The 2024 CCBC Book Awards Celebrate Excellence in Literature for Young People—and the CCBC Adds a New Non-Fiction Prize to Their 2025 Awards Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Toronto (October 28, 2024)—The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is excited to announce the winners of its eight English‐language children’s book awards. Earlier tonight in a ceremony hosted by TVO’s Ainara Alleyne at the Toronto Reference Library, these books and their creators, were recognized for outstanding literary achievement.
Tonight’s winners include:
- Skating Wild on an Inland Sea, written by Jean E. Pendziwol and illustrated by Todd Stewart, took home the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and $50,000—the largest cash prize in Canadian children’s literature. Groundwood Books, the winning publisher, will receive $2,500 for promotional purposes, and an additional $10,000 will be shared among the four remaining finalists for their contributions to Canadian children’s literature. The TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award celebrated its 20th anniversary this year.
- When You Can Swim, written and illustrated by Jack Wong (Orchard Books/Scholastic), won the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award ($20,000).
- Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold, written by Jessica Outram (Second Story Press), won the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People ($5,000).
- The Cricket War, written by Thọ Phạm and Sandra McTavish (Kids Can Press), won the Jean Little First-Novel Award ($5,000).
- Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the prize for the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award ($5,000) was bestowed upon author Abdi Nazemian for Only This Beautiful Moment (Balzer + Bray).
- Bonesmith, written by Nicki Pau Preto (Margaret K. McElderry Books), won the Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy ($5,000).
- Robot, Unicorn, Queen: Poems for You and Me, written by Shannon Bramer and illustrated by Irene Luxbacher (Groundwood Books), won the David Booth Children’s and Youth Poetry Award ($3,500).
- Presented for the first time this year as part of the CCBC awards program, the Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award ($2,500) went to Alone: The Journeys of Three Young Refugees, written by Paul Tom, illustrated by Mélanie Baillairgé, and translated by Arielle Aaronson (Groundwood Books).
We had an extraordinary night celebrating Canadian children’s literature at the 2024 CCBC Book Awards! I am honoured to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winners and the finalists,” says Stephanie Wells, CCBC Executive Director. “Tonight’s winning books represent a spectrum of childhood experiences, including courage and resilience, being surrounded by the wonders and beauty of the natural world, and reflections on the joy and poignancy of growing up. Woven throughout these books is hope for a brighter future and a recognition that with someone by your side, whether that is a pair of loyal dogs, a long-time foe, a stranger that steps up, family, or friends, none of us are alone. At a time when the world seems more and more divided, the books honoured tonight bring us closer together and remind us that we are more alike than different.”
"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. "At TD, we believe that investing in early literacy is investing in our local communities. That's why we support the CCBC and their efforts to recognize the storytellers that help inspire young minds through the joy of reading."
As part of this year’s ceremony, the CCBC was thrilled to announce the establishment of a new award—the Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction. Holly Doll took to the stage to launch the new $10,000 non-fiction prize and to share the legacy of her sister, Sharon Fitzhenry, former President & CEO of Fitzhenry & Whiteside. “Sharon had a passion for Canadian publishing, with a special place in her heart for both non-fiction and children’s literature,” says Holly Doll, CEO of Fitzhenry & Whiteside. “This award is the perfect way to keep her memory alive and to celebrate the books that she championed throughout her career.”
Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction, and the final year the prize was awarded. Considered one of Canada's most prestigious literary prizes, the award recognized and raised the profile of exceptional non-fiction for young readers. The CCBC paid tribute to the Fleck Award with a slideshow featuring the 25 winners throughout the years. “We are extremely grateful to the Fleck Family Foundation for their generous support of Canadian children’s book creators, publishers, young readers, and the CCBC over the last 25 years,” says Stephanie Wells, CCBC Executive Director. “The new Sharon Fitzhenry Award will ensure a strong future for the recognition and celebration of excellence in Canadian children’s non-fiction.”
In total, $108,500 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 16.
“We are especially thankful to the supporters of these awards—TD Bank Group, A. Charles Baillie, Elly Barlin-Daniels, Shelley Stagg Peterson, Rocky Mountain Book Award and Alice Chase—for helping us elevate Canadian books and their creators,” says Wells. “We are also grateful to tonight’s event supporters, including Power Corporation of Canada, the Jackman Foundation, Brainspace Magazine, Tinlids and Jugo Juice.
