Orca Middle Readers Volume Rights 2015

Transcription

Orca Book
Publishers
Rights Catalogue— Middle Readers
Core Titles
Transatlantic Agency
Reaching More Readers
Amy Tompkins
2 Bloor St. E., Suite 3500, Toronto, ON, m4w 1a8, Canada
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
[email protected] • www.transatlanticagency.com
2 Middle readers
Walking Backward
Catherine Austen
A Brief History of Grief.
hen Josh’s mother dies in a phobia-induced car crash, she leaves two questions for her
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grieving family: how did a snake get into her car and how do you mourn with no faith
to guide you?
World Rights Available
(ex – North America)
184 pages ∙ ages 9–12
Twelve-year-old Josh is left alone to find the answers. His father is building a time
machine. His four-year-old brother’s closest friend is a plastic Power Ranger. His psychiatrist
offers nothing more than a blank journal and platitudes.
Isolated by grief in a home where every day is pajama day, Josh makes death his research
project. He tests the mourning practices of religions he doesn’t believe in. He tries to mend
his little brother’s shattered heart. He observes, records and waits—for his life to feel normal,
for his mother’s death to make sense, for his father to come out of the basement.
His observations, recorded in a series of journal entries, are funny, smart, insightful—
and heartbreaking. His conclusions about the nature of love, loss, grief and the space-time
continuum are nothing less than life-changing.
Cybils Award nominee
CLA Book of the Year nominee
Quebec Writers’ Federation Literature Prize nominee
OLA Best Bets selection
Diamond Willow nominee
Red Cedar nominee
Canadian Childrens’ Book Centre starred selection
Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award nominee
“In this impressive debut novel, Josh keeps a journal to chart his feelings and thoughts, allowing
readers to follow his journey from sadness to acceptance and the eventual return of cohesion in
his family. Given the subject matter, the story is never maudlin, and Josh’s voice rings natural and
true. An elegantly crafted volume of lasting power.” —Kirkus Reviews
“An original and entertaining take on grief and coping with loss…[Josh] is easy to relate to and
sustains this story with his strong, thoughtful and funny voice.” —Canadian Children’s Book News
“Austen is both unsentimental and unapologetic in her employment of precise and elegant prose,
and the complicated and often humorous reactions to grieving practices lend themselves to an
enjoyable read.” —School Library Journal
“This novel’s refusal to sentimentalize loss or to accept quick or predictable solutions in
conjunction with its ability to create a realistic and complex protagonist allows for a refreshing
perspective on the story of the loss of a parent.” —Canadian Literature
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 3
Dirk Daring, Secret Agent
Helaine Becker
Mission interruptus.
hen Darren Dirkowitz’s evil stepbrother (code name Waldo) gets hold of Darren’s
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tippity-top-secret spy journal, he threatens to expose it to the entire Preston Middle
School student body. Unless, that is, Darren starts doing his dirty work for him. Now Darren’s
208 pages · ages 8–11
got to use the oh-so-cloak-and-daggery skills he’s honed in his secret alternate life as Dirk
Daring, Secret Agent to spy on kids at school. Naturally, he also sets up a separate, sneaky
surveillance program to unearth Waldo’s own secrets. As more and more ugly truths are
exposed, new alliances are forged and old friendships broken. Can Darren learn to be true to
himself and build real friendships for the first time in his life? Or will he retreat back into his
exciting but imaginary shadow world?
Helaine Becker is the bestselling author of more than fifty books for children and young
adults, including the “enduring Canadian Christmas classic” A Porcupine in a Pine Tree and
the giggle-inducing Ode to Underwear. She’s also a three-time winner of the Silver Birch
Award and a two-time winner of the Lane Anderson Award for Science Writing for Children.
Helaine lives in Toronto with her husband and her dog, Ella. For more information, visit
www.helainebecker.com.
Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books selection
“The nonstop action, evolving plot, fleshed-out characters, gross-out jokes, intermittent cartoonish
illustrations, and overarching themes of friendship and self-discovery should resonate with middle
school readers. Recommend this to fans of Sammy Keyes and Hunter Moran.” —Booklist
“Full of wisecracking jokes, shifting alliances, and betrayals, Becker’s school-day caper offers a steady
stream of surprises and laughs. Darren maintains a deadpan, noir-ish tone (‘No one must know of
my covert actions. Therefore, I use ultimate discretion and a steady hand to obtain my ink’) even
when, for instance, he’s using his own urine as invisible ink.” —Publishers Weekly
“Friendships are strongly tested throughout the novel, which is peppered with imaginative turns of
phrase and bursts of energy. The book is an enjoyable and quirky read…These are real kids behaving
with all the creativity and energy one would expect of them. But beneath all the play and humor is a
genuine emotional core, exploring the trials and tribulations all friendships endure when moving from
elementary school on to junior high. A stunning last-minute twist pushes the book above and beyond.
A clever romp that’s enhanced, not lessened, by its message.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Becker has created a delightful hero in underdog, Darren Dirkowitz…Chock full of code names
and encrypted missions, comic doodles and handwritten editorial comments, Dirk Daring, Secret
Agent is a high-energy race car speeding to what looks like certain disaster. But underneath
is a gentle and thoughtful look at the scary parts of being ten years old…A highly imaginative
and enjoyable read and the underlying message adds to, rather than detracts from the fun.”
—National Reading Campaign blog
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
4 Middle readers
Button Hill
Michael Bradford
All Dekker needs is an old book,
a green tomato and the courage to stay human.
ekker isn’t happy that he and his little sister, Riley, are stuck in Button Hill with their
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weird old great-aunt Primrose. When he discovers an old clock in the cellar, made
entirely of bones and with a skull for a face, he doesn’t think much about it. But when Riley
goes missing, a strange boy named Cobb appears in Button Hill. He tells Dekker that Button
Hill sits on the border between Nightside and Dayside—and that Riley is in Nightside and
may never return. In order to save her, Dekker must follow her into the darkness and sacrifice
something he thought he couldn’t live without.
Originally from St. Albert, Alberta, Michael Bradford has worked as a grass cutter, waiter,
pizza-delivery boy, literacy teacher, elementary-school vice-principal and published poet.
Button Hill is his first novel. He lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with his wife and two children. For more information, visit www.michaelbradford.ca.
Kirkus Prize nominee
“A moment’s messing with an odd clock plunges a lad into the strange and dangerous borderland
between the living world and the realms of the dead in this decidedly offbeat chiller…Though
strewn with scary creatures and tons of spooky bones, the tale is also leavened with tonguein-cheek elements…Both Dekker and Riley are admirably clever, and Bradford keeps the stakes
satisfyingly high. Rare, scary fun. With tomatoes.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“A scrumptious Gothic treat, oozing high-calorie horror and delectable dread…Although
Dekker’s quest seems hopeless at times, Bradford never lets him or the reader slide into
complete despair. A cheerful optimism bounces through the story, much of it coming from the
upbeat, buoyant Riley…A rollicking good read, with adventures tumbling one after the other…
Gleefully thrilling.” —Quill & Quire, starred review
“A dark yet delightful tale for readers who love the unexpected, who long for secret passages and
who live for annoying their siblings. When Dekker is trapped in the scary world beneath his strange
Aunt’s spooky house, he and his sister have to discover what really matters to even have a hope
of seeing the real world again. The dead come alive, sort of, in this thrilling novel written by the
talented, fun, and lively Michael Bradford.” —Alice Kuipers, award-winning author
“A highly recommended title that will fascinate readers between 9 and 12, especially those interested
in ghost stories, horror, fantasy, adventure and mysteries. There’s an underlying theme of sibling
rivalry, loyalty, and love that will attract readers of other genres.” —Resource Links
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 5
After the Fire
Becky Citra
When it comes to family, there’s no such thing as perfection.
elissa is waiting for the “new life” that her mother Sharlene has promised her since a
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fire devastated their family. But nothing ever seems to change. Melissa has difficulty
making friends at school, they never have enough money and her little brother Cody is a
Rights Sold:
Finnish book club*
Norwegian book club*
Swedish book club*
*Stabenfeldt
brat. When Sharlene announces that they will be spending the month of August at a remote
cabin on a wilderness lake, Melissa is less than thrilled. But there is more to do at the lake
than she expected, and she is surprised to learn that her mother knows how to paddle a
canoe, fish and make bannock and s’mores. On an island in the middle of the lake, Melissa
meets Alice, a strange girl who is writing a fantasy novel. Alice shares her tree fort on the
island with Melissa, and while at first Melissa is attracted to Alice’s strong personality and her
stories of her “perfect family,” she becomes increasingly uneasy around Alice. As Melissa’s
relationship with her mother improves and her confidence increases, she is able to hold her
own with Alice and start to appreciate her own imperfect family.
