Summary:  This book is a collection of five individual stories dealing with the decline of the Galactic Empire. Hari Seldon, a psycho historian, is the link between the stories. He has a plan that will shorten the interval between the fall of the Empire and the use of the Foundation. This is a classic plain text science fiction story.

Comments:  The intrinsic message of this collection is that violence is not the answer to world problems. The text extends background knowledge of the problems that result from greed. Strong readers may enjoy the challenge of this longer text.  Back to List

The Man Who Was Poe 

Summary: In this tale of mystery, murder and spine-chilling suspense, Edmund goes out to get food for his sister and himself. When he returns, she has disappeared. What can he do? To whom can he turn? Everyone in his family have disappeared: mother, aunt and now sister. Edmund must trust a mysterious stranger who promises help but most often is a hindrance. Dupin, the stranger, needs Edmund as much as he needs Dupin, the man who was Poe.

Comments: From the first chapter, the reader’s attention is engaged. The dark sinister setting in 1848 sets the mood for suspense and intrigue. Short chapters move the plot quickly and help to build suspense. The novel’s themes of perseverance and trust are worthy of student discussion.  Back to List

Summary:  When Kenny moves to Providence, Rhode Island, he discovers that his house is haunted by the spirit of a black slave boy, Caleb. Caleb asks Kenny to return with him to the time of slavery and prevent his murder by slave traders.

Comments:  The story grabs the reader’s attention from its very onset, as the reader quickly becomes involved in the narrative. By the end of the novel, Kenny is presented with a desperate dilemma. Either he must kill the slave trader or he must kill Caleb so that he can return to the present.  Back to List

Summary:  Andy, a young teen, receives a phone call in error, in which the caller describes a murder that he has just committed. Andy is determined to solve the mystery of the murder. The authorities do not believe his story, and against his father’s wishes he pursues the caller and the "intended" victim to the point that he is in danger of being accused of harassment.

Comments:  The overriding message in this story is "to thine own self be true". Sophisticated, powerful language provides wonderful imagery. The fifteen-year-old lead character deals with conflicts in an authentic manner. This is a good text to use in discussions of how to solve problems.  Back to List

Summary:  The book revolves around an older, eccentric female teacher whose memory transports her back in time to her childhood days when a magic show came to town. As the story unfolds, we learn that history is repeating itself and the "sinister" magic show is about to take place again. With the help of one of her students the teacher tries to solve the problem.

Comments:  The eerie cover of this book appeals to young readers. The idea of magic – is it illusion or real – captures the interest of students. The characters are realistic and the readers are easily able to relate to them. The language is excellent, providing intense imagery. This book is a good grabber!

***Because it is made clear that the magic in the title is evil, some parents may find this text sensitive for their own child. The book concludes that good can triumph over evil.  Back to List

Summary:  A group of handicapped students are treated as outcasts and tormented by other students in their school. They form a club to use their strengths to fight against a gang who has challenged them. If they win, they will no longer be threatened. By the end of the book each one has developed a sense of being a whole person.

Comments:  Friendship, personal journeys and survival are explored in this book, as well as problems experienced by mainstreamed students. This text is relevant to regular students who deal with bullies and feelings of exclusion, as well as handicapped students. This book works best when students read it on their own.  Back to List

Summary:  Fifteen-year-old Bryan who moves from the prairies to B.C. with his Mom gets caught up in clear cutting and environmental issues, which have divided his extended family.

Comments:  This novel communicates a strong message that everyone must take a stand on issues regarding depletion of the rain forests and the dangers of clear cutting. The text deals with ambivalent feelings towards parents, systems, and girl-boy relationships. This novel is set in a familiar locale around Calgary and in B.C.  Back to List

Summary:  Bruce, an eighteen-year-old high school student, causes an accident while drunk. His sober best friend, who was the driver of the car, was killed. Bruce carries the guilt with him and tells no one the truth. Suddenly he is receiving scary phone calls and finds that of those who survived the crash, he is the only one left.

Comments:  The title attracts students, as does the subject matter: "drinking and driving", guilt, vengeance, murder, death. Some understanding of vigilante style justice and "revenge is mine sayeth the Lord" is helpful for the reader. The book is good for Community of Readers or as a teacher read aloud, as the content lends itself to discussion.  Back to List

Summary:  A teenage boy, Mac, whose father had taken his own life, attempts suicide and his rescuer is killed saving him. Through a series of psychological reports we discover why he tried to kill himself, that he has a gay internet friend, and that he runs and leaves his friend to die from a beating. The book twists at the end.

