Anne Patton’s historical novel Full Steam to Canada!was reviewed in Canadian Teacher Magazine.
This is an excellent work of historical fiction…an in-depth account of boat and train travel at the turn of the century, as well as a great record of the hardships immigrants had to face when settling our great country…Dorothy ages little in her few months of travel, but she matures an immeasurable amount.
Read more of the what the reviewer has to say in the full article.
CM Magazine has reviewed two of Alison Lohans’ recent books, Dog Alert and Germy Johnson’s Piano War.
About Germy Johnson:
Germy Johnson’s Piano War, by Alison Lohans
Germy Johnson’s Piano War is a fun story about a boy dealing with a less-than-ideal situation. J.J. is a little stubborn, very creative, and ultimately, he pushes through and accepts the lessons he has because he knows he is not a quitter. This book is a fairly fast read, at only 64 pages, and the quick nature of the plot makes this book great for reluctant readers or for a read aloud.
Zoe’s story is told directly; there is no stopping to muse upon the plot points that could be weighed down with “teachable moments” or life lessons. Great for new independent readers, the direct nature of the book is one of the major strengths of Dog Alert as Lohans seems to understand the need to allow readers the opportunity to form their own opinions rather than telling them what to take away from Zoe’s story.
Anne Patton talks about the importance of public libraries in this video from the 2011 Word on the Street festival in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Authors Yann Martel, Arthur Slade, Maureen Ulrich, and Amy Jo Ehman are also featured.
Tumblebooks is an interactive reading site that helps kids of all ages learn to read. Now you can read Raspberry Room, by Alison Lohans, on this fun website.
Schools and libraries can sign up for a 12-month subscription or a free trial.
Congratulations to Linda Aksomitis, whose book L is for Land of Living Skies has been nominated for the High Plains Book Award in the art and photography category!
The award is given out by the Parmly Billings Library Board in Billings, Montana. It recognizes authors and/or literary works which examine and reflect life in the North American plains. This includes Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas in the U.S. A., and Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada.
Winner of the 2009 John V. Hicks Unpublished Long Manuscript Award!
Eleven-year old Dorothy Bolton makes the long journey to the Canadian prairies in 1903 with her parents, her sister Lydia, her brother Frank, and a boatload of new acquaintances. They travel with other Barr Colonists by steam train, steam boat, and another train on their way to settle in the Northwest Territories (now Saskatchewan and Alberta). Reverend Barr has promised them a fertile land with a gentle climate just waiting to welcome them to a new home. But when they get there, things are not quite as rosy as they thought…
Based on diaries and conversations with actual Barr colonists, this book brings the story of the Barr Colony to life for middle-grade readers.
Saskatchewan Children's Writers' Round Robin 