We are proud to share that titles from two Transatlantic clients have been nominated for the 2024-25 Hackmatack Children’s Book Awards!
The Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award is a literary program designed for young readers and based in Atlantic Canada. Each year, thousands of children in grades four to six read from the selection of outstanding Canadian books and vote for their favourites.
ENGLISH SHORTLIST
THE GROVER SCHOOL PLEDGE by Wanda Taylor (HarperCollins)
A true-to-life story about the pains and triumphs of growing up, perfect for readers of Renée Watson and Lisa Moore Ramée
Arlaina Jefferson is eager to prove herself. Tasked with caring for her cousin’s rabbit, Obeena, Arlaina knows all that stands between her and the grown-up world of middle school is one year of staying out of trouble and making sure to clean up Obeena’s turds. It would be easy—if growing up didn’t also mean growing wiser.
Having faced thoughtless comments from fellow students, Arlaina is already struggling to explain the hurt she feels to her best friend, Tina. But when their teacher, Mr. Matthews, asks an ignorant question about classmate Nadia’s headscarf, Arlaina has the confirmation she needs: Mr. Matthews is part of a larger problem that plagues Grover School. All those comments that Arlaina—and several other students—once brushed off suddenly seethe under the light of truth. Some things just can’t be fixed by Obeena’s warm and fuzzy charms.
Bolstered by her father’s childhood experience in the Million Man March, Arlaina teams up with no-nonsense Nadia and a host of other Grover School students to right a systemic wrong. After all, proving you’re grown up doesn’t always mean staying out of trouble!
Wanda is represented by Léonicka Valcius.
THE BEST WAY TO GET YOUR WAY by Tanya Lloyd Kyi; illustrator: Chanelle Nibbelink (Kids Can Press)
An engaging introduction to debating skills that teaches kids how to take a stand – and win!
Kids are used to disagreeing with rules – not that anyone ever listens. But what if there was a way of disagreeing that worked? What if there was a way kids could change adults’ minds? Welcome to debating! This book can help kids master exactly how it’s done. As two debaters on opposing sides tackle each of five hot-button issues – chores, screen time, eating vegetables, bedtime and doing homework – readers follow along, step-by-step, and learn the ins and outs of doing research, constructing an argument and rebutting an opponent’s case. Then, after each debate, readers get to decide which side they’re on – and they just might surprise themselves! It turns out, making a smart and logical argument is a perfect formula for getting your way! What kid can resist?
While everyone else tells kids not to argue, award-winning author Tanya Lloyd Kyi says go for it – the right way – in this lively and thought-provoking book. The well-researched content covers the entire debating process: resolution, opening statement, research, rebuttal and closing argument. It also includes key tips about debating and public speaking, choosing terminology, the importance of deep listening and how to select quality sources. Skills taught – critical thinking, research, media literacy, constructing a persuasive argument – link directly to the social studies inquiry process. Colorful, eye-catching art on every page by Chanelle Nibbelink features a diverse cast of characters and adds visual appeal.
Tanya is represented by Amy Tompkins.
Congratulations!