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2011 Finalists for the Book of the Year Award

ForeWord Reviews‘ Book of the Year Awards were established to bring increased attention to librarians and booksellers of the literary and graphic achievements of independent publishers and their authors.

Here is a list of the 2011 Tundra Finalists in their respective categories:

Young Adult Nonfiction Category:
“Scribbling Women” True Tales from Astonishing Lives
by Marthe Jocelyn
Hardcover | 208 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-952-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-230-1
“…a wonderful example of a book that will break down any negative stereotypes about biographies. [Jocelyn]… creates lively, sometimes humorous pieces that blend straight biographic detail and anecdotal accounts about some lesser known women writers in history…. Not only does Jocelyn share extraordinary stories about these women, but her piece also celebrates writers of all kinds, inspiring young adults, particularly girls, to value their own voices and experiences by writing through whatever means they choose….” – ForeWord Reviews

Young Adult Fiction Category:
First Descent
by Pam Withers
Hardcover | 272 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-257-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-274-5
“…From the first page, when Rex hears a crack of river ice, sees an eight-year-old in peril, and enacts a dramatic rescue in which he must out-paddle an advancing mountain of ice, Withers flings the reader from one perilous adventure to another….” – Booklist

Young Adult Nonfiction Category:
Five Thousand Years of Slavery
by Marjorie Gann and Janet Willen
Hardcover | 176 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-914-6
eBook: 978-1-77049-151-9
“This well-researched global survey introduces readers to slavery practices, customs, suffering, uprisings, and revolts as well as antislavery efforts from ancient Greece and Rome to today’s world…. The authors promote global awareness and issue a call to action…. Informative documentary photos and factually rich sidebars enhance the text…. This groundbreaking title brings the disturbing subject into historical and contemporary focus.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

Juvenile Nonfiction Category:
In the Bag! Margaret Knight Wraps It Up
by Monica Kulling and illustrated by David Parkins in the
Hardcover | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-239-4
“Third in the Great Idea series, this concise introduction to trailblazing American inventor … reveals a woman committed to living life on her own terms, unafraid to fight for her successes. In clean, straightforward prose, Kulling explains how Knight’s interest in and knack for machines was present even at a young age…. Paired with Parkins’s detailed and handsome pen-and-ink illustrations, the book focuses on Knight’s invention of a paper bag-manufacturing machine and her legal fight to protect her creation after her idea was stolen.” – Publishers Weekly

Juvenile Fiction Category:
Stones for My Father
by Trilby Kent
Hardcover | 176 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-252-3
eBook: 978-1-77049-260-8
“This meticulously researched novel about a white Afrikaner girl caught up in the Boer War at the turn of the 19th century brings to light a hitherto overlooked aspect of South African history.” – School Library Journal

Young Adult Fiction Category:
The Dragon Turn: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Fifth Case
by Shane Peacock
Hardcover | 240 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-231-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-273-8
“…Shane Peacock has done his research well. His character makes a very believable younger version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Shane has also accurately portrayed London of the 1860’s. True to the style of the original master, this novel is filled with excellent deductions by the young Holmes, numerous twists and turns and an exciting climax that kept me reading at the edge of my seat.” – Jewish Book World

Winners in each category will be announced at the American Library Association annual conference and on the award website in June of 2012.

Congratulations to our authors and illustrators!

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Tuesdays with Tundra 18

Tuesdays with Tundra is a monthly post on our new releases. The following books are available today in stores and online!

Going Ape!
By Eduardo Bustos
Illustrated by Lucho Rodríguez
Hardcover | 24 pages | Ages 5-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-282-0
There are more than 200 species of primates in the world. Going Ape! is a wonderful introduction to some of the most fascinating ones for children just discovering the world of animals. From Japan’s macaques to Africa’s gorillas, brilliant images and brief, informative text will capture the imagination of young children.

Man Overboard!
By Curtis Parkinson
Paperback | 160 pages | Ages 10-12
ISBN: 978-1-77049-298-1
eBook: 978-1-77049-299-8
During World War II, a German agent landed in Canada from a U-boat. Curtis Parkinson has used this true historical event to tell a fast-paced, exciting story. Sixteen-year-old Scott and his friend Adam find summer jobs as deckhands on the Rapids Prince, a ship that plies the waters between the town of Prescott, on the St. Lawrence River, and Montreal. Scott overhears convincing information that a German agent is actually on board the boat!

