reviews
CM Magazine review roundup
The reviewers of CM Magazine have presented quite a bit of praise for some of our latest titles.
An excerpt from Thomas Chambers’ 4 star (out of 4) review of late historian The Firebrand:
William Kilbourn was a first rate historian and a gifted storyteller. Using a combination of primary and secondary sources, he takes the reader back to Upper Canada in the 1820’s and 30’s. In his hands, Mackenzie and the Family Compact members come to life. We sense, as a result, Mackenzie’s frustration at the slow pace of political reform and sympathize with him as he, a veritable David, takes on the Family Compact Goliath. That the reader becomes a strong Mackenzie fan is proof of Kilbourn’s skill as a writer. (Those who start rebellions are often portrayed in another light.) Kilbourn’s book could be used as a text or for recreational reading. Originally published in 1956, it has a new introduction written by historian Ronald Stagg who helped co-edit a book of documents on the 1837 rebellion.
Val Ken Lem on Christopher McCreery’s The Beginner’s Guide to Canadian Honours:
Despite its brevity and noted shortcomings, the volume provides a valuable service in introducing young readers to the world of Canadian honours. It could find a home in a library’s reference or general circulating collection and should be in all public and middle school libraries.
Deborah Mervold on our reissue of Andrea Spalding’s An Island of My Own:
The novel contains rich language which is descriptive and full of imagery…The characters are realistic for their ages and situations. They are believable, from Rowan who misses her parents and is concerned for their safety, to the twins who are always pulling pranks and playing games…An Island of My Own, a reprint of the 1998 original, would be a great addition to a school, public or personal library. It would also be a great choice to read out loud for small groups, class or individuals. It would appeal to many readers in the intended age group.
Last but not least is Joanne Peters’ enthusiastic review of Valerie 
Sherrard’s latest Shelby Belgarden Mystery, Searching for Yesterday:
After the incredible suspense and downright terror of Eyes of a Stalker, Searching for Yesterday is in many ways, a kinder and gentler story. Nevertheless, it is a story which deals with some real-life issues faced by real-life teens: the search for identity (and birth parentage), the consequences of bad choices, and the rewards of facing difficult situations. Valerie Sherrard’s telling of Annie’s story is compassionate and insightful about the challenges faced by foster children…Highly recommended for all Shelby Belgarden fans, and really, a good “starter” for those who have yet to meet her.
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I'm left-handed, monolingual, a bibliophile, an avid walker, a cat person, a caffeine addict, & quite possibly I enjoy irony & cookies a little too much.
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