My Books

Fiction


The Sun Runners

The Sun Runners CoverComing November 12, 2024 from Shadowpaw Press | ISBN: 9781998273188 | Paperback, 476 pages | YA Science Fiction

Lieutenant Adeheid Koning was only 23 when the Earth's long fight against its environment ended in collapse and nuclear war. Earth's sudden silence leaves the colonies of the inner solar system without life-lines, in various stages of self-sufficiency. Or, in Mercury's case, not. To help her fellow stranded colonists of Mercury survive against starvation and a breakdown of order, Adelheid fights against some cold equations and makes some hard choices, ending up wearing an iron crown as queen of one of the rail cities of Mercury, constantly moving to stay ahead of the Sun.

Fifty years later, Adelheid's granddaughter Frieda is a 17-year-old princess who would rather be an engineer. Frieda's life is shattered when a suspicious accident takes one of her arms -- and is then turned upside-down when her mother dies from that accident. Frieda is left a young and vulnerable queen, locking horns with her grandmother, who is now regent and dowager.

When the Earth makes contact again, after fifty years of silence, Frieda is eager to end Mercury's isolation, but Adelheid is suspicious of the Earth's sudden return, and wary of the other latitude towns' desires to accept all that the Earth is offering, without question.

With thousands of lives on the line, is it wise to hope for healing? Or are we forever defined by what we do in the dark?

"The Sun Runners" is a story of intergenerational trauma, the cost of survival, and the necessary risks of hope.




The Night Girl

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REUTS Publications (September 10, 2019) | ISBN 9781942111634 Paperback 352 pages | Urban Fantasy

Perpetua Collins works for a real troll. Well, technically a goblin, and it's not as bad as it sounds. As the administrative assistant, she provides a "human" face for an employment agency specializing in placements for goblins and trolls. It's probably the most unusual job she could find in Toronto, but she's grateful for it, having come to the city with $500 in her pocket and no support. Without it, she'd have no choice but to go back to the boring small town and overbearing mother she worked so hard to leave.

But as Perpetua settles into her new job, disturbing questions arise. And no, they're not about the fact that goblins and trolls exist. She's fine with that part. The agency has no visible means of support. How does her boss manage to keep his "clients" out of the public eye? They've been part of the city far longer than anyone thinks, and are growing restless under the burden of forced invisibility and financial poverty. What will happen if the veil drops, and humans see?

"A charming urban fairy tale about tolerance, acceptance, and discovering the wonders that may just be hidden in plain sight."

--J.M. Frey, author of The Skylark's Saga

"It's an excellent fantasy adventure packed with humor, unforgettable characters, and more twists and turns than an underground amusement ride. You'll never look at a gargoyle in the same way. Or the city of Toronto. So much fun!"

--Arthur Slade, author of Amber Fang

The Night Girl is a New Adult urban fantasy novel.




Icarus Down

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Scholastic Canada Ltd (August 30, 2016) | ISBN 9781443139137
Paperback 384 Pages | Ages 12 & Up

Winner: 2017 Prix Aurora Award for Best YA Science Fiction Novel

Three generations after the crash of the colony ship Icarus, Iapyx is barely hanging on: one of thirteen cities suspended halfway down deep chasms. The sun on the diamond lands above will kill a man in less than five minutes. The ticktock monsters in the fog forest below are a little slower -- but quite a bit smarter. An electromagnetic wash has disabled the computers, the radios, even the lightbulbs. It's the steam and clockwork age reborn: a careful society, rationed and stratified.

Which suits Simon Daud just fine.

Simon likes the rules, and knows his place -- in the shadow of his older brother, Isaac. All he wants is to earn his wings as an ornithopter pilot and get to work in the flight bays. But on his final test flight, something goes wrong. Isaac is killed. Simon is burned; his body will never be the same.

Neither will his world. Not everything in Iapyx is quite as it seems, and through his rehabilitation Simon falls into the middle of a conspiracy that will bring everything he's ever known to the ground. Down in the fog forest, monsters await -- but so does the truth ... if Simon can survive long enough to find it.




