We e-mailed Elizabeth Wein, author of Rose Under Fire, to inform her that her novel is among the Top 10 in this year’s CCRSB Teen Reader’s Choice Award. We were thrilled to receive the following response:

“I am delighted and honoured to have Rose Under Fire nominated for the Chignecto-Central Teen Reader’s Choice Award! It is deeply moving to know that through Rose I have helped a little to ‘Tell the world’ about the women who lived and died at Ravensbrueck, and to share their story of despair and hope with a new generation. Thank you for going along with Rose on this harrowing reading journey.”

All the best, and thanks again!

Elizabeth

We e-mailed Cat Winters to let her know her book is among the Top 10 in this year’s CCRSB Teen Reader’s Choice Award. We were thrilled to receive her gracious response:

“I’m incredibly honored that my novel In the Shadow of Blackbirds was selected to be a part of the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board Teen Reader’s Choice Award. I’ve read most of the other books that appear on the list and know that my novel is sitting there amid some highly impressive company!

“One of my favorite types of letters to receive from readers starts with the sentence “I don’t normally read historical fiction, but . . .” or “I don’t usually read ghost stories, but . . .” In the Shadow of Blackbirds is indeed a ghost tale set in the past—1918 America to be specific—but I think you’ll find it’s a little different from other YA paranormal fiction and even other historical novels. It’s the story of a bright, scientific-minded, stubborn, and compassionate teen named Mary Shelley Black (named after the author of Frankenstein), who must deal with a world war, a deadly flu pandemic, and a ghost. She encounters séances, frauds, broken boys, and a mystery involving a lost love, all while trying to remain sane, alive, and true to herself. It’s a horror story, ghost story, love story, mystery, historical novel, and coming-of-age tale all wrapped in one spooky package that includes haunting real-life images from the past.

“I’ve always been drawn to books in which young people encounter the brutality of history with bravery, honesty, and even humor. I hope you’ll feel inspired by my main character’s perseverance while dealing with one of the world’s darkest moments.

“Thank you for participating, and happy reading!”

Warmest wishes,

Cat Winters

We e-mailed Out of the Easy author Ruta Sepetys to let her know her book is among the Top 10 in this year’s CCRSB Teen Reader’s Choice Award. We were thrilled to receive her speedy and gracious response:

“I’m so thrilled that Out of the Easy has been nominated for the Chignecto-Central Regional Teen Reader’s Choice Award! Out of the Easy is a story of decisions, dreams, and the power of books. Through reading, Josie Moraine’s world becomes less lonely. She finds characters who inspire her to overcome hardship and become the author of her own destiny.

“Reading is a creative partnership. The author provides the text but you, the reader, bring the story to life. Thank you for reading Out of the Easy and giving Josie, Cokie, Willie and all of the characters something so important — a voice.”

Sincerely,

Ruta