BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Key Selling Points
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, John Wilson grew up on the Isle of Skye and outside Glasgow, without the slightest idea that he would ever write books. After obtaining a degree in geology from the University of St. Andrews, he worked in Zimbabwe and Alberta before taking up writing full time and moving to Vancouver Island in 1991. John is the author of numerous articles, essays, poems and reviews, and almost fifty novels and nonfiction books for kids, teens and adults. He was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award (The Alchemist’s Dream, 2007), and his books have won or been shortlisted for most Canadian children’s-literature prizes.
"Wilson is a skilled YA author who can balance dialogue and description perfectly...Although a sequel, this novel is successful as a stand-alone, and will recruit more young readers, especially boys."
"Readers will enjoy this book for its fast-paced, easy-to-read structure and its numerous pop culture references; it is a high-interest novel for students who read below grade level."
"Peppered with factual information about paleontology and the potential for fraud, the story moves along quickly to a satisfying end that still allows for the possibility of future entanglements with the villainous Humphrey Battleford."
"The novel’s appeal comes from its thrilling storyline and its fascinating descriptions of the world of paleontology. Although Wilson deals with a fictitious dinosaur discovery, he makes paleontology an interesting foundation for his story without stepping too far away from reality...The interesting information about dinosaur research woven in the adventure story will capture many young readers and sustain their attention throughout."
"Another excellent example of Wilson’s care in research and presentation of data...Wilson conveys to his readers the depth of his own understanding of his topic, yet avoids any patronizing or erudite tone in his narration: exactly what struggling readers need in order to engage with the story."