Meet Madoca. She's a slave in the 8th century's Orkney Islands who longs to escape. No one is more surprised than she when she's chosen as the new dragon seer — a position of great power and influence. The ancestors have predicted she will be the most powerful dragon seer of all — but will she be able to harness her emerging magic in time to save the dragons?

Janet McNaughton

Janet McNaughton was born in Toronto but makes her home in St. John's, Newfoundland. She published her first book in 1994 and has won multiple awards since then.

Jury Comments

“A beautifully written, magical fantasy that brings ancient history to life… this Celtic fantasy is imbued with a mythological history mixing Vikings, dragons and dragon seers… with well-drawn characters and page-turning plot, McNaughton delivers a gem rarer than a shining dragon’s egg.”

Twelve-year-old Lee Mets wants to be a writer. She can't believe her luck when a red-haired orphan moves in next door. Everyone knows the best books have orphans in them! She is certain she and the new girl will be the best of friends. What she couldn't have known is that this summer would change her life forever.

Sharon Jennings

Sharon Jennings was raised in Toronto where she still lives. She works as a children’s language arts instructor and is an instructor of Writing for Children at Ryerson University. She has written more than 40 books, including several for the Franklin First Readers series.

Jury Comments

“Home Free is a fantastic contribution to Canadian children’s literature… Jennings convincingly creates an authentic child's point of view and perceptions in this dramatic coming-of-age narrative imbued with the power of language, words, and emotions.”

In the alleyways and sewers of Victorian London, the evil scientist Dr. Hyde has been building the perfect soldier — a robot of incredible strength. Modo is a hunchback teenager with the peculiar ability to alter his appearance. He has spent his whole life training to be a secret agaent for Britain's mysterious Permanent Association. But alone on the streets of London for his very first mission, will he be able to stop Dr. Hyde before it's too late?

Arthur Slade

Arthur Slade was raised on a ranch in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan and went to high school in Gull Lake. He currently lives in Saskatoon. His book, Dust, was awarded a Governor General's Award for Children's Literature in 2001.

Jury Comments

“Slade sets this first novel of a fantasy series in the genre of steampunk, a darkly disturbing Victorian parallel universe with a focus on mechanical invention, steam power, and underworld politics and cabals… The novel’s characters are grotesque and dramatic… the tone is grippingly suspenseful.”

Set sail on a swashbuckling journey through the true history of pirates. From the Vikings and the Conquistadors to the American revolutionaries of the 18th century, A Thousand Years of Pirates presents a thorough and engaging overview of pirate life accompanied by the author's own beautiful illustrations.

William Gilkerson

William Gilkerson lives in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. He is a sailor, painter, journalist and historian. He received the Governor General's Award in 2006 for his novel, Pirate’s Passage. He has authored 12 books and is well known for his paintings and artwork. He wrote and illustrated the book.

Jury Comments

“A beautifully illustrated treasure trove of information… Chronicles the history of piracy from the time of the Vikings to the present day… This clear and compelling cross-over [history] for all ages includes not only biographical and dramatic narratives, but also the rarely-told sordid and sad details of piracy”

Jimmy had an accident, and now he's brain-damaged. Everyone thinks he fell off the swing, but his best friend and neighbour Carolyn has a terrible secret. She knows how Jimmy really hurt himself. The only problem is she can't tell anyone. But when Jimmy's unpredictable Uncle Ted threatens to sell Jimmy's house and move him far away, she knows she has to tell the truth.

Nancy Hartry

Nancy Hartry is a lawyer in Toronto. Watching Jimmy is her first novel. She has previously published two illustrated books Hold On, McGuinty and Jocelyn and the Ballerina.

Jury Comments

“Watching Jimmy is a masterful exploration of the impact a young girl’s voice can have when she is supported by adult allies… A suspenseful novel of loyalty, determination and compassion… Hartry creates a memorable portrayal of the secret subculture of childhood… A profound and powerful story.”