Red Cedar nominee
Resource Links the Year’s Best selection
Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year
“Citra captures the tenuous feelings of manipulation and trust, longing and belonging, that
Melissa, like other preteens, experiences…I recommend this book to students looking for a
mature glimpse at a preteen’s life, without the gauze of a quick fix or fairy tale ending.” —VOYA
“Melissa’s angry resistance to her mom, and to her own memory, shakes up the familiar scenario
of a kid trapped with an abusive adult, and readers will be caught by the realism of her first-person
narrative…Along with Melissa’s loneliness, there is always the beauty of the solitary setting and
the truths she finds in the silence as she looks at the stars above the cliffs.” —Booklist online
“Citra delivers a poignant, well-paced story about family and friendship…The book wraps with a
satisfying and hopeful ending that affirms the human capability to persist and succeed through the
hardships and difficulties that life may present. Highly Recommended.” —CM Magazine
“Citra has produced yet another winning novel for young readers that is engaging, interesting and
full of true to life situations” —Quill & Quire
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
6 Middle readers
Missing
Becky Citra
Before Thea can move forward, she has to go back.
hea and her dad are always on the move, from one small British Columbia town to
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another, trying to leave behind the pain of Thea’s mom’s death. They never stay long
enough in one place for Thea to make friends, but when her dad gets work renovating a guest
Rights Sold:
Czech book club*
Finnish book club*
German book club*
Hungarian book club*
Swedish book club*
*Stabenfeldt
ranch on Gumboot Lake, she dares to hope that their wandering days are over. At the ranch
she makes friends with Van, a local boy, and works hard to build the trust of an abused horse
named Renegade. When Thea unearths the decades-old story of a four-year-old girl who
disappeared from the ranch and was never seen again, she enlists Van to help her solve the
mystery. When some disturbing facts come to light, she finally starts to come to terms with
the losses in her own life.
Becky Citra is the author of many books for children, including After the Fire, Never To Be
Told and Whiteout. Becky lives on a ranch in Bridge Lake, British Columbia, where she has
ridden and trained horses for thirty years.
Diamond Willow winner
Silver Birch nominee
Arthur Ellis Award nominee
“A quick and engaging read.” —VOYA
“Citra’s writing is solid, and Thea is strong and appealing.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The intersection of Thea’s mysterious past with a cold-case mystery she stumbles upon in her
latest stay deep in the Cariboo wilderness is compellingly told in Thea’s first-person narrative…
The theme of finding yourself by letting yourself care for another is subtly and richly conveyed.”
—Booklist
“The novel provides just enough foreshadowing that readers will enjoy piecing together
the mystery. The theme of fitting in and finding acceptance will resonate. Recommended.”
—Library Media Connection
“The story is fast moving and compelling…The concurrent story line of Thea’s maturing relationships
with those around her add another layer of interest.” —School Library Journal
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 7
Dalen & Gole
Scandal in Port Angus
Mike Deas
Dalen and Gole are refugees on Earth in a race against time to
save their home planet from an evil plot.
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ith seconds to the finish line, Dalen and Gole lead the distant world of
Budap’s annual Junior-Jet Race. Suddenly they are overtaken. Left behind
in a cloud of mysterious purple exhaust, they realize something doesn’t add up.
Looking for clues, the two friends uncover a tunnel that leads them to Earth.
They arrive in Port Angus, once a lively west coast fishing community. The fishing industry
is dying, and Dalen and Gole find themselves embroiled in a sinister plot to steal fish and
send them to Budap. Pursued by government agents and angry aliens, Dalen and Gole are in
a race against time to save both their own distant world and the fishing community of Port
Angus.
Mike Deas is an author/illustrator of graphic novels, including Tank & Fizz and the Graphic
Guide Adventure series. While he grew up with a love of illustrative storytelling, Capilano
College’s Commercial Animation program helped Mike fine-tune his drawing skills and imagination. Mike and his wife, Nancy, currently live on Saltspring Island, British Columbia. For
more information, visit www.deasillustration.com or follow him on Twitter@DeasIllos.
Silver Birch Express nominee
BC Book Prize—Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize nominee
Hackmatack nominee
“A crisp, clear comic romp about two alien friends who uncover a gently sinister scheme that
could destroy both their home planet and a small fishing town on Earth…Deas’ art has a clarion
brightness and is tidily paneled across the page…Squeaky-clean, good fun.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Deas, illustrator of the six-volume Graphic Guide Adventure series, makes his debut as an author
and illustrator here and provides solid graphics, pacing, dialogue, and humor…The rundown of
the Budapian alphabet at the end is a particularly nice touch, and it allows readers to spin back
through and translate the many signs sprinkled throughout the book. A fun mystery-adventure
that’s just right for young space cases.” —Booklist
“A fast-paced…fun romp about strangers in a strange land…Budap’s residents resemble humantoad hybrids with snail-like eyes. Visually, they are immediately endearing…An entertaining and
charming book.” —Quill & Quire
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
8 Middle readers
Bank Job
James Heneghan & Norma Charles
How long can Nell and her friends rob banks before
they get caught?
He passed a note across the counter:
THIS IS A BANK ROBBERY. YOU WON’T GET HURT IF YOU DO AS YOU’RE TOLD.
I knew what the note said because I had written it.
Rights Sold:
Easy Reader Edition—Lindhardt
Og Ringhof
ell has been in foster homes all her life—most of them have been horrible. She finally
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gets moved to a home she likes, and the ministry threatens to close it down unless an
expensive renovation is made to the house. Nell and the two boys in the home, Billy and
Tom, decide to raise the funds themselves. How do kids get large amounts of money quickly?
By robbing banks, of course. Their first few heists are successful, but when they almost get
caught on their sixth robbery, the friends start to fight about whether they should continue.
The bank jobs that were meant to keep their family together just might tear it apart.
Bank Job was inspired by a newspaper account of three teens who robbed seven banks in
the Vancouver area.
Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books starred selection
Chocolate Lily nominee
Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice honour book
“A satisfying moral tale…described in gripping detail. The effects of peer pressure and the
desire to please those we love and admire are clearly illustrated. While not condoning robbery,
Heneghan and Charles make valuable points about the importance of family, especially family of
choice, in young people’s lives.” —Booklist
“[Heneghan and Charles] do a good job of creating tension and keeping us wondering if (and
when) something will go horribly wrong. The pacing is right and the details realistic enough to
give the story plausibility.” —Quill & Quire
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 9
Lost in the Backyard
Alison Hughes
Survival of the fittest doesn’t apply to Flynn.
lynn hates the outdoors. Always has. He barely pays attention in his Outdoor Ed class. He
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has no interest in doing a book report on Lost in the Barrens. He doesn’t understand why
anybody would want to go hiking or camping. But when he gets lost in the wilderness behind
his parents’ friends’ house, it’s surprising what he remembers—insulate your clothes with
leaves, eat snow to stay hydrated, build a shelter, eat lichen—and how hopelessly inept he is
at survival techniques.
Alison Hughes is an award-winning writer who has lived, worked and studied in Canada,
England and Australia. Her previous books include Poser and On a Scale from Idiot to Complete
Jerk. She read lots of survival stories as a child and used to make elaborate and thrilling plans
to weather a natural disaster which, sadly, never materialized. Alison lives with her family in
Edmonton, Alberta, where she still delights in blizzards and power outages and tends to stockpile canned goods.
“Narrated in Flynn’s sarcastic-yet-realistic tone, the story provides a different take on wilderness
survival than, say, Jean Craighead George’s My Side of the Mountain (1959)…A book that will grab
many, including reluctant middle-school readers.” —Booklist Online
“Hughes writes Flynn’s story in the first person, allowing the reader to feel and experience all of
Flynn’s emotions and struggles. The tone and self deprecating humour allow the reader to easily
connect with Flynn and to root for him despite his clear dislike of the circumstances he finds
himself in. Short sentences, paragraphs and chapters propel this adventure story forward quickly
it’s a race to the finish of the book to find out how Flynn survives his days in the woods. Highly
recommended for those who love adventure and the outdoors…[and] readers who just want a
quick exciting read.” —CM Magazine
“Simply written, in first-person perspective, the novel is carried by the voice of its engaging and
truly adolescent main character…A satisfying tale of a young man’s personal growth.” —VOYA
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
10 Middle readers
On a Scale from Idiot
to Complete Jerk
A Highly Scientific Study of Annoying Behavior
Alison Hughes
Meet J.J. Murphy, DJ*
*Doctor of Jerkosity
hen grade-eight science-project time rolls around, J.J. Murphy skips the beakers and
the papier-mâché and dives into research about jerks. And idiots. But mostly jerks.
