Portfolio Archive

A Selection of Books I Have Edited

Spring 2020

Sea Otters: A Survival Story


“Groc's personal admiration for these intriguing mammals is evident in her descriptive writing, clear explanations, and well-documented and captioned color photographs. A compelling wake-up call for protecting the environment.”
—Booklist

"In this beautiful book, Isabelle tells us an important story, one that gives us hope...Young people will be encouraged to see that positive change can happen, and that we can all do something to help preserve our planet."
-- Dame Judi Dench

One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet


★ “Thought-provoking reading for young people figuring out their own contributions. This valuable compilation shows that Earth’s salvation lies in the diversity of its people.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “The activists’ stories are extraordinary...It’s a powerful answer to Rao’s framing questions: ‘Who is an environmental defender? What does she or he look like? Maybe like you. Maybe like me.’”
Publishers Weekly, starred review

Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle (Revised Edition)


★ “An indispensable and celebratory primer on the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. An excellent resource that is as thorough as it is visually appealing.”
—School Library Journal, starred review

Heads Up: Changing Minds on Mental Health


★ “Informative, diverse, and highly engaging; a much-needed addition to the realm of mental health.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“[A] helpful handbook...In easy-to-read chapters, Siebert skillfully breaks down what mental health is...An informative and nonintimidating work; a suitable addition for libraries needing to add to their mental health collection.”
—School Library Journal

The Taste of Rain


“This beautiful book is a song to courage and kindness, voices raised in cheerfulness faced with the hollowness of hope. It’s about the dignity and spirit that frees a prisoner from despair, a deeply felt prayer and yet somehow—amazingly—a rousing hymn. I loved every note.”
—Tim Wynne-Jones, award-winning author of The Emperor of Any Place

Bird’s Eye View: Keeping Wild Birds in Flight


“It’s an uplifting and informative read with an extensive resource to aid newly hatched birders.”
—Booklist

“This engaging book is well organized and easy to navigate...For a library that has a need for environmental activism for upper elementary, middle, or possibly high school, this would be a strong addition.”
—School Library Journal

Big Whales Small World

Orcas of the Salish Sea


“A well-crafted informative picture book that could be easily used as a read-aloud or part of research for grades K-2. Highly Recommended.”
—CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Interesting facts are presented with a peppy writing style...Text is elevated by intriguing photos of these fascinating creatures.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Chemical World: Science in Our Daily Lives


“Gives young eco-activists a leg up on the uses and dangers of classes of chemicals.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Junior Library Guild Selection | 2020 | Commended

Fall 2019

Ours to Share: Coexisting in a Crowded World


“A strongly felt and convincingly argued case for more attention to fairness in the allocation of resources.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“The informative text is very readable and, with many color photos and other design elements, the book looks inviting. A forward-looking guide to sharing the planet.”
—Booklist


Picking Up the Pieces


"Picking Up the Pieces is both a crucial record of history and an outstanding assertion of love and community. The story behind the creation of the powerful Witness Blanket project is one of great care and consideration, with residential school Survivors and their families at the centre. By sharing his own family's connection to a brutal and shameful part of Canadian history, renowned artist Carey Newman brilliantly guides us through the meticulous and thoughtful process of creating one of the most important pieces of art to exist in this country."
—Waubgeshig Rice, journalist and author of Moon of the Crusted Snow

Gone is Gone


“[A] heartfelt testament to a lifetime of concern for the natural world.”
—Kirkus Reviews


Orcas Everywhere


“An amazingly accessible and fun book that explores our relationship with whales over millennia. The reality of their complex and intelligent behavior should give anyone pause in assuming human superiority.”
—Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada


Choosing to Live, Choosing to Die


“Tate’s sprawling work is a fascinating guide that belongs in all middle school, high school, and public libraries. This resource will help tweens and teens looking to better understand death and dying for personal or academic purposes.”
—School Library Journal


Spring 2019

My Body My Choice

My Body My Choice


"Well-researched and visually appealing, this is a boon for those seeking clear, comprehensive information from the perspective of the reproductive rights movement."
—Kirkus Reviews

"The book is thoroughly researched and thought provoking, offering in-depth information balanced with first-person accounts, including stories of women who have had abortions themselves."
—Quill & Quire



I am a Feminist


"Polak's knowledgeable voice provides a simple yet comprehensive overview of key feminist issues, successfully highlighting the evolution of this social cause…This amply illustrated introduction will spark discussion among teens who wish to make a difference in their community."
—Kirkus Reviews

"This nuanced book, which explores stories of real women working hard to change the world, will help passionate teenagers navigate life."
—Booklist


Trail of Crumbs


"Lawrence has an admirable relationship with the written word, and after many chapters of sharp edges and dark corners, readers will discover reason for hope."
—Kirkus Reviews