Comments:  The theme of self acceptance is relevant. **Issues explored in the book include death of a parent, teenage depression, suicide, personal sexuality, homosexuality, prejudice and step families. The format is a key feature of the book. This story is revealed through reports and letters.  Back to List

The Sign of the Scales 

Summary: Third in a series about 1830s Upper Canada, we follow Emma as she enters early adulthood. She continues to behave responsibly and plays a realistic role for her time. Much of her time is devoted to household management and tasks. Her aunt finds her work as a temporary assistant in a shop owned by Abner Freeman, his invalid wife and their teenage son. When she contemplates marriage at age fifteen, she analyzes the pros and cons of the situation knowing that her future relies upon how well she will be provided for in the future.

Comments The first two books in this series began with The Tinderbox and The Quarter-Pie Window, life in pioneer times in Upper Canada proceeds again with great historical detail. This text may be dealt with most effectively in a small group or as an independent study.  The historical context supports social studies themes and offers an excellent comparison/contrast of the role of women in 1830s Upper Canada to today’s Canada.  Back to List

The Tinderbox 

Summary: Pioneer life in 1830s Upper Canada comes to life. Emma who is thirteen, and her younger brother are orphaned after watching the family farm burn while killing the rest of the family. Emma must come to terms with her shock and grief. Kindly neighbours shelter Emma and her brother until an unknown aunt arrives from the city. Emma faces an unfamiliar and frightening new life. Emma must do what is best for her brother and somehow deal with her impenetrable aunt.

Comments: The length of this novel may seem daunting to some readers. This is the first of a trilogy. Subsequent texts are The Quarter-Pie Window and The Sign of the Scales. Excellent description of pioneer life in Upper Canada can support social studies themes. This text may best be dealt with in a small group study such as a literature circle.  Back to List

Summary:  This historical Canadian novel tells the story of fourteen-year-old Emma who moves to York with her young brother to live with an aunt after their parents die. She works for her aunt in a hotel and lives in the attic which has quarter-pie windows. Emma has to make decisions about the family home and her future life.

Comment:  Growing up and learning to make decisions that affect your life are underlying themes. The book relates to Upper Canada in the 1830’s and how people lived. The text is long with slow moving action.  Back to List

Summary:  Sixteen-year-old Thea has lost her memory as a result of an accident. We meet her in the hospital about to return to a family she doesn’t remember. Interwoven with Thea’s self discovery, is a supernatural element.

Comments:  A strong message that you must be strong and cope with the real world and its inherent responsibilities underlies this story. Teenage themes of parent/child conflict, identity crisis, being yourself and romantic encounters are addressed. A vivid imagination is required to enjoy this book.  Back to List

Summary:  Three students (two of whom are usually good, responsible children) go out and steal street signs as a prank. A stolen stop sign results in the death of a young mother. The two try and cover their guilt but eventually must tell the truth as the husband of the "murdered" woman steps up his campaign to see justice.

Comments:  Students learn that all actions have consequences and one must think before acting. Wrong actions and underlying guilt can affect your whole life. At some time, the truth must be dealt with if one is to move on. This book offers strong support for the decision-making component of the health curriculum.

***Some teachers may find this book to be sensitive for their classes because an "accidental" death results as the consequence of the main characters’ irresponsible acts. Also, a boy and girl talk about relationships and their wish for sexual relationship.  Back to List

Summary:In a small rural town, the fire department and emergency medical teams are all volunteers – even youths sixteen years of age are able to train in emergency-response. When a 747 crashes on an estate outside of town, the adventure begins. Sixteen-year-old Heidi, a rather shy introvert, proves that she is able to remain focussed and capable of saving lives in a crisis situation. Seventeen-year-old Patrick is soon at her side. The reader becomes involved in the lives of the victims and hopes that each person will make it home alive.

