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CURRICULUM
BIBLIOGRAPHY - CORA TAYLOR
Created by Randy
Williams, teacher: Alberta
Julie (1985)
• Available in paperback from Greystone/Douglas & McIntyre
• Has been translated and published in Swedish, Dutch, German
and Japanese
AWARDS:
• Canada Council Children’s Literature Prize (a.k.a.
Governor-General’s Award for Children's Literature), 1985
• Canadian Library Association Book-of-the-Year for Children,
1986
• Austrian Youth Book Prize (for Julie und die fliegenden
Schiffe), 1991
• Writers Guild of Alberta R. Ross Annett Award, 1985
• Runner-up for Ruth Schwartz Award 1986
• Canadian Children’s Book Centre “Our Choice”
• Shortlisted for Pacific Northwestern Library Association
Award, 1987
AGES: 8-14 / GRADES: 4-8
SYNOPSIS: Julie is about a girl who is “a
little different.” She sees things and hears things that other
people don't. Sometimes she just “knows things”…
Julie Morgan’s psychic ability allows her knowledge of both
the past and future, but she must learn to cope with the loneliness
and isolation this special gift brings her. This beautifully written
story of a special child trying to comprehend what can be only dimly
understood will stay with young readers long after the book is read.
CROSS-CURRICULAR TIES: Grades 4 and 5 Health—Self-awareness
and Acceptance. Although this book is a fantasy, it deals with curriculum
issues such as finding yourself, feelings, and responsibility to
the world.
LANGUAGE ARTS ACTIVITIES: Reader Response—journals
(How would you feel if you had special powers? When have you felt
ostracized? What parts did you like best? What part could you picture
most vividly in your mind? How would the story be likely to differ
with a boy as the lead character?); heuristics (find important words,
passages, literary elements); sharing (discuss/debate interpretations
and personal feelings about the story and characters, motivations,
moral decisions made by people in the book, etc.). Critical Perspective—storyboards,
plot diagrams or organizers; examination of genre, sensory descriptors,
similes and metaphors; compare and contrast with other books by
Cora Taylor or books on a similar theme.
The Doll
(1985)
• Available in paperback from Greystone/Douglas & McIntyre
• Has been translated and published in Dutch
AWARDS:
• Ruth Schwartz Children's Book Award 1988
• Honourable Mention—Canadian Library Association Book-of-the-Year
for Children 1988
• Canadian Children's Book Centre “Our Choice”
AGES: 9 AND UP / GRADES: 4 AND UP
SYNOPSIS: Recovering from rheumatic fever at her
grandmother’s while her parents are preparing to separate
and divorce, 10-year-old Meg becomes attached to a special doll,
Jessie—“the invalid doll,” so-called because children
in the Shearer family have traditionally been allowed to hold her
only when they were sick. Jessie becomes the open sesame for Meg
to an ancient pioneer family travelling west from Ontario along
the Carlton Trail. Meg transforms into Morag in her pioneer world
and, holding the doll, moves back and forth across time, becoming
increasingly involved in past adventures and exerting great efforts
to “help out” in the pioneer struggle.
Taylor creates two very credible worlds with two sets of problems;
each world has its own strains and solutions. Young readers will
identify with both worlds and will experience Meg’s growth
pangs as she resolves concrete problems and learns to cope with
the more difficult ones of attitude and understanding.
This book works on many levels. First and foremost, it is a good
read. The time travel device is handled believably, coupling family
tradition with the effects of an illness. The pioneer setting and
the interrelationships among Morag’s family are interesting
and funny, making good use of the author’s ear for childlike
dialogue and her eye for turning everyday events into humourous
happenings. On a deeper level, the book conveys an important message:
“Take charge of your own life. Don’t let events beyond
your control cloud your future.” Books that show young people
realistically coping with the devastating emotional effects of family
upheaval are important contributions to children's literature today.
CROSS-CURRICULAR TIES: Grades 4 and 5 Health
— Self-awareness and Acceptance. Deals with curriculum issues
such as finding yourself, feelings, and Responsibility to the world.
Grades 4 and 5 Social Studies: Settlement in historical Canada.