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By his own estimation, his science project, On a Scale from Idiot to Complete Jerk, is ground-
breaking, exhaustive, highly scientific and seriously worthy of bonus marks. Beginning with
the dawn of humankind and concluding conclusively with a very cool pie chart, the project
dissects the elements of jerkosity through extensive case studies and scientific illustrations.
Rights Sold:
It explores the who, what, when, why and how of jerks and, more important, peppers the
Korean—BookInFish
lively research with sciencey-looking graphs and charts that reveal a lot about J.J., his family
Dutch—Van Holkem &
and friends, and the jerks of this world.
Warendorf/Unieboek Spectrum
“A quirky, funny glimpse into the life and mind of a 13-year-old boy. Structured as a science report
written by J.J., On a Scale from Idiot to Complete Jerk presents a narrative about human nature
that middle-grade kids will find relatable, humorous, and genuine…In addition to the unorthodox
format, what makes this book work is its universal appeal. Young readers will enjoy J.J.’s stream-ofconsciousness narration, his cheeky tone, and his efforts to convince his teacher that this is actually
a science report when it’s anything but…Alison Hughes deserves an A+ for her smart, engaging
middle-grade read.” —Quill & Quire
“The format of a science report with lots of case studies to dip into makes this an engaging read
for kids who prefer non-fiction, as well as a lively read for those who like fiction. The material is
lots of fun and often thought-provoking, J.J.’s voice is strong and the various observed behaviours
are familiar to anyone who has encountered an idiot or jerk or acted like one (i.e. all of us). Bravo,
Alison Hughes! Bonus marks awarded.” —National Reading Campaign blog
“Hughes has crafted an authentic and endearing narrator—J.J. Murphy is the kind of boy most
readers would like to be friends with…Hughes is a skilled writer, words roll off the page, and
most readers will keep turning the pages. The “case studies” of various jerks—young jerks, old
jerks, sports jerks, etc.—are illustrated with amusing stories and observations…A witty and skillful
account of those “idiots” and “jerks” that populate the lives of children.” —CM Magazine
“J.J.'s descriptions will have readers not only laughing out loud but also reading passages aloud to
whoever will listen—they are that funny.” —Canadian Children's Book News
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 11
Poser
Alison Hughes
Spin is a model boy, but not in a good way.
welve-year-old Luke “Spin” Spinelli is sick of fake running, fake laughing and fake
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pointing. Sure, he once made the cover of Baby Show magazine, but now his secret
modeling career is making him miserable. He dreams of using nonwhitening toothpaste.
He can’t wait to stop styling his hair. And he really wants to stop worrying that the school
bully will discover he was once the face of Dribbleez Diapers. After all, Spin’s just a normal
boy looking for a hockey game and some pizza with extra cheese.
Alison Hughes has lived, worked and studied in Canada, England and Australia. She started
writing when it became clear that it was much more fun and flexible than being a lawyer,
and didn’t require her to wear nylons. She won the Writers’ Union of Canada’s Writing for
Children Competition, and her short stories have been short- and longlisted for the CBC
Literary Awards. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with her husband, three children, three
dogs and two cats. She has never been a child model and is much more comfortable behind
the camera in family pictures.
Red Cedar Book Award nominee
Hackmatack Children’s Choice Award nominee
“Behind the comedy, Hughes presents a convincing picture of a boy just beginning to assert his
own individuality, making choices he knows are risky. Luke’s first-person patter will hook readers,
as will details of Luke’s modeling assignments…The entertainment value stays high. Plenty of fun,
and substance too.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The tone is breezy and the characters just larger than life, which makes for a fun jaunt through
school, friendship, hockey, and the unglamorous life of the child model.” —Booklist online
“A witty narrative that embraces important themes…Along with a look at the modeling life and
what it’s like to make money by being photogenic, this laugh-out-loud funny novel considers bullying,
lying, and appreciating one’s special gifts.” —School Library Journal
“Readers will identify with Spin’s angst while recognizing how minor his problems really are, and
this dichotomy is the basis of the book’s humor. You can’t help liking Spin. He’s a really funny
kid, and it’s entertaining to spend time with him. Supporting characters are all interesting, wellrounded and hilariously described by Spin…Poser is funny and easy to read and will be extremely
popular. Highly Recommended.” —CM Magazine
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
12 Middle readers
Dunces Anonymous
Kate Jaimet
There’s strength in numbers, even small ones.
Who would want to join a club called Dunces Anonymous? It was a dumb name. It was a dumb idea.
Still, what else could he do? He needed help. Josh was in terrible trouble, and he couldn’t think of a way
out of it alone.
osh Johnson’s mother wants him to run for class president. Josh just wants to run
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and hide. If only there were a club to help downtrodden eleven-year-olds escape their
parents’ ambitions! But since no such club exists, Josh has to invent one—he calls it Dunces
Rights Sold:
Korean—BookInFish
Anonymous, and before he knows it, the membership is up to three.
Magnolia and Wang help Josh lose the school presidential election, but that’s just the
beginning of the club’s activities. Magnolia, pressured by her mom into trying out for
the role of Juliet in the school’s play, finds herself fending off the advances of an overly
amorous Romeo. Wang’s father has forced him to join the school chess club, but Wang
desperately wants to take fencing lessons instead.
As the three friends try to free Magnolia from the school play, liberate Wang from the
chess club and get rid of horrible Stacey Hogarth, who has vowed to become the new president of Dunces Anonymous, they realize that they all have talents—if only their parents
could see them.
Ottawa Book Awards nominee
Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice nominee
Canadian Children’s Book Centre selection
“Loved it. Spot-on plotting, and a great cast of characters.” —Gordon Korman
“Delightful, quirky fiction…[The] characters are funny, entertaining and endearing. Dunces Anonymous
is a strong reminder that the power of friendship can move mountains, and it will leave you with
a smile on your face.” —St. Albert Gazette
“The adventures and intrigues that Josh, Wang, and Magnolia plot to get out of doing what their
parents expect are quite entertaining…A nice read, which captures the spirit of children first
learning to branch out. Recommended.” —Library Media Connection
“The concept for this novel is one that many overachieving students can relate to.”
—School Library Journal
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 13
Dunces Rock
Kate Jaimet
Dunces to the rescue!
he Dunces—Josh, Magnolia, Wang and Wilmot—are back, and this time they’re going
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up against a formidable foe: Principal Hale, who has canceled their school’s drama
and music program just when Wilmot needs it most. He has a guitar (given to him by a
teen named Headcase), but no teacher and nowhere to practice (his dad hates rock ‘n’ roll).
The Dunces’ plan to convince Principal Hale to reinstate the program involves Josh’s reluctant
participation in a hockey team, Magnolia’s enthusiastic role-playing and Wang’s disillusionment with a suspicious character named Hui Bing (aka Larry). But can the Dunces really rock,
even when they rebrand themselves as Cousin Willy and the Wang Dang Doodles?
Kate Jaimet developed an early taste for madcap plotlines due to childhood exposure to the
novels of P.G. Wodehouse. Her batty characters are mainly based upon members of her own
family. Kate enjoys limericks, yoga, clever repartee, kayaking and spending time with her two
young daughters, except when they are trying to injure each other. Kate lives in Ottawa and
for more information, visit www.katejaimet.com.
Red Cedar nominee
“Jaimet keeps the story fast-paced and funny, giving each friend a distinct challenge to overcome while
they work together to bring drama and music back to their school…The Dunce’s latest escapades
prove that friends can accomplish anything as long as they’ve got one another’s backs.” —Booklist
“The author is wise not to dwell too much on the arts-vs.-sports agenda, instead leaning heavily
on witty banter among her characters and larger-than-life explosions of joy and friendship.
Another wise decision is made when dealing with Principal Hale, who is painted not as evil or
shortsighted but instead pompous and vain, making this less and less a sophisticated analysis of
scholastic debate and more a well-intentioned romp.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Well-written, with short, digestible chapters and plenty of action to keep the reader hooked.