Comments:  The message of this book that "in times of crisis, a person’s real strength and courage can be revealed". The message is important to youth because they want to make a difference and to be accepted. Each of the victims has his/her own issues to contend with: running away, divorce, wanting attention. Students love this book. One teacher-reviewer responded: "I can’t keep it on my desk. The first two students who read it, had it back the next day. They couldn’t put it down".   Back to List

Summary:  Thirteen-year-old Mary-Lou must keep a summer journal for her future English teacher. A keen observer with a wry sense of humour, the teenager takes us through the challenges of growing up in a large family, the difficulties of every changing relationships and the angst of first love.

Comments:  This coming of age story deals with the growing pains of an adolescent and has a strong message that we shouldn’t judge people without putting ourselves in their shoes. Written as a diary, it is rather slow moving. This book is similar to Judy Blume’s Hi God, It’s Me Margaret.  Back to List

Summary:  A Cambodian refugee flees with her aunt and uncle leaving her family behind to face possible slaughter by the Khmer Rouge. The difficulties of living in a new culture while still respecting the rules and traditions and family expectations cause strife.

Comments  Since there are still refugees arriving in this country, this interesting, very readable book has relevant information on the difficulties of an immigrant coming of age in a new country. The author extends the reader’s knowledge of the history and culture of Cambodia. The title is a powerful metaphor that compares the journey of life with making one’s way down a river.  Back to List

The Lion Tamer's Daughter 

Summary: This text is composed of four complete stories encompassing short story and novella genre. In the first story, "The Spring," a boy finds a world beyond the one in which he was born. In "Touch and Go," an elderly man recalls how he and a girl from an earlier time changed and enriched each other's lives. In the third story, "Checkers" an eerie presence holds the key to survival. Melanie, "The Lion Tamer's Daughter" bravely ventures into her own dark and mysterious past.

Comments: ***Teachers may choose not to share all of the stories with their students as some of the stories deal with the paranormal and upsetting situations such as kidnapping and captivity. Readers' expectations are effectively turned upside down in believable solutions to fantastic situations.  Back to List

Summary:  London in the 1860’s is a dangerous and lonely place for a small boy who runs away from the workhouse and struggles to survive. The story is based on real children who inspired Dr. Bernardo to set up his children’s homes in England.

Comments:  The resilience of the human spirit is explored in this novel. The strong story line is built around conditions of the poor in Victorian England. The author won a Carnegie Medal for an earlier children’s novel.  Back to List

Summary:  A senior high student, who is employed selling french fries, suspects the oil used for the fries is being dumped at the local swimming hole on the Ottawa river. Interesting adventures occur as he tries to solve the mystery of who is responsible.

Comments:  This mystery story set in Canada deals with the environmental issue of respecting nature and preserving it for future generations. This text also looks at the multicultural nature of Canada and how minority groups play an active role in society.  Back to List

Summary:  This is a Sherlock Holmes mystery. Dr. Mortimer consults Holmes about the death of Sir Charles Baskerville. The usual collection of suspicious characters and strange inexplicable happenings happen before the case is solved in an exciting, confrontational manner.

Comments:  This book with its good versus evil theme is written in the style of the 1900’s with long descriptive passages and not much action. This text could be used as a study of the 1900’s writing style.

Note: Jeremy Brett portrays Holmes in BBC video recordings. These would be excellent to show after reading the book.  Back to List

Summary:  Fifteen-year-old Catherine, who is a student at a boarding school in Montreal, goes to spend the summer with her father in Nova Scotia. She ends up playing the role of the adult when she discovers that her father is a falling-down drunk. Catherine becomes resigned to her father’s addiction and accepts him for himself.

Comments:  The book which is set in Canada deals with family relationships and the difficulties teens often have accepting and understanding their parents. This realistic fiction gives some insights into dealing with addiction.  Back to List

Summary:  Twelve-year-old Smith is a pickpocket in the grime and violence of London in the 1800’s. He becomes a messenger for the inmates of a prison. Action, intrigue and violence surround Smith as he tries to understand the meaning of a document he has stolen. After being pursued and betrayed, he discovers his true identity and receives his just rewards.

Comments:  The novel has a Dickens flavour in its 1800’s London setting, dealing with the grim social conditions of the time. It supports Grade 9 social studies curriculum. It would be useful for close reading when studying descriptive paragraphs and describing characters.  Back to List

Summary:  Ellen is sexually and physically abused by her alcoholic father. When he dies, she tries to find a new home for herself. Her internal struggles and explanations of the way she deals with these problems are quite insightful.