For those interested in purchasing the winning and shortlisted titles, visit the CCBC Book Awards page on Indie Bookstores. Not only will you be supporting the work of Canadian creators, but also your local independent bookseller.
Below is the full list of prizes presented, with comments from the jurors. To download a PDF of this press release, click here. For a complete list of the shortlisted titles, click here. Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists!
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Wells
Executive Director
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre
416 975-0010 ext. 1
stephanie@bookcentre.ca
TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award ($50,000)
Supported by TD Bank Group
Skating Wild on an Inland Sea
Written by Jean E. Pendziwol (Thunder Bay, ON)
Illustrated by Todd Stewart (Montreal, QC)
Groundwood Books
for ages 3-6
“The writing is lyrical and poetic, while the illustrations and colour choices are truly a work of art… The spare text, paired with blue-toned illustrations, beautifully captures the stark beauty and stillness of our Canadian landscape… As the reader looks down at the ice skate marks on the ice, their heart may soar with the feeling of lightness on a cold winter's day… Pendziwol’s lyrical text and Stewart’s striking illustrations turn a familiar Canadian activity into something inviting and magical… This richly illustrated picture book is sure to become an instant classic, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the serene and captivating nature of Canada. Each page turn reveals a new facet of the wilderness, making it a perfect addition to any collection.”
TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award honour books include:
- Do You Remember?, written and illustrated by Sydney Smith (Groundwood Books)
- Green Papayas, written by Nhung N. Tran-Davies, illustrated by Gillian Newland (Red Deer Press)
- Simon Sort of Says, written by Erin Bow (Scholastic Canada)
- The Umbrella House, written by Colleen Nelson (Pajama Press)
JURY MEMBERS: Fatma Faraj, Junior School Teacher-Librarian, Branksome Hall; Beverley Graham, Documentation Technician, English Montreal School Board; Jade Lee, elementary school teacher-librarian, Vancouver School Board; Chad Lucas, author; Colette Poitras, Indigenous Public Library Services Advisor, Government of Alberta.
Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award ($20,000)
Supported by Charles A. Baillie
When You Can Swim
Written and illustrated by Jack Wong (Halifax, NS)
Orchard Books/Scholastic
for ages 4-8
“This story, told in the second person voice, welcomes novice and experienced swimmers into the exhilarating universal experience of swimming in and on and all around oceans, lakes and pools… Lilting, lyrical text with a refrain echoed on each spread for kids to chant along with… Wong's pastel and watercolour illustrations invite the reader to share the hopes, ambitions, fears, and victories of a broad cast of characters as they experience the trepidation, challenge, and joy of learning to swim… A book that will inspire and empower again and again.”
JURY MEMBERS: Ishta Mercurio, children’s author; Janis Nostbakken, children's media specialist; Larry Swartz, Instructor, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto and author of The Picture Book Experience and Teaching Tough Topics (Pembroke Publishers).
Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People ($5,000)
Supported by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Bilson Endowment Fund
Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold
Written by Jessica Outram (Peterborough, ON)
Second Story Press
for ages 9-12
“An immersive story of an Indigenous girl seeking adventure and finding it close to home. This story shared the language and culture of the Métis in Georgian Bay in the early 1900s… Jessica Outram weaves a sincere story about a loving family who follow the teachings and traditions of their Métis ancestors… This story was tied to a place and left me thinking about history, place, and family... A shining treasure of a children’s novel.”
JURY MEMBERS: Spencer Miller, teacher and Digital Media Coordinator, Bibliovideo; Brandon Mitchell, author, illustrator and founder of Birch Bark Comics; Tamara Opar, Youth Services Head Librarian (retired), 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
Only This Beautiful Moment
Written by Abdi Nazemian (Los Angeles, CA)
Balzer + Bray
for ages 14 and up
“A deeply moving narrative that weaves together the lives of three generations of Iranian men, each grappling with their own struggles and identities… The prose is elegant and assured, the characters are multi-faceted and well-developed (believably flawed and very relatable) and the relationships are complex and realistic in this powerful and compelling story… With a touch of Iranian poetry, this novel captures the resilience and hope that leads the characters to solidarity… Only This Beautiful Moment spans 80 years, two countries and cultures, delivering a message of love, support, and acceptance.”
