2014 IODE Violet Downey Book Award Winner

The winner was announced at IODE Canada’s 114th National Annual Meeting and we want to congratulate S.J. Laidlaw, author of An Infidel in Paradise. This is the 30th anniversary of this award made available to Canadian authors.

An Infidel in ParadiseAn Infidel in Paradise
Written by S.J. Laidlaw
Hardcover | 320 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-304-9
eBook: 978-1-77049-305-6
“Laidlaw, a globetrotting social worker, puts her firsthand knowledge of faraway lands and cultures to good use in this exciting tale of a Canadian teen’s encounters with some of the best and worst features of a radically different society. Emma’s first-person, present-tense narration is realistic and compelling” – VOYA Magazine

Congratulations to the finalists:
Death of a King by Andrew H. Vanderwal
Namesake by Sue MacLeod
The Power of Harmony by Jan L. Coates
September 17th by Amanda West Lewis

Founded in 1900, IODE Canada is a national women’s charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals through education support, community services, and citizenship programs. For more information about their organization and charitable work, please visit www.iode.ca.

For a look at last year’s winner, click here.

The 2014 Red Maple Fiction Award Winner

The Toronto Festival of Trees took place on May 14-15, 2014 at the Harbourfront Centre. We were there to cheer on our nominated authors and illustrators! The Ontario Library Association revealed the winning titles and honour books for the 2014 Forest of Reading program and Tundra would like to congratulate our winning author, Susin Nielsen!

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K LarsenThe Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
256 pages
Hardcover: 978-1-77049-372-8
Trade Paperback: 978-1-77049-654-5
eBook: 978-1-77049-373-5
“With fully developed adult and child characters and a solid sense of middle school humor, the author has crafted an insightful and nuanced novel about bullying and suicide, and familial love and resilience.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

Here’s a short clip of Susin accepting her Red Maple award on stage:

Video courtesy of Sigmund Brouwer.

PS: Word Nerd by Susin Nielsen was the winner of the 2010 Red Maple Award!

The 2013 Snow Willow Award Winner

The Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice’s Willow Awards promote reading by granting a Willow Award to the Canadian books voted by students to be the best of those nominated in three categories: Shining Willow, Diamond Willow, and Snow Willow. The 2013 Willow Awards winners were announced at the SaskEnergy Willow Awards Gala on May 7, 2014 in Swift Current at The Lyric Theatre.

And the winning authors and illustrators are…
Martin Springett, Isobel Springett, Jonathan Auxier, and Susin Nielsen! Congratulations to all!

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K LarsenThe Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
Hardcover | 256 pages
HC ISBN: 978-1-77049-372-8
TR ISBN: 978-1-77049-654-5
eBook: 978-1-77049-373-5
“…With fully developed adult and child characters and a solid sense of middle school humor, the author has crafted an insightful and nuanced novel about bullying and suicide, and familial love and resilience.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

PS: Word Nerd by Susin Nielsen was the winner of the 2010 Snow Willow Award and Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom was the winner of the 2011 Snow Willow Award!

2014 IODE Violet Downey Book Award Shortlist

The shortlist for the National Chapter of Canada IODE Violet Downey Book Award has been selected and announced. Congratulations to Susan Laidlaw and Andrew H. Vanderwal!

An Infidel in ParadiseAn Infidel in Paradise
Written by S. J. Laidlaw
Hardcover | 320 Pages | Ages 12+
ISBN 978-1-77049-304-9
eBook 978-1-77049-305-6
“Laidlaw, a globetrotting social worker, puts her firsthand knowledge of faraway lands and cultures to good use in this exciting tale of a Canadian teen’s encounters with some of the best and worst features of a radically different society. Emma’s first-person, present-tense narration is realistic and compelling.” – VOYA Magazine

Death of a KingDeath of a King
Written by Andrew H. Vanderwal
Hardcover | 304 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN 978-1-77049-398-8
eBook 978-1-77049-399-5
“This action-packed historical fantasy, with its breakneck pace, numerous brief chapters, and multiple chases and battles, is perfect for male and reluctant readers, as well as fantasy and historical fiction fans…. The historical details here are impressive…..” – VOYA Magazine

Congratulations to all of the shortlisted authors:

  • Namesake by Sue MacLeod
  • The Power of Harmony by Jan L. Coates
  • September 17th by Amanda West Lewis

The winner will be announced to the public at the 114th IODE National Annual Meeting on May 30, 2014. The winning author will receive a cash prize of $5,000 and will be invited to attend the award ceremony in London, Ontario.

IODE Canada is a national 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.

Shortlist for the 2014 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards

The following Tundra title have been shortlisted for the 2014 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards in the Young Adult / Middle Reader category:

Little Red LiesLittle Red Lies
Written by Julie Johnston
Hardcover | 352 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-313-1
eBook: 978-1-77049-314-8
“Johnston has crafted a beautifully written, low-key, yet emotional story of a family dealing with the return of a son at the close of war….” – Starred Review, Booklist
“Filled with bumbling characters who achingly love each other, this coming-of-age tale rises above a crowded field to take readers on a moving journey of discovery.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

Congratulations to Julie Johnston! Congratulations to the other shortlisted authors for their titles as well: Ultra by David Carroll; The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten; Jane, the Fox and Me by Fanny Britt and illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault; and Sorrow’s Knot by Erin Bow.

About the Award
The award, made possible by the Ruth Schwartz Foundation, is presented annually to the authors/illustrators of two outstanding works of Canadian children’s literature – a picture book and a young-adult/middle-reader title. The award is administered jointly – the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) oversees the jury process and publicizes the award and the Ontario Arts Foundation (OAF) publicizes the award.

The 2014 winners will be announced on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Aldergrove Public School in Markham, Ontario.

Tundra Book Group