This motley crew of students has multiple challenges thrown at them throughout the course of
the book, and manages to figure out a way around each of them. Their path may not always be
straight—and in fact might seem downright backwards at some points—but they never give up,
which keeps the story interesting.” —StoryMonsters Ink
“Middle-grade readers will commiserate with the characters’ frustrations about not being allowed
to do what they really want to do, and they will laugh out loud at the Dunces’ shenanigans. In
particular, readers will enjoy the principal-inspired songs, and Wang’s attempts to master a possibly
mystical, distinctly absurd dance will leave readers in stitches. Packed tight with jokes, deliberately
quirky scenes, and lovable characters, Dunces Rock’s fast-paced humor is perfectly suited to its
intended audience.” —VOYA
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
14 Middle readers
So Much for Democracy
Kari Jones
Home is where the sun, soldiers, spiders and snakes are.
welve-year-old Astrid has come to Ghana with her family in 1979 so that her father can
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help oversee Ghana’s first democratic election. Astrid and her brother, Gordo, were told
it would be a great family adventure, but they soon find out that everything about Ghana
is difficult—the heat, the food, the threat of disease, the soldiers on the roads, the schools.
Gordo fits in more easily than Astrid, who is often left to look after her baby sister, Piper, as
their mother begins to fall apart under the strain of living in Ghana. When the government
is overthrown, Gordo comes down with malaria and a soldier threatens her family, Astrid is
surprised to discover how protective she has become of her new home.
Kari Jones spent her youth traveling around the world. Her novel, Out of Season, was
published in Finnish, German, Hungarian, Norwegian and Swedish. She was fortunate
enough to spend some years in Ghana when she was in her early teens. Kari now lives and
writes in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.karijones.ca.
Junior Library Guild selection
Hackmatack Children's Choice Award nominee
“Astrid, her younger brother, and her friend Thema are well-developed young characters, and the
relationships Ghanaians have with each other and Astrid’s family are compelling. Astrid’s firstperson narration is appropriately childlike, and her youthful perspective is a concise, honest glimpse
into an event relatively unknown in the U.S.” —Booklist
“The political context for the story would be of interest to students learning about African history,
or for anyone wanting to learn about recent changes in countries in Africa. Astrid is an interesting
character because of how strong she is in the face of difficulties at home with her mother, and
managing her siblings and friends. There are multiple ways of looking at and enjoying this book.”
—Resource Links
“Scenes filled with tension, including one in which a soldier takes away their mother’s purse, make
the story gripping to middle grade readers. This is a great book for understanding another culture
and the struggles of a nation.” —Reading Today online
“Jones’ story provides readers with an emotionally captivating look into a family’s anxieties as the
unit transitions to life in a new country…[and] richly depicts Astrid’s strength and commitment to
her family as they endure stress and battle sickness and fear…The book educates readers about a
family’s emotional situation and social conditions surrounding life in 1979 in Ghana…[and] provides
educators the opportunity to have active discussions with their students about the integral role
which government, elections, democracy, and freedom play in society. Highly Recommended.”
—CM Magazine
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 15
The Mealworm Diaries
Anna Kerz
As the worm turns.
What’re we gonna investigate?” Aaron said.
“You might want to investigate the art of listening,” Mr. Collins said. “The rest of the class will
study mealworms.”
There were snickers. If Aaron heard, he didn’t seem to care; he kept moving. His legs jiggled. He
tapped his pencil on his desk. He hummed. His head bopped from side to side as if he was hearing music.
Weird kid, Jeremy thought.
Rights Sold:
Korean—Jaem & Moeum
ealworms are small creatures that live in dark secret places. Jeremy is a bit like that
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when he leaves his home in rural Nova Scotia and moves to Toronto with his mother.
Lots of things keep him from enjoying his new life, but the worst is his science partner,
Aaron, who is more annoying than sand in a bathing suit. Jeremy is also burdened by the
secret he carries about the motorcycle accident that injured him and killed his father.
Although Jeremy is haunted by his past, he starts to feel at home in Toronto when he
realizes he has some skills he can share with his classmates. And when his mealworm project
yields some surprising results, Jeremy is finally able to talk about his part in the fatal accident.
Anna Kerz loves stories that touch the heart and tickle the funny bone. Now that she’s
retired from teaching, she fills her time by working as a storyteller, telling tales to audiences
of all ages, and by writing books for children. She lives in Scarborough, Ontario.
Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year starred selection
Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award nominee
Hackmatack nominee
OLA Best Best selection
Rocky Mountain Book Award nominee
“This moving first novel deftly weaves…serious issues into a realistic depiction of an ordinary boy
moving forward despite his loss and doing the right thing by his troubled classmate.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Kerz effectively conveys the insular social dynamics of a grade-school classroom and presents
winning portraits of Jeremy and his understanding family and teacher. Readers will enjoy this quiet
story as they absorb its simple but timeless message about the importance of kindness.” —Booklist
“Aaron’s ADHD-type behavioural problems are described with such accuracy that he jumps
right off the page…There is real, raw talent here, evident in the character of Aaron, and in the
depiction of classroom life.” —Quill & Quire
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
16 Middle readers
Better Than Weird
Anna Kerz
Sometimes reading faces is a lot harder than reading books.
stand-alone sequel to The Mealworm Diaries, Aaron is anxiously waiting for his father
for the first time since Aaron’s mother’s death eight years earlier. Aaron works
Ihardntothisreturn
with a counselor at school, but he still has problems getting along with and understanding other kids, and he’s worried that his dad will think he’s weird. As well as having to
confront Tufan, the class bully, Aaron must find ways to cope with the fact that his dad now
has a pregnant wife and his beloved Gran needs surgery. In the end, his greatest strength is
not his intelligence or his sense of humor, but the openness and warmth of his heart.
Notable Books for a Global Society Book Award
Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year
“Life’s complications are delicately handled by Kerz, who weaves a multilayered tale…
A heartwarming read for fans of realistic fiction.” —Booklist
“This moving story looks at both family and school life from the point of view of a boy trying hard
to fit into a world he doesn’t quite understand…This companion book [to The Mealworm Diaries]
stands alone but will surely send readers back to read the first.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Kerz succeeds beautifully at crafting a convincing narrative centered on the life of a 12-year-old
boy who cannot control his behavior.” —School Library Journal
“Aaron doesn’t know his father at all. He is both excited and terrified by the impending reunion—
and so are we…Kerz is brilliant at describing these challenges from Aaron’s perspective, and she
does so without a trace of sentimentality…It’s a messy and far from perfect outcome for Aaron,
but after spending some time with his own messy imperfections, we wouldn’t have it any other
way.” —Quill & Quire, starred review
“Better Than Weird is simply told, yet rich with wonderful metaphors and believable surprises.
Kerz’s style makes this a story that will appeal to readers of all levels. Highly Recommended.”
—CM Magazine
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 17
The Gnome’s Eye
Anna Kerz
Theresa needs more than a smooth river stone to vanquish her
fears in a new world.
n the spring of 1954, when her father announces that the family has a chance to immigrate
IYugoslavia,
to Canada, Theresa’s life changes forever. She and her family are wartime refugees from
so it shouldn’t be hard to leave Austria. But the weathered barracks of Lager
Lichtenstein are the only home she knows, and they are filled with family and friends she
doesn’t want to leave behind.
As she says her goodbyes, Theresa’s friend Martin gives her two gifts: a package of postcards and a stone he calls the Gnome’s Eye, which he says will “protect her from all things
evil, living or dead.” Theresa is convinced the stone has no power, but she still keeps it close
as they travel on the crowded immigrant ship and when they settle into a crowded rooming
house on Kensington Avenue in Toronto.
At first Theresa is afraid of everything: the other tenants in the rooming house, the rat
that lives in the kitchen, learning a new language. But as time goes by, Theresa’s need for
the Gnome’s Eye fades, until she is finally able to give it to someone who needs it more than
she does.
Hackmatack nominee
OLA Best Bets honourable mention
PSLA Top Forty selection
“[A] lively, detailed novel…The immigration drama will hold readers.” —Booklist
“This immigration story…presents itself through a strong first-person voice deft in creating an
empathetic and engaging response in middle grade readers. Both laughter and genuine concern
will be evident through Theresa’s imaginative storytelling and descriptive narrative.”
“A believable first-person narrative told through the eyes of an impressionable, imaginative
child…This family interests the reader, and learning about a different time and place is intriguing.
