A very good week…
March 2, 2010
Not Suitable for Family Viewing has done all right by itself lately.
Last week at the Ontario Library Association Superconference in Toronto, it was one of ten novels chosen as a 2009 OLA Best Bets for Young Adult Readers.
Today, it was nominated for the 2010 Snow Willow Awards in Saskatchewan.
The Snow Willow is given through the Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice Award program (SYRCA), which promotes reading among the province’s children and youth. Ten books written by Canadian authors and aimed at kids in grades 7 to 9 are nominated. Any student who has read the minimum number of books can vote for their favourite. The winning book will receive the Snow Willow award next Spring.
Say ‘Ola!’ at the OLA
February 24, 2010
My new teen mystery for reluctant readers
If you’re going to be at the Ontario Library Association’s Superconference this week, please drop by and say hello. On Thursday, February 25 at 2:30, I’ll be at the Orca booth (214), signing copies of my new Teen Quick Read, COMEBACK.
On Friday at 11 a.m., you’ll find me at the HarperCollins booth (812), signing NOT SUITABLE FOR FAMILY VIEWING.
You may even get a couple of free books out of it…
Upcoming Kid Lit Cafes
February 10, 2010
Writers, teachers, parents and anyone else interested in “adult conversations about children’s literature” are invited to our next Kid Lit Cafes (Coburg Coffee House – 6085 Coburg Road).
On Wednesday, March 3, 7 to 9 p.m – Literacy expert Catherine Bouliane and junior high librarian Rebecca King will talk to me about Reluctant Readers. We’ll look at who they are, what they like to read and how to write for them. Ironically, what may seem to be a crisis for parents and a challenge for educators is actually an opportunity for writers. The YA ‘quick read’ market is big and growing.
On Wednesday, March 31, 7 to 9 p.m., Vivian Howard from the Dalhousie Library School will discuss “The Naughty Bits – controversial subjects in teen fiction”. I’m lining up a number of authors and hopefully an editor or two to chime in on the discussion as well.
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.
A New “Book of Note”
June 16, 2009
Author Steven Laffoley picks up a signed copy of Res Judicata at the Halifax launch.
RES JUDICATA has been added to the TriState Young Adult Books of Note list for 2009. The list is compiled by professionals representing public schools, public libraries, and private schools in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.
I.D. Shortlisted
May 12, 2009
Teen Choice Award
I.D., a psychological thriller for teens, has just been nominated for The 2009-2010 Stellar Award. Teens throughout British Columbia will vote for their favourite shortlisted novel next April. The Stellar Award is administered by the Young Readers’ Choice Award Society of B.C.
Two nominations in one day!
April 27, 2009
Best Juvenile Crime Nominee
MYRCA nominee
Res Judicata, Vicki Grant’s comic legal thriller for teens,was recently shortlisted for two awards: the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile Crime Fiction in Canada and the Manitoba Young Readers Choice Award.
Res Judicata is the sequel to Quid pro Quo, which won the Arthur Ellis award in 2006 and was shortlisted for the Edgar Allan Poe Award the same year.
In Bookstores Now!
March 27, 2009
Nine Doors
A game of Nicky-Nicky-Nine Doors goes horribly wrong for Emery and Richard. NINE DOORS is a comic thriller for 10- to 14- year olds. It’s available for $9.95 at stores and on-line.
