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
When ten-year-old Journey Song hears that two pandas are being held in a warehouse in her neighborhood, she worries that they may be hungry, cold and lonely. Horrified to learn that the pandas, originally destined for a zoo in Washington, might be shipped back to China because of a diplomatic spat between China and the United States, Journey rallies her friends and neighbors on the poverty-stricken Eastside. Her infectious enthusiasm for all things panda is hard to resist, and soon she's getting assistance from every corner of her tight-knit neighborhood.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- , Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award (MYRCA)
- , Young Readers' Choice Book Awards of British Columbia (YRCABC) Red Cedar Book Awards
- Short-listed, Chocolate Lily Book Awards
- , Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards - Diamond Willow
- Short-listed, Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable Information Book Award
Editorial Reviews
"[B]eautifully portrayed characters, all seen compassionately but realistically through Journey's eyes...a book to inspire readers to be the change they want to see in the world."
— Kirkus Reviews
"This book is heartfelt and hopeful, a gift to anyone of any age."
— Canadian Children's Book News
"This excellent novel contains a variety of characters and...some historical background on the Vietnam war...The action is fast-paced and will hold the reader's attention...An excellent read-aloud, this novel should promote both lively discussion and further study. It is well written, appropriate for intermediate readers but should interest advanced readers as well. This book is highly recommended for both an elementary library and classroom collection."
— Resource Links
"Prendergast...demonstrates a formidable skill for writing an intricately plotted, character-filled middle-grade novel that confronts prejudice without preaching. Yet it's her rich setting that truly drives the story, providing the impetus for the action and, consequently, acceptance."
— Quill & Quire
"Pandas on the Eastside is undoubtedly one of the grooviest books I've read in ages...Prendergast has created a multicultural community of complex, authentic characters, just like the real people who lived and continue to live in the neighbourhood...Sweetness and humour infuse this book...Prendergast's book celebrates the emergence of a young activist, and the power in a group of people coming together to make a difference. I hope we get to read more about Journey in the future."
— Library Matters blog
"The spirited and likeable character Journey Song navigates a life filled with struggles in this novel set in 1970s Canada...Young readers who deal with tough challenges will identify with Journey Song. Recommended."
— School Library Connection