The Unwritten Books Series

The Young City

The Unwritten Girl | The Dundurn Group (2006) | ISBN: 1550026046 | Paperback 208 Pages | 10 & Up
Fathom Five | The Dundurn Group (2007) | ISBN: 1550026925 | Paperback 232 Pages | 10 & Up
The Young City | The Dundurn Group (2008) | ISBN: 1550028464 | Paperback 264 Pages | 12 & Up

Follow the adventures of Rosemary Watson and Peter McAllister on magical and time-travelling adventures. In The Unwritten Girl, they find themselves on a life-or-death quest to rescue Rosemary's brother, who has lost himself in a book. With the help of Peter and her guide, faerie shape-shifter Puck, Rosemary must face the storybook perils of the Land of Fiction and learn to open her heart, before it is too late. In Fathom Five, a mysterious woman named Fiona appears and tells Peter he's a changeling, a fairy child left to live in the human world, and that it's time to come home. Can Rosemary convince him that Fiona is lying? Or is it possible that Fiona is telling the truth? And finally, in The Young City Peter and Rosemary fall into an underground river and are swept back in time to Toronto in 1884. It's a struggle to survive and adapt to the alien culture of the late nineteenth century.




Non Fiction


Scientists in Action

geologists-in-action.jpgGeologists in Action | Crabtree Publishing Company (March 15, 2018) | ISBN: 9780778746577

Reading Level: Grade 5; Interest Level: Grade 5-8+

From Crabtree Publishing Company: "The most important qualification for becoming a scientist is curiosity. Step inside the fascinating world of today's working scientists and discover how questions get answered. Each book examines the great variety of scientific work within a particular field. Processes and practices are explored, with an emphasis on the creative and collaborative aspects of the work. Mini-bios highlight the work of current scientists from all over the world, and hands-on investigations create authentic learning experiences. Each book includes a look at the future of the field and provides practical suggestions for readers to take an active role to further their learning."




Science and Technology Start-Up Stars

industry-entrepreneurs.jpgIndustry Entrepreneurs | Crabtree Publishing Company (February 28, 2018) | ISBN: 9780778744207
Space Entrepreneurs | Crabtree Publishing Company (February 28, 2018) | ISBN: 9780778744238

Reading Level: Grade 5; Interest Level: Grade 5-8

From Crabtree Publishing Company: "This inspiring series looks at innovative entrepreneurs in fields related to science and technology. These risk takers and problem solvers have created business enterprises that provide high-tech goods and services. Through case studies, highly engaging photographs, and well-crafted text, readers will learn about real entrepreneurs and their innovations, and how they built their business ventures. A learner-centered research project in each title encourages readers to use the principles of entrepreneurship to come up with their own idea for a potential high-tech start-up."




The Science of Renewable Energy

science-of-wave-and-hydro-energy.jpgThe Science of Hydro and Wave Energy | Reference Point Press (January 1, 2018) | ISBN: 9781682823033 | Hardcover - 80 Pages | Interest: Grade 5-12

The Science of Renewable Energy introduces students to several of todays most important alternative energy sources. Readers will discover the scientific concepts underlying these technologies, learn how they compare with fossil fuels, and explore the cutting-edge research that is going on in each field. The books explore what makes each renewable energy source unique and how each will fit into our diversified energy future. Each volume includes callout definitions for subject vocabulary, diagrams to enhance readers understanding of complex concepts, source notes, and an annotated bibliography to facilitate deeper research.

Found in rushing rivers and the churning waters of the ocean, hydro and wave energy technologies turn the movement of water into useful electricity. The Science of Hydro and Wave Energy examines the fields of hydroelectric and ocean energy technologies, including the underlying scientific concepts, their potential for replacing fossil fuels, examples of how they are used today, and prospective future developments.




Techno Planet

Tech to Protect

Tech to Protect | Crabtree Publishing Company (August 31, 2017) | ISBN: 9780778736202 | Paperback - 32 Pages

A series by Crabtree Publishing: "This series looks at cutting-edge technology and how it is transforming the world around us. Each book in the series encourages readers to develop a deeper understanding of how technological design has changed the way we live, breathe, and act on Earth and in space. Science is creating technology that can alter the human body with bionic body parts, send us farther into the universe than we have ever been, revolutionize the way we communicate, live in our homes, work in industry--and even play sports! Welcome to our techno planet!




