Tag: Canadian Library Association

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CLA’s 2015 Young Adult Book Award Shortlist

The Canadian Library Association is pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2015 Young Adult Book Award. The award is generously sponsored by Library Services Centre and recognizes an author of an outstanding English-language Canadian work of fiction (novel, collection of short stories or graphic novel), published in 2014 that appeals to young adults. Tundra would like to congratulate S.J. Laidlaw and Marthe Jocelyn!

2015 Young Adult Book Award Shortlist

The Voice Inside My HeadThe Voice inside My Head
Written by S.J. Laidlaw
Hardcover | 256 Pages | Ages 14+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-565-4
eBook: 978-1-77049-566-1
“With so much choice available on the Young Adult market, it’s refreshing to come across an engaging, authentic, and compelling first-person protagonist-and a male one at that. S.J. Laidlaw lays out a crisp, enticing, and realistic fictional piece of work with a grippingly vivid, unexpected ending. The beauty of the story here is one of the unfaltering friendship that can be found in siblings … the believable dialogue and dialect shines in The Voice inside My Head. This is quite simply a page-turner, and one that will leave voices inside your head for days after. Add it to your summer reading list, Central American island optional.” – Children’s Book Review

What We HideWhat We Hide
Written by Marthe Jocelyn
Hardcover | 288 Pages | Ages 14+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-642-2
eBook: 978-1-77049-644-6
“Jocelyn moves from one character’s voice to the next, each with its own sharp perspective, style, and emergent self- (and often sexual) knowledge. Warm-hearted, clever, funny and moving, this keeps readers thinking all the way to its end. Immensely satisfying for its interwoven stories and fully realized characters.” – The Toronto Star

Congratulations to the other shortlisted authors!

  • The Art of Getting Stared At by Laura Langston
  • The Death of Us by Alice Kuipers
  • The Gospel Truth by Caroline Pignat
  • Moon at Nine by Deborah Ellis
  • Rabbit Ears by Maggie DeVries
  • This One Summer by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki
  • Twisted by Lisa Harrington
  • Unspeakable by Caroline Pignat

Thank you to the jury members for their dedication and hard work! The winner of the award, and the Honour Books, will be announced during the week of April 20th. The award will be presented during the CLA National Conference and Trade Show at the Shaw Centre, Ottawa on June 4th, 2015 at the Book Awards reception.

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CLA Announces 2014 Award Shortlists

The Canadian Library Association announced the shortlist for the Young Adult Book Award. This award recognizes an author of an outstanding English-language Canadian work of fiction that appeals to young adults between the ages of 13 and 18. Congratulations to Julie Johnston!

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. Jamie is wracked with survivor’s guilt…. His letters to Rachel … are painfully realistic, the antithesis of the glamour that teens too often assign to 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 the other shortlisted authors:

  • The Silent Summer of Kyle McGinley by Jan Andrews
  • Graffiti Knight by Karen Bass
  • The Gypsy King by Maureen Fergus
  • Nix Minus One by Jill MacLean
  • The Oathbreaker’s Shadow by Amy McCulloch
  • Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary
  • Audacious by Gabrielle Prendergast
  • The Color of Silence by Liane Shaw
  • The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten

Thank you to the Jury Members who took the time to read, discuss, and narrow the list down – not an easy task! The winner of the award, and the Honour Books, will be announced the week of April 14th. The award will be presented at the Canadian Library Association 2014 National Conference and Trade Show in Victoria, BC on May 29 at the annual awards reception.

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CLA’s 2013 Book of the Year for Children Award Winner

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K LarsenSince the shortlist released in March, we were patiently waiting for the Canadian Library Association to announce the winners. And when they did, we did a little happy dance. The winning title for the 2013 Book of the Year for Children Award is The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen by Susin Nielsen.

The CLA’s Book of the Year for Children Award Jury Chair Alexandra Yarrow elaborates: “Nielsen’s books typically are characterised by empathy for her characters. She has a particular gift for finding the unique voice of one child and embracing it, while also portraying with balance and sensitivity other, often unsympathetic, characters of all ages. In The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen, Nielsen’s gifts are at their best yet, resulting in an unforgettable novel that explores a painful topic with compassion.”