Recommended.” —Library Media Connection
“Kerz provides a fresh take on…immigrant motifs in a well-shaped plot…Kerz does a particularly
nice job of indicating that the characters are not speaking English.” —Quill & Quire
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
18 Middle readers
Count Me In
Sara Leach
Tabitha’s not sure which is scarier:
a hungry bear or an angry cousin.
welve-year-old Tabitha is less than thrilled when her parents send her on a hiking trip
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with her cousins, Ashley and Cedar, and her Aunt Tess. For one thing, she’s not much of
a hiker. And she’s pretty sure her cousins hate her. But even Ashley can’t blame Tabitha for
Rights Sold:
German book club*
Finnish book club*
Australia/New Zealand book club*
Swedish book club*
*Stabenfeldt
everything that goes wrong: the weather turns ugly, a bear comes into the cabin, Ashley and
Tess are injured and Max, the family’s beloved dog, disappears. When rescue finally arrives,
Tabitha realizes that she is no longer the timid, out-of-shape girl she used to be. She’s become
strong, resourceful and brave in the face of adversity—no matter what form it takes.
Sara Leach is a writer and teacher-librarian in Whistler, British Columbia. She loves hiking
the nearby alpine trails with her husband and two children. Fortunately, they have never
been stranded in any mountain huts, although they have endured many rainy days. Sara’s
first book for Orca was Jake Reynolds: Chicken or Eagle? To learn more about Sara, please visit
www.saraleach.com.
Red Cedar winner
“The setting is well realized, and the authentic action sustains interest…A taut adventure tale
that features plenty of action and some troubled relationships.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The characters and their motivations are well developed. The plot is simple, but entertaining,
and the survival aspects of the story are realistic and suspenseful…Fans, including reluctant
readers, of Gary Paulsen, Will Hobbs, and other writers of survival fiction will enjoy this book.”
“The stormy weather adds drama to the story and turns a plot about awkward relationships into
one of survival. Recommended.” —CM Magazine
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 19
All-Season Edie
Annabel Lyon
Edie copes with family tragedy and her “perfect” sister
during one tumultuous year.
We’re hot and red-faced and breathless, and when we see Dexter, we both start to laugh.
“You too, Dexter,” Mean Megan says. “You have to dance too.”
I say, “Dex too.”
Maybe Dexter is too stunned to say no, because she starts making her pretty swan movements while
I snap my fingers and stomp my feet and Megan grooves and swerves her head around and makes her
hip-hop moves. Mom and Dad stand in the doorway of the den, watching us and saying nothing.
192 pages · ages 10+
leven-year-old Edie Jasmine Snow has a “perfect” thirteen-year-old sister, two loving
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parents and a cat named Dusty. She also has a grandmother she suspects is a witch and
a grandfather who insists on calling her Albert. Framed by family summer vacations at the
Rights Sold:
Swedish book club*
German—Beltz & Gelberg
lake, All-Season Edie follows Edie through a tumultuous year in which her beloved grandfather becomes ill. In the face of family tragedy, Edie tries to practice witchcraft, learns
to dance the flamenco, meets the Greek god Zeus doing his Christmas shopping at the
mall, ruins the most important party of her sister’s life, and realizes that her family is both
completely strange and absolutely normal.
*Stabenfeldt
“An effortless read, an honest and beautiful book.” —The Globe and Mail
“Subtle, sad and hilarious, it has a wonderful way with words and features characters that stick.”
—Resource Links
“Astonishingly fresh…has the classic flavor of Ramona and Beezus, as if they had hit middle school
and the new millennium.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
20 Middle readers
Box of Shocks
Chris McMahen
Real life: more terrifying than a tarantula
and more dangerous than a wild dog.
liver has helicopter parents—they love him, but they seriously cramp his style. He
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decides to fill an old wooden box with souvenirs from some of his outrageous and
daring exploits. That way, he’ll never forget the zombies, the killer dogs and the crazy
cows, and his parents will never know that he once jumped from a bridge with the police
in hot pursuit. But the biggest shock comes when Oliver realizes that the most terrifying
things of all can’t be controlled or contained.
Chris McMahen is an elementary teacher-librarian and classroom teacher in Armstrong,
British Columbia. He is the author of Klutzhood and Tabloidology. Box of Shocks was inspired
by the flood of emotions unleashed by a friend’s visit to his childhood home.
Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice winner
“Oliver’s effective first-person narration shifts from accounts of his adventures to a growing
understanding about the complicated lives of others; lives that are, often times, more shocking
than anything that can be contained in a box.” —Booklist
“A touching story of personal growth, gratitude, and kindness, this book will serve as an excellent
discussion starter.” —School Library Journal
“Oliver is a well-drawn character whose pragmatic attitude, honesty and humour are endearing,
and who quickly overcomes the reader’s initial impression of selfishness…With a facetious warning
to read at your own risk, this well-written novel is a fast-paced, quirky experience that touches
poignantly upon more serious issues. It will capture children’s attention from the start, combining
as it does adventure, humour and just a little coming of age.”
—Canadian Children’s Book News
“A fantastic read for any boy or girl, mid-readers will find themselves jumping into Ollie’s shoes
for this fantastic, nail-biting and mind-boggling adventure.” —Resource Links
“[Oliver is] an enthusiastic, realistic, and funny protagonist. His adventures come in different forms
and it never gets boring to read about what his next challenge will be…Box of Shocks is an excellent
realistic novel for kids of both genders between the ages of 9 to 13, and is highly recommended.”
—KeenReaders.org
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 21
Tabloidology
Chris McMahen
ake one prankster, put her together with the editor of the world’s most boring school
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newspaper, add one over-worked principal, and you’ve got a recipe for the most chaotic
few weeks in the history of Upland Green Elementary. The unlikely duo of Martin Wettmore,
editor and expert grammarian, and Trixi Wilder, prankster extraordinaire, is given the task
of improving the pathetic sales of their school newspaper. Martin and Trixi clash over everything from journalistic integrity (Trixi has none) to imagination (Martin has none). But
when the paper starts to wreak havoc at the school, Principal Baumgartner shuts it down
and assigns Trixi to Saturday morning bus-washing duty. To redeem themselves, Martin and
Trixi resolve to create one very special edition of the Upland Green Examiner.
Rights Sold:
Korean—Vidam
“A perky and engaging addition to the ranks of funny school stories for middle readers.”—Booklist
“The lessons that Tabloidology delivers are important: issues of representation—truth, falsehood,
exaggeration and omission—are combined with a lesson in achieving balance that many readers
will be beginning to learn themselves.” —Resource Links
Klutzhood
Chris McMahen
rlo thinks his mother is crazy for taking a job in a small town, far away from his old
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home and his good friends. And to make matters worse, the students at his new school
are crazy—hockey crazy. Arlo has never laced up a pair of skates in his life, and he’s not about
to start. To avoid making a complete fool of himself in front of his classmates, Arlo joins a
group of misfits called the Dumpster Dudes, who set him a series of wild initiation tests
that unleash mayhem on the school. Broken windows in the classrooms, angry ants in the
hallways, bicycles in the library and monsters in the air ducts—can East Bend Elementary
survive Arlo? And will Arlo survive East Bend?
Canadian Children’s Book Centre Our Choice selection
“McMahen’s humorous writing style will open the reader’s eyes to the very real conflict felt by
students who want to belong but don’t really know how. Highly recommended.” —CM Magazine
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
22 Middle readers
Charlie’s Key
Rob Mills
Will Charlie’s key unlock anything more
than a terrible family secret?
hen Charlie Sykes wakes up in hospital in St. John’s, he learns that he and his father
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have been in a car accident and that his father is dying. Charlie inherits little more than
the brass key that his father pressed into his hand before he passed away. As far as Charlie
264 pages · ages 11+
knows, he has no family in Newfoundland. But then Uncle Nick shows up and is keen to
meet his nephew—not because 1of who Charlie is, but rather because of what Charlie has:
the key.
That key will unlock a treasure Uncle Nick began searching for more than thirty years
earlier. And he would have found it all those years ago if he hadn’t been arrested and sent
away for murder. But Charlie isn’t convinced he should give up the key. He leads Uncle Nick
on a wild chase through old St. John’s, across Signal Hill and out to the coast. There, high
above the rugged Atlantic, Charlie finally comes face-to-face with Uncle Nick, the treasure,
and a family history that will leave him with a new understanding of where he comes
from and where he’s going.
Rob Mills has been an award-winning reporter, newspaper editor and writer in Nova
Scotia, Newfoundland and Ontario. Charlie’s Key is his first published novel. He lives in
Peterborough, Ontario, with his wife and two daughters.
