2003 WINNER
A Foreign Field by Gillian Chan

With Canada at war, Ellen Logan is forced to shoulder many family responsibilities. Life is even tougher for Stephen Dearborn, a young British pilot in training at the airfield outside of Hagersville, Ontario. As Ellen and Stephen are forced to grow up, their friendship deepens.

The Losers’ Club by John Lekich

Alex Sherwood’s plan to blend in and keep a low profile is thwarted when he becomes a hero to a group of “losers” for fending off Jerry Whitman who runs a successful extortion ring at school. The ultimate challenge for Alex and his “loser” buddies is to find a way to best Jerry and his gang.

Parvana’s Journey by Deborah Ellis

The Taliban controls Afghanistan, Kabul is in ruins, Parvana’s father has just died, and her mother, sister, and brother could be anywhere in the country. In her search for food, shelter, and family, Parvana makes her way across the desolate countryside where she meets others who are also strays from the war.

Sticks and Stones by Beth Goobie

Jujube has a date with a boy she has always liked. When he leads her to the backseat of his car, she puts a quick stop to the action. On Monday, the truth has been altered and she is faced with the name calling and smeared reputation of all victimized girls.

Surviving Sam by Karen Rivers

Surviving Sam is Pagan Riddler’s story. It begins three years after her twin brother, Sam, dies in an avalanche that roars down the mountain they’re climbing together. Now Pagan is in her final year of high school and struggling to come out from under the shadow of Sam’s death.

The Maze by Monica Hughes

Abbotsville High isn’t much fun for Andrea. As if being a target of the only girl gang isn’t enough, Andrea’s father won’t even let her change her clothes, her hair, or anything so that she can fit in. So when Andrea is given the mysterious maze, with the instructions to find the middle so she can find herself, she is curious.

The Road to Chlifa by Michele Marineau

Karim has journeyed a long way from his home in war-torn Beirut to his new high school in Quebec. He now faces many challenges including contempt and racism. But he does find a new companion who helps see him through this huge adjustment.

Tribes by Arthur Slade

Percy Montmount, Jr. studies the cliques at school as if he were an anthropologist, like his father. The novel deals with current and controversial teen issues including cliques, grief, divorce, denial, and self-mutilation.

True Confessions of a Heartless Girl by Martha Brooks

On the run after taking her boyfriend’s truck, with a pocketful of stolen money and a heart full of pain, seventeen-year-old Noreen Stall seems to invite trouble. And trouble comes soon enough, as Noreen’s new mistakes trigger calamities that shake the lives of the residents of Pembina Lake.

Truth and Lies by Tamara Williams

Erin, an OAC student at Oshawa Secondary, learns the hard way that people aren’t always as they seem. She is forced to re-examine her relationships and deal with the problem of hate.