Accidental Genius


“Engaging and thought provoking, this book is treasure trove of inspirational people and ideas. There is a plethora of terrific black-and-white photographs, lively illustrations, motivating quotes and sidebars packed with additional information.”
—Canadian Children's Booknews, Red Leaf Literature title


Home Sweet Neighborhood


"A vibrant introduction to community building through the practice of placemaking and how much one person can accomplish through small activities. Readers will be inspired by the variety of ideas and the stories of success to start placemaking in their own neighborhood. Highly Recommended."
—CM: Canadian Review of Materials


Non-Fiction
2005-2018

Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation


Moonbeam Children's Book Award:
Multicultural Non-Fiction—Chapter Book | 2017 | Winner
PNBA Tradeshow BuzzBooks | 2017 | Winner
Quill & Quire's Kidlit and YA Books of the Year | 2017 | Commended
Resource Links The Year's Best | 2017 | Commended
George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature | 2018 | Long-listed
CBC Best Canadian Young Adult and Children's Books | 2017 | Commended
Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award | 2018 | Winner
CCBC Best Books starred selection | 2018 | Commended
Red Cedar Book Award | 2019 | Short-listed
TD Canadian Children's Literature Award | 2018 | Short-listed
Bolen Books Children's Book Prize | 2018 | Winner
Red Maple Award Non-fiction | 2019 | Short-listed

Pride: Celebrating Diversity & Community


PNBA Book Award | 2017 | Short-listed
Red Maple Non-Fiction | 2017 | Short-listed
Stonewall Honor Book in Children's and Young Adult Literature | 2017 | Winner
USBBY Outstanding International Books | 2017 | Winner
Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize | 2017 | Short-listed
Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award | 2018 | Short-listed
Red Cedar Book Award nominee | 2018 | Short-listed
Information Book Award | 2017 | Short-listed
Bolen Books Children's Book Prize | 2017 | Short-listed
Rocky Mountain Book Award | 2018 | Short-listed
Rainbow Book List | 2017 | Commended

Deep Roots

(Footprints Series)

PNBA Book Award | 2017 | Short-listed
Silver Birch Non-Fiction Award | 2017 | Short-listed
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens | 2016 | Commended
Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize | 2017 | Short-listed
Red Cedar Book Award nominee | 2018 | Short-listed

Diwali: Festival of Lights

(Origins Series)

Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year | 2017 | Commended
Red Cedar Book Award nominee | 2018 | Short-listed

"Provides a remarkably comprehensive look at the origins of the Hindu festival of lights...The intimate tone and vibrant photographs make this book an enjoyable and informative read from start to finish. Young readers will love the photographs, and older ones will appreciate the joy and concept of a celebration of light." —Booklist

Nowhere Else on Earth


Green Earth Book Honor Award selection | 2012 | Commended
BC Book Prize - Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize nominee | 2012 | Short-listed
Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada's Information Book Award 2012 | Long-listed
CCBC Best Books starred selection | 2012 | Commended
Lane Anderson Award | 2011 | Winner
Bolen Books Children’s Book Prize | 2012 | Winner
Rocky Mountain Book Award | 2012 | Short-listed

PopActivism Series


"In brief, clear chapters, augmented with plentiful photos, pull quotes, and pop quizzes that pose questions and conversation starters, [Erinne] employs an upbeat conversational tone in addressing her audience. Her blend of personal story, tips, and information will appeal to activism-minded teens...Older preteens and teens will find plenty of inspiration here."—Kirkus Reviews

Fiction
2005-2018

What World is Left


Booklist Editor's Choice | 2008 | Commended
Resource Links "The Year's Best" | 2008 | Commended
Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award | 2010 | Short-listed
ALA Best Books for Young Adults | 2010 | Short-listed
Quebec Writers' Federation Literature Prize | 2009 | Winner
CCBC Best Books | 2010 | Commended

A Thousand Shades of Blue


Resource Links "The Year's Best" | 2008 | Commended
BC Book Prize - Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize | 2009 | Short-listed
Governor General's Literary Award - Children's Text | 2009 | Short-listed
CCBC Best Books | 2010 | Commended

Hit the Ground Running


Governor General's Literary Award | 2017 | Short-listed
Junior Library Guild Selection | 2016 | Commended
Resource Links The Year's Best | 2017 | Commended
SYRCA Snow Willow | 2018 | Short-listed
CCBC Best Books | 2018 | Commended

Walking Backward


CYBIL Award nominee | 2009 | Short-listed
CLA Book of the Year for Children | 2010 | Short-listed
Quebec Writers' Federation Prize | 2010 | Short-listed
OLA Best Bets | 2009 | Commended
SYRCA Diamond Willow | 2011 | Short-listed
Red Cedar Book Award | 2011 | Short-listed
MYRCA | 2011 | Short-listed
CCBC Best Books starred selection | 2011 | Commended
Seven Series

Seven (The Series),

Seven (The Sequels)

and Secrets (The Series)


(21 titles in total)