2007 WINNER
Shattered by Eric Walters

Ever left an assignment to the last minute? Ian did and now he has to do his volunteer hours for Civics class in a soup kitchen in a grubby part of down town. With a foreword by General Roméo Dallaire, this gritty book reveals Ian’s journey of learning about the Rwandan genocide, homelessness, and most importantly - about himself.

After by Francis Chalifour

In the year that follows his father's suicide, fifteen year old Francis, his younger brother Luc, and their mom struggle to survive both financially and emotionally. This compelling and beautifully written novel explores the guilt, anger, loneliness and eventual healing that the family, and in particular the narrator Francis, experiences. Heartbreaking yet hopeful, After is an unbelievably moving portrait of loss, love and forgiveness.

The Bonemender by Holly Bennett

The fantasy kingdom of the Krylian Basin is under threat of attack from the north by the Greffaires. Gabrielle, a skilled bonemender and a member of the royal family, strikes up a friendship with the elvish scout Feolan. By working together, will they be able to protect their families and their freedom?

Four steps to death by John Wilson

The shocking discovery of some decayed bodies reawakens painful memories of the 1942 Battle of Stalingrad for 70 year old Sergei. The storyline follows Vasily, a weary Russian soldier traveling to the battle front; Conrad, a young German officer leading a tank division; Yelena, a cool sniper poised to kill; and the young Sergei, a frightened child hiding in a basement. The havoc and tension of war is movingly conveyed as the lives of these four people come crashing together.

How to be a hero on Earth 5 by Rob Payne

Seventeen year old John Fitzgerald heads off to England for the summer. The plane takes an unexpected stop to Earth 5, a parallel universe with fifteen hour days, distortion waves and the threat of elimination. He thought having to spend the summer with strange relatives was bad! Follow John in this fast-paced sci-fi adventure as he bands together with a strange group of characters to be the hero on Earth 5.

Me and the blondes by Teresa Toten

Sophie is determined to make her grade nine year the best yet; if she can befriend the blondes and protect her family secret, she just might. With the help of her Bulgarian mother, doting Aunties, stellar basketball skills, and charming wit, Sophie sets out to make a fresh start and discovers the true meaning of friendship.

The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

What really happened at home in Ithaca when Odysseus went adventuring frolicking with witches, slaying monsters and playing the hero? Was his wife Penelope really the personification of faithfulness? Atwood’s Penelopiad turns this Greek epic upside down. Whether you know Homer’s original or not you will laugh out loud with this charming and beguiling heroine’s darkly humourous tale.

The sundog season by John Geddes

West Spirit Lake is a small mining town in northern Ontario, but this winter it is a hotbed of intrigue. A new police sergeant has suddenly been posted here . Can he find out what is going on at the Blue Heron Motor Hotel late at night, and how the narrator's sister Katie is involved? And perhaps most important of all, will he be able to inspire a winning boys’ hockey team?

Three songs for courage by Maxine Trottier

This searing coming of age story, with its mature themes and language, puts us face to face with the harsher aspects of adolescence and life in general. We experience death and cruelty, but also love, friendship, kindness, and above all courage. Don’t miss this unforgettable read – set in the 1950’s and relevant for all ages.

Wild orchid by Beverley Brenna

Taylor is like most 18 year old girls: she worries about what she’ll do when school finishes, wonders if she’ll find a boy friend, and is annoyed about spending the summer at the camp where her mother works. However, unlike most girls her age, Taylor has Asperger’s Syndrome and her view of the world is not the same as other people's. Experience her unique observations in this wonderful novel about being different.