Words That Start With B
by Vikki Vansickle
- Short-listed, CBA Libris Awards - Young Reader Book of the Year
- Commended, IODE Violet Downey Recommended List
- Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre
Wit and humour shine in this debut novel by a refreshing new voice in middle-grade fiction!
Clarissa Delaney had a plan — this was going to be her year. But so far, grade seven sucks.
First of all, her favourite teacher has gone on sabbatical, leaving her with Mr. Campbell, whose lame sense of humour is completely annoying. Everyone in class drives her crazy, except for her best friend, Benji, but even he is troubled these days. His gentle demeanour has made him the target of threats and some serious bullying. Mr. Campbell hasn't even noticed, which only feeds Clarissa's resentment.
But the worst news comes at home.
Her loving mom, who runs a hair salon out of their home, has always had a gift for lifting everyone's spirits when they're down. But an upsetting diagnosis takes her away temporarily, just when Clarissa needs her the most.
Readers will laugh through their tears, as Clarissa finds her bravest self to get her through this year of surprises.
close this panelVikki VanSickle is a writer and dramatist who holds an M.A. in Children's Literature from the University of British Columbia. She has extensive experience working with children at theatre day camps and as a bookseller at an independent children's bookstore. Words That Start With B is her first novel, and she has also had work published in Chameleon, a journal of writing for children. Vikki lives in Toronto, Ontario.
close this panelPraise for Words That Start With B:
Shortlisted, CBA Libris Awards — Young Reader Book of the Year, 2011
CCBC Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2011
Recommended, IODE Violet Downey Book Award, 2011
"A well-crafted and enjoyable first effort from a writer who is obviously tuned into the minds and emotions of young teens." —Quill & Quire
"Clarissa and Benji offer a fresh, honest look at life as an outsider, when you don't quite belong and don't quite know who you are. They're funny and relatable and exactly the kind of characters kids should be reading in today's It Gets Better age." —CBC Books
"A fresh and honest look at a girl's school year in that wonderful, horrible, confusing time known as Grade Seven." —Canadian Bookseller Magazine
"Words That Start With B is the story of how a feisty girl battles a year of surprises, if not with grace, then with a lot of humour." —Open Book Toronto
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