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2011/2012 White Pine Official Selection

White Pine™ Fiction Nominees

Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari

In Lucy’s world, the elements and a pandemic have conspired to take out 99% of the population.  For the people who are left, the world has become a frightening place where only the strong and resourceful survive.  The sole survivor of her family, Lucy lives on her own until a tsunami destroys her shelter.   After a stranger named Aidan helps her out, Lucy's attraction to him leads her to give up being alone and to join his community.  When strange people come after Lucy for mysterious reasons, however, being part of that community proves to be both a blessing and a curse.

F TRE

Beat the Band by Don Calame

In Beat the Band, the sequel to Swim the Fly, Cooper, Matt and Sean are entering their sophomore year at high school.  Cooper’s goal is to hook up with the girl of his dreams, but when he’s paired with the school nightmare he must convince the rest of the student body he is cool.  He forms a band with his buddies and despite being less than talented they enter the Battle of the Bands competition.  What follows is pure hilarity and is sure to make you laugh out loud.

F CAL

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

When the person Saba cares for most in the world is taken from her, acceptance is not an option. Saba’s single-minded determination drives her in pursuit of her twin brother Lugh’s captors through a post-apocalyptic world: across the desert, through cage fighting in Hopetown and past the hellwurms that stand in her way. Her brash, independent spirit is challenged when she is joined by others in her quest, especially Jack, her potential soul mate (if she doesn’t kill him first).

F YOU

Chance to Dance for You by Gail Sidonie Sobat

Sometimes keeping a secret is harder than telling the truth.

Ian lives in a suburb where everything’s the same. The houses are the same, the cars are the same, and their aspirations are the same. But Ian is different. Openly gay in his bigoted high school, Ian doesn’t exactly fit in. But he’s not worried - he’s been training in dance for a long time and soon he’ll be able to leave town and train to become a professional. Then he falls in love with Jess, the high school quarterback…

F SOB

Death Benefits by Sarah N. Harvey

Looking after his ninety-five-year-old grandfather is not what Royce had in mind for his summer vacation.

Royce (aka Rolly) is having a bad year. Not only has his mother dragged him across the country in order to be close to her aged father Arthur, a celebrated cellist, but he's also recovering from mono. When he convinces his mother to let him finish the school year by correspondence, he's left feeling isolated and lonely, and spends his time watching TV and plotting ways to get back to his friends in Nova Scotia. But before his plans can be implemented, his grandfather has a small stroke. Suddenly Arthur needs more care than Royce's mother can provide and, after a couple of hired care aides quit, Royce is pressed into service.

Looking after a ninety-five-year-old—especially one as cantankerous, crafty and stubborn as Arthur—is a challenge. But as Royce gets to know the eccentric old man—who loves the Pussycat Dolls, hates Anderson Cooper and never listens to the kind of music that made him famous—he gradually comes to appreciate that his grandfather's life still has meaning. Even if Arthur himself seems to want it to end.

F HAR

The Fifth Rule by Don Aker

Reef  has totally turned his life around  thanks to his mentor, Frank who helped  him recover from a life changing event. He has moved out west, found a job and also become a role model.

Word comes that Frank has been killed in an accident and Reef returns home to pay his respects. Unfortunately, the trip brings many memories and difficult situations including a reunion with Leeza, the girl he wronged  many years ago.

In just a few days, Reef’s life starts to crumble around him thanks to misunderstandings and his desire to make things right for Frank.

F AKE

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong 

Maya lives in an idyllic community where all the grown-ups have stable jobs at a nearby medical research company and are well provided for.  But when a local teen dies, the questions that pop up are quickly shut down.  Suddenly Maya’s views of her quaint little community life are shattered as a stranger named Rafe introduces her to a world of doubt and mystery.  Why exactly is their community so closed off?  What happened to the reporter who came to town asking questions no one wanted to answer?  And what do Maya’s paw print birthmark and her uncanny connection to local wildlife have in common?

F ARM

Motorcycles & Sweetgrass by Drew Hayden Taylor

Things are upside-down in 13 year-old Virgil's life.  First his grandmother dies after an awkward visit from a mysterious stranger, and then his mother Maggie starts dating a white man named John whom Virgil really hates.  Used to being the man of the house, Virgil decides to find his reclusive, eccentric uncle and seek his help in getting John out of his mother's life.  Driving John from Otter Lake proves to be more of a challenge than Virgil expects though, as John and an ancient trickster named Nanabush seem to have a lot in common.  

F TAY

Something Wicked by Lesley Anne Cowan

Sixteen-year-old Melissa’s most recent troubles stem from a secret: her twenty-eight-year-old boyfriend, Michael, has just broken up with her. Even though the relationship is clearly over, Melissa clings to the past, riding a never-ending wave of hope and disappointment. Meaningless sexual escapades, drunken nights, and drug-induced blackouts help her deal with heartbreak, but her pain goes much deeper than her failed relationship. Along with a broken heart, Melissa has to cope with the memories of her younger brother’s death; the non-existent parenting of her insecure, flighty mother; being juggled between social workers and psychologists; and getting kicked out of school and sent to a special program for at-risk youth. So when the cracks in her life threaten to tear her apart, Melissa has to decide whether to keep fighting—or to let go.

