One of the ‘best books for kids this winter’
December 11, 2009
Not Suitable for Family Viewing was recently singled out as a holiday pick for teens by the Toronto Star. Here’s what reviewer Dierdre Baker had to say:
In Vicki Grant’s Not Suitable for Family Viewing (HarperCollins, 290 pages, $14.99, ages 12+), Robin’s mother Mimi is a popular talk-show host, while Robin sits at home in their Manhattan apartment like a slug. When she finds a school ring and photograph Mimi has hidden away, Robin heads to Nova Scotia to see if she can unearth the story behind them. What she finds surprises her in every way – and includes some nicely comic girl-meets-guy scenes, followed up with a satisfyingly convoluted mystery that involves impersonation, attempted murder and the dangers of relieving oneself outdoors.
Coming to a Book Club near You
November 23, 2009
A good choice for junior and senior high school students
Not Suitable for Family Viewing has been chosen as an official Book Club selection by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.
Adventures in Alberta
November 23, 2009
That's what I like to see
While in Alberta for Children’s Book Week, I visited ten schools, three libraries and any number of book stores. I talked to close to a thousand kids between the ages of ten and eighteen. I learned about pump jacks and stubble and why everybody in Alberta has a cracked windshield.
And I had a very, very good time.
I want to thank all the teachers, librarians, students and book-sellers who made me so welcome.
Would I go back again? As they say in Alberta – “You betcha!”
(This candid photo was sent to me by teacher/librarian Donna Alden after my visit to Calgary Science School. Does my heart good…)
Have book, will travel.
November 10, 2009
It’s that time of the year again – Canadian Children’s Book Week (November 14 to November 20.) I’m very lucky to have been chosen to tour Alberta. While I’m there, I’ll be visiting lots of schools – from elementary right through high school – but the very first stop on my tour is Owl’s Nest Books. I’m giving a public reading on Sunday, November 15 at 1p.m. Everyone, of course, is welcome.
My very last stop in Alberta is Chapters in the West Edmonton Mall. I’ll be signing books there Friday, November 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. If you’re in the area, drop by and say hello.
An Artist’s Impression of The Kid Lit Cafe
October 23, 2009
Richard obviously caught me giving Sheree a tough question.
Illustrator Richard Rudnicki (Gracie The Public Garden’s Duck) sent me this great ‘memory sketch’ of Sheree Fitch and me in conversation at the Coburg Coffee House the other night.
Even better, he agreed to be my guest at an upcoming Kid Lit Cafe exploring the issues involved in the illustration of children’s books.
The line-up for future KLC guests also includes Susan Tooke (Up Home), Jessica Scott Kerrin (the Martin Bridge series), Kathy Kaulbach (who as Hilda Rose illustrated What if Your Mom Made Raisin Buns?), and Jill MacLean (The Nine Lives of Travis Keating) among others.
Lattes and laughs at the Kid Lit Cafe
October 22, 2009
Sheree Fitch tells all at the first Kid Lit Cafe
Thanks to the great crowd that showed up for the first Kid Lit Cafe last night. Thanks, too, to Nancy MacDonald for welcoming us to the Coburg Coffee House, to Gilles Plante for videotaping the event and, of course, to the incomparable Sheree Fitch for being such a charming – and candid – guest. (My promise to everyone in the back – next time we’ll be miked for sound.) I’ll eventually have pictures and the schedule for more events up here and at kidlitcafe.wordpress.com
Suitably launched…
October 16, 2009
I’m always slightly terrified before a launch.
What if no one turns up?
What if the few people who are there boo when I start to read or show more interest in the cheese plate than in what I’m saying?
What if my fly’s down or there’s pasty, mushed-up cracker between my teeth?
After seven launches, I’ve learned my lessons. I wear a long sweater now, always hold off on the snacks until after I’ve done my schtick – and only invite people I know who will laugh at my jokes. Luckily, over the years, I’ve managed to collect quite a few of them.
How I did it, I don’t know but I’m very, very, very grateful.
Thank you to everyone who came to the launch of NOT SUITABLE FOR FAMILY VIEWING – and especially to those who laughed at the appropriate moments.
Better late than never!
October 13, 2009
The reason the launch is so late has nothing to do with this book being Not Suitable for Family Viewing. I just wanted to let everyone have a chance to catch their breath after the busy first month of school.
So please join me tomorrow night at the historic Council of Women House on Inglis Street for readings and refreshments. Hope to see you – and your friends – there…
How do you say Quid Pro Quo in Korean?
October 8, 2009
The comic legal thriller for teens, Quid Pro Quo, will soon be available in Korea. It’s currently available in France under the title Sur la Liste des Suspects. Rageot, the French publisher has also picked up the rights to Res Judicata.
It’s here!
October 6, 2009
The cover’s been a big hit
My new YA novel, Not Suitable for Family Viewing, is finally in bookstores. Just two reviews so far but they’ve both been pretty good.
Atlantic Books Today said: “Part mystery and part family drama, this book is an altogether enjoyable story of discoveries…self-discovery, the discovery of long-hidden family secrets and the discovery of numerous truths, both of a deeply personal and also an utterly universal nature.”
CM Magazine gave the book four out of four stars and called it: “an excellent teen novel with interesting characters and a complex plot tinged with both romance and mystery.”