LANGUAGE ARTS ACTIVITIES: Reader Response—journals
(Would you want to be able to travel through time? Where would you
want to go—to the time of your ancestors or another time in
history? Do you think Meg is right to try to escape her problems
by escaping the modern world?); heuristics (find important words,
passages, literary elements); sharing (discuss/debate interpretations
and personal feelings about the story and characters, etc.). Critical
Perspective—How can we tell historical fact from historical
fiction? Break down story elements with storyboards, plot diagrams
or organizers; examination of genre, sensory descriptors, similes
and metaphors. Break into book circles to compare and contrast with
other books by Cora Taylor or books on a similar theme or set at
a similar time (Brenda Bellingham’s Storm Child or Willa’s
New World by Barbara Demers, for example).
Julie’s Secret (1991)
1. Available in paperback from Greystone/Douglas & McIntyre
AWARDS:
Selected as a “White Raven Book” by International
Youth Library, 1992
Canadian Library Association Notable Book, 1992
Canadian Children’s Book Centre “Our Choice”
Nominee South Australia Reading Cup, 1993
AGES: 10 AND UP / GRADES: 5 AND UP
SYNOPSIS: Set in rural Alberta, Julie’s Secret
is an exciting sequel to Taylor’s first book. According to
the town historian, Julie is the seventh child of a seventh child,
which may explain her ability to sense things. Although she does
not understand her ability very well, Julie believes no one else
really knows either, so she tries to act as “normal”
as her closest brother, Billy. Circumstances, however, make it necessary
for her to use her ESP in a dramatic rescue in a tale that is more
plot-driven (and in some ways much darker in tone) than its predecessor.
While seeking shelter from an unexpected spring blizzard with her
older sister Mary in the barn on the abandoned Tyler farm, Julie
senses some horrible things have taken place there. After the girls
are rescued from the barn, the family asks the RCMP to investigate
evidence of a fire, an upside-down cross and the remains of a dead
calf. Julie unintentionally arouses the suspicion of the police
by having her father tell them where to dig up the floor in the
old barn. An unearthed body turns out to be a young teenager from
Vancouver. But Julie senses more mysterious happenings connected
with the old barn and an old double murder is uncovered as well.
In the climax of the story Julie must use her ability to help find
Billy, who is kidnapped after he accepts a ride from a stranger.
Her father asks her to try to sense where he has been taken, and
she can see many symbols carved into a wooden door. An exciting
chase begins as the police, the family car, and a small airplane
converge on an abandoned cook shack in which Billy is held prisoner.
Because the first book covers Julie's early childhood, it helps
to have read it before reading Julie’s Secret, which takes
place in the months between Christmas and early summer when she
is 11 years old.
CROSS-CURRICULAR TIES: I don’t think I would
try to force any ties here, but would just let the kids enjoy a
real rip-snortin’ adventure as a book for independent reading
during DEAR time.
LANGUAGE ARTS ACTIVITIES: See activities for Julie,
listed above.
Ghost Voyages (1992)
Originally published by Scholastic Canada
Back in print in 2002 as a gorgeous paperback from Coteau Books,
billed as #1 in the now-ongoing “Ghost Voyages Series”
AWARDS:
Canadian Children’s Book Centre “Our Choice”
AGES: 8 AND UP / GRADES: 4 AND UP
SYNOPSIS: There’s a ghost on board the
Northcote—and the ghost is an Edmonton kid named Jeremy. One
minute he’s looking at the ship on an old postage stamp, and
the next minute he’s on a thrilling adventure in the days
of the Riel Rebellion and the Quebec fur trade. Soon Jeremy figures
out the secret of his ghost voyages, but they leave him with some
puzzling questions. Who are the people aboard the Northcote and
the Nonsuch? And why are there voyages so important? A fast-paced
yarn that combines mystery, historical fiction, time travel fantasy,
and compelling realistic scenes in the modern day. Quite a bit of
humour and more than a few thrills along the way.
CROSS-CURRICULAR TIES: Grade 5 Social Studies:
The Fur Trade in Early Canada.
LANGUAGE ARTS ACTIVITIES: Reader Response—journals
(Would you want to be able to travel through Canadian history? Where
would you want to go?; heuristics (find important words, passages,
literary elements); sharing (discuss/debate interpretations and
personal feelings about the story and characters, etc.). Critical
Perspective—How can we tell historical fact from historical
fiction? Break down story elements with storyboards, plot diagrams
or organizers. Break into book circles to compare and contrast with
other books by Cora Taylor or books on a similar theme or set in
a similar time period.
