• Age: 10 to 15
• Grade: 5 to 10

Lois Donovan’s new historical fiction, The Journal, begins in 2004 when thirteen-year-old Kami receives a bizarre offer involving a historic house in Edmonton, from her estranged grandfather. A move to Edmonton was definitely not part of Kami’s “best-year-ever” plan, but her mother insists it is an opportunity to reconnect with the father she hasn’t heard from in two years. When Kami discovers a journal from 1929, newspaper clippings inside send Kami hurtling back in time where she becomes an eye-witness to two of Alberta’s biggest stories of the year. “Wop” May is about to make his historic Mission of Mercy flight and Emily Murphy is battling the Supreme Court of Canada to have women declared as “persons” in the British North America Act. But Kami has her own battles to fight when she discovers that her almond eyes are not exactly an asset at this time in Alberta’s history. Through Kami’s experiences in 1929 she comes to see her world with new eyes. Perfection, as it turns out, is not as perfect as she thought it was.

Lois was born in Montreal, Quebec, grew up mostly in Riverview, New Brunswick and spent her summers visiting Ontario. She graduated from Acadia University in Nova Scotia, and University of Alberta in Edmonton, before moving to Calgary, Alberta, where she enjoyed a long and rewarding teaching career. These richly Canadian experiences sparked her passion for bringing Canada’s stories alive for readers. Her first historical fiction, Winds of L'Acadie, takes readers on a journey to Nova Scotia just as the deportation of the Acadians is about to take place. It was shortlisted for the Hackmatack Award in Atlantic Canada and the Golden Eagle Award in Alberta.In addition to reading, writing, blogging, and drinking lattés, Lois loves visiting schools, conducting workshops and presenting at conferences. She currently lives the writerly life in Calgary where she enjoys time with her son and daughter-in-law, daughter, husband, and two fur-kids. Stop by her website for a visit www.loisdonovan.com or e-mail iwrite@loisdonovan.com

Lois Donovan's profile page

“Lois Donovan’s execution is spot on…This delightful book will challenge [readers] to question and consider alternate views of both historical and everyday events.” —Quill & Quire

“The Journal would be an excellent addition to any Canadian school library, and could also be adapted well to film! Highly recommended.” —Carol Anne Shaw, author of Hannah & the Spindle Whorl

“This novel will likely be popular with teachers and librarians who champion critical literacy or encourage social justice discussions in their classrooms…Highly recommended.”—CM magazine

“A tour-de-force… This densely woven novel takes up topics of crucial importance and makes them accessible to high school students without oversimplifying them… E for Excellent” —Resource Links