Congratulations to Meagan Mahoney, whose novel MERANDA AND THE LEGEND OF THE LAKE has been shortlisted for the 2022 IODE Violet Downey Book Award!
About the award: Through the generosity of IODE member, the late Mrs. Violet Downey, IODE established The National Chapter of Canada IODE Violet Downey Book Award in 1984. The first award was presented in 1985. This Award is offered annually for the best English language book containing at least 500 words of text (preferably with Canadian content) in a category suitable for children aged 13 and under. A ten-member panel of judges, including IODE members and specialists in the field of children’s literature, annually select the award-winning book.
The winner will be announced at IODE Canada’s 122nd National Annual Business Meeting, being held on Friday, May 27.
About MERANDA AND THE LEGEND OF THE LAKE: Eleven-year-old Meranda thought her life was complicated enough with physical challenges (she uses crutches to walk) and her helicopter parents. But when her great-uncle Mark dies, Meranda and her family visit Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where her parents grew up and where she hasn’t been since the age of three.
Soon, secrets begin to unfold: Why does the newspaper headline say her great-uncle Mark’s death was suspicious? Why do strangers keep calling Meranda “miracle baby”? Why does her usually calm mother seem so panicky and scared? And what on earth does all this have to do with mermaids? Miranda and her new friend, Claire, decide to investigate on their own. But as Meranda begins to separate fact from fiction, she finds herself in very real danger…
With an intriguing mystery afoot, and a strong-willed, resilient heroine at the helm, this mythical maritime novel celebrates coming of age and growing into yourself.
Debut author Meagan Mahoney balances her rediscovered love of writing with her work as a pediatric intensive care doctor in Calgary, Alberta. The rest of her time is spent exploring and enjoying the mountains with her husband and three children.
Meagan is represented by Elizabeth Bennett.
For more information about IODE, please visit: https://www.iode.ca/