Summer of the Mad Monk (1994)
• Available in paperback from Greystone/Douglas & McIntyre
AWARDS:
• Canadian Library Association Book-of-the-Year for Children,
1995
• Shortlisted for Ruth Schwartz Award, 1995
• Shortlisted for Mr. Christie Award, 1995
• Canadian Children’s Book Centre “Our Choice”
• Shortlisted for Silver Birch Award (Ontario Library Association)
AGES: 8 AND UP / GRADES: 4 AND UP
SYNOPSIS: In Summer of the Mad Monk, Cora Taylor
brings to light an important period in a unique setting: the Depression
in the dust bowl of Southern Alberta. Young Pip Tyler is a passionate
reader with a vivid imagination that he uses as protection against
his bleak life. His family is dirt poor, his mother sunk in despair
after her baby’s death, and Pip is constantly hungry and tired.
The author’s careful details make his gritty world come alive;
one can almost taste the dust that lies on everything.
As suggested by the title, there are strange events happening during
this small-town summer. After a new blacksmith moves to town, Pip,
who has just finished reading about the Russian royal family, becomes
convinced that this is the “mad monk” Rasputin and that
the young man who is hiding in his house is the exiled Alexei Romanov.
Eventually Pip helps the men escape and finds out the real mystery
surrounding them. His realization at the end that, despite his mistake,
“with dreams, anything was possible” suit his idealism.
The exciting action and the lead character’s buoyant character
make this an appealing reading choice for upper elementary ages.
AGES: 8 AND UP / GRADES: 4 AND UP
CROSS-CURRICULAR TIES: Grade 4 Social Studies:
Alberta—Its People in History. Could also be tied into Grade
5 Health with its emphasis on relating to others and accepting differences
between people without prejudice (the young hero of the book leaps
to some conclusions about people from Russia, which can lead to
a discussion on assumptions, etc.).
LANGUAGE ARTS ACTIVITIES: Reader Response—journals
(Does the book give you an appreciation for the hardships endured
during the Depression?); heuristics (find important words, passages,
literary elements); sharing (discuss/debate interpretations and
personal feelings about the story and characters, etc.). Critical
Perspective—How can we tell historical fact from historical
fiction? Break down story elements with storyboards, plot diagrams
or organizers. Break into book circles to compare and contrast with
other books by Cora Taylor or books on a similar theme or set in
a similar time period.
Vanishing Act (1997)
• Trade paperback from Northern Lights/Red Deer College Press
AWARDS:
• Shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Junior Award for Best
Juvenile Crime Fiction, 1997 (Crime Writers of Canada)
• Winner of the Canadian Authors Association’s “Exporting
Alberta” Award, 1997
• Canadian Children’s Book Centre “Our Choice”
AGES: 10 AND UP / GRADES: 5 AND UP
SYNOPSIS: Twins Jennifer and Maggie take the journey
of their lives when they join their grandmother on a Greek cruise
that could end with the rescue of their father, who disappeared
mysteriously. To add extra spice to the girls’ high-spirited
adventure, Jennifer has perfected her own disappearing act—which
allows her to become invisible at will when serious snooping seems
called for.
CROSS-CURRICULAR TIES: I suppose you could make
this fit the Grade 6 Social Studies unit on Greece, but that’s
a pretty long stretch. Just let the kids enjoy this goofy, fun,
fast-paced book for its involving story and warm humour.
LANGUAGE ARTS ACTIVITIES: Could be used for mystery/detective
fiction units or fantasy units. Reader Response—journals (What
would you do if you could become invisible?); heuristics (find important
words, passages, literary elements); sharing (discuss/debate interpretations
and personal feelings about the story and characters, etc.). Critical
Perspective—What are the elements of mystery/detective fiction
found in this novel? What are the elements of fantasy? Of realistic
fiction? Break down story elements with storyboards, plot diagrams
or organizers. Break into book circles to compare and contrast with
other books by Cora Taylor or other mysteries (or fantasies).
On Wings of a Dragon (2001)
• Beautiful quality paperback from Fitzhenry & Whiteside
AWARDS:
• Canadian Children’s Book Centre “Our Choice”
• Runner-Up Golden Eagle Award
• Nominee OLA Red Maple Award
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• Rave reviews in Quill & Quire, The Hamilton Spectator,
Canadian Press, School Library Journal, The Globe & Mail, Edmonton
Journal, and many others
AGES: 11 AND UP / GRADES: 6 AND UP (FAIRLY DEMANDING TEXT)
SYNOPSIS: If previous books such as Julie and The
Doll contained elements of fantasy, On Wings of a Dragon steps fully
into the world of high fantasy. With this book, Taylor has deftly
interwoven several genre influences into the narrative, including
hints of myths, folk tales, dream archetypes, and modern war history.