A Tinfoil SkyThe jury also selected two Honour Books this year: A Tinfoil Sky by Cyndi Sand-Eveland and The Grave Robber’s Apprentice by Allan Stratton. Congratulations to Cyndi and Allan!

This year’s award, generously sponsored by Library Services Centre, will be presented to Susin Nielsen on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at the CLA Book Awards and reception during the CLA National Conference and Tradeshow in Ottawa. The Book Award Reception is generously sponsored by TD Bank Group.

In awe of all the titles you receive for consideration, we want to thank the following jury members for all their hard work:

  • Myra Junyk, Literacy advocate and author, Toronto
  • Jaclyn McLean, Librarian, Prince Albert
  • Rachel Seigel, Selection Manager – Education, S&B Books, Mississauga
  • Kathryn Weisman, Librarian, West Vancouver
  • Alexandra Yarrow, Librarian, Ottawa (Chair)
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CLA Announces 2013 Award Shortlists

The Amelia Frances Howard‐Gibbon Illustrator’s Award Jury of the Canadian Library Association announced the shortlist for the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award. This award recognizes an illustrator of a noteworthy Canadian book that appeals to children up to the age of 12 years. Congratulations to Rogé!

The French Fry KingThe French Fry King
Written by Rogé
Illustrated by Rogé
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 4-7
ISBN: 978-1-77049-350-6
“…Rogé’s illustrations feature rounded lines and characters that are full of life. Clever details provide many visual delights for the attentive reader…. This is a marvelous allegorical tale that will delight children and adults alike.” – Quill & Quire

Congratulations to the shortlisted authors and illustrators:

  • Bigfoot Boy Into the Woods illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks
  • Goodnight, Canada illustrated by Andrea Beck
  • Mr. King’s Things illustrated by Geneviève Côté
  • Night Sky Wheel Ride illustrated by Yayo
  • Ojibway Clans illustrated by Mark A. Jacobson
  • Stamp Collector illustrated by François Thisdale
  • Tooth Mouse illustrated by Janice Nadeau
  • Virginia Wolf illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
  • You are Stardust illustrated by Soyeon Kim

The CLA Young Adult Book Award Jury announced the shortlist for the Young Adult Book Award. This award recognizes an author of an outstanding English-language Canadian work of fiction that appeals to young adults between the ages of 13 and 18. Congratulations to Susin Nielsen and Eva Wiseman!

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K LarsenThe Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
Hardcover | 256 Pages | Ages 11-14
ISBN: 978-1-77049-372-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-373-5
“Nielsen treats a heavy subject with a light, optimistic touch, and while Henry’s passion and distress are evident, his wacky commitment to ‘Saturday Night Smash-up’ and his own ironic, yet earnest, perspective leavens the serious subject matter.” – The Toronto Star

The Last SongThe Last Song
Written by Eva Wiseman
Hardcover | 232 Pages | Ages 11+
ISBN: 978-0-88776-979-5
eBook: 978-0-88776-980-1
“This historical fiction novel is set in Toledo, Spain in the 1490s, surrounded by the backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition…. The climax of the novel will set the reader in a spiraling whirlwind of intense emotions. This novel is a great read for young adults who enjoy historical fiction dealing with horrifying persecution and the will to survive.” – VOYA

Congratulations to the shortlisted authors:

  • The Calling by Kelley Armstrong
  • Bright’s Light by Susan Juby
  • 40 Things I Want to Tell You by Alice Kuipers
  • My Book of Life by Angel by Martine Leavitt
  • One Good Hustle by Billie Livingston
  • Yesterday by C.K. Kelly Martin
  • Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel
  • What Happened to Ivy by Kathy Stinson

The CLA Book of the Year for Children Award Jury announced the shortlist for the Book of the Year for Children Award. This award recognizes a Canadian author of an outstanding book which appeals to children up to and including age 12. Congratulations to Michael Bedard, Susin Nielsen, Shane Peacock, and Cyndi Sand-Eveland!

