10/24/2023

The 2023 CCBC Book Awards: Weird Rules to Follow by Debut Author Kim Spencer Takes Home Three Prizes

CCBC News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Toronto (October 23, 2023) —The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is excited to announce the winners of its seven English‐language children’s book awards. Awarded tonight at One King West Hotel & Residence and hosted by Wali Shah, Weird Rules to Follow by first-time author Kim Spencer pulled off a hat-trick and took home all three of the prizes it was nominated for, including the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award of $50,000—the largest cash prize in Canadian children’s literature. Published by Orca Book Publishers, Spencer also won the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, as well as the Jean Little First-Novel Award.

As the winning publisher of the TD Canadian Children’s Literature, Orca Book Publishers will receive $2,500 for promotional purposes. An additional $10,000 will be shared among the four remaining finalists for this prize.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction. The multi-nominated title, The Witness Blanket: Truth, Art and Reconciliation, written by Carey Newman and Kirstie Hudson, took home the honour. Other winners include acclaimed author-illustrator Matthew Forsythe, as well as debut novelists Zoulfa Katouh and Deborah Falaye.

Seven prizes in total were awarded earlier tonight:

Weird Rules to Follow, written by Kim Spencer (Orca Book Publishers), won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award ($50,000)
Mina, written and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe (Simon & Schuster Canada), won the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award ($20,000)
The Witness Blanket: Truth, Art and Reconciliation, written by Carey Newman and Kirstie Hudson (Orca Book Publishers), won the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non‐Fiction ($10,000)
Weird Rules to Follow, written by Kim Spencer (Orca Book Publishers), won the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People ($5,000)
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, written by Zoulfa Katouh (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), won the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award ($5,000)
Weird Rules to Follow, written by Kim Spencer (Orca Book Publishers), won the Jean Little First-Novel Award ($5,000)
Blood Scion, written by Deborah Falaye (HarperTeen), won the Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy ($5,000)

“We extend our wholehearted congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2023 CCBC Book Awards,” says Urve Tamberg, President of the CCBC’s Board of Directors. “From a breathtaking book set amid the Syrian revolution to a stunning novel that transports readers to the coastal fishing town of Prince Rupert in the 1980s, the remarkable titles awarded tonight highlight the rich tapestry and unique voices of creators across this country. Access to high-quality Canadian children’s books has never been more important. We’re proud to showcase how this year’s titles introduce young readers to new places and perspectives. A common thread in these shortlisted books is the theme of connection. Whether it’s the relatable relationship between a whip-smart mouse and her eccentric father, a 15-year-old Scion working with her friends to fight injustice, or an invitation to reflect on hundreds of objects connected to every residential school in Canada, these books all provide young readers a glimpse into compelling characters and divergent stories that will expand their view of the world, as well as their imaginations.”

"Congratulations to the winners and finalists of this year's TD Canadian Children's Literature Award," says Robyn Small, Senior Manager, Philanthropy, Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group. "We're excited to celebrate the impact of the remarkable authors and illustrators who deliver diverse and inclusive messages that reach children across Canada. Through the TD Ready Commitment, we're proud to support the CCBC and its efforts to help set children up for early success by providing opportunities to improve their literacy skills and build a love of reading."

In total, $112,500 in prize monies was awarded tonight, and an additional $62,500 will be awarded on November 6 when the Prix TD de littérature canadienne pour l’enfance et la jeunesse is announced. Facilitated by our sister organization, Communication-Jeunesse, the shortlist for the Prix TD was announced on October 18.

“We are especially thankful to the supporters of these awards—TD Bank Group, A. Charles Baillie, the Fleck Family Foundation and Elly Barlin-Daniels—for helping us elevate Canadian books and their creators,” says Tamberg. “We are also grateful to tonight’s event supporters, including Power Corporation of Canada, the Council for Canadian American Relations, Brainspace Magazine, Tinlids and Kathleen McEntyre.

Below is the full list of prizes presented, with comments from the jurors. For a complete list of the shortlisted titles, click here. Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists!

For more information, please contact:

Tara Mandarano
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre
416-975-0010 ext. 2
tara@bookcentre.ca

TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award ($50,000)
Supported by TD Bank Group

Weird Rules to Follow
Written by Kim Spencer (Vancouver, BC)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 10–14

“This beautiful and touching story about culture and class is full of sincerity and heart, following young Mia Douglas as she navigates the big feelings and relational obstacles amplified by adolescence. Though a fictional story, at its heart, Mia’s story feels more like a memoir than make-believe… Themes of class and internalized racism are seamlessly woven into this narrative… It’s impossible not to fall in love with the main character as you follow her through the labyrinth of the pre-teen years… Mia finds her way, but has to learn a few very hard truths about culture and class.”

TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award honour books include:

Berani, written by Michelle Kadarusman (Pajama Press)
Kunoichi Bunny, written by Sara Cassidy, illustrated by Brady Sato (Orca Book Publishers)
Sitting Shiva, written by Erin Silver, illustrated by Michelle Theodore (Orca Book Publishers)
The Witness Blanket: Truth, Art and Reconciliation, written by Carey Newman and Kirstie Hudson (Orca Book Publishers)

JURY MEMBERS: Dr. Rob Bittner, children's and YA specialist; Nancy Cooper, author and First Nations Consultant, Ontario Library Service; Ray Fernandes, former Children/Youth Librarian; Program and Development Officer, Government of Nova Scotia; Beverley Graham, Documentation Technician, English Montreal School Board; Michelle Valdecantos, teacher-librarian, Vancouver School Board.

Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award ($20,000)
Supported by Charles A. Baillie

Mina
Written and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe (Montreal, QC)
Simon & Schuster Canada
for ages 4–8

“Forsythe's richly textured, vibrant illustrations offer young readers something new to discover on every reading, and his deadpan pairing of the text with his characters' often quietly panicked or sly facial expressions builds narrative tension as his audience anticipates what will happen at each page turn… Expertly crafted, Mina offers fully formed relatable characters, humour, suspense and a satisfying ending… This perfectly-paced tale of a bright young mouse and her hapless father will delight and surprise readers of all ages.”

JURY MEMBERS: Fatma Faraj, Junior School Teacher-Librarian, Branksome Hall; Ishta Mercurio, children’s author; Janis Nostbakken, children's media specialist.

Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction ($10,000)
Supported by the Fleck Family Foundation

The Witness Blanket: Truth, Art and Reconciliation
Written by Carey Newman (Victoria, BC) and Kirstie Hudson (Victoria, BC)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 9 and up

“The Witness Blanket is a living work of art—a collection of hundreds of objects connected to every residential school in Canada… A powerful book that is a must-read for all Canadians working towards truth and reconciliation… Through the text, photographs and artifacts shared, readers are reminded of the importance of ‘bearing witness’ and never forgetting the history of residential schools… The writing is gentle and expressive, and the photos are clear and bright, helping to fully illuminate the text… An important book to share with children as they come to understand residential schools and reconciliation.”

JURY MEMBERS: Rabia Khokhar, teacher, Toronto District School Board; Sandra O’Brien, former Editor, Canadian Children’s Book News, and former teacher; Colette Poitras, Indigenous Public Library Services Advisor, Government of Alberta.

Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People ($5,000)
Supported by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Bilson Endowment Fund

Weird Rules to Follow
Written by Kim Spencer (Vancouver, BC)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 10–14

“Authentic and honest storytelling that does not shy away from conversations about race, culture and class… Spencer has created a wonderful and heartfelt book… Mia, a young Indigenous girl, realizes that not every child is expected to follow the same rules… As an Indigenous person growing up in a First Nation community but going to school in a non-First Nation community, Spencer captures that reality of learning the rules of two extremely contrasting worlds… Subtle, poignant and reflective, this book takes a look back in order to reveal more about the present we are living in.”

JURY MEMBERS: Patricia Knockwood, Library Director, Sackville Public Library, New Brunswick Public Library Service; Spencer Miller, teacher and Digital Media Coordinator, Bibliovideo; Tamara Opar, Youth Services Head Librarian, Children and Teen Services, Winnipeg Public Library; Gail de Vos (chair), author, storyteller and Adjunct (Associate) Professor, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta.

Amy Mathers Teen Book Award ($5,000)
Supported by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
Written by Zoulfa Katouh (Zürich, Switzerland)
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
for ages 14 and up

“Katouh has written a piece of fine literature that shows how hope shines through grief and fear even in the unforgiving midst of civil war… Beautifully written, you feel the ache of Salama as she yearns for her country, while risking her life as death and destruction rain down in an unending nightmare from which she can’t escape… Love and hope, beauty and courage are also to be found in this heartbreakingly beautiful book… That As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is so searingly beautiful and somberly distressing at the same time is a marvel.”

JURY MEMBERS: Lisa Doucet, Co-Manager, Woozles Children's Bookstore and Young Readers Editor, Atlantic Books Today; Petra Faddoul, Community Services Librarian, Wetaskiwin Public Library; Joel A. Sutherland, Silver Birch Award-winning author and Manager of Client Experience, Pickering Public Library.

Jean Little First-Novel Award ($5,000)
Supported by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre

Weird Rules to Follow
Written by Kim Spencer (Vancouver, BC)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 10–14

“Kim Spencer is an exciting new voice in middle-grade fiction… Mia’s direct, open voice speaks of the vulnerability and hilarity of pre-teen growth; at the same time, this series of beautifully understated vignettes, set in the 1980s, gives a richly layered, nuanced view of family affection, activities and culture within one of BC’s Indigenous coastal communities. This is a work of remarkable subtlety and depth, both for its specific portrayal of place, culture and era, and for its moving depiction of the ecstasy and pain of adolescent growth.”

JURY MEMBERS: Deirdre Baker, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto, Toronto Star children’s books reviewer, and author; Sarah Ellis, author; Michelle Kadarusman, author.

Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy ($5,000)
Supported by Elly Barlin Daniels

Blood Scion
Written by Deborach Falaye (Mississauga, ON)
HarperTeen
for ages 15 and up

"Blood Scion immerses the reader in a cinematically-described world of magic, secrets and control… Told through the eyes of 15-year-old Sloane, this brutal, action-packed, emotional read explores the high cost of colonization, genocide, slavery, and themes of identity and belonging… Falaye’s heroine is complex, flawed and relentless despite the challenges she faces as a scion in her world… Excellent world building and strong character relationships combine to create a memorable and engaging story that will have readers eager to read the second book.”

JURY MEMBERS: Michael Johnstone, author, reviewer and lecturer, Department of English, University of Toronto; Rachel Seigel, author, reviewer and Team Lead – Selections, Library Services Centre; Tara Truscott, teacher-librarian, York Region District School Board.

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 bookcentre.ca.

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