Hugh Brewster
'At Vimy Ridge' by Hugh Brewster Wins the Norma Fleck Award - Nov-14-08 - 08:28
It was a thrill to receive the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction for At Vimy Ridge at the gala in Toronto on November 6, 2008. This award was established by the Fleck Family Foundation in 1999 to recognize Canada’s exceptional non-fiction books for young people and honours Norma Fleck (1906—1998), who inspired a deep love of reading in her children and grandchildren. The winner receives $10,000.
Of the book, the jury said:
“It's hard to get to the ‘heart’ of a war story through non-fiction, but this book does it perfectly. We feel the pain, the pathos and the triumphs and we are aware throughout that war is ultimately about people's lives. Filled with valuable resources about this important event in Canadian history, readers of all ages will be drawn into this immensely powerful book.”
The award ceremony was held at The Carlu, a splendid Art Deco venue I remember well from my childhood when it was the Eaton Auditorium, scene of many music recitals and school choir concerts. The Canadian Children's Book Centre and the T-D bank are to be commended for putting on such a classy and professional awards evening, hosted by Marci Ien of Canada AM. (As I said in my acceptance speech, there was a time when you were lucky to get a Ritz cracker and some Velveeta cheese at a Canadian publishing event!)
Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose was also up for an award that evening -- the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award though the top honour went to Christopher Paul Curtis for his wonderful novel, Elijah of Buxton. But a cheque for $2,500 was given to each nominee!