F COW

The Way It Is by Donalda Reid

The Way It Is is a historical novel full of serious themes written in powerful descriptive language, a great feat for first time novelist Donalda Reid. It’s about racial discrimination and gender inequality, but also about self-discovery, friendship and love. Set in a small town in the British Columbia interior in the 1960s, the story follows Ellen Manery, an academically gifted and self-isolated fifteen-year old who meets Tony Paul, an eighteen year-old who lives on the reserve and their friendship that might blossom into love.

F REI

White Pine™ Non-Fiction Nominees

 

The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha

Neil Pasricha’s Book of Awesome began from a series of anecdotes on his blog. His enormously, successful novel celebrates every day events that bring a smile to your face:  the smells from your local bakery or finding forgotten money in a coat pocket.  Read individually or from cover to cover, the many topics covered capture memories or special feelings with which we can all identify.

808.607 PAS

Call Me Russell  by Russell Peters

You’ve seen him on the Comedy Network, he’s been on MTV Cribs and soon you’ll see him on the big screen. Get up close and personal with Russell Peters. The Brampton born comedian lays it all out, from growing up with immigrant parents, being bullied in school and having ADD, to deciding on a career as a comedian and sky rocketing to fame. Russell doesn’t leave anything out. It is an inspirational, touching, and very funny memoir .

792.23 PET

Canada’s Wars: An Illustrated History

by Jonathan Webb, J.L. Granatstein

Canada’s Wars is a thorough overview of Canada's involvement in war since the Boer War in the 1880s. Suitable for intermediate to junior high school readers, this title will appeal to amateur historians just learning about Canadian military history or work well for students who wish to consult it as a ready reference tool. The level of analysis isn't overwhelming yet still conveys the significance of Canadian men and women's roles in both war and in peace. The sections on war after 1960 make this a valuable tool for students to gain a modern understanding of Canada on the world stage. This is an important book to have in your library collection.

355.00971 WEB

Hockey Now! by Mike Leonetti

Hockey Now! profiles the superstars of the National Hockey League with up-to-the-minute stories and stats. This book will take you inside the game with over 150 exciting, action-packed color photos and career highlights from 75 game-changing players. Relive sensational plays by defense men like Zdeno Chara and Nicklas Lidstrom, forwards such as Ilya Kovalchuk and Steven Stamkos, and players like Drew Doughty and Matt Duchene. Experience the rush of “the world’s fastest game” in this fantastic new edition of Hockey Now!

796.962 LEO

I.D.: Stuff That Happens to Define Us

by Kate Scowen, Peter Mitchell

This is a collection of personal narratives from ordinary people who, in their youth, underwent life changing moments that shaped who they are today. They are real stories of friendship, death, abuse, reconciliation and sexual orientation – told simply, authentically, for the purpose of helping teen readers develop their own i.d.’s ( identities) in similar circumstances.

As these tales are short, accompanied by graphical illustrations, followed by a bibliography of self-help resources at the end – this is an excellent book to generate classroom discussions on social issues.

155.4 SCO

Kick the Fossil Fuel Habit: 10 Clean Technologies to Save Our World by Tom Rand, Dave Clark

Tom Rand’s book, Kick the Fossil Fuel Habit advocates, through the use of 10 clean-energy technologies, how the world can be saved for this generation and future generations.

Beautifully photographed and written, each chapter details the energy source and how, by making changes in our lifestyles, we can rid ourselves and our earth of outdated fuel sources that hurt us and the planet.

Rand, a leader in environmental protectionism, has consulted with world renowned scientists who, like him, want to empower us to see the possibilities of a fossil fuel free world.

333.79 RAN

Nice Recovery by Susan Juby

Today she is a notable Canadian author, but at the age of thirteen Susan Juby found her life spiraling out of control.  Seeking acceptance and approval, Juby turned to alcohol and extreme behaviour.   Nice Recovery is a memoir that gets to the heart of teen addiction and the long road to recovery that follows.  

362.292 JUB

Stick to Your Vision: How to Get Past the Hurdles & Haters to Get Where You Want to Be

by Wes “Maestro” Williams

What is your vision and how will you obtain it?  Wes “Maestro” Williams, also known as the Godfather of Canadian Hip-Hop, explores his ups and downs on his path to fame and offers advice along the way.  He  knows about the obstacles you may face in order to reach your goal and his realistic and empowering strategies will help you to get where you want to be.  In  Stick to Your Vision, Wes Williams helps you to define, realize, and maintain your goals in life. With inspirational stories from current artists like Drake, this is a must-read for anyone who has a dream.

158.1 MAE

Two Generals by Scott Chantler

In this action-packed  graphic novel,  readers will find themselves drawn in by Scott Chantler’s suspenseful, thrilling, and riveting story. Two Generals is a fascinating look at what life was like for the average Canadian soldier during WWII. Superbly written and illustrated, the story follows Chantler’s grandfather, juxtaposing his time in the armed forces with the end of his life as an old man, making the story profoundly touching. An intriguing mix of format and subject, Two Generals is as much at home in the hands of readers young and old alike.

940.54214 CHA (Graphic Works Section)

Will to Live: Dispatches from the Edge of Survival

 by Les Stroud

What does it take to survive in extreme and unpredictable circumstances?  How much does one’s survival depend on luck, knowledge, preparation, or inner fortitude?   Les Stroud explores some of the most well-known tales of survival and superimposes his wealth of experience on those situations.   Stroud relates what he would do in those situations.   What would you do if your life hung in the balance?

 

613.6 STR

(Information retrieved from "Forest of Reading by Ontario Library Association", on Jan 27, 2012.

Updated on Feb 3, 2012.))