Comments:  Survival of sexual and physical abuse is a relevant topic for today’s youth. The writing style is somewhat like students’ journal writing. The book would appeal to good readers who have read a wide variety of materials.  Back to List

GREENWOOD, Barbara

Summary:  Teenaged Deborah grows up in Upper Canada during a time of rebellion. William Lyon MacKenzie has incited rebellion against the wealthy landowners of Upper Canada. Deborah’s father and brother have joined the militia so she and her mother are left at home. She learns that making choices is not as easy as it may seem when she discovers a young rebel in their barn. She wonders, "Who is right? Who is wrong? Whom can you trust?" Eventually, she helps the rebel escape across the border into the United States.

Comments:  Young adults are beginning to realize that sometimes involvement is forced upon them which means that they must make difficult decisions with no one right answer. This text supports social studies curricula of Canadian history. Issues of loyalty, smuggling, oppression can lead to significant discussion. Students enjoy the idealism and romanticism of this novel. Back to List

Don't You Dare Read This Mrs. Dunphy 

Summary:  Tish Bonner is writing a journal for English class. As her life at home begins to fall apart, she uses her journal as a confidante. Her teacher has promised not to read any entries marked, "Do not read" so no one is aware of how desperate Tish's sitation has become. When she is finally no longer able to cope, Tish asks her teacher to read the journal because she realizes that she is in need of adult help.

Comments:  This novel presents a strong message, outside appearances do not tell all. Each adolescent hides much beyond the surface level- talents, fears, and problems, as does the main character. Many students have difficulty in understanding that requesting help is a sign of courage and not cowardice. This novel is written as a journal and can serve as a model for student journal writing.  Back to List

Summary:  Twelve-year-old Eli goes off on her own to find her father, who she believes to has abandoned her. Disguised as a boy, and traveling with a male companion, Eli experiences things she never would have experienced as a female. She eventually finds her father.

Comments:  This book, set in the Old West, deals with the importance of family, gender stereotyping, personal morals and ethics. This exciting, easy to read western style novel could appeal to both boys and girls.  Back to List

Summary:  A Jewish family from Poland is exiled in Siberia for five years during WW II. They live in barracks outside the village of Rubtsovsk suffering many hardships. Eventually the family returns to Poland, but Esther, who tells the story, decides to stay behind.

Comments:  The issues are survival, personal growth, war and the suffering of the Jews. The book would provide good discussion points for a small group of readers.  Back to List

Summary:  Nathan does not like who he is and he feels responsible for his parents’ divorce. He winds up living with his "weird" uncle. Adjusting over time, Nathan discovers that he has a special power which is important to both him and his family. He learns that it is okay to be different.

Comments:  This short novel deals with accepting one’s talents and using them to truly become oneself (even when these talents are outside of what is popular to teens). As a fantasy, students can identify characteristics of this genre and use it in their own writing.  Back to List

Summary:  This intriguing mystery is set on a Navajo Reserve in Arizona. Officer Jim Chee is the detective who sets out to discover the circumstances behind a car bombing. He also wants to find out who were the intended victims. The detective finds himself mired in lies and deceit as he tries to solve this mystery.

Comments:  This story is told from the assassin’s point of view. It would extend the readers’ knowledge of customs and beliefs of southern native tribes.  Back to List

Summary:  Two fifteen-year-old boys find themselves struggling for survival during a winter in Canada’s isolated north. Gabe, a transplanted Texan, and Raymond, a Dene, have to rely on each other and their growing knowledge of their natural world to escape death. An Athapaskan-speaking old one imparts his wisdom to help the two boys.

Comments:  This adventure story deals with the conflict of humans against the environment and shows how cooperation and interdependence are necessary for survival. A relevant issue is that knowledge of the environment and its care are important for future generations who will take on the responsibility of the earth. Two other texts with similar story-lines and geographical settings are Two Against the North and Hatchet.  Back to List

Summary:  This novel uses flashbacks to flesh out the current circumstances of a young blind girl who discovers her past, thus rediscovering herself. During a difficult period, she makes choices that allow for her personal growth and a friendship to blossom. She learns to trust and to lean on other people.

