fellowship will draw attention to a writer’s past work while stimulating interest in their future endeavours.

The Writers’ Trust Fellow is invited to attend a one-week, self-directed residency at the Leighton Artists’ Colony at The Banff Centre.

“The Writers’ Trust is committed to supporting Canada’s writers throughout their careers, rewarding both individual works and overall promise,” said Mary Osborne, executive director of the Writers’ Trust of Canada. “With the Writers’ Trust Fellowship we are proud to marry that support of Canada’s writers with a celebration of Canada itself, awarding $150,000 to writers in recognition of Canada’s 150th birthday.”

Fellows are selected through a two-tier adjudication process involving recommendations from a panel of Canadian literature experts and a final selection committee. Jurors and the selection committee are guaranteed anonymity. Beginning in 2016, the Writers’ Trust will accept nominations for the Fellowship. Nomination forms will be available at that time.

More information about the Writers’ Trust Fellowship.

About the Writers’ Trust Fellowship

The Fellowship is part of a three-year plan initiated by the Writers’ Trust to award $150,000 to Canadian writers to commemorate Canada’s 150th anniversary. Writers working in the categories of fiction, literary nonfiction, poetry, or literature for young people, and at any stage of their careers, are considered. The Fellowship will be awarded to a writer who has demonstrated exceptional creative ability by producing an outstanding body of literary work and displayed the promise to add to that work. Writers are considered without regard to whether or not they have been or are likely to be recipients of other literary honours or achieve commercial success.

About the Writers’ Trust

The Writers’ Trust of Canada is a charitable organization that seeks to advance, nurture, and celebrate Canadian writers and writing through a portfolio of programs that includes literary awards, financial grants, scholarships, and a writers’ retreat. Writers’ Trust programming is designed to champion excellence in Canadian writing, to improve the status of writers, and to create connections between writers and readers. Canada’s writers receive more financial support from the Writers’ Trust than from any other non-governmental organization or foundation in the country.

For more information and interview opportunities, contact:

Becky Toyne, 416-871-0502

bt@beckytoyne.com

TD Grade One Book Giveaway Program

Since 2000, the Canadian Children’s Book Centre has given every Grade One child in Canada a free Canadian children’s picture book through our TD Grade One Book Giveaway Program. This year, despite having tried to accommodate the York Region District School Board—one of the biggest school boards in the country—by removing the TD Bank logo from the front cover, they have once again prevented the book from being distributed to the 10,000 Grade One students in their region.

Below are two articles published about the situation today:

Toronto Star: York Region public schools ban free books over corporate logo

YorkRegion.com: York Region District School Board turns down free books citing policy

If you have any questions about the TD Grade One Book Giveaway, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@bookcentre.ca.