Mapping in the Modern World

Mapping in a Digital World

Mapping in the Digital World | Crabtree Publishing Company (May 30, 2017) ISBN: 077873241X
Mapping the Future | Crabtree Publishing Company (May 30, 2017) ISBN: 0778732444

Reading Level Gr 5 - Interest Level: Gr 5-8+ - Paperback - 32 Pages

A series by Crabtree Publishing: "Mapping in the Modern World is a unique series of books that explores the changing face of maps and how we use them today. Aided by new satellite, Internet, and smartphone technology, maps are no longer limited to being physical records of the appearance of things. Young readers will be introduced to modern mapping, including video mapping, mapping based on mass data from the Internet, or mind maps that help to organize ideas. Throughout the books, interesting fact boxes highlight parallels from the history of cartography and technological breakthroughs that have changed the way maps are made. Each title challenges readers through question boxes that ask them to analyze maps and draw conclusions based on their findings."




Destination: Middle Ages

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Your Guide to Castles and Medieval Warfare | Crabtree Publishing Company (March 31, 2017) ISBN: 9780778730002
Your Guide to Trade in the Middle Ages | Crabtree Publishing Company (March 31, 2017) ISBN: 9780778729969

Reading Level Gr.5 Interest Level Gr 5-8+

From Crabtree Publishing Company: "Supporting C3 Framework expectations, Destination: Middle Ages takes readers on an entertaining journey through the day-to-day life of the Medieval world. Young readers will be guided through Medieval society and see what life was like for monarchs, knights, and peasants, and how life inside a castle differed from life in a village. Historic information includes significant battles, the great literature, art, and inventions of the day, and the heroic men and women who made their marks on the battlefield, in the halls of power, or in rebellion. The influence of religion and the roles of trade and commerce are also examined."




Cutting Edge Technology

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Lasers | Gareth Stevens Publishing (August 15, 2016) ISBN: 9781482451672
3-D Printers | Gareth Stevens Publishing (August 15, 2016) ISBN: 9781482451641

A series by Gareth Stevens Publishing: “With a bit of programming and some high-tech science, 3-D printers can use a wide variety of materials such as plastic or wood to create an infinite amount of different creations. This book explores the science behind this incredible technology, including the history of 3-D printing and what scientists hope to achieve with these unique tools. Whether used for art, medicine, or just to make something cool at home, 3-D printing is poised to have a remarkable impact on our lives, and this book chronicles the technologys journey from concept to reality.” And: “Light is a powerful thing. Light from the sun gives humans life and can be used in a variety of ways using a focused beam of light called a laser. From DVD players to laser pointers, there are many different kinds of lasers. Even fiber optics communication and cutting devices use laser technology to produce great things. This book explores the possibilities of light, bringing amazing facts about lasers to the eyes of enthusiastic readers interested in this cutting-edge technology.”




Robots Exploring Space

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Dawn Probe: A Robot Explores the Dwarf Planet Ceres | Crabtree Publishing Company (August 15, 2016) ISBN: 9781508151258
New Horizons: A Robot Explores Pluto and the Kuiper Belt | Crabtree Publishing Company (August 15, 2016) ISBN: 9781508151333

A series by PowerKids Press. Space missions take years to plan. But they also take years to execute, so special robots are used to study deep space instead of astronauts. Robots have many cool features that bring the far reaches of space to scientists on Earth, and readers can learn about this amazing technology. Up-close photographs and full-color illustrations complement detailed, interesting content that teaches readers about the use of space robots from the idea and building stages to their launch and exploration.




Be a Maker!

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Maker Projects for Kids Who Love Robotics | Crabtree Publishing Company (March 15, 2016) | ISBN: 9780778722625
Maker Projects for Kids Who Love Graphics Design | Crabtree Publishing Company (March 15, 2016| ISBN: 9780778722663

From Crabtree Publishing: “The Maker movement celebrates qualities such as ingenuity, problem solving, collaboration, and thinking “outside the box.” The Be a Maker! series embraces these same ideas to inspire new “makers” to explore and experiment with the world around them. Supporting STEAM initiatives and 21st Century skills, each title in this timely series focuses on a field or area of interest, from robotics, graphic design, and animation to game design, music, and fashion. Readers discover how “makers” in the field use their skills, imaginations, and fearless, pioneering attitudes to make breakthrough discoveries and inventions. Each book features several maker projects with step-by-step instructions and photography that guide readers through their own projects. Open-ended critical thinking questions encourage readers to consider how they might improve or customize their work. Be a Maker! inspires young people to explore their passions and make their mark in the world!”