Comments:  The text shows that disabled people are valuable and not really different than other people. Current issues about family, arguments and how they make us feel, the value of friendship and the meaning of family are dealt with in the book.  Back to List

Summary:  Each book is a collection of short stories that have been inspired by real-life situations. Paul Jennings has exaggerated these situations and cleverly made them into funny, spooky, wacky and sometimes yucky stories. Every story holds the reader’s interest from beginning to end. Every story is gripping, even the serious ones.

Comments:  These funny, spooky, bizarre, touching stories are just for enjoyment. Each story is written in simple, easy to understand language, with a clever twist and surprise ending. These tales are great for reluctant, slow readers who can enjoy a good story written at a level they can handle. One reviewer gave them ‘10 out of 10’.   Back to List

Summary:  In this time travel story, a young boy, Jack, finds himself drawn to and inexplicably linked to a time, a place and a family that is not his own. An antique wooden cradle provides the magic that allows Jack to move between his modern suburban world and a village in the 1660’s.

Comments:  This time travel, historical novel gives a feeling for life and the fragility of life in the 17^th century especially during the plague. The language is fresh, with precise descriptions and the skillful weaving of two times and places. The alternating two ways of speaking are clever and wonderfully done.  Back to List

Danger Zone 

Summary:  Jimmy Doyle is the best basketball player ever to come out of Granham, Minesota. Jimmy can play and the coaches of the American Dream Team know it. In Rome, Jimmy’s first taste of international stardom becomes a nightmare of hate, fear, and racism. He must face this apprehension, unhappy memories and self-doubt both on and off the basketball court.

Comments:  Basketball fans will enjoy this descriptive, action-packed adventure. David Klass includes plenty of exciting basketball action and opportunities to discuss race relations, national identity and terrorism.  Back to List

LUNN, Janet

Summary:  15-year-old Phoebe Olcott is caught between the two sides of the American Revolution as she discovers that war divides families and neighbors. When she embarks on a perilous journey through the wilderness, this determined and courageous young woman faces hardship, starvation and tragedy. In the end Phoebe settles in a new country, Canada, and finds love and a new family.

Comments:  This novel is an excellent resource for examining the issues that arise during a conflict. Phoebe does not take sides as she can see the both sides of a conflict.  Winner of the Governor General’s Award for 1998.

***Caution: At one point when Phoebe is being chased, she threatens to jump into a river gorge rather than be caught. While this action may seem suicidal, Phoebe does not jump and she goes on to survive against seemingly insurmountable odds.    Back to List

Hold Fast 

Summary:  Michael must adjust to a new and uncomfortable life: new home, new town, loss of his parents and separation from his younger brother Brent and Grandfather. His uncle is a bully who runs his family home with ridicule inspiring fear. His cousin Curtis seems to be afraid of his own shadow. When he injures the main bully at school, Michael is suspended and decides that he is not going to stick around to get into trouble from his uncle. Plans to run away take shape and Curtis insists on joining him. Desperate times result in desperate measures and eventually, the two boys set themselves up in a National Park.

Comments:  ***Teachers may wish to take some caution in recommending this text. Michael takes some illegal actions in order to stay hidden from the police and disapproving family members. The message of trying to cope with many levels of grief during the confusing time of adolescence makes Michael fluctuate between adult behaviour and childish behaviour. Michael's struggle is similar to that of many of today's teens. This text is the winner of the Canada Council Award for Children's Literature and has been translated into many languages around the world.  Back to List

Summary:  Daniel travels through Europe at the time of the Nazi occupation. He experiences prejudice and cruelty but with courage and the love of his family he manages to survive and find hope and life.

Comments:  This sensitively written text serves as a reminder that we must not forget about the Jewish Holocaust and the one million children who died in Europe. Some details regarding Nazi persecution of the Jews would require sensitive discussion. Suggested books for a Grade 8 "Holocaust Through Literature" unit:  The Diary of Anne Frank - Anne Frank, Number the Stars - Lois Lowry; Jesper, Lisa - Carol Matas, The Man From The Other Side - Uri Ovlev.  Back to List

Summary:  It’s November 1947. Ruth and her brother Simon, survivors of the Buchenwald concentration camp, have been smuggled into Palestine. They live on a kibbutz trying to build a new peaceful life. Ruth finds beauty and healing in her garden. The United Nations is preparing to vote on a plan that would partition Palestine into part for the Arabs and another for the Jews. Hostilities are escalating. Simon belongs to the Irgun, a terrorist group who are ready to fight. Ruth is part of the Haganah, a group which believes in fighting only in self-defense.