Arthur Ellis Award winner
John Spray Mystery Award nominee
TriState YA Review Group Book of Note
“While foggy cliffs and colorful villages effectively evoke the exotic Newfoundland setting, it’s
the mystery that moves the tale forward…A fast-paced, often riveting mystery with a plausible,
thrilling climax.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This suspenseful mystery keeps the reader engaged…Charlie is a very likeable character, one
to whom readers will easily relate. In addition to the major themes, censorship and literacy
are issues which are also brought up and could instigate conversation in a classroom. Highly
Recommended.” —CM Magazine
“The descriptions of Newfoundland are haunting, creating a compelling visual backdrop for the
story. The conclusion is both believable and satisfying.” —Resource Links
“In Charlie, Rob Mills has created a nearly perfect, enigmatic character. Charlie is naïve yet
worldly. He is compassionate and vulnerable, yet resilient and resourceful…The falling action
is equally intriguing, and when the reader reaches the ending, he finds it to be shocking and
emotional. Mills combines contemporary topics like child abuse and a writing style that is full
of local color and dialect to give us an excellent book.” —TriState YA Book Review Committee
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 23
Not a Chance
Michelle Mulder
Can friendship bridge the gulf between cultures?
ian has been coming to the Dominican Republic with her doctor parents for years. Now
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that she’s thirteen, she had wanted to stay home in Canada, but instead she is helping
her parents set up their clinic and looking forward to hanging out with her Dominican friend
Aracely. When fourteen-year-old Aracely makes a shocking announcement—she is engaged
to be married—Dian struggles to accept that Aracely has the right to choose her own destiny,
even if it is very different from what Dian would choose for her.
Rights Sold:
Swedish book club*
Finnish book club*
German book club*
Korean—Pulbit Media
* Stabenfeldt
Michelle Mulder is the author of several books for children, some of which have been
translated into French, Korean and Brazilian Portuguese, and she enjoys telling the
stories of kids who seize life’s opportunities. Michelle began writing for kids because
she’s always loved reading children’s books. These days, when she’s not writing or
going on adventures, she enjoys reading, swimming, baking, hiking, and pedaling
her bicycle around Victoria, British Columbia, where she lives with her husband and
daughter. For more information about Michelle and her books, please visit her website at
www.michellemulder.com.
OLA Best Bets
“Mulder’s spare prose neither makes light of a delicate issue nor paints it with a broad brush.
Quietly perceptive and provocative.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Mulder’s provocative tale about a cultural clash avoids heavy didacticism with lively dialogue and
carefully nuanced behavior for each of the believable characters. Readers will feel for Dian as
she tries to establish her identity, engage her overbearingly politically correct parents, and begin
a friendship with a Haitian boy that provokes a racist response from the community. It’s a lot of
growing up for one summer, but this engaging story intelligently takes on the matter of haves and
have-nots.” —Booklist
“A fine novel about clashing cultures. Dian’s direct narration clearly establishes the complexity of
life in Cucubano, and underlines the double-edged choices every character faces…‘It would do us
all good to quit trying to fix the world and actually enjoy it for once,’ Dian tells her parents at one
point. Mulder’s thoughtful, engaging novel manages to do both.” —The National Post
“Readers will be challenged to look beyond truths born of cultural conditioning, as both Dian and
Aracely struggle to understand one another…Mulder demonstrates her knowledge of remote
village life in her depictions of poverty, spirituality, and conformity…Because the issues are so
contemporary, it is the perfect multicultural novel.” —VOYA
“The Dominican village in which the novel is rooted is well realized, and the characters do not
feel one-dimensional. Dian…is well characterized and relatable. Not a Chance is a well-written and
engaging novel.” —CM Magazine
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
24 Middle readers
Out of the Box
Michelle Mulder
Ellie’s vacation is an education in music, history and
family dynamics.
ife is smoothest for thirteen-year-old Ellie when she keeps her opinions to herself, gets
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good grades and speaks carefully when her parents ask her to settle their arguments.
She feels guilty that she welcomes the chance to spend the summer in another city with
16o pages · ages 9–12
Rights Sold:
Korean—Pulbit Media
her mother’s older sister, Jeanette. Ellie makes a new friend and learns to play an Argentine
instrument called the bandoneón, which she finds in her aunt’s basement. When she goes
searching for the bandoneón’s original owner, she discovers a story of political intrigue and
family secrets that help her start to figure out where her parents end and she begins.
Michelle Mulder began writing for kids because she’s always loved reading children’s books.
These days, when she’s not writing or going on adventures, she enjoys reading, swimming,
baking, hiking and pedaling her bicycle around Victoria, British Columbia, where she lives
with her husband and daughter. For more information about Michelle and her books, please
visit her website at www.michellemulder.com.
Vancouver Magazine’s 7th Annual Summer Recommended Reading List selection
CYBIL Award nominee
“Ellie’s narration authentically conveys her gradual growth, the insecurities that surround her
developing friendships, her role in a dysfunctional family, and the pleasure she takes in music.
Adults and their relationships are portrayed credibly…A bit of Argentine history rounds
out the believable plot, adding a bit of mystery and tension beyond Ellie’s immediate world.”
“Never heavy-handed, Ellie’s frank narration explores her feelings of guilt, and her tale will appeal
to middle-school readers.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The novel provides an honest perspective on Ellie’s mother’s mental health issues, as well as a
subtle, elegant nod to same-sex relationships…Ellie’s voice is strong and engaging, and the story is
realistic in its lack of easy solutions…with a wrap-up that is as subtly complex as real life.”
—Quill & Quire
“Out of the Box is, without a doubt, another stunning indication of Mulder’s ability to weave a
highly engaging and believable story. Highly Recommended.” —CM Magazine
“[A] subtle work, blending an exploration of mental instability and a dysfunctional family
relationship with a subplot involving an Argentinean immigrant…Mulder’s novel avoids easy
solutions to the more serious problems of Ellie’s family.” —Canadian Literature
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 25
Catla and the Vikings
Mary Elizabeth Nelson
In a time of war, small acts of courage can yield big results.
the fall of 1066, a thirteen-year-old Anglo-Saxon girl named Catla watches from afar as
IseesnViking
raiders burn her village and imprison her family and the other villagers. No one
her as she flees toward Aigber, the closest village, praying the people there will help.
Catla must ignore her terror as she makes her way to the standing stones, a place of
refuge, where she meets Sven, an older boy from her village. Together, they continue toward
Aigber and are able to alert the village of the coming peril. Catla and Sven rally the villagers
of Aigber, and with Catla’s help, a plan is put in place that will save both villages from the
Nord-devils.
“Set in England in 1066, this novel takes place over two days and has a sense of urgency,
propelled by both the narrative itself and Catla’s impatience to rescue her family…The author’s
sense of place is strong, and the anticipation of Catla’s return to her village is palpable…
[A] compelling novel.” —Booklist
“Nelson has created some characters that the reader can relate to because of their complexity and
their flaws…A coming-of-age story with elements of action and survival. A good choice for readers
with a variety of interests.” —CM Magazine
“Catla’s voice in particular shows that although the story took place a millennium ago, children still
face some of the same growing pains, hardships, and insecurities then as now…Provide[s] a glimpse
into an historical period not often covered in a [juvenile] novel.” —Resource Links
“Rich in the essences of 11th century England. The tangible attributes of the houses’ roof thatch, to
the beer and drinking horns, and the weaponry and clothing are woven through the text, providing
a background of authenticity and lushness to Catla’s and Covehithe’s stories. But it’s the language
of her characters at which Mary Elizabeth Nelson excels…The descriptive names for common
objects or events…harmonize with the setting of Catla and the Vikings while enhancing the historical
account.” —CanLit for Little Canadians blog
“The reader finds out a lot about life in days of yore, however…Nelson hasn’t sacrificed topics
of perpetual interest to those over 12 years of age. Romance spices up the story [and]…the
characterization is strong…This book will suit those readers who love interesting stories set in the
past.” —Canadian Children’s Book News
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
26 Middle readers
Tank & Fizz:
The Case of the Slime Stampede
Liam O’Donnell
Illustrated by Mike Deas
Who let the slimes out?
hen Gravelmuck Elementary’s cleaning slimes escape and destroy the schoolyard
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with their acidic ooze, all claws and tails point to Mr. Snag, the school’s caretaker, as
the culprit. Determined to clear Mr. Snag’s name, Tank and Fizz dive into the case, only to
discover that the goop under Rockfall Mountain runs deep. The detective duo must outwit
their eight-legged principal and survive an ancient war between high-tech janitors and spellslinging wizards. Can Tank and Fizz find the real monsters behind the slime stampede in time
to clear Mr. Snag’s name?