Next Generation Energy

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Earth's Climate Change: Carbon Dioxide Overload | Crabtree Publishing Company (September 15, 2015) | ISBN: 9780778720010
Energy from the Earth's Core: Geothermal Energy | Crabtree Publishing Company (September 15, 2015) | ISBN: 9780778719793
Energy from the Sun | Crabtree Publishing Company (September 15, 2015) | ISBN: 9780778720058

From Crabtree Publishing: "The Next Generation Energy series looks at the pros and cons of natural and human-made energy sources to meet our urgent need for new, clean, and sustainable forms of energy. This timely new series examines traditional energy forms, such as fossil fuels, and more sustainable energy forms, such as wave and solar power. The need to address global warming is examined, along with ways to reduce overconsumption in developed countries and increase sustainable energy in developing countries. Each book includes an activity that explores energy creation."




Ecosystems Inside Out

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Forests Inside Out | Crabtree Publishing Company (December 31, 2015) | ISBN: 9780778714958
Mountains Inside Out | Crabtree Publishing Company (February 28, 2015) | ISBN: 9780778714989
Wetlands Inside Out | Crabtree Publishing Company (September 19, 2014) | ISBN: 9780778706410
Grasslands Inside Out | Crabtree Publishing Company (September 19, 2014) | ISBN: 9780778706397
Tundras Inside Out | Crabtree Publishing Company (September 19, 2014) | ISBN: 9780778706335

From Crabtree Publishing: “Ecosystems Inside Out explores the big picture of each amazing biome on Earth, then peels back its corners to reveal the fascinating details of the organisms that live there. The “macro picture” looks at the ecosystem as a whole—an intricate, complex web of living and nonliving organisms, all of which have interdependent relationships that “knit” the system together. Each spread also zeroes in on the ‘micro picture,’ focusing on one particular organism within that ecosystem, explaining how it lives and functions there, and what crucial role it plays within the system. Eco Focus boxes ask readers key questions about what they have learned, how ecosystems are affected, and what they can do to help protect these important systems. Helpful features include locator maps, an activity that helps shed further light on each ecosystem, and a list of further resources including career paths in this field.”




Straight Talk About

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Binge Drinking | Crabtree Publishing Company (May 1, 2015) | ISBN: 9780778722007
Dealing With Loss | Crabtree Publishing Company (February 15, 2015) | ISBN: 9780778722052
Sex | Crabtree Publishing Company (May 15, 2013) | ISBN: 9780778721864
Gangs | Crabtree Publishing Company (May 15, 2013) | ISBN: 9780778721857

From Crabtree Publishing: “Straight Talk About [is] a series designed in cooperation with child psychologists, teachers, and youth counselors. Each title tackles a sensitive everyday social issue, such as child abuse, suicide, and sexual assault. Aiming to inform, educate, and provide strategies for coping, each book provides readers with a sensitive and honest exploration of the topic without judgment, from a standpoint of guidance and assistance. Each book is supported by real life stories from young people going through these issues, stay-safe advice, coping strategies, and informative question and answer sections.”




Engineering in Action

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Electrical Engineering and the Science of Circuits | Crabtree Publishing Company (February 28, 2013) | ISBN: 9780778774976

From Crabtree Publishing: “Electrical engineering employs the largest number of engineers. This field of engineering covers everything related to electrical devices, systems, and the uses of electricity. This innovative book gives readers insight into this exciting profession and includes information on pioneers in the world of electricity, new technologies, and innovations. Budding engineers are introduced to the basic concepts of electronic circuitry and learn to build their own electric circuits.”

 




Mystery Files

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Secret Signs | Crabtree Publishing Company (February 28, 2013) | ISBN: 9780778711254
Hidden Worlds | Crabtree Publishing Company (January 30, 2013) | ISBN: 9780778711247
Impossible Science | Crabtree Publishing Company (December 31, 2012) | ISBN: 9780778780090

From Crabtree Publishing: “Mystery Files provides exciting and readable stories about mysterious events and phenomena. Each story is told within a spread so readers can dip into the book or read from cover to cover. The topics range from ancient times to the present day and include both well-known and less familiar mysteries. Each spread has a Mystery File box, which may offer a rational explanation for the mystery, explain some of the background history to set the mystery in context, or look at how the mystery has been explored in books and movies. The text is carefully tailored for reluctant readers. In addition to the glossary and index, each spread contains definitions of more difficult words.”