Comments:  A compelling sequel to "After the War" by Carol Matas. The reader follows the events leading to the birth of the State of Israel. Providing background knowledge would extend the readers understanding of this text. Explicit descriptions of Arab and Jewish attacks may be disturbing.  Back to List

Summary:  Set in the early 1700’s, Nathan dreams about being a pirate and when his family fortunes change through a series of strange coincidences, he gets his wish. The pirate life is not quite the same as he had imagined. After a variety of adventures, he is able to return to England and open a school for poor students.

Comments:  This personal journey story shows that you can be in charge of your life even when circumstances are not good. Some readers would find the adventures of the pirates fun, event though the circumstances are contrived.  Back to List

Summary:  This mystery is centred around two brothers: one who has just returned from the navy and his younger epileptic brother who thinks a homeless man has been switched for him. The younger brother discovers that people are not always what they seem - even your relatives.

Comments:  This mystery, action, suspense story provides a good read with, many twists and turns before the truth is revealed. This text extends the readers background knowledge of epilepsy.  Back to List

Summary:  Findabhair and her Canadian cousin Geven set off on a trip around Ireland in search of the "fairie" world. Geven’s cousin is captured and must be rescued. After many adventures and meeting new friends, she discovers her cousin does not wish to be rescued. But Findabhair needs her cousin’s help to fight a potential world threat.

Comments:  The underlying message in the book is to believe in yourself and trust in the kindness of others. The novel extends knowledge of Ireland and how the "old" ways can exist peacefully with new ways and still retain a sense of culture. This book could be used in a unit on myths, legends, folk or fairie tales.  Back to List

Summary:  Two fourteen-year-old boys, an astronaut from the United States and a Masai herder from Kenya lead very different lives. They connect via shortwave radio when Elliott is in space aboard the space shuttle Endeavour. The two boys, in parallel stories, move towards maturity within their own cultures, while questioning the old ways. Their conversations result in arguments over cultural differences, but lead them towards a greater understanding of their similarities.

Comments:  Relevant issues discussed in the text include inter-cultural understanding, world peace, pollution, friendship and teamwork. Extensive information is given about the NASA space program and the lifestyle of the Masai tribe in Kenya. The book, which is well written and easy to read, has an excellent story.  Back to List

Summary:  In the 1750’s a Northern Inuit tribe is starving to death. A member of the tribe, Metak, is accused of stealing food and is banished, forcing him to travel from village to village with only his dog for company. He meets up with a Russian trawler that has come to hunt otter and saves the sailors from the harsh environment.

Comment:  This personal journey novel is appealing as the story has action and suspense throughout. It also provides knowledge of the culture and environment of the Northern Inuit. These are good descriptive passages, useful for close reading.  Back to List

Summary:  A twelve-year-old girl is stranded alone on an island for eighteen years. She survives an attack of wild dogs, tames their leader and makes a life for herself. She is eventually rescued. This novel is based on a true story of a Native American who lived alone on the tiny island of St. Nicholas off the Californian Coast from 1835 to 1853.

Comments:  Themes of a resourcefulness and survival are highly featured in this novel. The compelling first person narration appeals to students. Each student identifies with Zia’s courage in the face of adversity.  Back to List

Summary:  This 1940’s story is set on Ross Island in Chesapeake Bay. Sara Louise feels trapped and undervalued by her family and friends, as she tries to cope with the jealousy she feels towards her twin sister. She decides to leave the island to find her own identity and after some adventures reconciles with her past.

Comments:  The relevant issues of personal discovery and family relationships underlie this story. The author uses a variety of techniques to develop character: description, characters actions, Biblical allusion, foreshadowing and name changes to show attitude changes.  Note: There is a film available to show after reading.  Back to List

Summary:  This story is set in eastern USA in the late 1800’s, where Lyddie takes a mill job to earn money for the family. Even though she works very hard in the murky, dusty factory, she learns to read, to handle the menacing overseer and make life decisions.

