The Award Committees of the Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques are pleased to announce the shortlist for their 2011 Awards today. They are Canada’s largest national and broad-based library association, representing the interests of public, academic, school and special libraries, professional librarians and library workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of life of Canadians through information and literacy.
2011 Book of the Year For Children Award Shortlist
This notable award recognizes a Canadian author of an outstanding book published in Canada in 2010, which appeals to children up to and including age 12.
Winter Shadows
by Margaret Buffie
Hardcover | 336 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-968-9
eBook: 978-1-77049-228-8
“…The alternating narratives are gripping, and the characters are drawn with rich complexity; even the stepmothers are finally humanized. Readers will be pulled in by the searing history of bigotry as well as the universals of family conflict, love, and friendship.” – Booklist
Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom
by Susin Nielsen
Hardcover | 240 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-977-1
eBook: 978-0-88776-978-8
“Nielsen (Word Nerd) has created a narrator as sassy and candid as this memorable novel’s title….Nielsen skillfully balances her story’s keen humor…with poignancy. Especially affecting are Violet’s struggles to accept her father’s new family….” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
The Secret Fiend: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His 4th Case
by Shane Peacock
Hardcover | 256 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-853-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-213-4
“…Peacock has added another brilliant installation to an already amazing series. Sherlock is beautifully drawn, true to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and infused with the freshness of a youthful perspective. It is a delight to watch as the young detective develops, and it is a thrill to see how the various elements of his adult persona come together. This book is more than an origin story of the famous detective, however. The mystery has a solid, fast-paced plot; the characters are carefully constructed and fully fleshed out with dynamic, complex relationships; Victorian England itself is a character, and Peacock does a wonderful job of describing the streets, the political unrest and the changing modes that mark the era. This is a truly wonderful book and belongs in any library.” – VOYA
2011 Young Adult Book Award Shortlist
This award recognizes an author of an outstanding English-language Canadian work of fiction (novel, collection of short stories or graphic novel), published in 2010, that appeals to young adults between the ages of 13 and 18.
Folly
by Marthe Jocelyn
Hardcover | 256 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-929-0
eBook: 978-1-77049-212-7
“… poignant story … A thoughtful, accessible and richly detailed read that moves along at a satisfying clip-this will appeal beyond just already-established fans of historical fiction.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
2011 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award Shortlist
This award recognizes an illustrator of a noteworthy Canadian book, published in 2010, that appeals to children up to the age of 12 years. The Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award is generously sponsored by Library Services Centre.
Counting on Snow
by Maxwell Newhouse
Hardcover | 24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-985-6
“… perfectly paced: each turn of the page reveals a new level of intensity in the growing blizzard, bringing an enjoyable hide-and-seek element…. Newhouse infuses every creature’s peering black eyes with character and life…. Newhouse’s sensitive portrayal of the stark Arctic landscape creates an atmospheric chilliness that perfectly captures a winter evening north of the 49th parallel. Original without being gimmicky, Counting on Snow should come with the purchase of every crib in this country, as it has all the makings of a Canadian classic.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire
The winners of the CLA Awards and Honour Books will be announced prior to the Canadian Library Association National Conference and Trade Show. The award will be presented at the CLA National Conference and Trade Show in Halifax on May 26.
Congratulations to our authors: Margaret Buffie, Susin Nielsen, Shane Peacock, Marthe Jocelyn, and Maxwell Newhouse. In addition, congratulations to their Editors, Kathryn Cole, Sue Tate, and Kathy Lowinger.