Shelley Hrdlitschka is hearing nothing but good things about her latest novel, Sister Wife. Called “brave” by one reviewer, Shelley tackles the topic of two girls growing up in a polygamous community in this fictional book for young adults.

Shelley was recently interviewed by Stephen Clare on his blog Scenes of the Crime, and talks about her inspiration for writing this novel (media coverage of the community of Bountiful, B.C.) and what she found most challenging (representing all the sides of the issue fairly). Check it out!

Nikki Tate did an audio review about Sister Wife on her weekly teen book review with CBC Britsih Columbia. Listen to it here!

Posted under Announcements, Authors, Books, Writer Blogs

Orca author Troy Wilson has just launched his “Be a Book Hero” project. For every twenty dollars donated, he’ll send an autographed copy of Perfect Man to any school library (of the donor’s choice) in North America,  a 8 1/2 x 11 color sketch of himself as the superhero of your choosing, with a caption that reads, “What are your super powers?” and donate $7.50 to either Love of Reading (Canada) or Reader to Reader (USA).

Posted under Announcements, Authors, Books

Did you know that Orca author Caroline Adderson has been named Vancouver Public Library’s 2008 Writer-In-Residence? Before she began writing children’s books, Caroline carved out quite a name for herself writing two award-winning novels with international acclaim, A History of Forgetting and Sitting Practice. Caroline’s collection of short stories for emergent readers, I, Bruno, was published with Orca last year. Readers may remember 7-year-old Bruno and his intense dislike of all things green (think: vegetables!).

Besides attending Word on the Street in Vancouver last weekend, Caroline has been busy leading workshops at the Canadian Book Camp as part of her tenure. Coming up this weekend, Caroline will be presenting a book-making workshop with illustrator Kathie Shoemaker. Adults and children are welcome to come together, as Caroline will be gearing this towards ages 4-6.

When: Sunday October 5, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Where: Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch

To sign up: Pre-registration is required (604-331-4041), but hey, it’s FREE!

For those of you who have been in Bruno-withdrawl all year, you need only wait a few more months! Coming out in Spring 2009 with Orca is the follow-up to I, Bruno, titled Bruno, For Real, which will be an encore performance of Bruno’s antics. 

Congratulations to Caroline!

Posted under Announcements, Authors, Events

There is a lot of talk about change at the moment with elections on both sides of the border. Want real change? Then Bilaal Rajan’s your man! Bilaal is the author of the just released book - Making Change: Tips from an Underage Overachiever.

Bilaal has recently been named one of the Top Twenty Under Twenty and is the current UNICEF Child Ambassador. Bilaal also holds the title of “Youngest Orca Author.” Watch the video below to learn more about him.

Posted under Authors, Books, Facts

It was a lovely weekend over in Vancouver. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. It was a much appreciated contrast to the rainy readings that were done the weekend before during the official opening of the new North Van library.
Meg Tilly shared the stage with new author Susan Juby and Kari-Lynn Winters, author of Jeffrey and Sloth, entertained the crowds during her performance with the Tickle Trunk Players.

 
Left: Kari-Lynn Winters entertains the crowds, Right: Melanie chats about our books, Below: Melanie and Andrew manning the Orca Booth

Posted under Authors, Books, Events