About BC Books Online
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."
Description
It really seems like Dani's dad has gone around the bend.
Ever since Dani's mother died of cancer, all her dad does is stand around on street corners with his crazy signs, proclaiming that processed foods mean the end of the world. The Food Freak, as he is known, has already scared away all of Dani's friends at her old school. But it's a new year, and Dani is at a new school in a different part of town. Maybe things will be better now. Dani just needs to keep her head down and avoid making any friends. That way, nobody will find out about her dad and his insane protests. The plan seems to be working fine until one day Dani meets a boy who helps her see things in a different light.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
Contributor Notes
Alex Van Tol is the author of thirteen books, including the Orca Currents titles Chick:Lister and Oracle. She enjoys nearly every kind of food—including bacon—and, like Dani, takes great pleasure in preparing meals for the people she loves. Alex lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her two young sons.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Editorial Reviews
"A well written book for any young person...Van Tol has an upbeat breezy style that is very appealing. She makes Dani and her friend Gregor teenagers with real problems but she also has them demonstrate maturity and composure and grace under difficult circumstances...Van Tol tackles a contemporary social issue creatively and sensitively."
— Resource Links
"Food Freak is more than a story about a family coping after losing a loved one. It is about acceptance, acceptance of our differences. It is also about believing in others...Finally, it is about trust, trusting yourself and letting others in. A good read about life lessons. Highly recommended."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