Your Guide to Government

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What is the Executive Branch | Crabtree Publishing Group (February 15, 2013) | ISBN: 9780778709022
What is the Legislative Branch | Crabtree Publishing Group (February 15, 2013) | ISBN: 9780778708797

From Crabtree Publishing: “Your Guide to Government takes a vast and complex topic and presents it in an easy-to-follow series for young readers. The four titles in this series are packed with plenty of full-color images and clear text to help deliver meanings and messages behind government. All aspects of American government, from its origins in the Constitution to citizens’ civil rights are carefully explained in a manner children will absolutely understand and enjoy.”




Crabtree Chrome

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Gettysburg | Crabtree Publishing Company (December 31, 2012) | ISBN: 9780778779285
Navy Seals | Crabtree Publishing Company (December 31, 2012) | ISBN: 9780778779261

From Crabtree Publishing: “Crabtree Chrome is an innovative new series designed for reluctant, under-confident readers who read several levels below their actual grade. Created in collaboration with reading specialists, Crabtree Chrome recognizes the unique literacy needs of struggling middle school and early high school students. The series is designed to support these readers as they build the skills needed to evaluate, summarize, and communicate knowledge for different purposes. The titles include high-interest, timely topics with curriculum and core-subject applications.”




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Superstar Cars

From Crabtree Publishing: “Get behind the wheel of some of the most exciting cars on the road today! Superstar Cars is a dynamic, high-interest series that provides an in-depth look at the history, design, and performance of some of the world’s most recognizable automobiles.”

From Amazon: “This engaging new title tells the story of Lamborghini - from the humble background of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini to the brand’s modern reputation as one of the most stylish supercars. This title includes information about racing history, prototypes, and technical specifications. Stunning full-colour photographs capture the essence of this coveted supercar.”

 


 

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The Science of Nutrition

From Crabtree Publishing: “Minerals are essential to maintaining good health. They boost our immune systems, support normal growth and development, and help cells and organs function. This engaging title explores the roles of key minerals, such as calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. The book also explains where minerals come from, how our bodies process them, and the differences between macrominerals and trace minerals.”

(Rated 3 stars by Canadian Materials)

 


 

Earth's Secrets

Invisible Worlds

From Marshall Cavendish Children’s Books: “Our eyes help us look at the world, but there is still much that we cannot see. Some things are practically invisible because they are so small, but bigger things can be nearly invisible, too. The Invisible Worlds series explores the unseen “worlds” that exist around us. Ancient artifacts and buried bones are hidden underground, while invisible forces—such as earthquakes and winds—shape life on Earth. Some of these worlds are microscopic details inside atoms and molecules, plants, animals, and the human body. Each book in the series is vividly illustrated with photographs and micrographs. Difficult science concepts are explained using easy-to-understand text and helpful illustrations. The series offers plenty of information for reports, while giving readers a different view of the fascinating world around them.”

 


 

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Mysteries Revealed

From Crabtree Publishing: Mysteries Revealed takes readers into a hidden world of knowledge. Find out the truth behind myths, misunderstandings, and many other puzzles from science, nature and history.

(Rated 4 stars by Canadian Materials magazine)

 


 

Extreme Nature

From Crabtree Publishing: Extreme Nature takes readers to the most fascinating places the world has to offer! Learn about the unique features of each extreme environment, including the plants, animals and people that live there.

 


 

Sports Science

From Crabtree Publishing: “Introduces the science behind popular sports, enables children to learn about science through something that genuinely interests them; magazine-style design and accessible text will engage reluctant readers.”

 


 

Science Solves It

From Crabtree Publishing: “Science Solves It encourages reluctant readers to develop literacy skills and fosters an interest in science by looking at popular and exciting applications of the subject, such as saving wild animals, forensic science, and sports technology. The books introduce very basic concepts and terms with full, clear, age-appropriate explanations, stimulating interest by relating key scientific principles and processes to the real world. Each book in Science Solves It opens up an exciting area of science, nature, and technology, and relates the key science to real life.”