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
Sam and Annabel visit Sam's mom on her farm in Drumheller, Alberta during a dinosaur dig.
Annabel is thrilled to have access to paleontologists and spends as much time as she can near the dig, much to Sam’s dismay. But when they learn the dig has uncovered scientifically important bones, even Sam is curious. In fact, the whole town is talking about the discovery. When Sam and Annabel learn that Humphrey Battleford, a famous collector of stolen goods, is in the area, they realize they need to do their part to keep the ancient bones safe.
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! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Contributor Notes
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.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
Editorial Reviews
"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."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"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."
— Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group (SOYAMRG)
"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."
— Karyn's Kid Lit Reviews
"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."
— Resource Links
"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."
— Library Media Connection
