2009 WINNER
Little brother by Cory Doctorow

After his city is attacked, Marcus is wrongfully taken into custody by Homeland Security. When he’s released, one of his friends is missing, his rights are gone and his city has become a police state. The only computer the government isn’t watching is his Xbox.

After River by Donna Milner

Natalie grows up on a Canadian farm as part of a close, connected family. When River, a Vietnam War protester, comes to work for them, unsettling changes lead to catastrophe.

Chanda's Wars by Allan Stratton

Chanda’s courage is sorely tested when her younger siblings are kidnapped and forced to become child soldiers. Don’t miss this unforgettable African tale of adventure, suffering and redemption.

The corps of the bare-boned plane by Polly Horvath

For orphaned cousins Jocelyn and Meline life radically changes when they are shipped off to live with an eccentric uncle. With crashed planes, packages falling from the sky, and a cast of odd characters, life on this island is anything but normal.

Daughter of War by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Separated by war and genocide, Marta, Mariam, and Kevork struggle to find their way back to each other. The path is perilous. While death lurks around every corner, love and hope may still prevail.

Dooley takes the fall by Norah McClintock

Dooley, a teenager with a criminal record, witnesses another teen’s violent death. Police suspect he is involved and the gritty mystery unfolds as Dooley is determined to prove his innocence.

Gotcha! by Shelley Hrdlitschka

The graduating class has started their annual tradition, the “Bead Game.” School administration bans the activity for everyone’s safety. When the game goes underground, events takes a turn for the worse.

Gravity journal by Gail Sidonie Sobat

While battling anorexia in rehab, Anise keeps a journal. Her poems, daily accounts and personal reflections reveal the destructive nature of anorexia as well as the amazing strength of the human spirit to survive.

Mountain girl river girl by Ting-xing Ye

Pan-pan and Shui-lian leave their small town homes with the hope of finding a better life in a modern Chinese city. They soon realize that only by working together will they have a chance at success.

Tweaked by Katherine Holubitsky

Tweaked is an honest, accurate, and non-judgemental portrait of a family dealing with methamphetamine addiction. Told from the perspective of the addict’s little brother, Tweaked depicts the highs, the lows and everything in between.