The Case of the Slime Stampede is the first book in the Tank & Fizz mystery series about two
crime-solving monsters living under a mountain. Stay tuned for book two, Tank & Fizz: The
Case of the Battling Bots, coming Spring 2016.
“O’Donnell rolls out a slick subterranean caper flavored with a diverse nonhuman cast, topped off
with a suspenseful scramble. It’s all served up with a quivering dollop of complications related to
the uneasy local détente between monsters, who are more comfortable with machines, and the
dark mages of Slick City’s mysterious Shadow Tower. Deas’ frequent cartoon illustrations add zesty
incidents and punch lines to the plot. Young readers will slurp up the gumshoes’ gooey first exploit
with relish. And perhaps a few choco-slug cookies.” —Kirkus Reviews
“[O’Donnell] knows how to weave together elements of detective stories, such as multiple
plot lines, red herrings, and the usual suspects. With the addition of graphics by illustrator Mike
Deas…[the book] is elevated from a simple middle-grade mystery or graphic novel to a clever
amalgam…A monstrously imaginative and funny read, and a great introduction to a new series.”
—Quill & Quire
“This chapter book brims with reader appeal. Fizz’s snappy personality and loyal nature make him
a fun protagonist…[Tank’s] love of mechanics and engineering make her a unique and refreshing
addition and her excitement jumps off the pages, helped by Deas’s artwork. The world of Rockfall
Mountains and its characters (gremlins, goblins, slimes, and monsters) is reminiscent of Pixar’s
famous ‘Monsters Inc.’ film series and may hold appeal for children who have grown up with those
characters…Plenty of action, adventure and imagination to make it a strong addition to library
collections.” —School Library Journal
“Liam O’Donnell’s action-packed text is complemented by the illustrations created by Mike Deas…
This graphic novel is a seamless melding of text and visuals in an entertaining ghoulish storyline
populated by trolls, goblins, gremlins, ogres, dragons, kobolds, mages and other fantastic creatures.
Readers who like slimy humour and lots of amusing and improbable action will definitely enjoy this
book.” —Resource Links
“A magical and suspenseful page turner that young readers will be sure to enjoy…Tank and
Fizz is an entertaining mystery narrative full of monsters, detectives, and magic. The story
notably includes many incredible comic vignettes illustrated by Mike Deas to provide readers
with a visual accompaniment to the events taking place in the text…An enjoyable read!”
—CM Magazine
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 27
Graphic Guide Adventures
Liam O’Donnell · Illustrated by Mike Deas
Power Play
evin and Nadia team up with Bounce, Pema and Marcus as they all travel to Northern
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Ontario to watch their parents present to the Summit of World Leaders. A tragic accident
just hours before their parents’ presentation plunges the kids into their biggest mystery yet and
sets them on the trail of a murderer bent on stopping their parents’ controversial message from
being heard.
A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kids’ Comic selection
Food Fight
W
hile Devin and Nadia spend summer vacation at a university camp for little kids—
Nadia as a counselor and Devin as an unwilling participant—their mother’s research
project is vandalized and her motives are questioned. Devin, Nadia and Simon stumble upon
shady characters, corporate conspiracy and a plot to take over the nation’s food supply with
genetically modified fertilizer.
Joe Shuster Comics for Kids Award nominee
Media Meltdown
hen Karl Reed, owner of Oasis Developers, tries to force the sale of a local fruit farm—
W
through whatever means necessary—Pema, Bounce and Jagroop decide to expose him
through the media. Little do they realize that when it comes to the news and the advertisers
who make it possible, the truth is not always part of the story and nothing can be taken at
face value. While learning about media consolidation and the power of money over truth,
Pema, Bounce and Jagroop decide to take on the developers and the media.
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
28 Middle readers
Graphic Guide Adventures
Liam O’Donnell · Illustrated by Mike Deas
Soccer Sabotage
adia is playing for her local soccer team, and they have made it all the way to the national
N
tournament—against some very determined opposition. Unfortunately, Nadia’s challenges don’t just come from her opponents but from her teammates as well. After their coach
is injured in a suspicious accident and the threats against the team mount, it is up to Nadia
and her younger brother Devin to pull the team together and take a run at the championship
Ramp Rats
M
arcus is helping his cousin, Bounce, learn to skate. Between learning how to ollie
and do a 50-50 grind, Bounce and his friends also have to avoid the skate-park goons
and take on the outlaw bikers who are terrorizing the small town. Excitement, action and
some radical skating tips. Hang on for another wild ride!
Joe Shuster Comics for Kids Award nominee
Wild Ride
evin, Nadia and Marcus are on their way to visit their environmentalist parents who
D
are working to stop a logging company from clear-cutting a remote valley. When their
plane crashes, the kids are left to survive in the wild with Wiley, a government bureaucrat,
who is the only other passenger on the plane. They discover that Wiley is working with
the logging company and will do anything to stop the secret getting out. On the run and in
mortal danger, the three must outrun Wiley, escape a raging forest fire and outwit a hungry
grizzly bear to make it to safety.
Hackmatack Children’s Choice Award nominee
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 29
Silver Rain
Lois Peterson
bandoned by her father during the Depression, eleven-year-old Elsie lives in the garage
A
behind her old house with her mother, grandmother Nan and out-of-work uncle.
Elsie’s friend Scoop accompanies her as she searches for her father in the city, encountering
unfriendly hobos, food lines and shantytowns.
After both her uncle and her mother disappear on mysterious errands, Elsie and Scoop
eventually discover them competing in a dance marathon. Persuading them to abandon the
contest, Elsie and Scoop lead the exhausted dancers home, where Nan has news of Elsie’s
father and his impending return to the family.
“Terse, grim, and funny, the plainspoken narrative from Elsie’s viewpoint beautifully conveys a
child’s sense of the times.” —Booklist
“The search for family and relationships in tough times rings true…An absorbing and perceptive
story.” —Kirkus Reviews
“In Peterson’s finely wrought, affecting children’s fiction, the characters are created with tender
consideration for human complexity and frailty, for there is always more to people and why they
do what they do.” —The Vancouver Sun
Leaving Fletchville
René Schmidt
B
randon is the biggest and toughest kid in his small-town school. He is feared as a bully,
but he only pretends to be “dumb as a bag of hammers,” so he can learn as much as
possible about the people around him. When Leon, his sister Winnie, and their lively little
brother Sam, arrive in Kingsville, they are the only black people in town. Everyone is curious
about them—where they came from, what their parents do—but when Brandon discovers
the truth about their situation, he decides to do what he can to protect them from harm.
IODE Violet Downey Book Award nominee
Red Maple nominee
“With his debut novel, René Schmidt gives voice to the children who fall through the cracks,
whose struggles go unnoticed, whose responsibilities deprive them of the luxuries of childhood…
An engaging read that teachers will love to discuss with their students. Recommended.”
—CM Magazine
“In his funny and touching novel, Schmidt thoughtfully crafts characters to whom readers will
relate. The book’s tone is frank when dealing with serious issues yet retains a certain innocence.”
—VOYA
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
30 Middle readers
The Summer of Magic Quartet
Andrea Spalding
The White Horse Talisman—Book One
Dance of the Stones—Book Two
Heart of the Hill—Book Three
Behind the Sorcerer’s Cloak—Book Four
Andrea Spalding has written many beloved books for children. She hails from England,
where she was long steeped in ancient lore. The landscape of the Quartet is the landscape of
Andrea’s childhood. She and her husband, David, returned to England four times to research
the four books of the series. Andrea lives with David on Pender Island, British Columbia.
Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice nominee
Hackmatack nominee
Rocky Mountain nominee
Canadian Children’s Book Centre Our Choice selection
Red Cedar nominee
“[Spalding] weaves the fantastical strands of the story seamlessly into the everyday realities of the
children’s lives…deserves to be read and savoured. Recommended.” —CM Magazine
“The story, steeped in appealing Celtic lore and actual places, is inventive, well paced, and bursting
with action that is just right for middle-graders who love classic battles between good and evil.”
—Booklist
“…will have children of all ages dreaming of magic, enchantments and adventure.”
—The Alan Review
Rights Sold:
Russia—Corvus (The White
Horse Talisman and Dance of the
Stones)
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 31
Record Breaker
Robin Stevenson
There is no shelter from some kinds of fallout.
t’s 1963, and Jack’s family is still reeling from the SIDS death of his baby sister. Adrift in
Isenses
his own life, Jack is convinced that setting a world record will bring his father back to his
and his mother back to life. But world events, including President Kennedy’s assassination, threaten to overshadow any record Jack tries to beat—from sausage eating to face
slapping. Nothing works, and Jack is about to give up when a new friend suggests a different
approach that involves listening to, not breaking, records.
