Atlantic Books Today
Ariel has spent her whole life in a commune on the mountain where Big Daddy has taught them all to survive. As one of Big Daddy’s soldiers, she and her sisters compete for his approval as they strive to be ready for the war that he says is coming. But then Aaron gets seriously hurt and Ariel knows that he needs medical attention. When Big Daddy sends Ariel and her sisters to get rid of D and her companions, they all eventually realize that they each might be able to help the other. Until other forces that have been set in motion threaten to destroy them all. Treggiari’s latest teen thriller weaves multiple storylines together into a single propulsive narrative. Told from multiple viewpoints, it is a multi-layered, carefully nuanced tale that explores the complexities of grief, how we define family and what it means to be brave and to be a true leader. Tension runs high throughout the story as unexpected revelations mount, and readers will enjoy the riveting plot, highly sympathetic characters and richly complex relationships. COOPER CLARK & THE DRAGON LADY
Valerie Sherrard Fitzhenry & Whiteside (Age 8–11)
Cooper Clark loves Linda, his babysitter. Every day after school, he goes to Linda’s house until his parents come to pick him up. Then one day Linda tells his mother that she has been offered a new job at the Monkey Bowl, which means she won’t be able to be Cooper’s babysitter anymore. Things go from bad to worse when he learns that old Mrs. Mulligan is recruited to replace Linda. Cooper can’t believe his bad luck because Mrs. Mulligan has a dragon in her basement, and what none of his friends or family know is that he is extremely afraid of dragons. He tries everything he can think of to get out of going to Mrs. Mulligan’s house, but all to no avail. Ultimately, despite his best efforts, Cooper is forced to enter the dragon’s lair and face his fear…
Award-winning New Brunswick author Valerie Sherrard has once again succeeded in creating an earnest and appealing protagonist in this new offering for early readers. She portrays Cooper’s dilemma with sensitivity and compassion, and skillfully captures his genuine fear in a way that will elicit empathy from young readers. The adult characters in the story are also well-drawn and believable, and Cooper demonstrates ingenuity and resourcefulness as he concocts his various plans to avoid going to Mrs. Mulligan’s and being eaten by her dragon (even when he doesn’t necessarily foresee the consequences of his actions). Readers will appreciate the unexpected but satisfying ending. THE LOOKOUT TREE
Diane Carmel Léger, illustrated by Michel Léger
Nimbus Publishing (Age 8–12)
When young Fidèle discovers that the English have begun rounding up Acadians, he knows that he must warn his family and friends. They quickly realize they must leave their homes in search of safety. Fidèle, his sister Prémélia, their grandfather, Pétard, and the feisty widow Rosalie flee into the forest with their neighbours. However, maman and papa stay behind and are captured and imprisoned by the English and later deported to the Thirteen Colonies. Fidèle and his family hide out in the forest, hoping that maman and papa will find a way to escape, and then just wanting the war to be over so that they can go back home. Life in hiding is hard, and Fidèle becomes determined to join the rebels who seek to rescue the deported Acadians. Pétard is afraid to lose Fidèle as well, but how long can they go on living this way? While young readers may be familiar with the details of the Deportation of the Acadians in 1755, native New Brunswicker Diane Léger’s account of this family’s ordeal puts a personal face on the terrible event and provides a thoughtful depiction of what it meant to those affected: the initial shock and disbelief; the confusion, fear and anguish as families were separated; the feelings of betrayal and sadness at the incredible injustice of it all. She also highlights the support they received from Mi’kmaw friends who were themselves all too familiar with the scenario of being hunted by English soldiers. A very accessible account that humanizes this particular piece of Canadian history. ■
NUMBER 90 | FALL 2019
53