This is a beautifully written tale about a group of very brave girls
(one of whom is a magical flying girl), a wicked queen, a benevolent
dragon, a deceived and ailing king, and a ravaged kingdom on the
brink of perpetual darkness. Taylor skillfully weaves two storylines
and a recurring dream into a powerful, thoughtful tale of family,
relationships, love, loyalty and magic.
CROSS-CURRICULAR TIES: I am not familiar with Junior
High curriculum, and that is probably the best reading level for
this book.
LANGUAGE ARTS ACTIVITIES: Outstanding choice for
fantasy units. Reader Response—journals (What would you do
if you had special powers?); heuristics (find important words, passages,
literary elements); sharing (discuss/debate interpretations and
personal feelings about the story and characters, etc.). Critical
Perspective—What are the elements of fantasy found in this
novel? Break down story elements with storyboards, plot diagrams
or organizers. Break into book circles to compare and contrast with
other books by Cora Taylor or other fantasies.
Ghost Voyages II: The Matthew
(2002)
• Paperback by Coteau Books,#2 in the now-ongoing “Ghost
Voyages Series”
AGES: 8 AND UP / GRADES: 4 AND UP
SYNOPSIS: In the second of the series Jeremy the
stamp traveller is at it again. This time, his adventure includes
being on hand to help explorer John Cabot make an important discovery.
And he also has a near-tragedy on Canada’s most famous sailing
ship—the Bluenose.
CROSS-CURRICULAR TIES: Grade 5 Social Studies (Explorers
in Early Canada) and a good starting point for similar activities
to those described above for the first Ghost Voyages book.
Angelique—The Buffalo Hunt
(2002)
• First of 3 Angelique Books by Cora Taylor
• Paperback part of Canadian Girl series from Penguin Canada
Angelique is a ten-year-old Métis girl able for the first
time to join the women in the buffalo hunt. This means a lot of
new responsibilities, tasks that make Angelique feel grown up. But
all may be lost when she gives in to a temptation to wander off
and explore—and is attacked by a wounded buffalo.
Out on the Prairie
Cora’s first-ever picture book, coming late summer/early fall
from Scholastic Canada.
The Deadly Dance (2003)
Paperback - Coteau Books
AGES: 11 AND UP / GRADES: 6 AND UP
SYNOPSIS: Fourteen-year-old Penny is on holiday
in Crete (her grandmother’s homeland with her parents. At
home in Canada she has become very unhappy, pressure from her brother
and her gymastics coach seem to have brought on the start of a serious
eating disorder. The holiday is to help her ‘get away’.
And get away she does most unexpectedly when she copies a movement
she’s seen on the mural of the bull dancers while she is touring
the Palace at Knossos.
Suddenly she is transported back to the Minoan civilization and
is one of team of young people who take part in this most dangerous
game for amusement of the crowd. Gradually, as Penny learns the
moves she must make to keep herself and her team-mates alive, she
begins grow in confidence. But she wants to help her companions
to escape the palace and the eventual death that will await them
on the horns of the bulls they perform with each day.
CROSS-CURRICULAR TIES: An obvious fit the Grade
6 Social Studies unit on Greece. Grades 4 and 5 Health — Self-awareness
and Acceptance. Deals with curriculum issues such as finding yourself,
LANGUAGE ARTS ACTIVITIES: Could be used for mystery/detective
fiction units or fantasy units. Reader Response—journals;
If you could chose any time in history, what time would you chose
to visit; heuristics (find important words, passages, literary elements);
sharing (discuss/debate interpretations and personal feelings about
the story and characters, etc.). Critical Perspective— What
are the elements of fantasy? Of realistic fiction? Break into book
circles to compare and contrast with other books by Cora Taylor
or other time travel books.
Ghost Voyages II: Endeavour & Resolution
(2004)
• Paperback by Coteau Books,#3 in the ongoing “Ghost
Voyages Series”
•
AGES: 8 AND UP / GRADES: 4 AND UP
SYNOPSIS: In the third of the series Jeremy the
stamp traveller is at it again. This time he’s with Captain
James Cook – Tahiti, Antarctica, Australia, Vancouver Island
and Hawaii.
CROSS-CURRICULAR TIES: Grade 5 Social Studies (Explorers
in Early Canada) and a good starting point for similar activities
to those described above for the first Ghost Voyages book.
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