The Green ManThe Green Man
Written by Michael Bedard
Hardcover | 320 Pages | Ages 10-14
ISBN: 978-1-77049-285-1
eBook: 978-1-77049-293-6
“The specter of an evil magician returning to destroy another life will lure readers into the novel’s eerie core…. Mr. Bedard masterfully interlaces the real with the supernatural in these passages, evoking a sense of myriad magical possibilities.” – New York Journal of Books

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K LarsenThe Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
Hardcover | 256 Pages | Ages 11-14
ISBN: 978-1-77049-372-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-373-5
“…Henry is forced to keep a journal by his therapist; he is at first reluctant, then obsessive about it. A born diarist, he exhibits the idiosyncratic voice of a memoirist, one keenly interested in documenting both his inner and outer worlds. He captures both with humour and heart…. Yet the novel is a dramedy, and believably balances lightness and darkness. It is a shame when the reader must put down the journal and say goodbye to Henry.” – The National Post

Becoming HolmesBecoming Holmes
The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Final Case
Written by Shane Peacock
Hardcover | 264 Pages | Ages 10-14
ISBN: 978-1-77049-232-5
eBook: 978-1-77049-291-2
“…Peacock concludes his stellar saga with a final mystery…. This is a solid period mystery. Peacock once again uses London as a character…. Such characters as Irene Doyle, Malefactor (who will become Moriarty), Lestrade, and even a whiff of Watson all contribute to a feeling of authenticity … this is a strong story. The ending is exciting and unexpected. This is an excellent conclusion to a wonderful series.” – VOYA

A Tinfoil SkyA Tinfoil Sky
Written by Cyndi Sand-Eveland
Hardcover | 224 Pages | Ages 10-14
ISBN: 978-1-77049-277-6
eBook: 978-1-77049-294-3
“…this touching picture of a child torn between her need for a stable home and her love for her troubled mother feels deeply authentic … this depiction of wounded people forming healing bonds goes straight to the heart.” – Booklist

Congratulations to the shortlisted authors:

  • Middle of Nowhere by Caroline Adderson
  • One year in Coal Harbour by Polly Horvath
  • Ungifted by Gordon Korman
  • And Nothing But the Truth by Kit Pearson
  • Island of Doom by Arthur Slade
  • The Grave Robber’s Apprentice by Allan Stratton

Thank you to the Jury Members who took the time to read, discuss, and narrow the list down – not an easy task! The winners and honour books will be announced on April 15. The award will be presented at the annual awards reception during the CLA National Conference and Trade Show at the Winnipeg Convention Centre in Winnipeg on May 30, 2013.

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2012 Book of the Year for Children Award Shortlist

The Canadian Library Association has announced the shortlist for the 2012 Book of the Year for Children Award. This award recognizes a Canadian author of an outstanding book published in Canada in 2011, which appeals to children up to and including age 12.

This year, the committee was presented with 218 books, of which 32 were ultimately long‐listed for a thorough reading and review!

Tundra would like to congratulate the authors and illustrator for being on the 2012 CLA Book of the Year for Children Award shortlist:

From Then to Now
A Short History of the World
Written by Christopher Moore
Illustrated by Andrej Krystoforski
Hardcover | 192 pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-0-88776-540-7
eBook: 978-1-77049-120-5
“Capably told and uniquely illustrated, From Then to Now explains how imaginative human cultures have produced an intellectually and socially dynamic world…. Far from a history of conquerors, this exceptional history of humanity is a breath of fresh air” – School Library Journal

The Dragon Turn
The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Fifth Case
Written by Shane Peacock
Hardcover | 240 pages | Ages 10-14
ISBN: 978-1-77049-231-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-273-8
“…Shane Peacock delivers another intriguing novel exploring the boy detective…. His Sherlock is a penniless but resourceful young man living with an eccentric apothecary who encourages his curiosity and his powers of observation. In The Dragon Turn, he attempts to unravel the mystery of a magician’s illusion, which has apparently caused the death of a rival magician … the Canadian-made Sherlock has a real feeling for Victorian London.” – Winnipeg Free Press

The winners of the 2012 Book of the Year for Children Award and Honour Books will be announced prior to the Canadian Library Association National Conference. The award will be presented at the CLA National Conference and Trade Show at the Ottawa Convention Centre in Ottawa, Ontario on 31 May 2012.

Tundra Book Group