JURY MEMBERS: Lisa Doucet, Manager, Woozles and Young Readers Editor, Atlantic Books Today; Petra Faddoul, Youth Services Specialist, Strathcona County Library; Tara Truscott, teacher-librarian, York Region District School Board.
Jean Little First-Novel Award ($5,000)
Supported by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre
The Cricket War
Written by Thọ Phạm (Nepean, ON) and Sandra McTavish (Toronto, ON)
Kids Can Press
for ages 9-12
“This historical fiction novel, loosely based on the author's real-life experience, is touching and hopeful and shows us how courageous and resilient a 12-year-old boy must be to survive a harrowing journey from South Vietnam to Canada in the 1980s… Simply written, it uses the accumulation of specific details to build a convincing and authentic portrait of strength, resilience and hope without once falling into sentimentality. This moving narrative is certain to resonate with children who come to Canada as refugees and to all who know them.”
JURY MEMBERS: Sarah Ellis, book reviewer, writing teacher, author; Amy Mathers, reviewer and founder, Amy Mathers Teen Book Award; Sandra O'Brien, former Editor, Canadian Children’s Book News, and former teacher.
Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy ($5,000)
Supported by Elly Barlin Daniels
Bonesmith
(House of the Dead Duology, Book 1)
Written by Nicki Pau Preto (Bradford, ON)
Margaret K. McElderry Books
for ages 14 and up
“This dark and gritty fantasy will leave you feeling the bonedust between your fingers, and grease paint around your eyes. Readers are introduced to bonesmith Wren who is seeking redemption as she travels into forbidden territory to save the golden prince. The theme of betrayal that runs through Bonesmith, a story of undead ghoulishness and human duplicity, will have readers eagerly awaiting the second volume of this duology… Nicki Pau Preto creates a deep and grippy world that is perfect for YA readers looking for a darker shade of fantasy.”
JURY MEMBERS: Nancy Cooper, Indigenous children's author and educator; Dr. Dave Jenkinson, Editor, CM: Canadian Review of Materials and Professor Emeritus, Children’s & YA Literature, Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba; Ashley Pamenter, Manager, Programs, Girl Guides of Canada and Co-Chair, Red Maple and White Pine Steering Committees.
David Booth Children's and Youth Poetry Award ($3,500)
Supported by the Shelley Stagg Peterson
Robot, Unicorn, Queen: Poems for You and Me
Written by Shannon Bramer (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Irene Luxbacher (Toronto, ON)
Groundwood Books
for ages 6-9
“A whimsical journey through childlike wonder that is both satisfyingly literary and grounded in the real interior lives of children, whose ideas and imaginings are set alight by Irene Luxbacher’s breathtaking and dreamlike illustrations… The poems show a wondrous breadth of subject matter and are at once playful, somber, insightful, and delightful… A stunning and cohesive collection of children’s poetry and art.”
JURY MEMBERS: Khodi Dill, author, educator and spoken word artist; Theo Heras, children's author, children's librarian (retired), and children's literature advocate; Paula Jane Remlinger, children's writer, editor and poet.
Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award ($2,500)
Supported by Rocky Mountain Book Award and Alice Chase
Alone: The Journeys of Three Young Refugees
Written by Paul Tom (Montreal, QC)
Illustrated by Mélanie Baillairgé (Montreal, QC)
Translated by Arielle Aaronson (Montreal, QC)
Groundwood Books
for ages 9-12
“These compelling heart-rending stories, coupled with unique, intriguing, gripping illustrations challenge us to understand, and invite us to empathize with, the risks these young people have taken to follow their paths… The unique abstract illustrations by Mélanie Baillairgé perfectly complement the narrative…they evoke the loneliness, fear, sadness, and desperation Afshin, Alain and Patricia must have felt… Alone is not only a poignant retelling of the lives of three young people travelling to Canada alone, but also a challenge to each reader to ask themselves what it means to be a newcomer to Canada within our contemporary context… A powerful, stunningly beautiful read that will stay with you long after you finish the book.”
JURY MEMBERS: Michelle Dimnik, retired teacher, literacy consultant, and founding member, Rocky Mountain Book Award: An Alberta Children's Choice Book Award; Aaron Fitchett, Principal, Lethbridge School Division; Ruth McMahon, professional librarian, Lethbridge School Division.
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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