Comments:  This journey story is relevant to the lives of young women today enabling them to realize that they can do well if they want something badly enough and are willing to work. Some parts of this very readable book are well suited for discussion in literature circles.  Back to List

Summary:  Manny is an orphan forced to beg on the streets in Mexico to survive. Sergeant Locke is a Vietnam veteran who is trying to silence his memories by drinking. They become unexpected companions. Manny tries to steal money from Sergeant Locke so he can cross into the USA. After hearing the truth, Sergeant Locke decides to help. Tragically, Sergeant Locke is killed while trying to protect Manny.

Comments:  This text opens the door to many deep thought-provoking discussions. **Sensitive issues of poverty and alcoholism are woven into a powerfully written Gary Paulsen novel. Background regarding the US role in the Vietnam war and the political-social ramifications would be helpful to understand the context of this book.  Back to List

SMITH, Linda

Summary:  Wind shifter is a well-written fantasy. The protagonist is an adolescent girl, Kerstin, who resents that her training to be a wizard sometimes takes second place to duties in the kitchen, while her companion male apprentice is able to focus on his studies. She’s an appealing and believable heroine, who learns much about herself as she undertakes an adventure which takes her to the land of the neighboring Ugliks, a people who have been demonized in the legends and stories of her people, the Freyans. She discovers that although they look different they are really just people with all the same emotions and problems as herself.

Comments:  Linda Smith lives in Grand Prairie, AB. This is her first published book.  Back to List

Summary:  In 1932, thirteen-year-old Margy is sent by her father from their farm in Manitoba to live with her aunts in Bancroft, Ontario. She misses her father, feels rejected by her stepmother and is unsure of her welcome by her aunts. She eventually finds her place in Bancroft by making friends and seeing the love her aunts have for her.

Comments:  In this true story, Margy’s adventures and misadventures make her lovable. The book is well written and easy to read and provides information on life in the depression on the Canadian prairies.  Back to List

Another Way to Dance 

Summary: Vicki, a 14-year-old dancer is slowly coming to terms with who she is, her dreams and reality. The summer program at a prestigious ballet school demands hard work and is highly competitive. This novel of love explores many types of love- girl meets boy, dancer meeting the dance, family separation and reconciliation, love of self.

Comments: Issues of honesty, clarity and racism can be discussed after reading this text. Another Way to Dance is Martha Southgate’s first novel.  Back to List

Summary:  This story is set in the first century. Daniel is a member of a band of Palestinian zealots who seek to free themselves from Roman domination. Conflict arises over the methods of achieving freedom when Daniel meets Jesus and listens to his message of peace, as Daniel’s leader, Rosh believes in violence. Daniel’s inner turmoil is highlighted.

Comments:  This piece of historical fiction is a story of personal growth. The text contains very good descriptions of the landscape and countryside during the time of Christ.  Back to List

Summary:  Kit, a fourteen-year-old literate girl is orphaned and leaves her warm Caribbean Island for the cold, bleak shores of a puritan Connecticut colony. In this stern community inhabited by her relatives, she feels caged and lonely. The only place where she feels any solace is in the meadow where she meets a kindred spirit, an old woman known as the Witch of Black Bird Pond. When their friendship is discovered, Kit is faced with suspicion, fear and anger and is accused of witchcraft.

Comments:  The theme of the book is overcoming life’s obstacles with determination and love. The vocabulary is challenging and the author has written interesting character descriptions. The strong female character appeals to students.   Back to List

Summary:  A young girl, abused for years by her stepfather, keeps a knife in her possession, letting him know if he tries again she will kill him. As she tries to take her power back, her mother refuses to acknowledge any problems. She falls to pieces at school and realizes her secret is not so secret when a friend’s father offers help. He is a lawyer and gives her the power no knife can give.

Comments:  There is a strong message that no one has the right to touch, manipulate or abuse anyone else and take away their dignity. It is illegal and there is help. The book is clear on what sexual abuse is, how abuse manifests itself and the legal issues surrounding sexual abuse. The main character is a very strong person.

Note: **The stepfather is easy to hate as he is slick and manipulative, not a subtle character.  Back to List

Summary:  This story combines the elements of life found in 1900 in San Francisco’s Chinatown, the 1906 earthquake and fire and the reunion of a young man with his father. The father and son dream of building a biplane that will fly like a dragon.

Comments:  This story, based on the true account of a Chinese immigrant, deals with cultural clashes among the Chinese immigrants in California. Kite lovers would find this book particularly appealing.  Back to List