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
Two years ago, sixteen-year-old Sydney Hart was kicked out of the prestigious Burke Academy when her mother could no longer afford the tuition.
Sydney lost a promising future in the arts, as well as her best friend, who didn't want to be seen with an art academy reject. But now, without Burke's rigid structure, Sydney has found her true passion in performance painting and is busking on Halifax's boardwalk to earn enough money to go to art camp. After the police shut her down, Sydney learns her old school is hosting a "brush-off" speed-painting contest with a cash prize. Entering would mean facing her painful past, not to mention her former friend, who's also competing.
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
Mere Joyce writes short stories as well as novels and holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Western Ontario. The library where she works is also a public art gallery that often showcases contemporary forms of art. The organization hosts an annual brush-off competition for teens. Mere lives in Cambridge, Ontario, with her family
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Editorial Reviews
"A feel-good story with a tidy, happy ending."
— Kirkus Reviews
Joyce creates a protagonist that you care about and that eases some disappointment. The message comes through loud and clear that one must challenge expectations and be true to one's own dreams and goals even in the face of outside pressure to do otherwise. Getting the Brush Off would be a solid addition to any library collection in need of high-interest low-vocabulary selections.
— Resource Links
"When I grab an Orca title, I expect a few things: fast pace, interesting storyline, clear writing, good message, and an overall quick read. Getting the Brush Off delivers on all these, and I look forward to adding it to my school library's collection. Highly Recommended."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
