• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Colette Faizal isn't superstitious, so she doesn't worry when a fortune-teller advises Colette's mother to "watch for the unexpected." But when her father announces he is going back to Iran, her mother is hurt in a car accident and Colette is sent to live with the grandparents she's never even met, everything the mysterious woman predicted seems to be coming true. As Colette struggles to bring her family back together, she tries to hold on to the last thing the fortune-teller told her: "You will know how to handle what lies ahead."

Nancy Belgue is the author of three books of middle-grade fiction. Her first book, The Scream of the Hawk, was nominated for the Silver Birch Award and the Diamond Willow Award. Soames On The Range is her first novel for young adults. Originally submitted to a young adult novel contest sponsored by Delacorte in the US, it was one of four finalists. After graduating with a degree in English literature, Nancy spent much of her career working in publishing and advertising. She has appeared in television commercials and documentaries, including an award-winning documentary, Streetsmart. Nancy was a winner of a column-writing contest sponsored by the Toronto Sun, has had articles published in magazines in Canada and the United States and written short stories and poetry, as well as novels. She currently works part-time in a library in southwestern Ontario and as a literary/drama artist for Learning Through the Arts.

Nancy Belgue's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books
• Commended, Resource Links "The Year's Best"

"An interesting novel which addresses complex issues, such as superstition, interfaith marriages, family conflicts, brain injury and poverty, Persian mythology, old age, friendship and responsibility. The multicultural connections in this novel will give readers insight into Iranian culture and traditions. The silver samovar in the title becomes a symbol of the powerful lesson of this novel: 'Sometimes you must do what is right whether or not it is in your best interests.' Recommended."

CM Magazine

"Thoughtfully cultural, sensitive and educational...A novel that evokes many emotions in it's readers...There are many literary links, and themes that students can discuss from the reading of this novel. It is rich in ideas and can lead inquiring minds to exploring culture, families, genealogy and myths."

Resource Links

Colette and the Silver Samovar (Orca Young Readers)