Puppet
By Eva Wiseman
Paperback | 240 pages | Ages 11+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-296-7
eBook: 978-1-77049-028-4
This powerful fictionalized account of one of the last blood libel trial in Europe is told through the eyes of Julie, a friend of the murdered Esther, and a servant at the jail where Morris is imprisoned. Although Puppet is a novel, it is based upon a real court case that took place in Hungary in 1883. In Hungary today, the name Morris Schar has become synonymous with “traitor.” Once again, Eva Wiseman illuminates a heartbreaking episode in history for young readers.

Pub Date Giveaway: Tell us which new releases you would love to read in the comments below and one lucky reader will receive their requested book!

One request per person and please review our rules. This giveaway ends at midnight on Monday, March 19, 2012!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Linda, she won a copy of Going Ape!

PS: Our next Pub Date Giveaway will be on April 10, 2012.

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2013 Young Reader’s Choice Awards Nomination

We are happy to announce that Winter Shadows by Margaret Buffie has been nominated for the 2013 Young Reader’s Choice Award, the oldest children’s book award and sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Library Association.

Winter Shadows
Written by Margaret Buffie
Hardcover | 336 pages | Ages 11+
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

Students read nominated books, then vote on them between March 15 and April 15. Winning authors are given a medallion and are invited to speak at their Annual Conference in August. Congratulations to Margaret Buffie and to all the other nominees!

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Notable Children’s Books: 2012

The Notable Children’s Books Committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has compiled the Notable Children’s Books list for 2012. The committee, comprising of librarians throughout the U.S., selected the titles from the several thousand children’s books published during 2011. Included are books of fiction, information, poetry, and pictures – all of special interest and value to children through age 14.

Tundra is proud to announce that Stones for My Father has been included in this noteworthy list. Congratulations Trilby Kent!

Stones for My Father
Written by Trilby Kent
Hardcover | 176 pages | Ages 11+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-252-3
eBook: 978-1-77049-260-8
“In evocative prose, Kent creates a compelling survival story of young Corlie Roux, a Boer girl in South Africa during the Anglo-Boer War at the turn of the last century.” – Notable Children’s Books Committee

Trilby has also had two successful blog tours, for her debut novel, Medina Hill and her second novel, Stones for My Father.

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The 2012 Willow Awards Nominations

We are very pleased to announce that two of our titles have been nominated for a 2012 Willow Award in the Shining Willow category:

Ella May and the Wishing Stone
Written by Cary Fagan
Illustrated by Geneviève Côté
Hardcover | 32 pages | Ages 4-7
ISBN: 978-1-77049-225-7
“…A great choice for children aged four and up, Ella May and the Wishing Stone is a story that invites readers to think about what it means to be a friend, how best to share treasured items and imaginative ways to solve problems.” – Storytime Standouts

In the Bag!
Margaret Knight Wraps It Up
Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by David Parkins
Hardcover | 32 pages | Ages 5-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-239-4
“…a delightful picture book biography of a little known inspiring woman…. I love stories about smart and determined young women and Kulling’s lively text tells an inspiring story about this determined woman who ‘never gave up without a fight.’ David Parkins’ charming illustrations are filled with carefully drawn period details and engaging humor. Each page turn reveals at least one full-page illustration in authentic-feeling sepia tones…. Don’t miss this really excellent book that opens the door to a multitude of curricular uses.” – Bookends, a Booklist Blog

The Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice Award (SYRCA) has three awards – the Shining Willow Award, kindergarten to grade 3, the Diamond Willow Award, grades 4 to 6, and the Snow Willow Award, grades 7 to 9. Ten books written by Canadian authors are nominated at each level. Saskatchewan students may vote in any category in which they have read the minimum number of books required. In 2010, over 12,350 children and young adults throughout the province voted for their favourite book. Students are in the process of voting for the 2011 awards. Award winners will be announced on April 27, 2012 at our annual Gala in Moose Jaw, SK.

Tundra Book Group