Rights Sold:
Korean—BookInFish
Robin Stevenson is the author of more than a dozen books for children and teens, some
of which have been translated into Finnish, German, Hungarian, Norwegian, Slovenian
and Swedish. She has always loved reading and still finds it almost impossible to walk
past a library or bookstore without going inside. Robin spends most of her time writing,
hanging out with her homeschooled son, and teaching creative writing to adults, teens and
kids. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her family. For more information, visit
www.robinstevenson.com.
Silver Birch winner
Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize nominee
OLA Best Bets
“A quiet novel that delves into difficult subjects, Stevenson’s latest shines a warm light on both grief
and friendship…A thoughtful evocation of an uneasy time on both a personal and global level.”
—Booklist
“Stevenson gives Jack a straightforward yet sensitive narrative voice, constructing a believable
portrait of the anxiety of this moment in history, as well as of how scary and lonely childhood can
be.” —Publishers Weekly
“Stevenson keeps the tone light but the story serious as Jack copes with his own grief and his
family’s distress…Jack’s growth as he makes a new friend and works on his performance caps this
sensitive exploration with charm. Perceptive and quite lovely.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A compelling novel, even with the weighty subject, and many of the characters are well rounded
and believable. The author also brings hope to Jack’s family and readers without giving the story a
pat ending. A solid offering.” —School Library Journal
“Stevenson has crafted an enjoyable and moving tale. Jack is a relatable character, built with the
right balance of flaws and charm that allows the reader to truly explore and examine the story
through his eyes…Record Breaker is an enticing, well-paced read that will delight readers with its
engaging dialogue, its historical setting and a well-developed cast of relatable characters. Highly
Recommended.” —CM Magazine
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
32 Middle readers
Impossible Things
Robin Stevenson
Moving molecules matters.
It felt good to laugh with someone. Actually, it felt better than good. So probably I shouldn’t wreck it by
asking her if she’d done something in class…something impossible. Definitely I shouldn’t. She’d just
think I was nuts and that everyone was right about me.
assidy Silver is not having a good year. Her engineer father is in the Middle East,
C
her artist mother is too busy to listen to the painful details of her daughter’s gradeseven life, her genius younger brother is being bullied and her best friend Chiaki has
Rights Sold:
Finnish book club*
Swedish book club*
*Stabenfeldt
abandoned her to hang out with the meanest girls in school. Then Cassidy meets
Victoria, who is telekinetic; she can move objects with her mind. Cassidy, desperate to not be
the only ordinary person in her family, thinks learning telekinesis could be the answer to all
her problems. But is Victoria telling the truth? And is telekinesis really the solution?
Robin Stevenson is the author of several novels for teens, including A Thousand Shades of Blue
and Out of Order. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia. More information about Robin and
her books is available on her website at www.robinstevenson.com.
“A perfect selection to lift the spirits of the observers, the outcasts, and the creative individualists
who find the road of adolescence a painful one.” —VOYA
“Compelling.” —Vancouver Sun
“This book had me hooked.” — Resource Links
“Realistic fiction with a twist.” —School Library Journal
“[It] will appeal to adolescent girls, especially for those on the margins and who need more space.
Recommended.” — CM Magazine
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 33
Liars and Fools
Robin Stevenson
You don’t need ESP to spot a fraud.
iona’s life changed forever when her mother died in a South Pacific sailing accident. One
F
year later, everyone tells her it is time to move on. To Fiona, moving on means leaving
her mother behind—something she has vowed never to do. But Fiona’s father has started
dating again. His new girlfriend, Kathy, is a professional psychic who claims she can predict
the future and communicate with the dead. Fiona is sure she is a fraud, although she secretly
longs for her abilities to be genuine. With the reluctant support of her best friend Abby, Fiona
sets out to put an end to her father’s new relationship by trying to prove, with decidedly
mixed results, that Kathy is a liar.
“Liars and Fools is an important coming-of-age story that delves into how teens deal with the
grieving process…A good, solid dramatic story.” —VOYA
“Fiona is a believable character trying to deal with her grief…Her relationship with her best (and
only) friend, Abby, is realistic, and the banter between the two girls adds humor…This resonates
as a story about Fiona finding her own strength in the wake of tragedy.” —Booklist
“In this sensitive depiction of grief and acceptance, Fiona’s solid voice captures a flux of emotions
that arise from her mother’s death and from being an early adolescent…Stevenson adds further
layers of interest by incorporating Fiona’s British Columbia surroundings, the teen’s own love of
boating and a look at several belief systems.” —Kirkus Reviews
“In this perceptive novel, Stevenson captures the intensity of Fiona’s grief and her passion for
the sea. The questions haunting the heroine…are gracefully addressed in a way that will inspire
readers to draw their own conclusions.” —Publishers Weekly
“An expressive story about a young girl trying to come to terms with the world around her without
her mother by her side…By its conclusion, Stevenson’s novel brings about complex realizations of
how both children and adults come to cope with the loss. Recommended.” —CM Magazine
“Stevenson has done a great job [of] showing the angst of a young girl lacking control in so
many sections of her life…This book will appeal to younger students, especially those who can
empathize with the journey Fiona is on.” —Resource Links
“This book has a well-rounded main character who speaks and acts like a teenage girl and a cast of
believable secondary characters, and the sailing subplot provides additional interest.”
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
34 Middle readers
Catboy
Eric Walters
aylor and his mother have moved from a small northern town to the heart of Toronto.
T
The differences are dramatic as Taylor becomes part of a classroom of kids as diverse as
the city itself. While taking a shortcut across a junkyard with his new best friend, Simon,
Taylor becomes aware of a colony of wild cats that make the junkyard their home. Assisted
by his classmates, teacher and the security guard, Mr. Singh, Taylor takes a special interest
in caring for the cats. Suddenly there is an announcement—the junkyard is being redeveloped to become condominiums. Can Taylor and his friends save the cats of the colony from
certain death?
Red Cedar nominee
“[With] an authentic-sounding narrative voice…the book does a good job of incorporating the
theme of cultural diversity into a personal story about accepting change…Taylor’s voice is the novel’s
greatest strength, and his relationship with the cat colony, and one cat in particular, is where the
story really engages.” —Quill & Quire
“Walters’ story—written in collaboration with students in Toronto schools—moves fast and
is plenty appealing…Readers will be too eager to see what happens…Solid writing, strong kid
characters, caring adults, and cute animals could make this a popular choice.” —Booklist
Hunter
Eric Walters
unter knows humans are dangerous to himself and the other cats of his colony. He avoids
them, as all wild cats should. So when a neighborhood boy starts showing up in Hunter’s
H
junkyard to chase away dogs and bring the colony food, Hunter keeps his distance. But a new
condo development puts the whole colony in danger, and Hunter soon realizes the only way to
save his family is to put his trust in the boy.
The story of Catboy told through very different eyes.
“Hunter is a good read, and it is obvious that Walters has a very intimate knowledge of his subject
matter. He captures the tension between the different animals and humans quite well…I would
highly recommend Walters’ Hunter to be included in a public or school library collection.”
—CM Magazine
“An interesting experiment in collaborative creation and complementary storytelling.”
—Kirkus Reviews
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
Middle readers 35
Quid Pro Quo
Safe House
The Solstice Cup
Vicki Grant
James Heneghan
Rachel Dunstan Muller
Cyril MacIntyre may only be thirteen years old, but he knows the law.
Liam is orphaned and alone, on the
run from vicious killers.
On a visit to Ireland, twin sisters are
lured into the “Otherworld.”
Rights Sold:
French—Rageot Editeur
Korean—Mirae Media
Rights Sold:
Danish—Lindhardt Og Ringhof
When the Curtain Rises
Orphan Ahwak
Emville Confidential
Rachel Dunstan Muller
Raquel Rivera
Don Trembath
Magic, mystery and all the ice cream
you can eat!
When the hunted becomes the
hunter.
Baron dreams of being like his
favorite hard-boiled detectives.
Rights Sold:
Norwegian/Swedish book club—Stabenfeldt
Amy Tompkins
Telephone: (416) 488 9214 · Fax (416) 488 4531
For complete title information
check out our website:
www.orcabook.com
phone: 1-250-380-1229
fax: 1-250-380-1892
email: [email protected]

Orca Middle Readers Volume Rights 2015

Transcription

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